If nothing else get The Gettysburg Story: Battlefield Auto Tour and visit the battlefield for a few hours.
Also, the weekend of October 6&7 is the start of Apple Harvest Festival. The National Apple Harvest Festival, which is held during the first two weekends in October, has been celebrating beautiful crafts, great music and wonderful food for forty years. The festival has something for everyone with hundreds of arts and crafts dealers, demonstrations, contests, food stands, and entertainment. The festival is located in the heart of Pennsylvania Apple country, near historic Gettysburg
Gettysburg Visitor Center and Museum
http://www.gettysburgfoundation.org
-New Birth of Freedom Film
-Cyclorama painting
-Museum
Once you’ve arrived in Gettysburg, the Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park is the best place to start your visit. Located at 1195 Baltimore Pike, just south of historic downtown Gettysburg, the Museum and Visitor Center features the exclusive Cyclorama, Film and Museum Experience. Combined, they provide an overview and excellent introduction to the Battle of Gettysburg and will prepare you for a Gettysburg battlefield tour.The Cyclorama, Film and Museum Experience includes the film narrated by Morgan Freeman, A New Birth of Freedom (sponsored by The History Channel); the massive Cyclorama painting, which literally surrounds visitors with a magnificant visual of the fury of Pickett’s Charge, and the Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War, featuring 12 exhibit galleries that contain artifacts and interactive displays.
-Gift Shop:
The Gettysburg Story: Battlefield Auto Tour
Based on works by Gabor Boritt, Performed by Stephen Lang, Written and Produced by Jake Boritt
(or to buy online: http:// www.boritt.com)
3 hour Auto Tour (Take full tour)
This new audio tour and guide presents a gripping journey through the Gettysburg Battlefield following the official National Park Auto Tour route. It is based on the works of renowned historian and author, Gabor Boritt. For over thirty years, Boritt has given battlefield tours to luminaries ranging from Moses (aka Charlton Heston) to the President of the United States - and many others. Now this unique experience is brought to thousands more by acclaimed actor Stephen Lang (Avatar, Gods & Generals, Tombstone, Gettysburg). For new visitors and buffs alike, Lang's stunning performance brings alive the story of the battle and Lincoln's nation-changing address.
Downtown Gettysburg visit shops, galleries, antique stores (and farmer's market on Saturday) located within a block of Lincoln Square in the center of town. Especially Gallery 30, Just Jennifer Gallery, House of Bender, 17 on the Square and the Lincoln Train Station where Lincoln arrived by train in 1863. Also check out Majestic Theater for any performances or movies (http://www.gettysburgmajestic.com). Also be sure to buy fruit in season from fruit stands, Adams County is the top fruit producing county east of the Mississippi.
Additional History:
The David Wills House
8 Lincoln Square; Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; (866) 486-5735
A new National Park Service museum dedicated to the memory of President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and the remarkable recovery of a town devastated by war.The David Wills House features five museum galleries and two recreated rooms, the David Wills Law Office and the Lincoln Bedroom. The museum will guide you through the days, weeks and months after the battle of Gettysburg. It illustrates President Lincoln’s historic visit to the devastated town, the immortal words of the Gettysburg Address and the legacy of hope and healing that they brought, and continue to bring, to our nation.No visit to Gettysburg is complete without a visit to the David Wills House, the only site where you can experience President Abraham Lincoln's immortal Gettysburg Address in the place in which it was crafted
Shriver House
309 Baltimore Street; Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325; (717) 337-2800
The mission of the Shriver House Museum is to provide an often overlooked perspective of the Battle of Gettysburg, the civilian experience during and after one of the deadliest and most historic battles ever fought on American soil.
Jennie Wade House
http://www.gettysburgbattlefieldtours.com/jennie-wade-house.php
548 Baltimore Street; Gettysburg, Pa; (717) 334-4100
With minor changes and repairs, the Museum remains much as Jennie must have known it over 140 years ago. Authentically furnished from cellar to attic, the museum is a shrine to Jennie and to life and living during the American Civil War. The gift shop features unique gifts and collectibles as well as Jennie Wade souvenirs.The only Gettysburg citizen killed during the Battle of Gettysburg was 20 year old Jennie Wade, fiancée of Corporal “Jack” Skelly. The old McClellan Home, now the Jennie Wade House and Museum, with but few minor changes and repairs, remains much as Jennie Wade must have known it more than 100 years ago. The walls of the old house, which lived through the Battle of Gettysburg and witnessed the tragic death of Jennie Wade, tell the story of the building and of those in it during the Great Battle.Here you can see the holes in the door through which the bullets entered the small kitchen to take the life of young, innocent Jennie Wade. Corporal Johnston H. Skelly, the sweetheart of Jennie Wade, was wounded in the Battle of Carter’s Woods near Winchester, Virginia. He died July 12, 1863, at Winchester without ever knowing of Jennie’s fate. For Jennie Wade related gifts and a fine collection of unique souvenirs and collectibles for the whole family, visit the Jennie Wade Gift Shop.
