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.

Join us as we salute our troops in downtown Gettysburg for First Friday on November 2nd from 4:00 pm -8:00 pm.

The Gettysburg Area Retail Merchants Association will be joining Goin’ Postal Gettysburg to send holiday boxes to our troops currently serving overseas. The Salute The Troops campaign will kick off on November 2nd. Empty boxes can be found at participating local merchants. When the boxes are filled, Goin’ Postal Gettysburg will ship them out. This should be in time for our soldiers to receive them over the holiday season.

The community is being asked to help fill the boxes with all kinds of goodies and gifts from Gettysburg.

Here are some of the happenings you will want to check out this First Friday in downtown Gettysburg:

All active military and veterans receive 20% off at Scott & Co Fine Jewelers as a “thank you for your service.” (excludes clearance and Pandora) – 17 Lincoln Square

True Friends Boutique – 22 Baltimore Street
Stop in at True Friends and enjoy complimentary hot cider and pretzels while you browse. Shoppers will be able to pick a FREE pair of handmade earrings with a minimum $15 purchase. The “Salute The Troops” donation box will be ready and waiting to be filled. True Friends will be matching all donations so feel free to fill it up to show appreciation for our troops!

Lark Gifts – 40 Baltimore St
Lark provides a delicious cocktail each First Friday. November 2nd they will be serving a Ginger Cranberry Cocktail. Bring in a donation for the Salute The Troops box that will be shipped to an American troops serving overseas. Your donation will earn you 20% off your purchase at Lark Friday night.

Adams County Winery – 25 Chambersburg Street
‘Spice’ up your evening with a glass of ACW’s warm, mulled wines available in two flavors for only $4.00 a glass! Drop off your “Salute the Troops” donations and stay for some wine and art as they feature a display by local photographer Joan Luce.

Enjoy McClellan’s Tavern (located at the Gettysburg Hotel) featured appetizer and First Friday Cocktail specials.
Happy Hour Drink Special: All American Blue
½ Price Appetizer: Meatballs America

For the entire list of participating Gettysburg merchants visit http://www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com/.

See you in downtown Gettysburg tomorrow evening!

The 5th Annual Salsa on the Square in Downtown Gettysburg took place on Friday, October 5th, 2012 as part of First Friday Gettysburg Style. Downtown Gettysburg was filled with the sounds of Salsa music as attendees danced the night away on this beautiful fall evening!

Here is a photo re-cap of the festivities courtesy of local photographer, Meg Kime. Enjoy!

Be sure to mark your calendars and join us for November’s First Friday on Friday, November 2nd.

The Gettysburg Hotel

Wow! Do we have a busy weekend coming up. If you’re not planning to be in Gettysburg during October 5th – October 7th, it’s time to make those last minute plans. This Friday, October 5th happens to be October’s First Friday in Gettysburg, but it’s not just any First Friday- it is also Salsa on the Square!

Downtown Gettysburg comes alive each year with salsa music and dancing in historic Lincoln Square! The 5th annual Salsa on the Square will take place from 5:30 to 10 pm Friday, October 5th. Sponsored by Project Gettysburg-León (PGL), the event will celebrate more than 25 years of Gettysburg’s Sister City relationship with León, Nicaragua.  Check out this video from a past October First Friday featuring Salsa on the Square:

While you’re in downtown Gettysburg enjoying the Salsa music grab a bite to eat and a cocktail at McClellan’s Tavern at the Gettysburg Hotel. McClellan’s Tavern will be featuring a 1/2 price appetizer of Shrimp Tacos and Blue Curacao Margaritas on the rocks as a drink special.

McClellan’s Tavern at the Gettysburg Hotel always has a special 1/2 price appetizer and drink special for First Friday!

Click here for a full listing of participating merchants and specials.

We hope to see you in downtown Gettysburg on Friday!

First Friday Gettysburg Style Celebrates Apple Season on September 7th! Apple Harvest season is near and dear to the hearts of those in Adams County and we will be celebrating the season with a special First Friday. Enjoy apple-themed events, foods and treats all evening long while shopping in downtown Gettysburg. This is also a perfect way to get in the fall spirit.

Here are a few things to put on your list this First Friday in downtown Gettysburg:

Enjoy a Cocktail at Lark Gifts – 40 Baltimore St
Each First Friday relax and unwind at Lark while enjoying a delicious cocktail. In celebration of September’s Apple theme, Lark will serve Spiked Apple Cider Cocktails made with fresh local apples!  And take advantage of Lark’s September First Friday savings – play our “Pick Your Own Savings” game and you will save between 10% and 30% off your purchase!

Grab a Bite at McClellan’s Tavern – 1 Lincoln Square
McClellan’s Tavern will be featuring a ½ price appetizer special – Chicken Applewood Smoked Bacon Goat Cheese Quesadilla. We will also be featuring a Happy Hour Drink Special – Sour Apple Martini.Lord

Browse the items at Nelson’s Gallery – 27 ½ Chambersburg Street
Apple season brings cooler days and nights, so they are showing off their beautiful scarf sets with pins or necklaces created by Diane Kline.

