It’s springtime in Gettysburg, and things are really starting to bloom. Museums, attractions and restaurants are expanding hours. The Gaslight Inn’s gardens, the areas beautiful Redbud and fruit trees throughout central Pennsylvania will soon be flourishing. Maybe the best part is that the weather is warming up; with longer days and more sunshine!
As of March 1st, the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center is open daily 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If you haven’t visited the museum and visitor center it’s a must do on your trip to Gettysburg. The Cyclorama is really an amazing feat of artistry; depicting a 360-degree view of Pickets Charge which took place on July 3rd 1863. The first time I saw the cyclorama I was impressed by its presentation and detail. I didn’t really know much about the battle at that time so I couldn’t place myself in the scene. After having a chance to tour the battlefield, learn more about Gettysburg and reacquainting myself with the Cyclorama, a few times, I’m able to envision myself in the midst of the activity. It is really quite amazing the new details you can pick out with each viewing.
On occasion the Gettysburg Foundation puts on a program called An Evening with the Painting. If you’re in town and have a chance we would highly recommend this event. It allows you to gain an up close and personal view of the painting itself as well as the background of its creation and survival. Many other museums and attractions are ready for visitors as well. It’s recommended to check each venue’s posted hours and availability for when you’re planning to visit. The Gaslight inn would be happy to add tickets to your reservation so they are ready and waiting for you upon arrival.
Spring is also the perfect time to get outside in the fresh air and take a tour. Gettysburg offers an array of options to tour the battlefield and town. Self-guided tours allow you to tour at your own pace via car, foot or bicycle. The Association of Licensed Battlefield Guides are ready to join you on a private tour by car, or a group tour by bus, horseback, Segway or carriage. If you’ve never tried a Segway or rode on horseback, Gettysburg is the perfect place to try it. We went on a Segway tour one early spring morning; it was quiet, the crowds and traffic were light and the heat of the day hadn’t kicked in yet. I’ll be honest, I was a little nervous getting on the Segway and taking the obstacle course test, but once we got on the battlefield it was amazing. Any tour that allows you to get up close and personal with your surroundings really makes for a memorable experience.
The Walking tours conducted by the Gettysburg Licensed Town Guides will tell you about Gettysburg’s fascinating history dating back to the pre-Revolutionary War days. They offer several options to learn about Gettysburg from a different perspective. Listen to stories about the remarkable women who called Gettysburg their home or learn about the black community of Gettysburg and events that made Gettysburg an important stop on the road to freedom.
Let’s not forget to mention the numerous options for Ghost Tours!
Gettysburg is not just about museums and tours, there’s an array of shopping, outdoor and recreational activities, farmers markets, breweries, wineries and distilleries nearby. Check out the Adams County Crop Hop and Adams County Pour Tour.
Now is a great time to plan your next visit and shake off the winter doldrums. The Gaslight inn has a perfect room awaiting you. Each room in our Inn has been tastefully decorated with an air of easy elegance. We want you to find your stay comfortable and relaxing – a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the every day. Enjoy a cup of coffee on our side porch, or relax in the quietness of our beautiful gardens from the back porch and patio.
The Gaslight Inn is perfect for your next getaway, whether it’s a quick weekend trip or an extended stay. We’re only about a 60–90-minute drive from Baltimore MD, Harrisburg and Lancaster PA and couple hours from Washington DC and Philadelphia.
Check out more things to do coming up spring 2022:
Gettysburg’s 55th Spring Outdoor Antique & Art Show – March 21
An Evening with the Painting – March 19, April 23, May 28 – This exclusive, “after-hours” program, hosted by Licensed Battlefield Guide, author and historian Chris Brenneman, offers guests a close-up look at the historic Gettysburg Cyclorama painting. Tickets required. https://www.gettysburgfoundation.org/
2022 Winter Fitness Hike – Michaux State Forest – March 27 – Hike your way to better health with The Physical Fitness Task Force’s guided Winter Fitness Hikes! These fully-guided hikes are open to beginner and seasoned hikers; we will take breaks as necessary and maintain a moderate group pace. We will follow CDC guidelines for outdoor activities that are in effect at the time of the hike. Trails may be uneven or muddy. Please wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring a water bottle. Walks are held rain or shine. In case of severe weather please check www.facebook.com/healthyadamscounty
Dedication of Thaddeus Stevens Statue – April 2 – A statue of Thaddeus Stevens, the most powerful congressman during and after the Civil War, will be dedicated in front of the Adams county courthouse on Baltimore Street in Gettysburg on April 2 at 2:00 p.m. It will be only the second statue of Stevens to be erected despite his importance to American history.
The dedication is part of a three-day celebration of Stevens’s 230th birthday, which will take place on April 1, 2 and 3 in Lancaster, Gettysburg and Caledonia State Park near Chambersburg. The complete schedule can be found at this webpage: https://www.thaddeusstevenssociety.com/calendar
52nd Annual Flower and Plant Market – April 29 – The Homestead comes alive each spring with a beautiful array of quality, locally grown hanging plants, annuals, perennials, vegetable plants, shrubs, and heirloom vegetables. Come join us for our first event of the season, with a great selection of plants, specialty plant growers, and quality craft and garden-related vendors. https://unionmills.org/
160th Anniversary of the Battle of Shiloh – April 23 – Come enjoy this all-day family event! Smell the gunpowder in the air, hear the clashing of cavalry swords and the rebel yell during the daily battles, talk to the Civil War Living Historians and take a tour of the historic house and barn that were used as staging areas and a field hospital during the battle of Gettysburg! https://danielladyfarm.com/
Post your favorite spring activity to do in Gettysburg or elsewhere, in the comments.