For the Cause: Gettysburg Histories Tours
http://www.gettysburghistories.com
dmccauslin@gettysburghistories.com or leave a message at (717) 528-8553
For the Cause specializes in histories about people and places of local interest around the time of the Battle of Gettysburg including the Underground Railroad and African-American Voices.
LUNCH:
The Lincoln Diner
32 Carlisle St, Gettysburg, PA 17325
Classic 24 hour diner. Breakfast anytime, club sandwiches, burgers esp. the patty melt. The hot turkey sandwich with gravy is amazing but only when one is drunk. Lincoln Diner features homemade soups, seafood, steaks, deluxe burgers, a wide variety of sweets in their bakery, including delicious cheesecakes and Greek pastries; and more.
Ernie's Texas Lunch
58 Chambersburg St, Gettysburg, PA 17325
Since the early thirties, very little about "Ernie´s" has changed. From the grill in the front window to the "family" table in back, the layout of the dining area remains as is was over 60 years ago. With this in mind, owner Ernie Kranias has remodeled the restaurant to bring back the look and feel of a 1930's diner. Open Monday through Saturday from 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM on Fridays, and closed Sundays, "Ernie´s" offers a complete breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, and the famous Texas Hot Weiner. "Ernie´s" is a living piece of Gettysburg history you must visit.
Order one with
DINNER:
(Best food in Gettysburg - make a reservation - order locally produced food)
Blue Parrot Bistro
(Dinner or Lunch)
http://www.blueparrotbistro.com/
35 Chambersburg Street; Gettysburg, PA 17325-1102; (717) 337-3739
Located on the site of one of the earliest houses in Gettysburg, The Blue Parrot Bistro continues a tradition of hospitality, which began on 1850 with the Mrs. Schwartz's Oyster Parlor. The Oyster Parlor operated for eight years and then was converted to a private residence. During the Battle of Gettysburg, the residence was said to have housed "A good many surgeons," so it may have been used as a field hospital at the time. Mr. E. H. Minnigh opened a confectionary store here in 1868 and served those delicacies until his death in 1903.In 1920, the then-remodeled candy shop opened as the Blue Parrot Tea Room. Situated on the famous transcontinental Lincoln Highway (US Route 30), The Blue Parrot Tea Room quickly developed a national reputation. The Blue Parrot Tea Room continued to operate as the Adam's House Tavern.In 1988, Holly Giles, Gary Yount, and Chef Allison Giles purchased the historic building. With an appreciation for the tradition of fine dining and their interest in the preservation of old town Gettysburg, they opened The Blue Parrot Bistro.And now, what is a Bistro? Is it casual, homey, and relaxed or is it a sophisticated eatery? At the Blue Parrot we think that both apply. Eclectic furnishings are complimented by and ever-changing exhibition of artwork by local artists. Diners in black tie or blue jeans are greeted with the same friendly, unpretentious service. So, whether you are here for a cheeseburger, a beer, and a game of pool, or you are out for an evening of fine dining, you have come to the right place.
Sidney Restaurant
(Best food in the county - make a reservation - about 20 minutes north of Gettysburg)
http://www.restaurantsidney.com/
101 East King Street; East Berlin, PA 17316; 717.259.1319
Welcome to Sidney, Adams County, Pennsylvania’s premier fine dining restaurant. We invite you to join us for a unique, memorable dining experience.Sidney’s renowned chef/owner, Neil Annis, prepares simple yet sophisticated modern American cuisine influenced by classic French cooking.The restaurant features a main dining room, a fireplace room and a cozy tavern in addition to three smaller dining rooms on the second floor, ideal for private dining and special occasions. Al fresco dining is also available on our inviting garden terrace, weather permitting.Sidney is the perfect place to dine for any occasion, whether it’s a wedding reception, a business meeting, a casual lunch or simply a great night out on the town. Situated in the heart of historic East Berlin, Pennsylvania, Sidney is close to Harrisburg, York, Gettysburg and Baltimore.Come experience our casual charm, excellent service and irresistible food and wine.
