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!

A few weeks back, I posted photos of the infamous Christmas tree being constructed on Lincoln Square. I am so excited to share even more photos of the stunning holiday displays on Lincoln Square in downtown Gettysburg now in full swing. The tree on the Square is very special to many and if you have never seen it in person, I highly recommend making your plans to come to Gettysburg today.

Gettysburg Hotel during the holidays

he Lincoln Square Christmas Tree Topper

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!

Take advantage of this special teardown package at the Gettysburg Hotel starting now until December 30th as we begin our renovation and transformation.

TWO NIGHT SPECIAL: