Gettysburg

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Everyone knows about the Battle of Gettysburg. And if you don't, you should. It was the turning point in the American Civil War and also its bloodiest battle. Some even say it was the bloodiest battle in North America or in the Western Hemisphere for that matter. But the battle and the battleground it left behind overshadows the town of Gettysburg itself—a real town caught up in the international spotlight of a war and its aftermath.

Today, tourists come from all over the world to visit the battlefield as well as the town itself. Most don't see much more of Gettysburg beyond the tourist strip along Steinwehr Avenue. But just to the north is a real town with shops, services, and also just as much history as the battleground surrounding it.

Unfortunately, Gettysburg has been grappling with an identity crisis. Some have accused it of being too touristy and even too tacky, especially compared to the more somber Antietam to the south. Driving along Steinwehr Avenue, you get the feeling you are near an amusement park rather than a battleground.

But the people of Gettysburg have fought hard to change those perceptions. The seventies-era Gettysburg National Tower, a 300-foot steel monstrosity that towered over the battleground was demolished in 2000. In 2006, the town successfully prevented a casino from opening near one of the battle sites. That doesn't mean all construction has ceased. A new and improved
Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center (97 Taneytown Road, 717-334-1124) recently opened in April of 2008.

And in town itself, Gettysburg has been undergoing an amazing renaissance. Many sites have been restored such as the Lincoln Train Station where Abraham Lincoln arrived to give his famous Gettysburg Address. You'll also find plenty of shops, dining and other attractions.

The center of town is Lincoln Square at the intersections of Business Route U.S. 15 and U.S. 30. These two routes are also Gettysburg's Main Streets. U.S. 15 is made up of Carlisle Street to the north and Baltimore Street to the south and even further south to Steinwehr Avenue where most of the "touristy" shops, eateries, and attractions are located. U.S. 30 is made up of Hanover Street to the east and Lincoln Highway to the west.

Many of the stores in Gettysburg sell Civil War memorabilia and artifacts. Others are gifts shops that specialize in related themes such as folk art and Americana. Being a mecca for history buffs, it's also not surprising to find a large number of antique stores in town as well.

Retail Hours

Most stores in Gettysburg are open seven days a week. However, there are a few that are closed or have limited hours on Sundays so call ahead. Also, most stores close by five or six p.m.

Parking

Metered parking spaces can be found throughout town. The Racehorse Alley Parking Plaza is located directly behind the Lincoln Train Station. Not only will you find plenty of parking spaces here but public restrooms as well. Public Restrooms can also be found at the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center.

Restrooms

Public Restrooms can be found at the Racehorse Alley Parking Plaza behind the Lincoln Train Station.

Attractions

And if you decide to stay the night, you'll have lots of company. Considered one of the most haunted towns in America, you know you'll stay busy on a night time ghost tour. Try
The Original Ghosts of Gettysburg (271 Baltimore Street, 717-337-0445) if you want to learn more about the history of the town or if you're just looking for something to do after the stores have closed.

If that isn't your idea of "night life," get tickets to the Majestic Theater (25 Carlisle Street, 717-337-8200), a recently restored theater that features movies and live performances.

Directions

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is about 66 miles from Baltimore, Maryland, 86 miles from Washington, DC, and 140 miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

From Baltimore, take I-795 north. Take exit 9B to merge onto Maryland Route 170 west (Westminster Pike) towards Westminster. Continue for about 32 miles. Turn left at U.S. 15 north. You will enter Pennsylvania. Take the U.S. 15 Business (Steinwehr Avenue) exit towards Gettysburg. The road will merge with Baltimore Street and take you into downtown Gettysburg.

From Washington, take I-270 north towards Frederick. Continue on to U.S. 15 north. You will enter Pennsylvania. Take the U.S. 15 Business (Steinwehr Avenue) exit towards Gettysburg. The road will merge with Baltimore Street and take you into downtown Gettysburg.

From Philadelphia, take I-76 west (Pennsylvania Turnpike). Take exit 236 for U.S. 15 south towards Gettysburg. Take the U.S. 30 west exit. The road will merge with Lincoln Highway and take you into downtown Gettysburg.

External Links

www.gettysburg.travel
www.mainstreetgettysburg.org

Directory

Antiques

Abe's Antiques (22 Baltimore Street, 717-337-2122)
Antique Center of Gettysburg (30 Baltimore Street, 717-337-3669)
Rx Antiques (28 Chambersburg Street, 717-338-9092)
17 on the Square (17 Lincoln Square, 717-339-0017)
Wogan's York Street Antiques (26 York Street, 717-337-3378)

Apparel

T & S Menswear (1 Chambersburg Street, 717-334-7575)

Arts and Crafts

Wentz Stained Glass Studio (48 York Street, 717-334-0906)

Books

Gallery 30 (30 York Street, 717-334-0335)
Gettysburg Book Cellar (22 Carlisle Street, 717-337-0557)
Lord Nelson's Nature Store & Gallery (27 1/2 Chambersburg Street, 717-334-7950)
The Spot (48 Baltimore Street, 717-334-0979)