Dobbin House
(More touristy atmosphere, historically themed dishes and interiors)
89 Steinwehr Avenue; Gettysburg, PA 17325; (717) 253-9393
Four Score and Seven years before the Civil War Battle of Gettysburg, (1776), Reverend Alexander Dobbin built a house to begin a new life in America for himself and his family. Today his home, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a colonial restaurant where candlelit elegance, superior food in abundance, and gracious service bring back the sights, sounds and tastes of two centuries ago. It consistently wins Mobil Guide's highest area rating. The friendly hospitality of the Dobbin House extends to the Springhouse Tavern, Gettystown Bed and Breakfast, Country Curiosity Store, Abigail Adams Ballroom, in-house bakery and secret "underground railroad" slave hideout.
Farnsworth House Tavern
(More touristy atmosphere, historically themed dishes and interiors)
http://www.farnsworthhouseinn.com/
401 Baltimore Street; Gettysburg, PA 17325; 717-334-8838
You will always experience a warmVictorian atmosphere at ourfamily friendly tavern.Reenactors are frequently seenat the bar, discussing what they know best. Be sure to view the extensive and unique display of "Gettysburg" movie props and uniforms.We offer everything from peanut soup to Kansas City steak. Enjoy hot sandwiches, salads, cold sandwiches, pork & sauerkraut, slippy pot pie, and Aunt Ann's meatloaf... just to mention a few items. Don't miss the "Desserts Of The Day"or have a "Specialty" Drink.We offer an extensive Wine List & Specialty Drinks, including award winning Adams CountyWinery Wines.
Bars:
Blue Parrot Bistro
Dobbin House
Farnsworth House Tavern
Garryowen Irish Pub
126 Chambersburg St.; Gettysburg, PA 17325
The Garryowen is Gettysburg's home of live music. We provide a laid back atmosphere where you can listen to great tunes, while still being able to carry on a conversation without shouting. .. On any given night you can hear some of the finest local talent performing folk, blues, rock & roll and pretty much anything else. Our mics are always open, whether for professional bands or amateur musicians looking get a jam going and have a good time... Bring your own gear or use the house's: we have guitars (electric and acoustic), bass, drum kit and several microphones on hand. Performance recording is available... The Garryowen has a wide array of drinks and food at some of the best prices in town... We're located at 126 Chambersburg Street in Gettysburg, a block and a half west of the town square
Around Gettysburg:
Hauser Estate Winery
410 Cashtown Road, Biglerville - (717) 334-4888
Amazing views of Adams County orchard country in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. About 15 minutes from Gettysburg, often with live music on weekends.
Hauser Estate Winery has been established as an alternative agri-tourism venture in the historic area of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Grape vineyards are the newest use of our fertile farmland, previously home to acres of Pennsylvania's apples. With extensive research and encouragement to expand into vineyards, we have excitingly undertaken this newest path into agriculture.An underground winery production facility sits beneath our 360 degree glass enclosed tasting room that overlooks miles of farmland, orchards, and forests, extending toward the national Civil War Battlefield. On July 22nd, the tasting room opened its doors to an enthusiastic public. In the fall of 2008, an ancillary shop was opened conveniently located in downtown Gettysburg at 17 On the Square.We hope you enjoy our efforts and passion to preserve America's farmland.
Scenic Valley Tour
http://www.gettysburg.travel/visitor/member_detail.asp?contact_id=107
The self-guided Scenic Valley Tour takes you on a drive through Adams County's numerous historic interests, natural beauty and rolling orchards. The tour spans over 36 miles south, west and north of Gettysburg. Signs marked “Scenic Valley Tour” offer additional directions to support the brochure. Included in the tour are the Gettysburg Lutheran Theological Seminary, the Sachs Bridge, historic Lower Marsh Creek Presbyterian Church (circa 1790), and more.Free copies of the tour brochure are available at the Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau Information Center inside the Historic Gettysburg Train Station, 35 Carlisle Street, or mailed by request.
Eisenhower National Historic Site
http://www.nps.gov/eise/index.htm
Eisenhower National Historic Site is the home and farm of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Located adjacent to the Gettysburg Battlefield, the farm served the President as a weekend retreat and a meeting place for world leaders. With its peaceful setting and view of South Mountain, it was a much needed respite from Washington and a backdrop for efforts to reduce Cold War tensions. Tour the President's home, enjoy a self-guided walk around the farm, or join a park ranger for an exploration of 1950s Secret Service operations or a look back at WWII and Ike's problems as Supreme Commander.
