Monday, August 21, 2017

Things You Must Do In Gettysburg, PA

"Hey look, it's Abraham Lincoln!" Natalie said, pointing as we walked up to the Gettysburg National Park. "I'm sorry you got shot," she added as we walked by.






We recently returned from a trip to Gettysburg, and let me tell you, it's a gorgeous town. The grass was emerald green. The sky was robin blue. Fluffy white clouds dotted the sky. The temperature was pleasant in the 80s, a welcome reprieve from the 100 degree temperatures we've been having in Texas.



My husband has always been intrigued by Gettysburg. His Dad was too, but unfortunately his Dad has passed away and never got to visit Gettysburg. So I knew his Dad was on my husband's thoughts. I was also eager to explore Gettysburg--I've always been fascinated with history. If you've never been to Gettysburg, well, I have ideas on what you must do if you go.





1. Check out the Gettysburg National Military Park first before heading for the battlefields. 




You learn different ways to explore the battlefields. You can take a bus tour. You can hire your own tour guide to ride with you. Or you can do as we did and take the auto tour. They'll give you a map on how to drive around and you get to go at your own pace. There's also a museum there, and active duty military members are free.



2. Take the time to read about the battles. There are usually signs out at each spot explaining exactly what went on.


This was helpful for me, because my knowledge of Gettysburg is a tad rusty.



3. Check out the Soldiers' National Cemetery and see the Lincoln Address Memorial.


"So this is where he went 'Four Score and Seven Years ago?' Natalie asked. "Oh and look, it was dedicated in 1912. That's when the Titanic went down."



4. Eat at an old house! We decided to check out the Dobbin House Tavern. There are several in the area, but this was closest to our hotel.





The French Onion soup is AMAZING. Get it!



5. Check out the Sachs Covered Bridge. It's gorgeous. It's about two miles from the battlefields.


Yes, it's historic. Civil War armies marched on it.





6. Do a ghost tour at night. There are lots of options, and we went with Gettysburg Ghost Tours because they had fabulous reviews on Facebook.



It didn't disappoint. We did the Battlecry Tour. It wasn't too spooky, it was mostly stories about ghosts. My daughter is 10 and wasn't frightened at all. I saw kids younger than her as well. You get to walk to various places in town and hear spooky tales about where ghosts have been spotted.


7. Go to the museum at the Gettysburg National Park.





There are many interesting exhibits and it goes into the entire Civil War, not just Gettysburg.



8. Check out the town of Gettysburg. There are cool stores, and you can get a photo like this done:



I know. My husband SO has the face for that era. Natalie's all, "I just loved my hat. I felt like a lady!"



9. Take it all in. At first you'll marvel at the beauty. But then you'll remember what happened there. You'll remember that there were bodies all over the fields. There were people screaming in pain. People who mattered.





Have you ever been to Gettysburg before?



78 comments:

  1. I've always been intrigued by Gettysburg too! So much history and such a beautiful town. Your daughters conversation with Lincoln was priceless though!

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  2. I've never been to Gettysburg but love the sound of the ghost tour! :)

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  3. It sounds like an important place to visit and learn about Civil War history.

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    1. It really does doesn't it - I'm not from the US but history fascinates me so I would love to visit myself.

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  4. Thinking we had better make a trip to Gettysburg before the crazies tear it down and destroy all the wonderful history that makes up our country.

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  5. Gettysburg is a place of history that I would love to see you. I am hoping that at some point in future I can go there with my kiddo and teach them about our history.

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  6. I think I would love to visit Gettysburg and do all the things suggested but not sure about the ghost tour as I am scared of my own shadow

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  7. The picture you took is incredibly cool! I love trips and vacations that incorporate history so I am putting this on our list of road trips. PA is about 7-8 hours away so we can totally do it! Thanks for the inspiration.

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  8. That street sculpture looks very interesting.

