Vacation In Gettysburg
The town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is a major reason for its unspoiled charm. It is a quiet, beautiful, wonderfully restored town that has been left almost exactly as it was
Vacation in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania before seeing the popular events including The National Civil War Museum, Soldiers National Cemetery and the Gettysburg National Military Park. Slice through the quaint town that inspires history buffs and Civil War buffs with a pie at Bloomfield’s Fruit Ridge Winery or shop for some Civil War memorabilia at The Antique Mall at Gettysburg.
From the Pennsylvania Department of Tourism: In Gettysburg, you might imagine you’re in a small town. But when you settle into your hotel, with major chain restaurants and retailers all around, you won’t feel like you’re in such an out-of-the-way spot anymore. And after you visit one of the historic sites or attractions in the area, you may realize that your vacation will be anything but boring!
I spent last week in the company of history, exploring the sites and sounds that shaped not only a nation, but an entire way of life. Although I live in Virginia and often visit Civil War battlefields when time (and money) permits, this was my first full week-long vacation in Gettysburg . My destination, Gettysburg , Pennsylvania , which is located about 60 miles from Washington , D.C. and 75 miles from Baltimore .
Vacation In Gettysburg
If your family has a history of military service, or if your children are studying the Civil War in school, this week-long trip might be just the thing for you. You can spend a few days visiting the battlefields of Gettysburg and Yorktown. Or you can enjoy the wineries of Virginia. The choice is yours.
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In the middle of southern Pennsylvania stands Gettysburg — a small town with a big past. In easy reach of larger cities such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., it’s one of our favorite places on the East Coast. The city has been popular for decades not only because of its role in the Civil War but for its attractive downtown teeming with shops, great restaurants, and attractions. No matter how many times we return, we always uncover new, fun things to do in Gettysburg.
Downtown Gettysburg is compact and highly walkable. From one end of town to the other is only about one mile, so you can see many of the main places of interest on a day trip. But that would mean missing out on the welcoming bed and breakfasts, the fun craft beverage spots, and many of the historical and natural attractions that are within just a short drive.
There’s so much to choose from here that we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite things to see and do in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, whether you’re visiting for a weekend or longer.
Whether you like shopping, history, local distilleries, or just hanging out, we’ve got you covered.
Table Of Contents
See Sachs Covered Bridge
Just a few miles from downtown, the Sachs Covered Bridge isn’t only pretty–it’s historic, too. Built in 1854, the bridge was used by both the Union and the Confederate armies during and after the Civil War. As a result, local lore says it’s the most haunted bridge in America.
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Ghost stories aside, the pedestrian-only bridge is a popular spot for photos. You’ll also see people out walking, picnicking, and otherwise enjoying the peaceful setting.
Take a food tour
You may not think of Gettysburg as a foodie town, but you’d be wrong (we were, too). A food tour with Savor Gettysburg highlights a variety of local specialties from homemade ice cream to the best soup we’ve ever tasted.
There are several food tour options to choose from—the historic downtown tour, seasonal tours, and others—plus a cooking class and other food experiences. The tours last about three hours and involve less than a mile of walking, which is good since someone may need to roll you home.
In addition to the delicious bites you get to try on the tour, you’ll have a chance to discover some of the best restaurants, cafes, and pubs in town. Tour guides can also provide personal recommendations, so a food tour is a great way to start a trip if you’ll be in town for a couple of days.
Visit the Shriver House Museum
The Shriver House Museum transports you directly to the 1860s and delivers a look into the life of the Shriver family as the Civil War arrived in town. This unique perspective makes it one of the most interesting places to visit in Gettysburg, even for people who aren’t Civil War buffs.
The rooms at the Shriver House tell the story of George, Hettie, and their two young daughters as they made a life and then faced the realities of death that war brings. A guide dressed in a period costume provides details of civilian life and talks about how the town—and the Shrivers, specifically—coped during and after the Battle of Gettysburg. You’ll learn about everything from George’s downstairs saloon to the house’s time as a sharpshooter post and hospital.
The owner of the Shriver House gives regular tours herself. We were fortunate to have her as our guide and learned about the house’s restoration and all the artifacts that have been uncovered in the process of bringing the Shrivers’ story to life. Photographs trace the process of preserving this uncommon look at the impact of the war.