“Bob” for Apples at Gettysburg Day Spa – 221 Chambersburg Street
Visit Gettysburg Day Spa and participate in their “Bobbing” for Apples drawing to win select spa discounts or products.

Have a great First Friday in Gettysburg, everyone!

More about First Friday: First Friday – Gettysburg Style has become a monthly tradition and business opportunity since its inception nearly eight years ago under the auspices of the Gettysburg Area Retail Merchants Association (GARMA). Area stores and restaurants are encouraged to extend their business hours, offer special sales and promotions, and host special events or hospitality in their establishments the 1st Friday of every month. You may have noticed the special 1st Friday flags flying outside participating businesses and have seen the matching logo in special advertising sections in the local media over the years.

This Friday, August 3rd, is First Friday Gettysburg Style! Every month Gettysburg businesses join forces to offer special events and refreshments. Approximately 45 businesses throughout Historic Gettysburg participate by hosting special receptions, guest artists and authors, sales and later business hours. This month’s event is a celebration of Adams County Peach Season. Most people know that Adams County is known as Apple Country, but did you know that along with apples, Adams County is the number one producer of peaches in Pennsylvania? Read about the 22 different peach varieties here from the Historic Round Barn and Farm Market.

There is no doubt one of the many joys of summer in Gettysburg is the pleasure of sinking your teeth into a juicy, delicious Adams County peach! Be sure to experience this while in Gettysburg during First Friday.

Print out your First Friday coupon, get it signed by three participating retailers, and drop it off for a chance to win this month’s grand prize – a $75 gift certificate to Artworks.

Here are just a few things to put on your list during this very “peachy” Gettysburg First Friday:

Get your sweet fix at Sweeet! Candy Store.
Located at 100 Baltimore St. Sweeet will be offering free samples of Haribo Peach Treats and Albanese Peach Rings! They recommend washing it down with an ice cold Peach Nehi or choose from their selection of over 100 sodas!

Sip a Peach Slushie at Adams County Winery.
The forecast is calling for hot temperatures this Friday! This is a perfect reason to visit Adams County Winery at 25 Chambersburg St. to enjoy their Peachy Mango Tango Wine Slushies made with ACW wine. Normally sold for $5, these slushies will be on sale for $4 during First Friday.

Take home a peachy gift from Lord Nelson’s Gallery.
Lord Nelson’s Gallery, located at 27 1/2 Chambersburg St., will be debuting a brand new line of peach soaps by Greenwich Bay. Purchase a 6.35 oz. or 10.5 oz. size and receive a second soap of equal size half off!

Enjoy Dinner at McClellan’s Tavern located at the Gettysburg Hotel.
McClellan’s Tavern will be featuring Peach & Feta Quesadillas with Lime Honey Dipping Sauce and a Happy Hour Peach Bellini Drink Special. Enjoy dinner outside on the Patio at McClellan’s Tavern while overlooking charming Lincoln Square.

Enjoy outdoor seating at McClellan’s Tavern overlooking Lincoln Square in downtown Gettysburg

Visit the First Friday table located at Mr. G’s.
While you’re there (404 Baltimore St.), you must get a scoop (or two or three) of their fresh peach ice cream made with Hollabaugh Bros. fresh peaches!

Fresh peach ice cream from Mr. G’s

Visit GARMA’s website for a complete list of participating merchants and First Friday specials! See you for First Friday Gettysburg this Friday!

This past Friday, July 6th, was First Friday in Gettysburg. It was a hot one outside! Folks enjoyed the many specials and baseball-themed treats as they shopped and visited various Gettysburg Retail Merchants. Here are some photos of downtown Gettysburg on July’s First Friday:

Lincoln Square in downtown Gettysburg on First Friday

The Gettysburg Hotel

Chambersburg St.

Mark your calendars for the next First Friday Gettysburg Style on August 3rd. This First Friday will be a special Adams County Peach theme. You won’t want to miss it.

Summer is HERE! After Memorial Day this past Monday, I am completely in the summer spirit. The weather in Gettysburg has been hot and sunny and this Friday, June 1st is First Friday! I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Summer.

Here are some suggestions of things to put on your list while in downtown Gettysburg this Friday. Download the entire list of specials from Gettysburg Area Retail Merchants by clicking on the “First Friday” link here.

Celebrate 17 on the Square’s 10th Anniversary! – 17 Lincoln Square
17 on the Square is sending thanks to their wonderful dealers and customers and celebrating ten years of business on First Friday. They will be offering light refreshments.

Create a Fused Glass Pendant at Bluebrick Gallery—18 N Washington Street
This month the bluebrick gallery will be having a “Hands On” event for June’s First Friday. Heather Sefcheck will be conducting a hands on fused glass project for the public. Visitors will be able to create a fused glass pendant from 6-8pm for a nominal fee of $ 10.00. The completed fused project maybe picked up in the gallery after June 15, 2012. One pendant may be created per visitor.

