Getting to Know Gettysburg

The audio tour of the battlefield in Gettysburg is a great way to start a visit. You can do an auto tour in your own car, renting or buying a CD or cassette to narrate the tour, or you can take a luxury tour bus or a double-decker. Be sure to visit the Cyclorama. This massive painting brings the battle to life. Our other favorites so far include the Hall of Presidents and Lincoln Train Museum, and we'll soon visit the American Civil War Museum. Walking downtown lets you explore many different shops and dine in a variety of restaurants.

Quick Tips:

The Cyclorama will be closing in November 2005 for 2 years, waiting for their new building to be built. Check with local attractions for combination passes that save money and time.

Best Way To Get Around:

Parking in Gettysburg is rather difficult - most parking is parallel on the streets, with parking meters. Once you find a spot, get out and walk around. It’s a very unique town that is great to walk. There are also carriage rides available at some of the local inns.

Best Things Nearby:
All of Gettysburg; Washington, D.C.; Baltimore; and Philadelphia - all within a short driving distance

Best Things About the Resort:
Trees, trees, and more trees; gravel sites; and the variety of cabin options (basic cabins to more deluxe, with bathrooms, kitchens, and even gas fireplaces)

Resort Experience:
This campground looks like a campground should look, with lots of trees and natural brush growing all around and rocks and boulders dotting the landscape. There is plenty of space between sites. Just this year, many of the RV sites have been upgraded.

• Campground Type: Private
• Campsite Type: RV
• Price Range: $30 - $40
• Cleanliness: Excellent
• Campground Facilities: Excellent
• Recreational Facilities: Excellent
• Campsite Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

Dobbin House has two restaurants - upstairs is the fine dining, and downstairs is the casual tavern. The atmosphere downstairs is unbeatable - in the basement of this Civil War house, there are natural springs, captured when the house was built, still in operation.

Servers are dressed in period costume, and tables are set with tapered candles - when one burns to the end, it is immediately replaced with a fresh one. Candles seem to be the only lighting, making it dark and very cozy and inviting. Food consists of sandwiches and light meals - they also have a daily chef's special.

The moment we entered Farnsworth House, we knew we were in for a treat. This house was built in 1810, and the two large front rooms are now the dining room.

The menus are presented rolled like scrolls, and guests are encouraged to keep them as souvenirs.

Delicious and somewhat unique entrées are all served with two types of bread, spoon bread and Jennie Wade bread. Both were outstanding - we wanted to take more home with us! Also served are watermelon rind pickles, which are not quite as crisp as my grandmother used to make, but still delicious. Water glasses were heavy and cold, but in wonderful pewter goblets. Avoid the iced tea - it tasted like a very bad instant tea, so I sent it back!

Servers were dressed in period costume and appeared to enjoy their jobs very much. They were warm and friendly, with welcoming smiles.