Exploring Gettysburg: A Journey Through History and Nature

things to do in gettysburg

Top Of The Five Attractions In Gettysburg

No Visit To Gettysburg Is Complete Without Seeing These Unique Features Of The Town

Historic Spirits From Beyond

Gettysburg Ghost Tours
Shriver Haunted House Tour Photo Courtesy Of Stephen Bungo

There is no question about Gettysburg being one of the bloodiest battles in the history of the United States and changes the course of the war. Considering over 50,000 souls were lost on the battlefield it is not hard to believe that some would not leave this plane of existence peacefully. Gettysburg has the distinct honor of being known as one of America’s most haunted towns and after a visit here, you will go home believing in the spirit world! One of the top things to do on a cool evening is to explore the town through one of the many ghost tours!

Four Score And Seven Years Ago…

Perhaps one of the most famous presidential addresses in our history was delivered at Gettysburg. In just over two-minutes, President Lincoln delivered an address that declared the area Hallowed Ground. Take the time to walk in his steps and stand on the very spot that he spoke these famous words over 150 years ago.

Gettysburg National Military Park
Photo Courtesy of Dave R

Gettysburg National Military Park is perhaps one of the most well-known military parks found in the world and one of the most visited. Despite this being the home to a very bloody battle, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions found at Gettysburg., As you walk through the battlefield, you are seeing what the soldiers saw back in 1863 as the military park has preserved more than 6,000 acres of the farms, trees, and orchards.

Soldiers’ National Cemetery

Soldiers National Cemetery
Memorial Day At Soldier’s National Cemetery Photo Courtesy lcm1863

This is one of the most visited military cemeteries in the United States and can be found in Gettysburg National Military Park, and is the spot where Lincoln delivered his famous address. It is over 17 acres and is the final resting place of 3500 Union soldiers. This is a solemn area where sadly many of the graves are only marked by numbers.

Various Historic Sites

Dobbin House Tavern
Photo Courtesy Steve Brown

Many people consider Gettysburg to be one large historic site. While the battlefield is one of the most famous attractions in the area, one should not miss the Shriver House, the David Willis house, the Dobbin House Tavern, as well as the Gettysburg train station.

Top Five Places To Eat In Gettysburg

Gettysburg Eddie’s

Gettysburg Eddies
Photo Courtesy Of Monty Hitt

Gettysburg Eddies makes our list on the fact that it is one of the most unique restaurants in the area. Unlike all of the history you are going to find in Gettysburg, you will not find that in Gettysburg Eddie. Here you are going to find the ultimate tribute to Gettysburg very own Baseball Hall of Famer, Eddie Plank! This is a great place to put aside all the bloody history and have a great lunch or dinner in a fun and interesting atmosphere. It is a nice place to take a break from the Civil War, even for the ultimate history buffs! Located just a quick walk from the National Cemetery, it is a great place to kick up your tired feet and have a fantastic lunch. Gettysburg Eddie’s features your favorite homestyle dishes including burgers, sandwiches, and absolutely stunning crab cakes.

The Springhouse Tavern

The Springhouse Tavern
Photo Courtesy Of The Springhouse Tavern

If you are near the Dobbin House and feel the need for a romantic dinner, you need to stop by The Springhouse Tavern. Here you will be able to enjoy a great atmosphere, stunning dinner, and a dessert that is well to die for. As you relax in the rustic atmosphere filled with candlelight, you can dine on hearty homemade soups. In addition to their incredible meals, they have a full selection of wines, ales, and spirits. For an insider tip, be sure you order some appetizers while you wait for the main meal, they are awesome! The meals which include spit-fire roasted chicken, sarsaparilla, and homemade apple pie will travel you back in time to the 18th century. Just because the tavern offers a rustic appeal, it still manages to be one of the most romantic atmospheres in Gettysburg.

Farnsworth House Inn & Tavern

Farnsworth House Inn Tavern
Photo Courtesy Of Farnsworth House Inn & Tavern

You cannot help but feel history the moment you walk into this 18th-century inn! If you have been craving some real comfort food, the Historic Farnsworth House Inn is where you need to head to. And if you are a history buff, you will take pride in the real Civil War bullet holes that can be found throughout the home’s walls. The inn features a gorgeous dining area, laid-back tavern, and relaxing gardens. You will have to try the innkeeper’s great-grandmother’s spoon bread, game pie, pumpkin fritters, or goober pea soup…yes this isn’t your traditional dining fare! If their dinner has not filled you up or even if it has, be sure to try a slice of black walnut apple cake. If you plan to spend the night, you will appreciate the period antiques and gorgeous private bathrooms. Depending on the room, some will feature a jacuzzi and gas fireplace.

