Gettysburg is one of the most important Civil War battles. History, culture and more abound in Gettysburg, from the Civil War battle to President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Since history is my favorite subject for writing, this was an amazing trip. Gettysburg is where the past meets the present. Any history lover will be thrilled here.
The writer was hosted.
Walking Tour
Why go: A downtown walking tour with Gettysburg Licensed Town Guides is a good way to get an overview of Gettysburg. Brad Gottfried, our guide, is a Gettysburg expert and author of several Civil War books. He showed us where little-known events occurred.
What not to miss: Brad points out a statue of Lincoln showing a modern-dressed man, David Will’s home, where Lincoln finished the “Gettysburg Address.” He showed us the alley where Margaret “Mag” Palm, a free Black woman, was grabbed by slave catchers. She fights back and escapes. He showed us Penelope, the cannon, embedded in the pavement and more.
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Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center
Why go: The museum gives a timeline of the battle and lots of information about Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. There are multiple galleries explaining not only the Battle of Gettysburg but John Brown’s raid, Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address,” other battles in the war and more. There’s an exhibit about Eisenhower, who retired here after his presidency.
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What not to miss: The film “A New Birth of Freedom” gives an overview of the battlefield. The exhibit on a soldier’s life with a tent and articles he would have had there, the exhibit telling Lincoln won reelection, the ones showing earlier battles and “Voices of the Confederacy,” were some of my favorites, but all are interesting. In the Visitors Center, there are exhibits on the wall.
She Buys Travel Tip: Entry to the Visitor Center, grounds and battlefield is free.
Cyclorama
Why go: Cyclorama, created by French artist Paul Philippoteaux in 1884, is a 360-degree hand-painted canvas depicting Pickett’s Charge. The painting is longer than a football field and taller than a four-story building.
What not to miss: You ascend a small circular section and view the active cyclorama, which surrounds you. You see and hear the action with cannon firing, smoke and soldiers that seem to move as the battle occurs. In the background, you see the actual area portrayed so realistically, including Devil’s Den, Little Round Top and key locations from the battle.
Ticket to the Past
Why go: This virtual reality exhibit takes you to 1863, where you view one of three choices: Cornelia Hancock, Eli Blanchard or Basil Biggs as they arrive on the scene at Gettysburg’s historic railroad station.
What not to miss: Watch for President Lincoln at the station as he arrives to give the “Gettysburg Address.”
Battlefield horse-drawn carriage
Why go: Since the battlefield stretches over 17.75 square miles and the park is about 6,000 acres with over 1400 monuments, markers and plaques, it’s impossible to see it all in one visit. Taking a Victorian Carriage Company horse-drawn carriage tour with Judy Morley, a Gettysburg licensed battlefield guide, gave us a good overall picture with a historical feel.
What not to miss: Judy told about the battle, 7, 1 to 3, 1863, driving to the battlefield. The first is the obelisk dedicated to John Reynolds, the first and highest-ranking officer killed. The ones that moved me most are the 11th Pennsylvania Monument with a bronze likeness of Sallie, their terrier mascot, and the Eternal Flame. The McPherson barn is one of the few remaining buildings.
Seminary Ridge Museum
Why go: Seminary Ridge Museum was founded as a Lutheran Seminary in 1826 by Samuel Schmucker, an ardent abolitionist. It’s believed that his barn was a stop on the Underground Railroad. The present building, with its cupola, was built in 1832 and served as a lookout tower and signaling spot for Union soldiers.
What not to miss: Learn the story of Sarah Broadhead, who, with the help of other women and some of the less injured patients, dragged patients to the fourth floor from the basement when it flooded. Be sure to not only see the exhibits here, but also do the climb to the cupola. The view is fantastic.
She Buys Travel Tip: Wear good shoes for climbing to the cupola, as it is a rather steep climb.
Lodging
Why go: We stayed at The Brafferton Inn, the oldest house in downtown Gettysburg, built in 1786. It’s a short walk to downtown shops, restaurants and attractions. Our hosts, Brian and AmyBeth Hodges, greeted me and showed me my room, The Battle Room. It’s the inn’s only room permanently affected by the battle with a minie ball in the mantle above the fireplace.
What not to miss: They have a beautiful garden and outdoor deck area that’s worth exploring. The breakfasts are fantastic. You have about four options to choose from. I loved both the French toast and the quiche. You have fresh fruit, rolls and juice as well.
Dining
Dining in Gettysburg offers many choices. We dined at several with a rich history.
- Sign of the Buck, serving farm-fresh dishes created by Chef Josh Fidler, is on the first floor of what was the Union Hotel in 1863. The name dates to 1804, the Sign of the Buck tavern that served west-bound travelers. They’ve a full bar and music. The Steak Frittes, a 12-oz steak with fries and salad, is great, but the menu changes seasonally.
- Farnsworth House Inn was a popular hangout for actors filming the 1993 movie, Gettysburg. The walls are decorated with movie memorabilia. It’s considered one of the most haunted places in America. Walk through the garden to see the 100+ bullet holes in the wall where Union soldiers fired at a shooter. Try the Slippery Chicken Pot Pie.
- At Mansion House 1757, built in 1757, we had The Chef’s Table experience: charcuterie, bread, crab eggroll, steak with asparagus and lump crab and Raspberry-White Chocolate Crème Brulée. Owner George Keeney, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, has entertained famous guests, including the Eisenhowers.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Both Farnsworth House Inn and Mansion House 1757 are historic inns. Farnsworth House Inn has 12 rooms and Mansion House 1757 has six.
Hollabaugh Brothers Farm and Market
Why go: Hollabaugh Brothers Farm is a family farm growing apples and dozens of other fruits and vegetables with a Pick-it-Orchard and a market stocking countless products. Their produce looked so fresh and delicious. I picked some apples and am still enjoying them.
What not to miss: Ellie, one of the third-generation farmers, met us and invited us into the bee room filled with pictures, farm implements and posters. The most unique item is an active honey bee hive. We toured the orchard on a golf cart and picked some fresh apples. They offer visitors wagon rides for festivals and events during the year.
Adams County Winery
Why go: Adams County Winery is the fifth-oldest operating winery in Pennsylvania. Jordan and Shawn met us and took us on a tour of the wine-making process. We did a tasting in their tasting room/barn, which dates to just after the Civil War. When you look at the roof, you can see a lot of the original woodwork.
What not to miss: You can book a tour and do a tasting. My favorite is their sweet Rebel Red, which Jordan said is their best seller, but they also have white and dry wines. Don’t miss the garden. It is gorgeous and a Monarch Butterfly Way Station. Jordan told me his aunt, Catherine, co-owner with her husband, John Cram, is an avid gardener.
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