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  9. This is the post im waiting on! Thank you for the comprehensive guide! <3

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  10. I have never been to Gettysburg, but it is a place that I've always had an interest in visiting. I definitely would have to do a ghost tour! Haha!

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  11. Gettysburg is so culturally rich and still has a lot of people manning the area. It would be nice to see the finished product.

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  12. We took the auto tour too. I didn't stay there though as we were on the way to NY. I wish I had knew about that bridge that would have been nice to see

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  13. This just sounds amazing and what Natalie said to Lincoln is pretty funny.

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  14. I have to add Gettysburg to my travel list. My kids would enjoy this

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  15. I went when I was little, but I've been meaning to go back for sure. There is SO MUCH to see and do there, and looks like you guys did a ton of it!

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  16. I can imagine that going to Gettysburg is an amazing and very touching thing to do - I would love to be able to go myself.

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  17. Luciana commenting on behalf of Miranda( ajulydreamer.com)

    I've never heard of Gettysburg!

    The location and scenery looks amazing! So many education sights and so much to see. I assume you can have a pic nic within this park.

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  18. Looks like so much fun! Love the fact that many of the sites have a historical element to them - great for educational trips with the family!

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  19. I love that Sachs Covered Bridge! I love things like that and would love to visit Gettysburg for the ghost tour and learn a little more about history

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  20. We love visiting PA and I don't think weve been in gettysburg. It sounds like there is a lot to see and do in this town. Id love to visit one day.

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  21. I would love to visit Gettysburg someday... Those pictures look adorable... I hope you guys enjoy your stay

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  22. I can't remember if I went as a kid or not! But looks awesome!!! Love the covered bridge!

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  23. It seems like a beautiful town.I will sure attract to visit an old house for lunch.And the covered bridge is fascinating!

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  24. It is always nice and more fun to visit historical places and houses. They are full of authentic stories and still a mystery even nowadays.

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  25. The "I'm sorry you got shot" made my heart melt! There's a puddle of chelf on the floor. She is so cute and also so lucky to have you! You've been organizing so many fun and educational stuff for the kids!

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  26. This seems to be such an amazing place. It's great to be outside and also learn something about your country!

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  27. I was supposed to visit Gettsyburg two weeks ago with my girls, but came down with a kidney stone. Now I can use your list when we head back!

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  28. I've never been to Gettysburg although PA isn't terribly far from us. I would skip the Ghost Tour because I'm scary but visiting the Lincoln Address Memorial is cool.

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  29. We missed our opportunity in seeing the Gettysburg last time we were in PA but we will definitely go back to see it. There's so much to learn in that place.

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  30. This is great! I really want to take the kids here. Gonna pin it for future!

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  31. It's nice to learn more about historic places so far away from here. I love your kids words to the statue, so cute!

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  32. We were in the US for almost 5 years but never got a chance to visit PA. It looks like fun. Thanks for the virtual trip.

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  33. The French onion soup actually got my attention. I would live to visit Gettysburg one day.

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  34. The French onion soup actually got my attention. I would love to visit Gettysburg one day.

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  35. Aww that is sad about Tom's dad!
    I'm glad you guys took this trip. It's like his spirit lives on. I would all be about eating at that old house, and doing a ghost tour!

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  36. My husband grew up in PA and he has been there several times. I have never been, but dream about it.

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  37. My husband would love to visit Gettysburg. He is such a history buff and I know he'll enjoy being there. I love the photo of your family. Definitely a keepsake.

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  38. No, we haven't been to Gettysburg yet. However, looking at your photos and reading about the place makes me want to go there the soonest. The covered bridge is so beautiful, and the cannons are very well preserved! Wow.

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  39. Ive never been to Gettysburg, but it's somewhere I think my husband and son would love to see. Lots of history there.

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  40. I have always wanted to find the time to visit Gettysburg. It is just filled with so much history.

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  41. Such a great historic site. Some of the house there look a lot like the houses in the historic part of the Springfield, IL

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  42. I remember being in that museum very vividly. And then I remember going on a tour out there and seeing where Pickett made his fateful charge. Was all incredible.

