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Gettysburg, PA

For my 30th birthday, my fiancé took me to Gettysburg, PA for a romantic weekend away. We had a really nice time. She had gotten a special "romance" package from AAA that included a night's stay at a hotel, and dinner for two at a local restaurant. Also included was a rose for me ( :snicker: it was MY birthday after all), and a bottle of Champaign with all the usual accouterments All tolled it cost her around $150 for the package. Not bad for a little time away from home with your loved-one.

Gettysburg was the site of one of the most famous battles the world over. On the farm fields surrounding this small town, the armies of the Union and Confederacy met and fought in bloody contest on July 1-3 1863. More than 51,000 lay dead and wounded after the battle, and the strategies and circumstances that led to the Union victory is studied in war colleges the world over.

Today, Gettysburg in the winter time retains all the usual charm of a small town. That was surprising since it is such a popular tourist spot and is fed by a local college or two. Parking may be a problem during peak travel season, but most things in town seem to be within walking distance and tours are available on regular bus, auto, bike, and hiking routes. There are also lots of shops to visit that include an outlet strip mall a few short miles out of town.

Travel:	Auto — Traveling by car, Gettysburg is fairly easily reached by State Route 15. Traffic may be heavy in town during peak tourist season, but regular bus routes may get you close enough to make this the best travel decision.
Lodging:	Country Inn & Suites — This national hotel chain was very comfortable. The hotel was situated just off the highway, within convenient driving distance from Gettysburg and across from the local outlet mall. Our room was clean and well furnished and the "romantic weekend" package we reserved included Champaign, dinner at a local restaurant, and continental breakfast. It was one of the better continental breakfasts I've had and included plenty of food and was open into the late morning on Sunday.
Restaurants:	Carriage House Inn — This restaurant provided a dinner for two as part of our package. The meal consisted of a choice between meet or seafood, and our waitress seemed a little nonplused when we told her what we were there for. Perhaps she didn't expect much of a tip. Se la ví. We enjoyed our meal and recommend you leave room for their delicious German chocolate cake deserts! Typical plates range from $20-30 and wine starts at $15 a bottle.
Sites:	National Military Park — If you're going to Gettysburg to visit the memorial, park, and battle field than you should start your visit at the Visitors Center. It is located inside the town of Gettysburg to the South and right across from the National Cemetery. Most tours including private guides leave from this facility. Eisenhower National Historical Site — The only home President Eisenhower ever owned was left by his wife to the National Park service. It's contents are 90% original furnishings and maintained in pristine condition. A visit to the Eisenhower farm is a visit to the simple comfort of a celebrated statesman-diplomat. Tours of the home last about 2 hours, cost $6 per adult, and leave by bus from the Gettysburg visitor center.
Events:	Electric Map — This 40 min program inside the Visitors Center provides an overview of the Battle of Gettysburg Visitors who pay the $3 fee sit in a comfortably sized theater, and view a model of Gettysburg in scale relief. The narrated program is accented by electric lights which located the troop positions across the battlefield and guide the spectators through the three day battle. I highly recommend this program prior to starting any tours. Keeping the relief map in mind will help to set your mind as your tour the many miles of terrain that this battle encompassed.