Civil War Memorabilia

Abraham's Lady (25 Steinwehr Avenue, 717-338-1798)
Dirty Billy's Hats (20 Baltimore Street, 717-334-3200)
Fields of Glory (55 York Street, 717-337-2837)
The Gettysburg Quartermaster (419 Baltimore Street, 717-398-0176)
Greystone's American History Store (461 Baltimore Street, 717-338-0631)
The House of Bender (1 Baltimore Street, 717-334-4315)
Irish Brigade Gift Shop (504 Baltimore Street, 717-337-2519)
Stoneham's Armory (5 Steinwehr Avenue, 717-337-2347)
The Union Drummer Boy (13 Baltimore Street, 717-334-2350)

Coffee and Dessert

Cannonball Old Tyme Malt Shop (11 York Street, 717-334-9695)
Kilwin's Chocolates & Ice Cream (37 Steinwehr Avenue, 717-337-2252)
The Ragged Edge Coffee House (110 Chambersburg Street, 717-334-4464)
Rita's Water Ice (523 Baltimore Street, 717-338-9090)

Dining

The Avenue Restaurant (21 Steinwehr Avenue, 717-334-3235)
Blue Parrot Bistro (35 Chambersburg Street, 717-337-3739)
Cafe Saint-Amand (48 Baltimore Street, 717-334-2700)
Centuries on the Square (1 Lincoln Square, 717-337-2000)
Dino's Restaurant (226 Steinwehr Avenue, 717-337-3453)
Dobbin House Tavern (89 Steinwehr Avenue, 717-334-2100)
The Farnsworth House and Inn (401 Baltimore Street, 717-334-8838)
Hunt's Battlefield Fries (61 Steinwehr Avenue, 717-334-4787)
Lincoln Diner (32 Carlisle Street, 717-334-3900)
Mamma Ventura Casual Italian Dining (13 Chambersburg Street, 717-334-5548)
O'Rorke's Eatery & Spirits (44 Steinwehr Avenue, 717-334-2333)
Ping's Cafe (34 Baltimore Street, 717-334-2234)
Plaza Restaurant Lounge (28 Lincoln Square, 717-334-1999)
The Pub and Restaurant (20-22 Lincoln Square, 717-334-7100)
The Ragged Edge Coffee House (110 Chambersburg Street, 717-334-4464)
The Spot (48 Baltimore Street, 717-334-0979)
Subway (11 West Railroad Street, 717-337-2411)

Footwear

Martin's Family Shoes (26 Baltimore Street, 717-334-1810)

Framing

Just Jennifer Gallery (33 York Street, 717-338-9099)

Galleries

Civil War Fine Art Gallery & Studio (333 Baltimore Street, 717-338-3463)
Gallery 30 (30 York Street, 717-334-0335)
Gallon Historical Art (9 Steinwehr Avenue, 717-334-8666)
Gettysburg Frame Shop (17 Chambersburg Street, 717-337-2796)
Gibson's Photographic Gallery (65 Steinwehr Avenue, 717-337-9393)
Just Jennifer Gallery (33 York Street, 717-338-9099)
Lord Nelson's Nature Store & Gallery (27 1/2 Chambersburg Street, 717-334-7950)
MKunstler Gallery (10 York Street, 717-334-0513)

Gift Shops

Arbor House at Gettysburg (76 Steinwehr Avenue, 717-338-1515)
Battlefield Baskets & Gifts (100 Baltimore Street, 717-338-1565)
Blue & Gray Gift Shop (531 Baltimore Street, 717-334-2472)
Camelot Gifts & Souveniers (3 Steinwehr Avenue, 717-338-9516)
Dobbin House Tavern - Country Curiosity Store (89 Steinwehr Avenue, 717-334-2100)
Fiddle Faddles (54 Chambersburg Street, 717-334-8270)
Gallery 30 (30 York Street, 717-334-0335)
Habitat Gift Shop (1 Steinwehr Avenue, 717-334-1218)
The House of Bender (1 Baltimore Street, 717-334-4315)
Irish Brigade Gift Shop (504 Baltimore Street, 717-337-2519)
Lord Nelson's Nature Store & Gallery (27 1/2 Chambersburg Street, 717-334-7950)
T&S Gifts and Mementos (19 Lincoln Square, 717-334-3929)

Health and Beauty

Rusty's Vitamins (5 Chambersburg Street, 717-334-8212)

Hobbies

Bases Loaded (27 Steinwehr Avenue, 717-334-1200)

Home Furnishings

Wentz Stained Glass Studio (48 York Street, 717-334-0906)

Jewelry

Gallery 30 (30 York Street, 717-334-0335)
The House of Bender (1 Baltimore Street, 717-334-4315)
The Jeweler's Daughter (49 Steinwehr Avenue, 717-338-0770)
Scott & Co. Fine Jewelers (17 Lincoln Street, 717-338-3902)

Music

Noteworthy Music (52 York Street, 717-334-3522)

Pets

The Petite Puppy Boutique (51 Chambersburg Street, 717-337-2456)

Toys and Games

Gallery 30 (30 York Street, 717-334-0335)
Tarbox Toy Soldiers (45 Steinwehr Avenue, 717-338-1865)