If you are planning a trip to Gettysburg, the National Military Park is undoubtedly one of your destinations to visit while you’re in town. The events of the Battle of Gettysburg are a vital part of our nation’s history, but there’s so much more to the story. Guided Historic Walking Tours through downtown Gettysburg will help you experience how people living in Gettysburg during the Battle reacted to the events unfolding nearby through a series of entertaining and informative 90 minute tours.

Licensed Town Guides use period photographs, newspaper accounts, diary entries and personal letters to give you a first-person account from residents who lived through the fighting and recorded their experiences as it was happening. It really helps to bring the town and its historic places alive as you walk through downtown, learning about the personal histories of buildings and the people who called them home.

There are a number of themed historic walking tours available — and most start at the Gettysburg Hotel at One Lincoln Square.

Gettysburg’s Tales of Murder, Scandal, & Curiosities (May 15-October 31)
You’ll explore some of Gettysburg’s more sorted and infamous locations — sites of murder, political intrigue, scandal. This tour departs from the Gettysburg Hotel on Friday evenings at 6pm. 90 minute tour

Gettysburg’s Mysteries, Oddities, and Strange Occurrences (May 15 – October 31)
A fun, quirky, and entertaining tour of Gettysburg’s odder and lesser known history. Guides will take you on a journey through the southern end of town. These true stories include a president’s ancestor, a murder from long ago, one of the first “mobile” homes, and more. Tour leaves from the Rupp House History Center at 451 Baltimore Street on Saturdays, 6 pm. 90 minute tour.

Walk with Lincoln
This tour follows the footsteps of President Abraham Lincoln during his November 1863 visit. This very special tour is given Saturdays at 1 pm and departs from the Gettysburg Hotel. 90 minute tour.

After the Storm-Focusing on the personal struggles of the town after the Union and Confederate Armies withdrew, this tour leaves from the Rupp House on Friday evenings at 6:15 pm and the Gettysburg Hotel on Saturday evenings at 6:15 pm. 90 minute tour.

If you’d like to reserve your place at one of the regularly scheduled tours or arrange a specialty or private tour, contact Joanne Lewis, Program Director, at 717.339.6161 or via email.

A schedule of tour times:

April 15 – November 22: Thursday-Monday: (10:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm) Sunday: 1 pm only
May 15-October 31: Evening Tours– Friday and Saturday (6:00/6:15 pm)

Rates:

Adults (18-61) $16
Seniors (62+) $12
Students (6-18) $12
Children under 6 Free

The beginning of spring marks the beginning of the music festival season, and for the last 35 years, some of the biggest names in contemporary and progressive bluegrass have been coming to Granite Hill Camping Resort for four days of soaring harmonies and spirited picking. Founded in 1979 by Joe and Lil Cornett (and now operated by Rich and Cyndie (Cornett) Winkelmann), the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival has served as a “who’s who” in the world of bluegrass music and introducing the genre to a whole new generation of fans.

What makes the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival really special is its dedication to providing a family-friendly festival experience. Granite Hill Camping Resort has served as the host for the festival since its inception and its pristine camping facilities and modern amenities provide the perfect backdrop for music-making and family relaxation.

The 66th Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival kicks off on May 16 and runs through the 19th. With over two dozen bands, including the Seldom Scene, Dry Branch Fire Squad, the Steep Canyon Rangers and the Hillbenders, and a host of player’s workshops scheduled, they’re continuing to make bluegrass history right here in Adam’s County.



If you’d like to get a taste of what the festival has to offer, tune into the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival’s listening room.

The best way to experience a bluegrass festival is to camp onsite for the duration. Not only will you be able to take in all the great music from the two stages, but you’ll just as likely stumble into an impromptu jam session around a campfire or in a ring of RVs. If you’re a player, be sure to bring your instruments along. But if camping isn’t your thing — and that’s ok — book your stay with the Gettysburg Hotel.

Multi- and single-day tickets are available for purchase, ranging from $110 (advance) for the full festival to $25 for Sunday only.

 It’s almost Mother’s Day — and the newly renovated signature restaurant at the Gettysburg Hotel, One Lincoln, has a special three course prix fixe menu to help you celebrate Mom. Chef Joseph Holmes calls his fare “casual comfort,” but you can be sure that it’s going to be a memorable meal, no matter what you call it.

Inspired by comfort foods of the past and today, Chef Holmes’ creations are tinged with nostalgia — but reimagined for contemporary palates.

First Course

Spicy Maryland Soup
House Salad

Second Course

Breast of Chicken Madiera
Crab-Stuffed Sole with Roasted Tomatoes
Medallions of Soy and Ginger-Marinated Beef
Scandanavian Pork Loin

Selections from the Dessert Tray

Price: $23.50 per person (excluding tax & gratuity)

As in years past, Mother’s Day Brunch will be a very well-attended event at the Hotel, so reservations are strongly suggested. You may call (717).337.2000 to reserve your seating.

This menu is offered as an additional selection to the Gettysburg Hotel’s Annual Mother’s Day Brunch menu.

Ah, February! The month of love, romance and of course – chocolate! The 2013 downtown Gettysburg Chocolate Walk will be held on February 1st as part of First Friday Gettysburg Style.

Kilwins of Gettysburg ( located on Steinwehr Avenue) will be providing the delicious chocolate treats. Shop from store to store for your Valentine this Friday and enjoy samples of Milk and Dark Chocolate.

This month’s grand prize is a Chocolate Massage compliments of the Gettysburg Day Spa (Value $85.00)!

