Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, isn’t just for summertime. Shake the cabin fever and enjoy the unique offerings of the winter season, when skiers and snowboarders replace the sights of Civil War re-enactors, rich comfort foods enjoyed by the fire replace ice cream on the porch and winter hikes replace summer days on the golfing greens. History is still prevalent throughout the winter season as museums open their doors for visitors to engage with curated galleries, and battlefield tours are still available. Here’s how to spend a winter weekend getaway in Gettysburg with the family.
FRIDAY
7 p.m. Comfort Food
Visitors can indulge on a rich and hearty dish at one of the many restaurants throughout Adams County. Try Dobbin House Tavern’s savory baked king’s onion soup in their cozy dining room. This dish is made from scratch with beef, onions and a variety of cheeses melted to perfection. Chicken and biscuits is a staple comfort food dish that can be ordered at the Historic Fairfield Inn. This satisfying dish features homemade, flaky biscuits topped with rich gravy and slow-roasted chicken.
9 p.m. R&R at a B&B
Many Gettysburg bed and breakfasts offer spacious rooms with private fireplaces and luxurious amenities. Visitors can step back in time at a historic B&B and enjoy the simpler things in life: spending time with loved ones, a warm beverage before bed and a cozy ambiance. There are many bed and breakfasts conveniently located throughout downtown Gettysburg, while some are located just outside of town in the quaint and quiet countryside. Try the family-friendly Battlefield B&B: Each morning there are complimentary history programs, with Civil War era clothing available for a fun family photo-op. There is a barn on the property with two horses and a pony that love greeting new visitors. In the evenings, the in-house storyteller tells family-friendly ghost stories that are engaging and entertaining without being frightening for younger kids.
SATURDAY
10 a.m. Immersive History
Throughout the winter season, visitors can still discover the battlefield through a self-guided auto tour or a guided bus tour. A unique advantage to a battlefield tour in the winter is that the bare trees and thinned out shrubbery make it easier to see landmarks or monuments that might not be as visible when the lush greenery returns in the warmer months. Museums detailing various aspects of the Battle of Gettysburg, such as the civilian experience or specific days of battle, are open for visitors. Many museums feature engaging exhibits and immersive hands-on experiences for kids. Try the Gettysburg Museum of History or the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center.
3 p.m. The Mountains are Calling
Visitors can enjoy the fresh air and embrace seasonal outdoor activities. Eleven miles outside of Gettysburg is Liberty Mountain Resort, one of the region’s best retreats for carving out the slopes on skis or a snowboard, snow tubing and outdoor ice skating. The mountain has 16 trails of varying difficulty and multiple lifts. The property features the new Highland Lodge, three restaurants, an onsite hotel, an indoor pool, luxurious full-service spa and an indoor golf simulator. Less than ten miles from Liberty Mountain Resort, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve where visitors can strap on hiking boots and layer up for a serene winter hike. There are 10 miles of trails that meander past mountain streams, frozen ponds and a restored mineral quarry. Bonus: A winter hike means visitors will have an easier time spotting wildlife like deer, foxes and turkeys that might be hidden in the brush during the warmer months.
6 p.m. Seasonal Cuisine
While there are many tasting room locations throughout downtown Gettysburg, the home locations are scattered throughout the beautiful Adams County countryside. Many wine, beer, hard cider and spirit makers offer dining options as well. Parents can grab a craft cocktail and the whole family can enjoy a locally sourced meal from the scratch kitchen at Mason Dixon Distillery or build their own pizza or wrap at Thirsty Farmer Brew Works using ingredients from the neighboring Historic Round Barn & Farm Market.
SUNDAY
10 a.m. Retail Therapy
Gettysburg is a shopping destination, and visitors can beat the winter blues with a little retail therapy. Downtown, niche boutiques offer unique finds, artisan shops are stocked with local, handmade goods and art galleries showcase exciting pieces. The town of New Oxford, ten miles east of Gettysburg, is home to a collection of antique stores which hold countless treasures from years past. Throughout the countryside, artists and potters display their work and functional pieces, giving visitors the opportunity to bring home an authentic piece of Pennsylvania.