Gettysburg stands uniquely positioned as one of our nation’s premiere travel destinations. Nestled in idyllic Adams County, it offers breathtakingly scenic landscapes, wide-ranging outdoor activities, adventurous dining and – perhaps most famously – an unparalleled look back at this country’s dramatic and inspiring past.
The arrival of summer is always a particularly special time in Gettysburg, PA. As colorful wildflowers blanket the rolling hills and the sun shines down on the region’s magnificent orchards, vineyards and farms, guests from across the country return again and again to experience its incomparable history, enduring charm, recreational fun, and increasingly tantalizing agricultural, foodie and beverage attractions.
Breathe in the fresh air of surrounding Adams County with a hike through beautiful state parks and a bucolic nature preserve just a short drive from town. As an added bonus, the winding trails are dog-friendly and perfect for those traveling with a furry companion.
No trip to Gettysburg is complete without a firsthand appreciation of its rich backstory. Witness the hallowed battlefield and feel the full weight of its solemn significance. Among the powerful memorials, the enormous impact of our shared past truly resonates. See it as the soldiers did, with a horseback tour led by a Licensed Battlefield Guide or jump in a scoot coupe and hear the tale of the famous battle with the wind in your hair. Pause for a moment of inspiration in the Soldiers’ National Cemetery where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his stirring “Gettysburg Address”. Explore the story beyond the battlefield with a variety of venues that explain the story of the local aftermath of the battle, enabling you to stand in the shoes of everyday civilians whose simple lives were upturned by three fierce days of fighting in the place they called home.
Be sure to take a leisurely stroll through the historically preserved downtown area encircling Lincoln Square. Gain insight into our nation’s gripping legacy at interactive museums and state-of-the-art education centers. Test your wits at a period-authentic escape room. Find the perfect gift at quaint shops filled with one-of-a-kind antiques, handmade treasures and authentic Civil War artifacts. Visit nearby premium outlet shops, offering everything from the latest fashions to enchanting Christmas specialties. If the spirit is willing, snuggle close together when darkness falls for an eerie evening ghost tour of famous haunts.
Discover artists who draw inspiration from local history, agriculture, and nature. Meet a potter who also operates a family farm market stand supporting sustainable farming. Get to know a painter with a public art studio tucked among the hillsides of her country home.
And, of course, the entire region is brimming with foodie-pleasing dining establishments, offering local farm-to-table cuisine in a wide variety of styles. Enjoy unique, contemporary meals prepared by award-winning chefs, experience a period-specific food prepared in a landmark setting, or grab a quick bite at a popular pizza joint. Craft beers, wines, ciders, mead, and spirits produced in Adams County can be found along the popular Pour Tour beverage trail – or visit working farms and orchards on the Adams County Crop Hop, the region’s new farm and market trail debuting Spring 2021! Whatever your tastes, Gettysburg has you covered and then some.
Cozy bed & breakfasts, rustic cabins, luxurious inns, your go-to hotel with all the amenities, or that special guest house for the entire family – you’ll find accommodations of every type in Gettysburg, whether you want to stay in walking distance to everything or simply escape to a quiet, secluded retreat.
There’s no other town in America quite like Gettysburg –– and no better time to visit than the months of summer. Plan your getaway today. As we all define what the “new normal” looks like, Gettysburg is committed to the safety of their guests and community. Don’t forget to check the online safety updates and, for now, please remember to bring your masks.
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