Day 1
When you first arrive to Gettysburg Friday afternoon, you may be looking for an overview of the battle. Begin with a trip to the Gettysburg Heritage Center – Museum for an orientation experience beginning with a 20-minute movie showcasing the major events of the battle, followed by a museum offering civilian and soldier perspectives, artifacts, 3-D photography and hands-on fun. Or see the entire 6,000 acre battlefield at one time with a visit to the Gettysburg History Center’s Gettysburg Diorama. Over 20,000 hand-painted miniatures bring the battle alive.
For dinner, we recommend a visit to your first stop along the Adams County Pour Tour, Appalachian Brewing Company – Battlefield. It’s just down the road from both museums, and you can get your Adams County Pour Tour passport stamped for sampling their hand-crafted beer and spirits. Give their Bay and Beer Flatbread or Mile High Meatloaf a try.
Day 2
If you’re an early riser, take a sunrise walk at Gettysburg National Military Park. Reflect on what you’ve learned about the history of Gettysburg and imagine what it was like to be a soldier marching on these battlegrounds in 1863. We promise you won’t regret waking up early for such a poignant experience.
Head to Ragged Edge Coffeehouse or Starbucks for a cup of coffee and some breakfast. Now that you’re downtown, you can choose from several stops along the Adams County Pour Tour and sprinkle in some museums and historical attractions for a full day of exploring. Sample the sweet wine of Adams County Winery – Gettysburg Wine Shop. Consider a stop at the Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station where President Lincoln arrived when he visited Gettysburg. Or head to David Wills House where he stayed during his visit to Gettysburg and put the final touches on the Gettysburg Address.
Next, head down Baltimore Street for a wine tasting and cider flight at Reid’s Winery: The Cider House. Mix in a trip to the Shriver House Museum or The Rupp House for stories of the civilians who lived in Gettysburg during the battle. Also check out the Gettysburg Museum of History for an eclectic mix of artifacts from the Civil War, World War II, and other prominent historical occurrences.
Day 3
Before departing on Sunday, a stop at Mason Dixon Distillery for Sunday Brunch is a must. Pastrami Hash, Raisin Pecan French Toast, Short Rib Eggs Benedict… have your pick and if you aren’t driving, pair it with a Bloody Mary made with their own vodka. The grains used to produce Mason Dixon’s spirits are grown right on the historic Gettysburg battlefield – the perfect ending to your Taste of History Gettysburg trip.
Featured in this Trip Idea
Witness the Battle of Gettysburg from two unique perspectives – the civilians who called it home, and the soldiers on the battlefield. The story of the battle comes to life through both museum displays, and the battlefield orientation film, "Gettysburg Animated Map", produced by the American Battlefield Trust.
717-334-6245
297 Steinwehr Avenue,
Gettysburg,
PA
17325
See the entire 6,000 acre battlefield at one time at the Gettysburg Diorama.
717-334-6408
241 Steinwehr Avenue,
Gettysburg,
PA
17325
Indulge in the art of brewing at our Battlefield Brew Pub. From crisp lagers and bold IPAs to craft spirits and sodas, our beverages are made with only the finest ingredients. Pair your brew with delicious pub fare and enjoy a night out with friends or a casual dinner with family.
717-334-2200
259 Steinwehr Avenue,
Gettysburg,
PA
17325
Experience ranger programs & walks, campfire programs, living history & events that assist in preserving & interpreting the Gettysburg Battle.
1195 Baltimore Pike, Suite 100,
Gettysburg,
PA
17325
Welcome to a special coffee experience at The Ragged Edge Coffee House. Step inside to experience the aroma and taste of all that is offered. Spend time enjoying the local art throughout this comfortable and inviting gathering area.
717-334-4464
110 Chambersburg Street,
Gettysburg,
PA
17325
Inspiring and nurturing the human spirit -- one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.
717-338-5401
1 Lincoln Square,
Gettysburg,
PA
17325
Adams County Winery, the area’s oldest winery, has been crafting wine for over 45 years. Our downtown Gettysburg Wine Shop is conveniently located just 1/2 block from the town center and is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11am-5pm for to-go purchases and onsite consumption with limited indoor seating.
717-334-1381
25 Chambersburg Street,
Gettysburg,
PA
17325
All aboard for Gettysburg’s first immersive virtual reality experience. Travel back to 1863. Meet some of the station’s unlikely occupants. Hear the stories of historic figures in connection with the station during the aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg. Get a glimpse of our 16th President's arrival to the station.
877-874-2478
35 Carlisle Street,
Gettysburg,
PA
17325
Best known as the house where President Abraham Lincoln stayed prior to delivering the Gettysburg Address, the David Wills House features a National Park Service seven-gallery interactive museum relating the story of Wills, Lincoln’s visit and the Gettysburg Address.
8 Lincoln Square,
Gettysburg,
PA
17325
Reid's Orchard and Winery's downtown location. Stop by for a wine tasting, a hard cider flight, try one of our new food menu items from Clawson's at the Cider House or just to relax with a glass and some live entertainment on the weekends!
717-334-7537
400 Baltimore Street,
Gettysburg,
PA
17325
Travel back in time with a guide dressed in period attire as you walk through the Shrivers’ meticulously restored 1860 home to learn the other side of the Battle of Gettysburg - how families and their homes were affected before, during, and after the battle that ravaged this historic town.
717-337-2800
309 Baltimore Street,
Gettysburg,
PA
17325
The interactive adventure for young historians is Gettysburg's most-family friendly children's history museum. Explore the stories of Gettysburg through the words and experiences of children and young adults who lived here during the Battle of Gettysburg. Engaging first-hand accounts and interactive exhibits bring the stories to life. Visit GettysburgFoundation.org/Children for tickets.
877-874-2478
451 Baltimore Street,
Gettysburg,
PA
17325
See one of the most extensive private collections of artifacts from the American Civil War, World War I, World War II, Presidencies and Pop Culture.
717-337-2035
219 Baltimore Street,
Gettysburg,
PA
17325