Here are just a few of the Gettysburg shops participating in this decadent Chocolate Walk Event:

True Friends Boutique – 22 Baltimore Street
Stop in First Friday to satisfy your sweet tooth with some Kilwin’s chocolate. We will also be serving coffee and hot chocolate. Check out our half priced merchandise deals as we make room for spring! Deb and Cathy just returned from the market in Atlanta where they spent four days shopping for unique gifts and accessories. The awesome new spring merchandise is going to be rolling in and pack the boutique!!

Reids Orchard & Winery—242 Baltimore Street
Walk to Jennie’s House at 242 Baltimore Street for our Wine-Chocolate Pairings on February 1! Our naturally made wines will be paired for tasting with Equal Exchange Fair Trade Organic Chocolates! 10% off purchase price of bottle of wine with its paired Choco-late! Offer valid 2-1-2013 from noon—8pm

A&A Village Treasures – 53 Chambersburg Street Will be having a choc fondue fountain for the event and choco-late walk which will allow customers to dip there favorite fruits in chocolate. We will also be sampling local wines as well as sam-pling other products from the pantry. In addition, Virginia from Dancing Pig Pottery, a local potter will also be here with their pottery.

Gettysburg Day Spa—221 Chambersburg St
Hot Chocolate Oil massage – $110.00/ 90 min
Chocolate cherry facial – $85.00/ 60 min
Chocolate Souffle Body Wrap – $85.00/ 75 min includes a free gift
Couples Massage with Hot Chocolate oil $175.00 / 60 min includes free gift for couple
Chocolate pedicure $55.00/ 60 min

For a full list of participating retailers and specials click here.

February is Valentine’s Month at the Gettysburg Hotel! We’re celebrating with a special 2 day/1 night Cupid’s Getaway Valentine Package at the Gettysburg Hotel available the entire month. Treat your sweetheart to the romance and charm of downtown Gettysburg.

Choose from our inviting Traditional accommodations, featuring spacious rooms with elegant period furnishings or you may choose one of our welcoming Deluxe suites to include a fireplace and Jacuzzi bath that create a relaxed and refined atmosphere.

Upon your arrival, you will receive a luscious box of chocolates for your sweetheart.   After you settle into one of the hotel’s spacious guest rooms, we invite you to join us for a romantic dinner for two in our renowned restaurant.

As you retire back to the warm atmosphere of your Premier room or Deluxe suite, enjoy your choice of either a bottle of champagne or sparkling cider.   Prior to your departure, your getaway also includes breakfast for two and a late check-out of 1pm.

All taxes and gratuity included in the package.

This package is bookable by calling the hotel directly at (866)-EST-1797 or (717)-337-2000.

 Hello Friends,

Happy New Year! With renovations underway and Gettysburg’s 150th celebrations planned, we’re confident that 2013 will be a sensational year for the historic Gettysburg Hotel. I’m thrilled to be able to share so much good news from our hotel with you in this month’s newsletter.

Our extensive renovation that began in November will be completed in the next few months. The first phase of our renovation includes updates and enhancements to our guest rooms that have been absolutely transformative. Boxy televisions and dated décor have been stripped away and carefully replaced with fresh surfaces, sleek technology and refined décor without obscuring the historic integrity of our hotel. I’m pleased to announce that we will begin to offer our guests accommodations in our new guest rooms before the end of January.

The digital renderings featured in this newsletter highlight the direction of the new décor. It evokes a spirit of adventure that well-travelled guests will recognize. I hope the visual representation these renderings provide can give you a sense of just how totally amazing our completed renovation will be.

Next month I will share exciting news and updates related to the development of our new restaurant concept, One Lincoln. The transformation of McClellan’s Tavern into One Lincoln will raise the bar for dining excellence in downtown Gettysburg.

Until then, I wish you nothing but the best in the New Year.

Sincerely,
Susan

Hotel Lobby Rendering:

RENOVATION TIMELINE: February, 2013 – March, 2013

This refreshed space will include a welcoming and open floor plan allowing hotel guests to mingle, relax and enjoy the ambiance of the Gettysburg Hotel. The front desk will be refined to introduce a more personal check-in experience.

Guest Room Rendering:

RENOVATION TIMELINE: November, 2012 – March, 2013

Renovated guest rooms on floor five and floor six will begin to receive guests in late January.

Each updated room features new wall coverings, attractive new carpeting, stylish furniture, fresh bedding and ample lighting. Guest rooms also include flat screen televisions and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Subsequent floors will become available in phases through mid-March.

Miranda & Sean’s gorgeous winter wedding was held at the Gettysburg Hotel this past December. The Christmas Tree in downtown Gettysburg on Lincoln Square was just one of the lovely backdrops used in the stunning photos by Teal Photography. The Gettysburg Hotel’s grand ballroom was transformed into a wintery wonderland using rustic branch centerpieces with dangling crystals.

Here are few of the photos from their big day: (All photos by Teal Photography)

Bride & Groom on Lincoln Square

The steps of the Gettysburg Hotel

Gettysburg Hotel Grand Ballroom

Gettysburg Hotel Grand Ballroom

Congratulations Miranda and Sean!

The old bank vault in the Gettysburg Hotel Grand Ballroom

Read more about weddings at the Gettysburg Hotel here.

From all of us at the Gettysburg Hotel, we wish you a very Happy New Year! We look forward to all of the exciting things coming in 2013 and  hope to see you in the new year!

Happy Holidays!