We’re just a few weeks away from the start of the 2013 Gettysburg Festival, one of the premier events that happens each year in Gettysburg.  The Festival celebrates local talent throughout the community though its Fringe events — visual arts, culinary arts, theater, film, music and children’s events — and showcases leading voices and practitioners in these fields. 

Now celebrating its sixth year, the Gettysburg Festival strives to provide access and exposure to the arts in a family-friendly and affordable atmosphere. In fact, more than half of the events held during the Festival are completely free and open to the public. 

The Gettysburg Festival celebrates American arts, culture and cuisine against the historic backdrop of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This tourism initiative provides access to the arts to inspire, entertain and educate the public. 

This year’s festival will be held June 8 – 16. Over the next several weeks, you can expect post featuring some of the headliners and festival that will be in attendance. You’ll learn a little bit more about who they are, where they will be performing, and how to secure tickets if necessary.

It’s always one of the highlights of the summer season as we celebrate the visual arts, culinary arts, and music right here in our own backyard. 

Tickets are now available for sale. You can purchase them securely right here. Note: while many events are free, they still require a ticket.

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.

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.

Happy Holidays!

The holidays in Gettysburg are officially in full swing! The tree on Lincoln Square is ready for this weekend’s tree lighting and everyone’s halls are decked. To really get in the holiday spirit, visit Gettysburg this weekend and experience festive activities and fun events.

Make your list and check it twice- here are some exciting things to do in Gettysburg this weekend:

Friday, November 30th & Saturday, December 1st: The Gettysburg Festival’s Gingerbread House Celebration.

A photo of the Historic Gettysburg Hotel in Gingerbread from a past Gingerbread House Celebration.

Enjoy a gallery of gingerbread houses to usher in your holiday season! Place your bids to own a gingerbread masterpiece, with proceeds benefiting the non-profit Gettysburg Festival. All visitors are invited to vote for their favorite gingerbread creation, the People’s Choice Award.

Friday, November 30:  Opening Reception, 5:00-7:30 pm.  Enjoy the awards ceremony for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place houses, and the first opportunity to view the gingerbread houses and place bids. Begin your holiday shopping at the Holiday Market.
The Gettysburg Hotel is proud to sponsor the 1st place award of $500!

Saturday, December 1:  Family Day Free admission 9 am-4 pm.  Bid to win one of the Gingerbread creations, vote for your favorite, shop at the Holiday Market, help decorate the community house and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa. Gingerbread house bidding continues until 3 pm on Saturday afternoon.

Friday, November 30th- Hollabaugh Bros. Holiday Open House:

Ring in the holiday season at Hollabaugh’s 3rd annual holiday open house! They will have lots of refreshments, guest vendors (wine, jewelry, candy, crafts, and more!), Christmas trees and wreaths, raffles, and plenty of holiday cheer! Some of the vendors include:

* Hauser Estate Winery
* Homemade chocolates from local chocolatier Barb Schrum
* Homemade cards from local crafter, Janice Melton
* Handmade crafts from local artisan Trudy Nye
* Handmade jewelry from local artist Jean Sixeas
Click here for more information.

Saturday, December 1st- 3rd Annual Old Getty Place Christmas Parade  & Christmas Tree Lighting:

The Parade will form on Lefever Street in front of Lincoln Elementary beginning at 6:00pm.  It will move out onto Baltimore Street beginning at 7:00pm.  It will follow Baltimore Street down to Lincoln Square, turn on York Street, and then onto Liberty Street and disband in the general area of the old Keefauver and Middle Schools.  After the parade, enjoy the lighting of the Christmas Tree in Lincoln Square!

Hundreds gather after the annual Gettysburg Christmas Parade for the tree-lighting ceremony. The event is the official kick-off to Gettysburg’s holiday celebration. (Image courtesy of the Gettysburg Convention and Visitor’s Bureau)

Friday, Saturday, & Sunday – Santa’s Shanty Will Be Open:

Visit Santa in his quaint Shanty on historic Lincoln Square in downtown Gettysburg. Children can share their wish list with Jolly Old Saint Nick! Santa’s Shanty will be open during the parade!

