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.

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

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.

This weekend’s forecast in Gettysburg is calling for sunny skies and temps in the 60′s – perfect fall weather! This is a great time to book your downtown Gettysburg walking tour with Gettysburg’s Licensed Town Guides. Most tours depart from the Gettysburg Hotel at 1 Lincoln Square.

Guided walking tours in downtown Gettysburg by Licensed Town Guides are 90 minutes. The tours provide stories from diary entries, personal accounts, letters, drawings, and photographs with stories of Tillie Pierce, Henrietta Shriver, the canon known as “Penelope”, Mary Virginia Wade, Sarah Broadhead, Mary McAllister, Elizabeth Gilbert, John Burns and many, many others. They can be tailored to your specific level and area of interest.

These 90 minute walks are appropriate for all ages and fitness levels.
Specialty tours, group tours and rates, are available by reservation.

One of Adams County’s most beloved traditions, the National Apple Harvest Festival, has come to a close for 2012. Here are some photos of the 2012 National Apple Harvest Festival. Be sure to save the date and plan to visit Gettysburg next year during festival time! It is always held the first two full weekends in October.

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!

I’m absolutely loving the fall weather in Gettysburg right now! We’ve been experiencing cooler temperatures, sunny skies, and the leaves are starting to change. This weekend is no different with temperatures in the 70′s and late 60′s! This weekend is a perfect opportunity to take in the beautiful fall season in Gettysburg.

Here are some ideas for things to do in Gettysburg this weekend:

Pick your own apples at Hollabaugh Bros. Inc. Fruit Farm & Market:
Celebrate Adams County apple season by picking your own apples in Adams County!
Visit Hollabaugh Bros. Fruit Farm & Market and pick your own Red & Golden Delicious apples.  Everything you need is supplied, but the manpower!
WHEN: Daily, beginning September 14th*
WHERE: All picking starts from the retail market
PRICE: $1.19/lb.
HOURS: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday through Saturday and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Sundays.  For directions to the farm and more information visit http://www.hollabaughbros.com/.

Apples at Hollabaugh Bros. (photo from Hollabaugh Facebook Page)

Go antiquing downtown at the Gettysburg Fall Outdoor Antique Show on Saturday, September 22nd.
This one-day event features 150 antique dealers from 13 states displaying their unique pieces on the sidewalks radiating from the historic Lincoln Square. Sponsored by the Gettysburg Area Retail Merchants Association. This event is held rain or shine.
Please direct inquiries to Jonn Angstadt 717-253-5750 or Gettysburgantiqueshow@comcast.net.

Take advantage of the Gettysburg Garden Club’s Fall Harvest Sale on September 22nd:
Visit the Corner of Baltimore and West High Streets from 7:30am – 3:00pm for the fall harvest sale. The sale will feature beautiful hardy mums, coral bells, gourds, mini pumpkins, dried floral wreaths, fresh herbal wreaths, bulbs, herbs and fresh Sweet Annie wreaths. Proceeds of the sale will be used to maintain the flower gardens and hanging baskets of Lincoln Square, and will support our scholarship fund.

Get in the fall spirit at Adams County Winery’s 2nd Annual Harvest Festival:
Visit Adams County Winery (Farm Winery) on Saturday, September 22nd from 1:00pm-5:00pm for great food, music, a Lucy look-a-like contest, home wine making contest, and one of the biggest hits of last year: the grape stomp! This event is FREE!

Enjoy free tours throughout the day. Bring a picnic lunch or purchase food from Uncle Moe’s Soul Food. Prizes will be given to game and contest winners throughout the day. Entertainment will be provided by two bands, Sylvia’s Suitcase and RePlay. Take in the day’s events from the spacious lawn, the brand new garden terrace, or under cover in the winery’s pavilion where free Wi-Fi is available. Visit adamscountywinery.com for more information.

Grapes ready for stomping at last year’s Adams County Winery Harvest Festival (photo from Adams County Winery Facebook page.)

Have a great weekend, everyone!

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.

We’re entering into the last full weekend of August so make the most of these final days of summer and explore Gettysburg before the kids go back to school and the routine returns. With the weekend forecast calling for temperatures in the mid-80s with rain coming on Sunday, there’s really no excuse not to get outside and see what our town has to offer.

Here are a few things to put on your schedule:

Summer Fiesta! (Friday, August 24th 5:30 – 8:30 pm)

Artist Judy Pyle will host a “Summer Fiesta! at her pre-Civil War home. The party will feature a taco bar, Mexican-themed drinks, fabulous desserts, a silent auction and music by Klinger McFry.

Proceeds benefit the Adams County Arts Council to help meet the organization’s mission of cultivating an arts-rich local community.  Reservations may be made here, or by calling(717) 334-5006.   The Arts Council’s mission is to cultivate an arts-rich community.

Friday’s Farm Fresh Market (Friday, August 24th, 9:30am – 5:00pm)

From the freshest fruits and produce to flowers, herbs, vineyards, artisan cheeses, grass fed meats, alpaca yarns, farm eggs, pumpkins, homemade soaps, bakery, jams, jellies, and more, our markets bring the best of Adams County to three convenient locations weekly. Peach season is rapidly coming to a close, so grab them before they’re gone! Visit acfarmersmarkets.org for more information.

Hauser After Hours (Friday, August 24th and Saturday, August 25th, 6:00 – 9:00 pm)

Live music, pay per plate dinners and wine and cider from one of the county’s best wineries combine for a great summer evening leisure experience. Skyla Burrell Blues Band will be sure to tear up the stage and get everyone on their feet. Visit hauserestate.com for more information

Have a great weekend in Gettysburg, everyone!