From battlefields to ghostly tours and tales of hauntings, to a vintage baseball tournament, to a constantly expanding local culinary scene, Gettysburg has a little something to offer everyone during the summer season...
If I could give you only one reason why you and your family should plan a visit to the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor's Center and Museum during your stay, it would be to view the Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama Painting. This 100-year-old painting is a floor-to-ceiling, 360-degree depiction of Pickett's Charge during the battle.
Ghostly Hauntings.
In an area that witnessed so much death and violence in just a few short days, there is bound to be tales of hauntings and ghostly visits, right? Gettysburg is filled with the lore of Civil War soldiers who roam the battlefields and city streets. Of civilians who were, by a twist of fate, caught in the crossfire, and their lives were forever changed. That is why Gettysburg is home to many guided ghost tours.
During our visit, we booked the Haunted Orphanage Tour with Ghostly Images of Gettysburg. The tour focuses on the building that once housed the National Soldiers' Orphans' Homestead. The orphanage was started in 1866 in response to the growing number of children left orphaned by the War.
It is said that when a new headmistress was appointed to the orphanage, the institution took a very dark turn. I won't give it all away in case you are planning on booking the tour on your next visit, but the guide did a wonderful job of intertwining a little history lesson with the haunted lore of the building and the orphans who once (and maybe still do?) reside there.
Vintage Baseball.
If you time your trip just right, you could be lucky enough to catch a few ball games at this year's 15th Annual Gettysburg National 19th Century Base Ball Festival. This year's festival will be held the weekend of July 19-20th. I highly recommend a visit to the festival for anyone who happens to be a fan of baseball.
Bring your camping chairs and experience the game of baseball as it was played from 1839 to 1899. The two-day festival is a family-friendly, free event hosted on the grounds of the Schroeder Family Farm.
The couple of hours that we spent at the vintage baseball festival were definitely a highlight of our time in Gettysburg. The players were friendly and were happy to answer any of our questions.
Local Eats & Drinks.
I think by now you all know that I do not travel anywhere without also trying the local cuisine in the area that I am visiting. As a rule of thumb, my family and I always nix the idea of chain restaurants in favor of anything locally owned and operated while we are traveling. Our trip to Gettysburg last summer was no different.
- If you are in the mood for in-house brewed beers and a modern twist on the usual pub food, then be sure to plan to have lunch or dinner at Fourscore Beer Co. during your stay in Gettysburg. Fourscore takes pride in locally sourcing its ingredients for the house-made handhelds, burgers, and salads it serves daily. Whichever dish you decide to order, don't skip out on their hand-cut fries!
- If an authentic Irish pub is more your vibe, don't miss The Garryowen located on Chambersburg Street! Pair a traditional Irish dish like Shepherd's Pie or a Spice Bag with one of the whiskeys from their extensive collection.
- Don't let the exterior and simple interior of Thai Elephant Walk fool you- this restaurant is the real deal when it comes to authentic Thai dishes (who would have thought that would be possible in the middle of the historic downtown of Gettysburg?). Their Thai iced tea and spring rolls are a must order!
- I am a sucker for a good birria taco, so I was pleasantly surprised to find one of the best ones I had ever tasted at Tacos Monarca. While they offer a plethora of Mexican specialities, you will also find classic pizzas, subs, and salads on their menu. A perfect choice for a meal that will leave everyone in your travel party happy and full!
- Be sure to take a break from your exploring and have a seat at Reid's Winery and Cider House to enjoy a tasting or a glass of one of their many wine offerings. Their Ginger hard cider quickly became a favorite of my fiancé and me. In fact, we brought a bottle home to enjoy!
- The best (and most delicious!) way to cool off after a hot summer day of exploring the battlefields or shopping is to grab a scoop or two of creamy ice cream. Baltimore Hill Creamery offers scoops of locally churned Goose Bros Ice Cream at their parlor located on Baltimore Street. Can't decide on just one flavor? Try one of their ice cream flights!
Where to Stay.
If you are looking for a family-friendly hotel that is within walking distance of many of Gettysburg's main attractions, then look no further than Hotel Gettysburg located right in the heart of Lincoln Square. Originally built in 1797, Hotel Gettysburg offers its' guests 119 well-appointed accommodations.
Looking for even more Gettysburg travel recommendations? Then be sure to check out these posts...
3 Historical Must-Do's in Gettysburg
