36 Hours in Gettysburg: A Winter Getaway

02/05/19

Winter is unlike any other season in Gettysburg, Pa. making for a unique visitation experience that can’t be replicated any other time of the year. Skiers and snowboarders replace the sights of Civil War re-enactors, rich comfort foods enjoyed by the fire replace ice cream on the porch and winter hikes replace summer days on the golfing greens. Of course, history is still prevalent throughout the winter season as museums open their doors for visitors to engage with curated galleries and battlefield tours are still available. A visit to Gettysburg will surly shake a visitor’s cabin fever with thrilling outdoor recreation, culinary exquisiteness and quaint and cozy accommodations.

FRIDAY

7 p.m. Comfort by Candlelight

Visitors can indulge on a rich and hearty dish at one of the many restaurants throughout Adams County. Find comfort in the warm and cheesy goodness of Dobbin House Tavern’s savory baked king’s onion soup in their cozy, candlelit dining room. This dish is made from scratch with beef, onions and a variety of cheeses melted to perfection. Chicken and biscuits is a staple comfort food dish that can be ordered at the Historic Fairfield Inn. This satisfying dish features homemade, flaky biscuits topped with rich gravy and slow-roasted chicken. An extensive list of comfort foods in Gettysburg can be found at www.roadtogettysburg.com/comfort-foods-to-try-in-gettysburg.

9 p.m. R&R at a B&B

Many Gettysburg bed and breakfasts offer spacious rooms with private fireplaces and luxurious amenities. Visitors can step back in time at a historic B&B and enjoy the simpler things in life- spending time with loved ones, the relaxing properties of a warm beverage before bed and a cozy ambiance. There are many bed and breakfasts conveniently located throughout downtown Gettysburg, while some are located just outside of town in the quaint and quiet countryside. After a restful sleep, visitors can enjoy a homemade breakfast made by the innkeepers before embarking on the day’s adventures.

SATURDAY

10 a.m. Immersive History

Throughout the winter season, visitors can still discover the battlefield through a self-guided auto tour or a guided bus tour. A unique advantage to a battlefield tour in the winter is that the bare trees and thinned out shrubbery make it easier to see landmarks or monuments that might not be as visible when the lush greenery returns in the warmer months. Museums detailing various aspects of the Battle of Gettysburg, such as the civilian experience or specific days of battle, are open for visitors. Many museums feature engaging exhibits and immersive hands-on experiences.

1 p.m. The Mountains are Calling

Visitor can break their cabin fever by getting outside and embracing the seasonal weather. Eleven miles outside of Gettysburg is Liberty Mountain Resort, one of the region’s best retreats for carving out the slopes on skis or a snowboard, snow tubing and outdoor ice skating. The mountain has 16 trails of varying difficulty and multiple lifts. The property features a new Highland Lodge, three restaurants, an onsite hotel, an indoor pool, luxurious full-service spa and an indoor golf simulator. Less than ten miles from Liberty Mountain Resort, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve where visitors can strap on hiking boots and layer up for a serene winter hike. There are 10-miles of trails that meander past mountain streams, frozen ponds and a restored mineral quarry. A winter hike means visitors will have an easier time spotting wildlife like deer, foxes and turkeys that might be hidden in the brush during the warmer months.

4 p.m. Seasonal Libations

The Adams County Pour Tour is a curated craft beverage trail that features wine, beer, hard cider and spirit makers throughout the county. At each participating location, visitors can pick up a free Pour Tour passport and map. For each type of beverage sampled at each location, a unique stamp is issued in the passport, and the more stamps participants get the more prizes they will receive. While there are many tasting room locations throughout downtown Gettysburg, the home locations are scattered throughout the beautiful Adams County countryside. Beverages aren’t the only thing offered at select Pour Tour locations, some offer dining options as well. Visitors can grab a craft cocktail and a locally sourced meal from the scratch kitchen at Mason Dixon Distillery or build their own pizza or wrap at Thirsty Farmer Brew Works using ingredients from the neighboring Historic Round Barn & Farm Market.

SUNDAY

10 a.m. Retail Therapy

Gettysburg is a shopping destination and visitors can shake the winter blues with a little retail therapy. Downtown, niche boutiques offer unique finds, artisan shops are stocked with local, handmade goods and art galleries showcase exciting pieces. The town of New Oxford, ten miles east of Gettysburg, is home to a collection of antique stores which hold countless treasures from years past. Throughout the countryside, artists and potters display their work and functional pieces giving visitors the opportunity to bring home an authentic piece of Adams County.

For more information on events and all seasonal happenings, visit www.DestinationGettysburg.com.

Destination Gettysburg, the official destination marketing organization, markets Gettysburg – Adams County as a premier travel destination, producing a positive economic impact.

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For more information:

• Carl Whitehill
• Phone: 7173381051
• E-mail: cwhitehill@destinationgettysburg.com