Sure, our little town is famous because of the Civil War battle of historic proportions. But there are also tons of cultural, creative and culinary delights to wow anyone looking to explore Gettysburg. This isn’t your parents’ Gettysburg of old, and we’ll show you why.
Night Life
If you’re looking for an excuse to get out and continue exploring, the nightlife from Thursday through Sunday is not to be missed.
Reid’s Cider House and Winery, located on Baltimore Street, has live bands each weekend. Enjoy a glass of wine or a hard cider and a snack and take in the music. The outside space seats 100, so you’ll be able to people watch and enjoy a couple drinks with friends, old and new. 400 Baltimore St., (717) 334-7537.
Hauser Estate Winery offers live music, including open mic night, at its convenient tasting room, 19 on the Square. Stop in to learn about the winemaking process, taste-test wine and hard cider, stay for the music and sample a fun collaboration cider with The Ragged Edge Coffee House. 19 Lincoln Square, (717) 334-4888.
The Farnsworth House Inn, located on Baltimore Street right in the heart of downtown, offers live outdoor music in its beer garden. Order up a beer, choose from a selection of local wines or select a snack from the appetizer menu. A relaxing evening at one of the most historical properties in town combines history with modern tourism. 401 Baltimore St., (717) 334-8838.
Gettysburg College’s Majestic, located just off the square, is “the grandest small-town theater in America.” A part of the Gettysburg community since 1925, the restored Majestic now offers an extraordinary showcase of the performing arts and cinema. Check out the theater’s calendar to see what live music, comedy, plays or movies are coming to town. 25 Carlisle St., (717) 337-8200.
Waldos and Company embraces the amazingly creative side of the hipster culture embodied in a destination full of depth and artistry. Located conveniently on the square, Waldos is a place where anyone can contribute to enjoying the community, advancing culture and fostering creativity through art classes, studio space, a library and gallery. Hit up the coffee and Kool-Aid bar—yup, Kool Aid—and connect with friends over live music, lectures and movie nights. 17 Lincoln Square, (717) 400-6966.
Ice Cream Fix!
These days gastronomical tourism is all the rage—and why not!? But at the end of the day, who doesn’t love a tasty ice cream treat? With many shops featuring their own specialties, you could have ice cream with every meal and remind yourself that it’s not just for the kiddos.
Mr. G’s Ice Cream is housed in a historic Civil War era building and offers the quintessential ice cream experience. From cones to dishes and sundaes to shaved ice, you will eat your heart out. 404 Baltimore St., (717) 334-7600.
Sunset Ice Cream Parlor is a bright red and yellow building located in the midst of souvenir shops. Enter the small shop through the classic screen door and indulge at a table inside, or people watch in the shade outside. 33 Steinwehr Ave., (717) 337-3125.
Treat Yo’ Self is frozen yogurt to the max offering 20 creamy, self-serve flavors and more than 40 tantalizing toppings. Try the warm and freshly made-to-order donuts or hand-crafted cupcakes. Yum! 430 Baltimore St., (717) 420-2914.
Kilwins is the spot to hit if you want to watch real-time creation of amazing treats like fudge and toffee-coated popcorn. Indulge in all things deliciously chocolate and walk away with a satisfied sweet tooth. 37 Steinwehr Ave., (717) 337-2252.
Cone Sweet Cone is the newer kid on the block downtown, but it’s definitely worth checking out. Featuring homemade ice cream, gelato, Italian ice and cream ice (a combination of vanilla ice cream and Italian ice), the fresh and inventive flavors make this a great stop along your way. 433 Baltimore St., (717) 420-0058.
Half Pint Creamery is located outside of town but is absolutely worth the trip. With 36 flavors available from which to choose on a rotation of more than 100, there is something for everyone. Enjoy the huge portions and sinfully fun choices (ice cream cupcake anyone?). 1101 Biglerville Rd., (717) 420-2110.
Authentic Cuisine
One thing Adams County is known for is its agriculture. And an amazing byproduct of that is the culinary delights from the Hispanic population, which makes up the majority of the agricultural workforce. If you are looking for authentic Mexican cuisine, you came to the right place.
El Costeno Restaurant, located near Lincoln Square, has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine in the borough since 2002. El Costeno is a BYO that offers a full lunch and dinner menu. Bring your favorite cider from Hauser’s or mixed six-pack of craft beers from ABC and settle in for fresh chips, salsa and guac and so much more. 39 York St., (717) 339-0029.
If Mexican’s not your style, check out other places to grab a bite among Adams County’s booming food scene.
Quiet Conversation
If you are looking for a quiet setting to relax and have an intimate conversation, check out a few of our recommended spots.
The Ragged Edge Coffee House, located on Chambersburg Street a block or so from the square, is housed in an old home that offers lots of character. Sit on the large front porch, pull up a cozy corner inside or find a breezy spot in the backyard. With its own coffee roaster offering single-origin roasts from around the world, even the most discerning coffee drinker will be impressed. A fun bonus is the collaboration with Hauser Winery to create a breakfast cider infused with Ragged Edge coffee. After enjoying a quiet stop for some coffee and cookies, check out the Hauser Winery tasting room, 19 On the Square, to sample the collaboration cider. 110 Chambersburg St., (717) 334-4464.
Federal Pointe Inn, a boutique inn housed in a historic nineteenth-century building that was once The Meade School, offers the tucked-away and relaxed Federal Pointe Pub complete with tasty munchies. Peruse the old photos and memorabilia adorning the former classroom walls and enjoy the fun atmosphere this quaint spot offers. 75 Springs Ave., (717) 334-7800.
No Agenda
If you want to come and go as you please, shop for a bit, tour the town and then pop in somewhere to relax, check out our various breweries and the new distillery in town.
Battlefield Brew Works is opening a tasting room on Steinwehr Avenue, so customers can walk around downtown and stop in whenever they feel like it. With an extensive on-tap list, spirits and a delicious menu at the flagship location on Hunterstown Road, the tasting room promises to be a fun spot. 45 Steinwehr Ave., (717) 398-2907.
Appalachian Brewing Company opened its Gettysburg Battlefield brewpub directly adjacent to the Battlefield in a “unique and nostalgic setting.” Enjoy the outdoor seating and have fun with the walk-up beer and soda window. While you’re there enjoy a tour as well. 259 Steinwehr Ave., (717) 334-2200.
Mason Dixon Distillery is Gettysburg’s only small-batch distillery. Stop in to sample spirits, take a tour and grab a bite to eat. Don’t forget to take a bottle home with you. 331 E. Water St., (717) 398-3385.
Evening Tours
If you want to feel a little spooky, hop on the ghost tour train available from Gettysburg Ghost Tours, Haunted Gettysburg Tours, Sleepy Hollow of Gettysburg and Ghosts of Gettysburg, among others. Arguably one of the most haunted places in America, Gettysburg is likely to not disappoint on the creepiness scale.
If you want to hit a bunch of these types of places, try our Wine, Cider & Dine Tour, which simplifies the process, guides you through your experience and offers spectacular insight into Gettysburg wineries and restaurants. Beginning August 25 and through November 6, the Wine, Cider & Dine Tour will be held from 5–8 p.m. In case you needed it, that’s just another reason to visit Gettysburg. Come join us!
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