Friday 11/30 – 5:00pm-8:00pm
Saturday 12/1 – 10:00am-1:30pm and 2:00pm-5:00pm – Parade
Sunday 12/2 – 1:00pm-4:00pm

Santa’s Shanty brought to you by the Gettysburg Area Retail Merchants Association

Specials in McClellan’s Tavern this weekend:

Relax at McClellan’s Tavern at the Gettysburg Hotel this weekend! We will be featuring these great specials:
$3 Jack Daniel’s/Captain Morgan Shooters
Soft Shell Steak Tacos with onions, cilantro, cheese and a wedge of lime  – $5 for 2 tacos

Have a great weekend, everyone!

A nostalgic tradition in Gettysburg, Santa’s Shanty is now open on Lincoln Square in downtown Gettysburg for 2012.

Visit Santa in his quaint Shanty on historic Lincoln Square in downtown Gettysburg. Children can share their wish list with Jolly Old Saint Nick!

Here is the 2012 schedule:

* Saturday 11/24 – 10:00am-1:30pm and 2:00pm-5:00pm and 5:30pm-8:00pm

* Sunday 11/25 – 1:00pm-4:00pm

* Friday 11/30 – 5:00pm-8:00pm

* Saturday 12/1 – 10:00am-1:30pm and 2:00pm-5:00pm – Parade & Tree Lighting

* Sunday 12/2 – 1:00pm-4:00pm

* Friday 12/7 – 5:00pm-8:00pm

* Saturday 12/8 – 10:00am-1:30pm and 2:00pm-5:00pm and 5:30pm-8:00pm

* Sunday 12/9 – 1:00pm-4:00pm

* Friday 12/14 – 5:00pm-8:00pm

* Saturday 12/15 – 10:00am-1:30pm and 2:00pm-5:00pm and 5:30pm-8:00pm

* Sunday 12/16 – 1:00pm-4:00pm

* Friday 12/21 – 5:00pm-8:00pm

* Saturday 12/22 – 10:00am-1:30pm and 2:00pm-5:00pm and 5:30pm-8:00pm

* Sunday 12/23 – 1:00pm-4:00pm

* Monday 12/24 – 10:00am-2:00pm

The holidays are such a wonderful time to visit downtown Gettysburg. The quaint shops and beautiful buildings offer the perfect, festive atmosphere when decorated for the holidays. To me, the season in Downtown Gettysburg begins with the construction of the famous Christmas tree on Lincoln Square. This tree is so comforting to many and is a spectacular centerpiece for the entire downtown. Here are a few photos of the Christmas tree on Lincoln Square being put up on November 19.

Make your reservations today to visit during the holiday season! There are so many great upcoming events like Breakfast With Santa at the Gettysburg Hotel on December 8th, Tuba Carol Fest on Lincoln Square on December 14th, and the Gettysburg Festival’s Gingerbread House Competition on November 30th. You won’t want to miss it!

Steven Spielberg’s latest film “Lincoln” is in theaters today (November 16th) and Steven Spielberg himself will be in Gettysburg on Monday, November 19th, as the Dedication Day keynote speaker. You won’t want to miss this exciting, annual event commemorating the Anniversary of President Lincoln’s infamous Gettysburg Address.

Photo courtesy of Majestic Theater’s Facebook Page

Here’s what you will need to know for the 149th Anniversary of the Gettysburg Address featuring Steven Spielberg:

(Info from the Gettysburg Convention and Visitor’s Bureau)

At 9:30 a.m., the day’s events will begin at the Soldiers’ National Cemetery with a wreath laying ceremony at the Soldiers’ National Monument. The Dedication Day ceremony will commence at 10:00 at the rostrum, where Steven Spielberg will deliver the keynote address. As has become a custom, Lincoln portrayer James Getty will recite the Gettysburg Address and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will hold a naturalization ceremony for sixteen citizenship candidates.

Immediately following the event, there will be the U.S. Colored Troops Graveside Salute at the gravesite of Charles H. Parker, one of only two African American Civil War soldiers buried in the National Cemetery.

All Dedication Day events are sponsored by The Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania, the Gettysburg College, the Gettysburg National Military Park, and the Gettysburg Foundation.

For information, contact the Gettysburg National Military Park at 717-334-1124.

We are looking forward to an exciting month of November! One of our favorite Gettysburg traditions is Thanksgiving Day at the Gettysburg Hotel. Every year, the Gettysburg Hotel holds their annual Thanksgiving Day Buffet – a traditional feast perfect for the entire family!

Thanksgiving Menu: