Not just a one-trick pony

10 recommendations when visiting this historic borough that may surprise you

When someone mentions Gettysburg, the borough’s historic Civil War battle probably comes to mind first – and for good reason. The battle is considered the turning point of the battle between the states. It lasted for three hard-fought days, from July 1-3, 1863, and resulted in more than 50,000 casualties –making it the bloodiest battle in the war’s history.

Thebattleofgettysburg

The area also was the site where Abraham Lincoln gave his legendary Gettysburg Address.

Today, the Gettysburg National Military Park is visited by more than 1 million people a year with battlefields and memorials stretching over 6,000 acres of rolling land just five miles north of the Mason-Dixon Line. Originally established in 1895, the park features 1,300 monuments, 400 cannons and nearly 150 historic buildings. The National Park Service has gone to great lengths to keep the landscape as it was some 150 years ago. So it is no wonder why it is one of the most popular sites within Gettysburg. However, Gettysburg is not just a one-trick pony –there is so much more to see and experience. Here, a list of some places and things to do that you simply must try on your next day trip to the Gettysburg area.

n 1. DOWNTOWN GETTYSBURG:

Downtown Gettysburg: Centered around Lincoln Square, the downtown area has a small-town vibe and a quaint, picturesque atmosphere. As you stroll the brick-paved sidewalks, find local art galleries, pottery workshops, jewerly stores and clothing boutiques. And, of course, drink and dining options range from pub grub to fine dining – something for any epicurean appetite. [Main Street, Gettysburg] n 2. MASON DIXON DISTILLERY:

Take a break from sightseeing at this small-batch distillery. Inside the converted century-old furniture factory, the father and son team of George and Yianni bring you distilled and handbottled spirits, along with comfort food dishes like fried Brussels sprouts with drizzled honey and cranberry or goat cheese brulee. [331 E. Water St., Gettysburg] n 3. Mister Ed’s Elephant

Museum & Candy Emporium: You will be like a kid in a candy store at this whimsical destination. Here, you will find more than 400 varieties of candy bars from around the world, 400 flavors of fudge and the largest display of PEZ on the East Coast. This is all amid a backdrop of 12,000 elephant figurines and a garden, featuring life-size elephant statues, a giant teapot and a goldfish pond.

[6019 Chambersburg Road, Orrtanna]

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