Once In A Lifetime Experiences In Gettysburg

It’s always a good morning in Gettysburg, but especially so after waking up ON the Gettysburg battlefield, at The Doubleday Inn! Wake up and enjoy a cup of coffee while watching a battlefield sunrise from the inn, or walk out the door and enjoy an early morning walk on the battlefield. History really is at your doorstep at The Doubleday Inn — the Inn shares an original rock wall boundary with Gettysburg National Military Park that marks the position of the Union First Corps troops during the afternoon fighting of July 1st.

If you want a thrill while you take in the sunrise, take flight with the U.S Hot Air Balloon team and watch the sunrise over Gettysburg’s gorgeous landscape in a hot air balloon! Take in the views of Gettysburg from a different perspective while enjoying the once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon experience! The U.S. Hot Air Balloon team offers sunrise and sunset rides in Gettysburg.

The Farnsworth House Inn is steeped in history, and that history is still visible through the more than 100 bullet holes that can be viewed on the wall of the restaurant. The house was built in 1833, and it sheltered Confederate sharpshooters during the Battle of Gettysburg. Dine outdoors in the beer garden, or inside at Sweney’s Tavern or the Meade and Lee dining rooms.

Visitors to Gettysburg have the unique opportunity to tour the battlefield from the same perspective as the Generals during the Battle of Gettysburg did — on horseback. Several horse tour companies in Gettysburg offer guided battlefield tours to visitors even with no horseback riding experience.

Abraham Lincoln made a historic journey to Gettysburg in November 1863. He helped to dedicate the new Soldiers’ National Cemetery and delivered what would become known as the Gettysburg Address right here in Gettysburg. Visit the Gettysburg Address memorial in Soldiers’ National Cemetery, and take a look at these other spots you can walk in Lincoln’s Gettysburg footsteps.

When driving down Gettysburg’s Steinwher Avenue, you can’t miss the Dobbin House Tavern. The beautiful stone structure was the home of Reverend Alexander Dobbin and was built in 1776. Today, it provides visitors with an authentic historic dining experience. Learn about the building’s rich history while dining in the colonial Springhouse Tavern or the elegant Alexander Dobbin Dining Room.

Gettysburg is home to several witness trees — trees that have stood since before the Battle of Gettysburg — and one of those trees is located at Mr. G’s Ice Cream in downtown Gettysburg. Wind down after a day of exploration and enjoy a scoop or two of delicious homemade ice cream all while taking in another piece of Gettysburg’s history.

Many of Gettysburg’s historic structures still exist, and while their history is kept alive, they serve a new purpose in the community. Today, you can sip a craft beverage in the Monfort barn, which served as a field hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg. The barn now houses Battlefield Brew Works/Spirits of Gettysburg Distillery where you can enjoy delicious craft beer on tap and cocktails crafted from small-batch spirits. It’s another way to take in Gettysburg’s incredible history.