Ways to Spring into Gettysburg

Being the number one apple-producing county in Pennsylvania, Adams County’s orchards cover tens of thousands of acres. It’s not just apple trees—peaches, pears, cherries, plums and a variety of other fruits as well are grown and harvested across the area. When spring’s warm weather sets in, all of those fruit trees produce vibrant blossoms, creating a spectacle of pinks, whites, and purples among the rolling hills of the countryside. Bloom time in the spring in Adams County is a sight not to be missed. Start your tour with some of our favorite places to catch the breathtaking springtime scenery around Adams County.

With the beautiful weather that permeates Gettysburg during spring, the Gettysburg National Military Park never looks better. Tour the battlefield by car, bus, bicycle, Segway, horseback, carriage, or foot. You’ll learn something new and gain a new perspective with each tour.

You already know Adams County grows a lot of tasty foods, so it should come as no surprise that spring starts bringing in the harvest. See, smell, and taste all that the countryside has to offer—with some specials and discounts for you—by following the Adams County Crop Hop, a farm and market trail. Many countryside markets are open year-round, but they really start booming when the first fresh produce of the year becomes available—asparagus, rhubarb, and strawberries. Spring also kicks off the pick-your-own season, giving you and your family the opportunity to explore the farmland and find the perfect produce to take home.

With the snow now gone, the fairways and greens of Adams County’s golf courses rise anew. For those looking to golf this spring, our courses are ready and waiting for you to tee off. Serious golfers will love playing a round on The Links at Gettysburg’s 18 holes of championship golf designated a “Must Play” by GolfStyles, as well as the enjoyable and imaginative Quail Valley Golf Course, while the kids and kids at heart will have a blast playing mini golf at Granite Hill Adventure Golf and Carlisle Sports Emporium. However you like to hit the links, spring is the time to do it around Gettysburg.

Make a vow to always grab a seat at the table on the patio this spring. Sample the best of Gettysburg’s culinary scene and pair it with fresh air under the warm sunshine. From patios overlooking beautiful Lincoln Square to enjoying a meal next to historic battlegrounds, here’s a list of some of our favorite places to take the food outside.

Feeling the warm sun on your skin and breathing in the fresh air feels especially good after a long winter copped up inside. Spring is the perfect time to get outside to stretch and move your body, and good trails to explore are never far from you in Gettysburg. The obvious first choice is to explore Gettysburg National Military Park by foot to get your hiking fix, but there are also numerous trails winding through our state parks on the outskirts of Adams County calling your name.

If you’ve never seen downtown Gettysburg in the spring, add it to your bucket list. Downtown Gettysburg comes alive in the spring and welcomes you in with eye-catching sidewalk displays, open doors and windows, and flowers on every corner. With so much charm in these picturesque shops, you can easily spend the whole day going from store to store. And best of all, you’ll have some souvenirs to take home you can’t find anywhere else.

Drink in the flavors of Adams County on the Adams County Pour Tour craft beverage trail. Discover the area’s unique wines, ciders, beers, and spirits—all with a spring twist. Many Pour Tour stops feature amazing outdoor gardens and seating areas to enjoy the outdoors with your drink, and many release special spring-inspired beverages to try. Be sure to get your Adams County Pour Tour passport stamped along the way!

Whether you want to witness history coming alive or you actually want to be a part of it, plan to experience Gettysburg’s living history this spring. There are so many experiences to choose from, like witnessing living history encampments, listening as Civil War historians share their stories, and even diving into the living history experiences yourself. Take a few steps back in time at these local living history hot spots.

Several signature events take place in Gettysburg each spring that draw in visitors from around the country. The annual Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival invites you to enjoy four days of musical fun on two stages, plus a workshop stage provides informative learning sessions presented by your favorite performers. Sprawling out from Lincoln Square, browse fun antique items from more than 120 dealers during the Gettysburg Outdoor Antique Show. And plan to be in one of America’s most patriotic towns for Memorial Day, where we celebrate all day with an annual parade and ceremonies.