Destination: Gettysburg, PA

My Trip:

Gettysburg Travelogue

Time for a bit of history mixed with travel! That is what I experienced on my recent trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. As you probably know this is the site of the three day battle in the civil war. And, yes, the battleground is still there welcoming tourists since the day after the fighting ended.

Gettysburg is home to about seven thousand residents but welcomes over 7 million tourists each year. Most of them come to see the buildings and the historic sites that have been well preserved from a very critical time in our country’s history.

First, the battlefield. You can drive it, walk it, bike it or take a tour bus through it and it’s open every day until 10:00pm. It’s maintained by The National Park Service and that is where we started (at the visitor’s center). This is where we picked up our official (and licensed) battlefield guide; Gary Kross. I highly recommend you hire a guide as well. But be sure they are the official guides. Gary was invaluable taking us through the site. Be sure to ask for him at the visitors center. Yes, you do need to see the cemetery where Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. The other historic sites in town are not as prominent (and some are a little cheesy) but if you manage the expectations of you and your trip mates, you’ll have a blast.

On this trip I had the distinct pleasure of staying at The Fairfield Inn in Fairfield. This is a town about eight miles out of Gettysburg and I was thrilled with my bed and breakfast experience. Sonya, Sal, Joanie, Jim and the rest of the staff were all awesome. The Fairfield Inn has been a working Inn since the Civil War and the history found on the property is breathtaking. Also be sure to have dinner at The Fairfield Inn. The chicken and biscuits dish is out of this world! And, be sure to try the ham and bean soup and the blackened prime rib! WOW. If you can’t a room or if you want to stay in town, then you need to stay at The Farnsworth House Inn. This is also a B&B and although I didn’t stay there, I’m sure I will on future trips. At the very least, have lunch in their outdoor garden.

I was pleased to find other items of interest on my Gettysburg trip other than history. For one, I got a chance to play 18 holes at The Links At Gettysburg. Ken and his staff maintain a beautiful (and challenging) place to spend the morning. In the evening you may want to find out what’s playing at The majestic. You’ll find small orchestras, plays, musicals and concerts. The space is beautiful and The Majestic is conveniently located right in the middle of downtown. And yes, downtown is full of antique shops and fun little stores that need your passive attention. Strolling through downtown makes for a very romantic time any time of day! Oh! I almost forgot! I had a fabu diner at Mamies Café (also located downtown right next door to the Majestic). The salads, sandwiches and martinis are awesome! Don’t miss it.

Gettysburg is notorious for it’s history and it’s kitschy T Shirt shops. And while that may be partially true, there is a story here that isn’t being told. Gettysburg is also a great place to getaway and just relax. It’s peaceful and (depending on who you are with) can be very romantic. Kids or no kids…alone or with a group, you’ll love Gettysburg for it’s history, it’s authenticity and it’s friendly residents. These are the reasons I definitely will be returning to Gettysburg just as soon as I buy an authentic civil war costume!  

Erik Hastings

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