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  43. There's soo much history! What a fun time to be had by the whole family - that's the best part! I've been there once I believe, but I don't remember much so I should get over there again, I'm pretty close in NY!

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  44. It sounds like you all had a wonderful time at Gettysburg in Pennsylvania. We would love to visit there some day for the history of the area. My family love history and you can always learn more along the way too. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

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  45. I'm a real history buff, so Gettysburg is definitely a place that I would love to visit.

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  46. I went to Gettysburg when I was around 13 but I couldn't tell you anything about it. I've always like seeing historic sites though.

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  47. We never go to do this with our son, but I have fond memories of my parents taking my sister, brother and I to this historical spot! Thanks for bringing back some great memories of a timeless historical vacation spot!

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  48. i went a long time ago when i was younger but would love to go again and take my kids :) how incredible and love all the great places to see!

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  49. We've never been, but it looks like it was a lot of fun! I would especially like to check out that ghost tour!

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  50. I love traveling with my family. I can't for our next to try PA to visit some of these locations.

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  51. I want to visit Gettysburg next year. I'm going to keep your suggestions in mind; especially that ghost tour.

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  52. This is one place I've always wanted to visit. I think it would be really interesting to see. I would really love to bring my family there.

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  53. There's so much hisotry in Gettysburg. I'd love to go there some day as I am a huge history addict! Love that you shared what I should do when I get there.

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  54. I have never been to Gettysburg. It seems like there are lots of great things to do there! Will have to keep it in mind for a possible future trip! Thanks!

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  55. I have never been to PA before, but if we go, we will definitely check out all of these fun, educational stops. Seems like a great place for a family to explore!

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  56. I have yet to visit Gettysburg but I would love to. The pics are amazing but im sure what you saw in person was much more

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  57. I have driven by Gettysburg, but haven't visited it. I'm sure it must be pretty sobering to think about all the lives lost there.

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  58. Looks like such a fun place to explore as a family. My friends have recommended it as well. I think my kids are a good age to go.

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  59. I've never been to Gettysburg but it sounds like a great place to visit. Plus, I've always wanted to see a covered bridge in person. :)

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  60. Thanks for the tips! I'd love to eat at the old house. Antique-looking places have always been a favorite of mine

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  61. We've been around the area, but never checked out the historic places. Will need to check them out and try these pointers.

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  62. Oh my gosh! I have done all these things. You and I are on the same wavelength about what is important to see and do in a historical place.

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  63. I'd love to visit Gettysburg with the kids! My husband and I have always loved to incorporate learning with our travels.

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  64. I live in PA and it is beautiful almost everywhere! I have not been to Gettysburg since I was a child. Definitely need to do an adult trip!

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  65. We stopped at the battlefield once. I remember becoming overcome with emotion that so many people died there.

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  66. I would love to go to Gettysburg when my kids are older and have learned about this part of history.

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  67. Gettysburg is beautiful. I love everything that you did there, especially eating in an old house and the ghost tour.

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  68. That's a nice place to visit, I'll keep this in mind.

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  69. I haven't visit here with my niece, glad you posted it.

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  70. This vacation site never gets old. I like the way the experience is very diverse.

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  71. Thanks for sharing this! This vacation site looks really amazing, I'd love to go there.

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  72. It's a place full of history and culture. I would like to visit it one day!

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  73. I haven't been, but I know a lot of friends who have been here. Sounds like a lot of fun and a good chance to learn a lot of history.

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  74. I do love the sound of the ghost tour at night. That must be really interesting and good fun for families.

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  75. Good tip on the onion soup. I love that bridge! This was a trip worth taking.

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  76. Oh wow! Looks like such a fun place to explore! My kids will surely love to go there!

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  77. Such an important place to visit, especially now.. I hope to go with my teens pretty soon.

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Thanks for the comment!

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