Wait – you haven’t been to Gettysburg since you were in school? Or perhaps since when your kids were in school? It’s time to reconnect with Gettysburg and see what’s new!
Begin your vacation by getting reacquainted with Gettysburg at the Gettysburg History Center where you can see the entire 6,000-acre battlefield in 3-D miniature as you hear the story of the three-day battle and how it progressed. Be sure to check out the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitors Center which offers a featured film “A New Birth of Freedom” and the restored “Battle of Gettysburg” cyclorama painting – the largest painting in the country depicting the third day’s battle. Don’t miss the museum portion, where the story of the Battle and the war is told through 12 galleries that include artifacts, interactive exhibits and additional films.
After lunch, see the battlefield up close with a guided tour. Are you looking for a new and unique way to tour the battlefield? Hop in a scoot coupe or take a horseback tour… the opportunities are endless!
Hopefully, you got a good night’s rest for the busy day of history, food and drinks ahead of you! First, check out the Gettysburg Seminary Ridge Museum located on Day 1 battlegrounds. Learn about this first day of the battle, the seminary and Civil War field medicine in the building that was the largest field hospital at Gettysburg. We highly recommend adding the cupola tour on to your visit! View the surrounding area from the same vantage point of Brigadier General John Buford on July 1, 1863.
You should also stop by the David Wills House to learn the story of President Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address in the place where Lincoln spent the night before his renowned speech. Or learn about Gettysburg’s history outside of the Civil War with a tour of President Eisenhower’s Gettysburg home at Eisenhower National Historic Site.
Everyone knows Gettysburg’s Civil War history, but did you know of our rich agriculture? Countryside farm markets are scattered throughout the county. The apples, grapes, wheat and hops we grow here are also turned into flavorful craft beverages. Journey along the Adams County Pour Tour to sample some of these luscious libations, meet the beverage makers and earn prizes along the way. Stay long enough and you can enjoy dinner at one of our unique dining options like Hickory Bridge Farm Restaurant – it’s family style, so go hungry.
Hit the county again to tour the orchards or pick your own fruit at Boyer’s Nurseries & Orchards or Hollabaugh Brothers Fruit Farm & Market. After all the eating and drinking, a good hike wouldn’t hurt. Get better acquainted with nature at Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve where ten miles of trails feature woodlands, mountain streams, ponds and a restored mineral quarry. Or check out one of these other hiking spots in the area.
Now that you’re refreshed, you can head home and plan the next reunion trip to Gettysburg.
Check out our Getaway Guide online or have us send you one. Have an immediate question? Call us at 1.800.337.5015
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