Dunlap’s Restaurant and Bakery

Dunlaps Restaurant and Bakery 1 1
Photo Courtesy Of Dunlap’s Restaurant

 

If you are looking for that family-owned restaurant just outside of Gettysburg where everyone is friends, look no further than Dunlaps. This family-owned restaurant opened back in 1999 and has been a popular mainstay in the Gettysburg area due to their popular American dishes that will leave you craving more. All of their food is fresh and made right in the kitchen. Where else can you go to get a truly fresh from the farm turkey dinner? If you love old-fashioned chicken pot pie like your granny used to make, stop in for their chicken pot pie soup. They take a homemade creamy sauce and add tasty dumplings with fresh shredded chicken. They are a family-friendly restaurant that caters to locals and tourists alike. Be sure to check for their daily specials for a great deal.

The Dobbin House Tavern

The Dobbin House Tavern
Photo Courtesy Of The Dobbin House

For an incredible candlelit dinner featuring stunning cuisine in a gorgeous 18th-century colonial, one must visit the Dobbin House Tavern Once inside the Alexander Dobbins Dining Room, you will be instantly transported back to the era of the Civil War. Their menu features many traditional items such as William Penn’s pork tenderloin, Adam County’s fresh duck, scallops, and tender prime rib. Their famous warm gingerbread will leave your mouth watering! While there are three restaurants under the establishment, the Dobbins House is where to go for fine dining in the evening.

The Five Best Places To Stay In Gettysburg

Lightner Farmhouse B&B

Lightner Farmhouse BB e1511154909676
Photo Courtesy Of The <a href=”lightnerfarmhouse.com/”Lightner Farmhouse B&B

The Lightner Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast was a hospital for the Federal army during the Civil War. This gorgeous farmhouse is situated on 26 acres and offers seven guest rooms in addition to a beautiful family suite. Every room in the farmhouse offers a private bath for the ultimate in luxury. Every morning you will be greeted with a hearty breakfast and smile as well as snacks throughout the day. The bed and breakfast hosts several weekend events as well s a gorgeous nature trail. They also offer their guests free WiFi, a library, and fireplaces in some units.

The Brafferton Inn

The Brafferton Inn
Photo Courtesy Of gettysburgcvb

The Brafferton Inn was built in 1786, which now makes it one of the oldest homes in downtown Gettysburg that has had continuous ownership. This is one of those homes that you are going to feel as though you have stepped back in time. This home that has been listed in the National Registry of Historic Places offers its visitors 8 beautiful suites and 17 guest rooms. Conveniently located in the middle of Gettysburg’s Historic District and a half a block from Lincoln Square, this fieldstone house is the perfect place for some R&R. If you are traveling with a large group or family, you may want to consider staying in the guest house which offers three bedrooms The Inn also offers an incredible complimentary breakfast that will help get you off on the right foot.

1863 Inn Of Gettysburg

1863 Inn Of Gettysburg
Photo Courtesy of the 1863 Inn Of Gettysburg

Sometimes being on vacation can really make you miss your home. However, while you are in Gettysburg, you can make this inn your home away from home. In fact, you are going to feel like family the moment you step through the door. While the outside of the building may be a tad dull, the inside is filled with warmth and charm. The inn is located close enough to all of the main attractions found in Gettysburg including the Gettysburg National Cemetery, American Civil War Museum, and the Jennie Wade House. In addition, the Gettysburg Tour Center is located right next door! How convenient is that? Plus, you will not go wrong with their incredible “Rise and Shine” breakfast. Not only is it free but it is country style delicious! You will also find laundry facilities, swimming pool, WiFi, and a fitness center all designed to make your stay in Gettysburg all the more incredible.

Courtyard By Marriott Gettysburg

Courtyard By Marriott Gettysburg
Photo Courtesy Of Courtyard Marriott Gettysburg

There are times when you may not want to be directly in Historic Gettysburg, for those times, you may want to look at a hotel like the Courtyard Marriott Gettysburg, which is located about ten minutes from the district. This is one of the area’s best hotels for families and includes everything you would expect out of a Marriott. All the rooms feature Wi-Fi, workspaces, coffee makers, irons, and of course telephones and cable television. The bathrooms feature hair dryers as well as a tub/shower combo. If you are a larger family, you can request a unit with a sofa bed. The hotel features a gorgeous indoor swimming pool and whirlpool, fitness center, laundry facilities, and several vending machines throughout the property. While the Mariott does offer some incredible in-house dining options, you will find several incredible restaurants within walking distance.

If you happen to be tired of everything being so darned “historic” in Gettysburg, you may want to settle into one of its newest properties. It may be hard to believe but this gorgeous luxury hotel was once the home to high school students! However, all the books and lockers are gone to make way for absolute luxury and convenience to area attractions. The hotel offers its guests free parking and is wheelchair accessible as well. The hotel manages to bring the charm of the 19th century together with modern technology and relaxation. There is never a lack of things to do in at the Federal Pointe Inn. From fitness to art galleries, as well as all the modern conveniences we simply can not live with out. In addition, the Inn offers a lot of little things that you are sure to appreciate such as tea and scones after lunch, battlefield tours, and even a Keurig coffee maker right in your room