Staycation

Hitting the highlights and what I packed into a single day of traveling.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is about 2 hours north of D.C. and only a 45 minute drive from Frederick, Maryland. This town is known for its pivotal point and bloodiest battle in the Civil War.

I started the day hiking up to Big Round Top just south of the historical downtown area. This area wasn’t necessarily a battlefield, but a placement point for artillery during the war. The hike itself wasn’t too strenuous, a little less than a mile out and back. A nearby location, Little Round Top, is currently closed to the public for rehabilitation and construction. This smaller, but still mighty, rocky hill was successfully defended via bayonets by the Union army, ultimately winning them the Civil War.

There were plenty of stopping points in this National park that I did not have the time to observe, including the historical landmark of Devils Den. click the button below for a more detailed map as well as an audio guide.

Take a short drive up the road and you’ll arrive at the Gettysburg National Military Park and Cemetery. The structures and monuments are breathtaking. Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address Memorial is also located inside the cemetery. It’s a nice place for quiet reflecting in contrast to the bustling downtown.

Lunch time had rolled around and passed by this point, so I decided to indulge in colonial era delicacies at the oldest home in Pennsylvania, Dobbins House. Named after the original homeowner, Alexander Dobbins, this building erected 1776 offers candlelit dining and staff clad in clothing relevant colonial times. It’s recommended to sample their famous onion soup and date bread. I did myself and did not regret it . Even traveling alone on a weekday, a 45 minute wait period was required before seating. It’s best to make reservations well in advance if you want to payable in this dining experience. It’s worth it, just to sit at a bar built over 160 years ago.

The next stop is a five minute walk from Steinwehr Ave to Baltimore St. The Jennie Wade house is named after Virginia (Ginny/Jennie) Wade. Jennie was the only civilian casualty in the battle of Gettysburg, perishing from a stray bullet that entered her home. You can physically touch the bullet holes imbedded on the side door and walls. If you’re into the supernatural, many ghost tours and television host boast about the spiritual activity inside the house. I unfortunately did not take a tour of the inside, as I was short on time and attempting to be frugal on this day trip. Admission, however, is a feasible $12.

I enjoyed a red ale from Appalachian Brewing Company outside on the patio as a local artist performed, then located the famous speakeasy, Reliance Mine Saloon. The building itself is easily located due to signage, so not so much a secret. There are two entrances that lead down into the “mine”. I experienced more of a dive bar vibe than a classy speakeasy one myself, complete with cheap drinks and a singular friendly bartender.

The only thing I wish I had participated in was an evening walking ghost tour of Gettysburg. Prices weren’t too high and I would have loved to hear more history on the Civil War and the town itself. A couple operators are Gettysburg Ghost Tours and Sleepy Hollow Candlelight Ghost Tours.

All of my photos from this trip and other trips are posted on my Instagram @dancinggibby. Follow me there or subscribe to this blog to stay up-to-date and discover local areas with me!