To learn more about how the lives of average Gettysburg residents were changed by the war, take this top-rated downtown walking tour.
Take a cooking class at Hollabaugh Bros.
Adams County, where Gettysburg is located, is the heart of apple country. Just a few miles away, you can tour several different orchards and farms where you can even pick your own fruits like apples, peaches, and blueberries.
Consider a stop by Hollabaugh Bros., which hosts fruit festivals throughout the year and offers cooking and canning classes on many weekends. We loved trying our hand at making apple dumplings!
Sample the wares at local breweries
With more than 10 craft breweries and cideries in the area, you’re spoiled for choice.
There are lots of easy-to-reach choices downtown, including Battlefield Brew Works and Appalachian Brewing Company. We particularly enjoyed Fourscore Beer Co., which brews numerous unique offerings like Creamsicle Blueberry Cobbler and Four S’mores Imperial Stout. They also have a full menu of burgers, sandwiches, and other tasty items.
Just outside the city, check out Center Square Brewing and Thirsty Farmer Brew Works, which has regular trivia nights and special events at their tasting room in Biglerville. One of our favorite cideries in the country–Jack’s Hard Cider–is also located nearby.
Stroll through downtown Gettysburg
Just wandering is one of the most fun things to do in Gettysburg. Downtown is home to over 100 stores selling most anything you could be looking for.
From antiques to clothes to Civil War artifacts, the variety of things available is extensive. We love Lark for its thoughtful and unique gifts, the jewelry and handcrafts at Gallery 30, and the games and creativity kits at Nerd Herd.
As you walk through the area, you can also see a number of buildings from the Civil War that show damage from the battle that partially took place in these streets. When you’ve had your fill of shopping and taking in the history, give your feet a break at one of the many restaurants or tasting rooms.
Stop at the Gettysburg Chocolate Market
Styled like an antique soda bar, the Gettysburg Chocolate Market has a wide variety of offerings just a few steps off Lincoln Square. This new addition to shopping in downtown has lots of treats to take with you from gourmet truffles to fudge and candy.
If you want to linger for a while, check out their wide variety of classic sodas, espresso drinks, teas, ice cream, and delicious chocolate concoctions.
Visit Jennie Wade House
Despite the number of casualties seen on the battlefield, only one civilian died during the fighting–Jennie Wade. She was at home kneading bread when a bullet shot into the kitchen and killed her.
The Jennie Wade House (which actually belonged to her sister) is preserved now almost as it was when Jennie died in 1863. Tour guides tell the story of the Wade family on that day and shed light on what it was like to be a civilian when the war came to town.
Shop at the Round Barn
So many different kinds of vegetables and fruits are grown on the farms that dot the landscape of the area. Within just a few miles, you can find road-side stands and full-fledged markets selling all manner of fresh produce and milk along with great products–like jam, salsa, and pickles–made from the bounty.
Do a little shopping and marvel at the brightly-colored veggies, or consider stopping at one of the markets like the Historic Round Barn and Farm Market that holds periodic events and celebrations throughout the year.
Try Mr. G’s Ice Cream
Mr. G’s Ice Cream is one of the most popular places in Gettysburg. They feature 16 homemade flavors, often incorporating local featured ingredients like fruit from Hollabaugh Bros. It’s nearly impossible to choose between the red velvet, Snickers, salted caramel, and other fabulous flavors. Fans drive a long way for a taste of Mr. G’s, so don’t miss it when you’re in town.
Get creative at Board and Brush
Board and Brush is the perfect place to bring out your inner artist, even when you’re not sure you have one.
If you’re wondering what to do in Gettysburg when the weather doesn’t cooperate or just when you’re looking for something new and different, visit this fun sign workshop. You can choose from hundreds of different patterns and colors, and the staff will help you step-by step with painting and selecting different finishes, stains, and flourishes to make the sign completely personal.
I don’t have an artistic bone in my body, but with the guidance of the staff, I made a sign I loved. Lance even got into it and made his own creation–proof that people of all interests and creative skill levels can have a great time here.