This post is about visiting the historic town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Just about a two-hour drive from Washington, DC, and Philadelphia, it’s a small town with few traffic lights, a couple of grocery stores and some few downtown shopping streets. The train stops at the historic Gettysburg train station only twice a day.
But over 3 million people visit each year from all over the United States and the world. So it’s not unusual to hear a variety of languages and accents when you’re walking around town.
VISITING GETTYSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA
Visitors flock here because of its history. It’s connected to the fierce 1863 battle of the American Civil War that left over 50,000 casualties and tore the country in two. Gettysburg has become a symbol of both tragedy and hope.
THE GETTYSBURG ADDRESS
That hope came in the form of Abraham Lincoln, who chose this Pennsylvania town as a place to reunite the country through his immortal words. The Gettysburg Address is a simple, two-minute speech that has become one of the world’s most remembered speeches.
HOW TO GET TO THERE
It’s best to rent a car from Washington, Philadelphia or New York and then to drive across rural Pennsylvania. Along the way you will see bank barns, corn fields and a unique culture.
WHAT TO DO
Visitors will find a town steeped in history, with an authentic American experience: cozy inns, historic restaurants, ice cream parlors and boutiques. Most of the establishments are owned and run by locals. There are many tours to choose from – both historic tours and haunted tours. Meanwhile, museums welcome visitors eager to learn about the tragedy and triumph that happened in here.
North of the town are 20,000 acres of apple trees. This is one of the largest apple-growing regions in the United States. Farmers’ markets, orchards and wineries are drawing visitors from the town and bringing them out into the hills for a unique blend of Pennsylvania culinary experiences.
This great combination of history, culture, charm, food and nature makes this a wonderful destination.
