WELCOME TO Gettysburg, Pennsylania, of course, is known throughout the world as the site of the American Civil War s most famous battle, but today, this small town is much more than that - it s a destination filled with exciting culinary adventures, breathtaking outdoor recreation, amazing shopping and culture, as well as home to many nationally recognized events throughout the year. The countryside that surrounds Gettysburg is deeply rooted in an agricultural scene made famous by the apple industry. During the spring months, the landscape is dotted with billions of apple blossoms, while late summer, the orchards are brimming with ripe fruit, picked fresh and delivered to one of the region s more than 25 farm markets. Wineries, cideries, breweries and distilleries are popular among couples or groups of friends looking to unwind after a day of shopping, golfing, hiking or touring the nation s most famous battleground. Gettysburg is home to a cultural arts scene rarely found in a town of its size. With art, music, entertainment, shopping and culinary experiences, Come explore Gettysburg with us - we have so many stories to share with you!
GET SOCIAL FIND US - LIKE US FOLLOW US DESTINATION @NEWS DESTINATION DESTINATION ROAD TO TAG YOUR POSTS #MY # INSPIRED # MOMENTS #AUTHENTIC ADAMSCOUNTY HELPFUL LINKS DESTINATION www.destinationgettysburg.com AUTHENTIC ADAMS COUNTY www.authenticadamscounty.com PENNSYLVANIA TOURISM www.visitpa.com
BY THE NUMBERS POPULATION Pennsylvania 12.4 million Adams County 101,105 Gettysburg Borough 8,103 A SHORT ROAD TRIP Harrisburg/Hershey 38 miles/61 kms Baltimore 60 miles/97 kms Washington D.C. 85 miles/137 kms VISITATION* (2015) Adams County 3.8 million Gettysburg National Military Park 1.2 million ECONOMIC IMPACT** (2016) Visitor Spending $691 million Tax Revenue $135 million Employment Impact 5,200 jobs Philadelphia 140 miles/225 kms Pittsburgh 185 miles/298 kms New York City 210 miles/338 kms NEARBY AIRPORTS Harrisburg International (HIA) Baltimore-Washington (BWI) Dulles International (IAD) * Research conducted by California University of Pa. ** Research conducted by Tourism Economics
MAY 17-20 BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL www.gettysburgbluegrass.com 28 151ST MEMORIAL DAY PARADE & CEREMONIES JUNE 23 PA CIDER FEST www.paciderfest.com JULY 1-3 155TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF www.gettysburgreenactment.com 21-22 19TH CENTURY BASE BALL FESTIVAL www.gettysburgbaseballfestival.com AUGUST 16-19 BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL www.gettysburgbluegrass.com 18 BREW FEST ANNUAL EVENTS SEPTEMBER 8-9 WINE & MUSIC FESTIVAL www.gettysburgwine.com 15-16 WORLD WAR II WEEKEND Eisenhower NHS and New Oxford, Pa. OCTOBER 6-7 & 13-14 54TH ANNUAL APPLE HARVEST FESTIVAL NOVEMBER 17 REMEMBRANCE DAY PARADE & CEREMONIES www.gettysburgfoundation.com 19 DEDICATION DAY DECEMBER 1-31 HOLIDAYS IN www.destinationgettysburg.com
AUTHENTIC ADAMS COUNTY Adams County, known around the world for the American Civil War and President Lincoln s famous Gettysburg Address, is known locally as a family community built on dedication, respect of the land, fresh air and relationships. We work hard and we play hard. We invite strangers into our community and our homes and we make them friends. From the hallowed grounds of the Gettysburg battlefield, to the fertile grounds of the Adams County countryside, this area has a wealth of experiences for visitors to discover, that are made even more extraordinary by the stewards of this land - the people who call Adams County their home. The one-of-a-kind stories of Adams County are what make our destination special, and we hope that through sharing these stories, visitors can discover people they wish to meet and places they can t wait to see. CULINARY Discover the culinary side of Gettysburg. Many visitors have been coming to the destination for years for the Civil War history, but continue to discover and enjoy Gettysburg s growing culinary scene. From historic and period restaurants to farm-totable experiences, from our many craft beer, wine and cider events, to our famous National Apple Harvest Festival, visitors are quickly discovering how delicious a visit to Gettysburg can be. Some like to take it all in at once on the new Savor Gettysburg Food Tour. Others like to create their own tastings at our many restaurants, wineries, breweries, coffee shops and events. Don t forget to also check out the many orchards and farm markets throughout the area - Adams County is the top apple producing area in Pennsylvania, so be sure to grab a few for the road. No matter your palate, budget or time frame, the Adams County culinary scene has something for you.