Step Back in Time with a Photo from Servants Olde Tyme Photos- 237 Steinwehr Ave
Servant’s is offering 10% off of your purchase with a GARMA coupon. Download the coupon by clicking the First Friday link here. Be sure to get the coupon signed by 3 participating merchants and turn it in for a chance to win this month’s grand prize: An earring class for 4 people compliments of True Friends Boutique!

Enjoy the Flavors of Summer at McClellan’s Tavern – 1 Lincoln Square
McClellan’s Tavern at the Gettysburg Hotel will be offering a ½ Price Appetizer of Chicken Satay with Fresh Fruit Salsa and a Mojito Happy Hour Drink Special. Relax outside on the Square in McClellan’s outdoor seating area.

Enjoy Homemade Ice Cream at Mr. G’s — 404 Baltimore Street
This is a Location of a First Friday Table! Make this your last stop and turn those coupons in for a chance to win.

Happy First Friday, everyone! Taking pictures while in Gettysburg? Send me your First Friday photos to appear in future blog posts. blog@gburghotel.com

This past Friday in Gettysburg was a perfect evening for a Flower Walk to celebrate Mom! Here are some photos of the fun. Be sure to mark your calendars for June’s First Friday on June 1st!

York Street on First Friday in front of Gallery 30

The timeless beauty of flowers: Opening show of paintings by Lester Jay Stone, Eloise Bralove, Hal Page and others at Grace Kelly Salon

The Gettysburg Hotel on Lincoln Square

There was Yoga and Zumba on the Square in front of the Gettysburg Hotel brought to you by the YWCA of Gettysburg and Adams County

Complimentary Carnations for Mom were being handed out at GARMA's First Friday table!

Lincoln Square Downtown Gettysburg

Chambersburg St. on First Friday Gettysburg Style

I was so excited to visit this new store in downtown Gettysburg, A&A Village Treasures! Look for a blog post spotlighting this store soon.

Visit the Gettysburg Hotel on Facebook for even more photos.

April showers bring May flowers! This Friday, May 4th, marks First Friday in Gettysburg. To celebrate the month of May, downtown Gettysburg merchants are holding their second annual Flower Walk! The Flower Boutique, located on North Washington St., will be donating the flowers for the walk. This is a great opportunity to treat Mom or pick up a gift from one of the fabulous Gettysburg retailers! They will be more than happy to help you choose the perfect gift.

Just a reminder: Get your First Friday coupon signed and dropped off for a chance to win this month’s Grand Prize: A one month Rec Pass to the YWCA with joiner fee. Download the coupon here.

Here are just a few of the special deals and places to put on your list this First Friday:

Pick up a gift for Mom at Scott & Co. Fine Jewelers:
Located at 17 Lincoln Square, Scott & Co. will be offering 20% OFF any jewelry item that has to do with “flowers” or “Spring.” (excluding Pandora.)

Scott & Co. downtown Gettysburg location (photo courtesy of their Facebook page. Click to visit them on Facebook.)

Join the “Spartina 449 Party” at True Friends Boutique:
Visit True Friends Boutique, located at 22 Baltimore St., for their first annual Spartina 449 Party! They will be holding drawings for several Spartina items including a grand prize of a very unique 2012 Special Edition handbag! All remaining older Spartina patterns will be priced at 50% off. True Friends will be serving wine and cookies and offering free carnations to all Moms!

Spartina 449 at True Friends Boutique. Click to visit them on Facebook.

Take advantage of luxurious deals at Gettysburg Day Spa:
Located at 221 Chambersburg St., Gettysburg Day Spa is offering some great deals this First Friday.
- Purchase a 15 minute chair massage for $15 and receive a $10 gift card towards a 45 minute massage.
- Purchase a 30 minute Age Fighting Deep Cleansing Facial for $30 and receive a $15 gift card towards a Signature Facial.
- 15% off an At Home Massage Cream
- 15% off an At Home Skin Care Kit
Visit Gettysburg Day Spa on Facebook here.

These spa specials are also available at the Gettysburg Day Spa in honor of Mother's Day!

Take a Tour of the Jennie Wade House:
The Jennie Wade House (548 Baltimore St.) will be sampling local apple butter with baked white bread. They will also be offering a 10% discount in their gift shop on flower themed items. Be sure to take a tour of the house (tours run until 6:15.)

Relax and unwind at McClellan’s Tavern at The Gettysburg Hotel:
McClellan’s Tavern, located at The Gettysburg Hotel (1 Lincoln Square), will be offering a 1/2 priced appetizer of Fresh Tomato Caprese Salad and a Sunflower Highball as a Happy Hour Drink Special.

Download the First Friday flyer here listing all the merchants and their specials. It is even categorized by street for easy shopping! See you in downtown Gettysburg on May 4th!