HISTORY Gettysburg is steeped in history. From the time the first shot was fired on July 1, 1863, nothing would ever be the same in the small, rural town. Gettysburg would become known as the location of the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War. It is the worldwide respect for Gettysburg s hallowed ground that makes its battlefield one of the most visited military parks in the country. All around town, visitors can catch glimpses of Gettysburg s past. There are museums that show guests what life was like for civilians during the Battle of Gettysburg, and tours that take visitors through the streets of town and around the farmland to learn about the tragic events of 1863. Gettysburg s history does not stop at the battle. Guests can learn the history of the area s connection to two American presidents - Abraham Lincoln, who visited Gettysburg to dedicate Soldiers National Cemetery and deliver his immortal Gettysburg Address in 1863, and Dwight Eisenhower, whose Gettysburg home is now open to the public as a museum dedicated to his life there. SMALL TOWN CULTURE The Gettysburg region boasts a culture rarely found in towns of its size. With art, music, culinary and theater, Gettysburg celebrates the best things in life through a variety of experiences. Start downtown at the famous Majestic Theater, the town s cultural jewel. After a major renovation in the early 2000s, this icon has attracted world-famous entertainers and local performers, in addition to independent films and concerts. Events such as the National Apple Harvest Festival, the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival, Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival all prove that Gettysburg is more than Civil War history. It s a destination to celebrate authentic American experiences. Head out into the Gettysburg countryside to enjoy evenings of musical performances at local wineries, set against the picturesque backdrop of the South Mountain. Events such as History Meets the Arts and the Civil War Music Muster bring history to life through the arts, and galleries throughout the town celebrate the town s heritage through fine paintings and other culture.
OUTDOOR RECREATION Recreation takes many different forms in Adams County - whether it s hitting a ball on a pristine golf course, skiing down perfectly powdered slopes, or riding a horse through the Civil War battlefield. The Gettysburg region is home to several championship golf courses which feature impressive fairways and challenging putting greens. Some of our courses have been recognized nationally, including the Links At Gettysburg, which was honored by Golf Digest Magazine as one of the best places to play in the United States. Horseback riding is popular throughout Adams County, but especially on the battlefield. With several designated horse trails, the battlefield provides the perfect backdrop for a tour of the countryside. Just a few miles from Gettysburg is Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve, boasting 10 miles of trails and more than 600 acres of woodland. The Preserve also features a nature center and programs throughout the year. Winter comes alive at Liberty Mountain Resort, a popular ski, snowboarding and snowtubing destination that now includes outdoor ice skating. RACE DESTINATION Gettysburg is home to two marathons, two half- marathons, several 5K races and the American Odyssey Relay Race from Gettysburg to Washington, DC. Runners are traversing the trails of Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve with the Twisted Turkey Trail Trussle and climbing the ski slopes of Liberty Mountain Resort with the one-mile Dipsy Doodle Dash. Runners can t get enough of Gettysburg s rolling countryside and historic backdrop; whether it s trying to set a race PR or an early morning run while out on vacation. Runners pass historic Civil War monuments, bank barns and often retrace the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln on his trip to deliver the immortal Gettysburg Address. With its beautiful landscapes and miles of historic roads and competitive races, Gettysburg, Pa., is becoming a runner s paradise. Runners, today, enjoy more than 26 miles of roadway at Gettysburg National Military Park and miles of trails at nearby nature preserves and state parks taking in both history and the natural beauty of rural Pennsylvania.
HOLIDAYS The holiday season is a great time for a getaway to Gettysburg. Gettysburg perfectly blends its history with the spirit of Christmas to create a special holiday destination. Every winter, thousands of visitors stay in one of Gettysburg s cozy bed and breakfasts, enjoy a weekend of shopping in the historic downtown and take in the charm and tranquility of Gettysburg during the holidays. Enjoy a warm, period dinner at the Dobbin House, or a mug of hot cider near the fireplace at the Historic Fairfield Inn. Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol, runs for 10 days each Decemeber, perfromed by Totem Pole Playhouse in the heart of town at the historic Majestic Theater. Gettysburg features a variety of events throughout the entire holiday season, culminating with the New Year s Eve Celebration, featuring tons of family fun and capped off with a fireworks display over Lincoln Square. WINTER GETAWAYS Winter is a great time to take in Gettysburg s history. It may be chilly outside, but there is something beautiful about fresh snow on the battlefields. Be sure to make time for the Presidents; in Gettysburg you ll learn about Lincoln and Eisenhower through tours and museums. Maybe all you need is a little time away. If so, just escape to a little inn, a cool cabin or a comfy hotel. Wander the shops, taste our wines and ciders and discover the new Gettysburg foodie scene. You will quickly find that Gettysburg is your new favorite place to make your own history, no matter what time of year. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventure, history or a quiet escape, Gettysburg is ready to welcome you in the wintertime. If you are looking for adventure, head to Liberty Mountain Resort where you can ski and board with downhill and park options. You can also have a ball cruising down the snow tube hill. You ll find a variety of activities scheduled throughout the season. Don t forget to hit the tavern for a warm drink and bite to eat.