Gettysburg trip - need advice

[JamesWelchCoE73rdOVI]

I'm planning a trip to Gettysburg (my first time) in a few weeks. My ancestor was there in 1863 with the Ohio 73rd, Co. E and survived despite multiple injuries. There's so much to see I don't know where to begin. I know I want to see places relevant to the 73rd and am making a list, including the monument to them. However, I was hoping folks here could advise me otherwise.

Should a hire a tour guide? If so, how do I find a good one? I'm planning on spending the night as well. Where would be a great place to eat and also somewhere historical and authentic to stay? Any and all advice would be most appreciated. Thank you so much in advance!

 

[luinrina]

How long exactly are you planning to stay?

As for a tour guide: I would get a Licenced Battlefield Guide. They're touring with only you so it can focus on what you want to see. You could thus cover both a more general tour to get a feel for the battlefield and then follow in depth your ancestor's steps.
LBGs can only be booked by call. Here's the link: https://www.gettysburgfoundation.org/ticket-prices-and-packages/ The site says a car tour is 2 hours, but I've read in several threads here on this forum that the guides do longer tours if you ask and book in advance.

 

[JamesWelchCoE73rdOVI]

Just one day, spend the night and then go home. What would be the best place to stay? I'm looking for the most historical and authentic. Not concerned about the price. Thank you!

 

[luinrina]

I haven't been to Gettysburg yet myself so can't say which is the best hotel, but these historic hotels I found:

Gettysburg Hotel, Est.1797 on 1 Lincoln Square. It's close to the Wills House where Lincoln apparently finished his famed Gettysburg Address.

The Historic Brafferton Inn on 44 York Street.

The Swope Manor Bed & Breakfast on 58-60 York Street.

The Brickhouse Inn on 452 Baltimore Street.

Tillie Pierce House Inn on 301 Baltimore Street.

Four eating: suggestions for restaurants that offer Historic & Period Fare. With this link you can also find other restaurant suggestions as well as more places to stay and things to do.

 

[Deleted User CS]

First. I would purchase J. David Petruzzi's Gettysburg guidebook and then hire a licensed battlefield guide to give a tour of the whole battlefield in order to get a general lay of the land. Then use Petruzzi's book and tour the battlefield on your own. Once you determined what part of the battle appeals to your interest and if your planning on staying more than a couple of days I would hire another battlefield guide that specializes in your area of interest. For example, if you have an interest in any actions involving Culp's Hill, I would hire Charlie Fennel as a battlefield guide or if your interest is geared towards Cemetery Hill, I would hire John Archer as a battlefield guide. I hope this information helps. David.

 

[Eleanor Rose]

I have had the pleasure of staying at The Historic Brafferton Inn and would give it high marks. Most recently my husband and I stayed at Federal Pointe Inn. It is historic, but offers lovely upscale accommodations.

https://www.choicehotels.com/pennsylvania/gettysburg/ascend-hotels/pa700?source=gyxt

For dinner, I enjoy the Dobbin House Tavern. The Inn at Herr Ridge is also wonderful. They have an excellent sommelier if you enjoy a nice glass of wine.

 

[infomanpa]

If you are only doing a one night visit, it's important to limit your scope. Otherwise, you may be overwhelmed. There is just so much to see.

 

[lelliott19]

Hello JamesWelchCoE73rdOVI

I agree with @infomanpa Since it will be a quick trip, you should limit your scope. You might start out with a standard 2 hour car tour with a Licensed Battlefield Guide (LBG) for an overview of the entire battle.

At the Battle of Gettysburg, the 73rd Ohio was attached to the 2nd Brigade (Smith's), 2nd Division (Steinwehr's), of the XI Corps commanded by Oliver O. Howard. So you might also like to book a LBG for a 2 hour tour specifically on the XI Corps.

For specific information about the 73rd Ohio, use the link @luinrina provided https://www.gettysburgfoundation.org/ticket-prices-and-packages/ and ask to secure the services of Licensed Battlefield Guide, Stuart Dempsey. Since you'll want to take full advantage of the opportunity, I'd request a 3 hour or longer tour instead of the standard 2 hour tour.

Dempsey has been a LBG since 2004 and he has two ancestors who served in the 73rd Ohio. If you can book him, you can be sure that he will know just about everything there is to know about the 73rd Ohio at Gettysburg. Here is a link to a series of tours he did on the XI Corps at Gettysburg for the Gettysburg Daily. https://www.gettysburgdaily.com/battlefield-guides/stuart-dempsey/11th-corps/

I'm sorry that I can't provide any advice about historic lodging or restaurants. We stayed in chain hotels on all of our visits. But I'm sure that the ones @Eleanor Rose and others have suggested will be first rate. Enjoy your trip and please be sure to give us an update when you get home.

 

[Kurt G]

I highly recommend the Dobbin house , even if only for lunch . Great onion soup and a fine atmosphere .

 

[Jimklag]

Hello JamesWelchCoE73rdOVI

I agree with @infomanpa Since it will be a quick trip, you should limit your scope. You might start out with a standard 2 hour car tour with a Licensed Battlefield Guide (LBG) for an overview of the entire battle.

At the Battle of Gettysburg, the 73rd Ohio was attached to the 2nd Brigade (Smith's), 2nd Division (Steinwehr's), of the XI Corps commanded by Oliver O. Howard. So you might also like to book a LBG for a 2 hour tour specifically on the XI Corps.

For specific information about the 73rd Ohio, use the link @luinrina provided https://www.gettysburgfoundation.org/ticket-prices-and-packages/ and ask to secure the services of Licensed Battlefield Guide, Stuart Dempsey. Since you'll want to take full advantage of the opportunity, I'd request a 3 hour or longer tour instead of the standard 2 hour tour.

Dempsey has been a LBG since 2004 and he has two ancestors who served in the 73rd Ohio. If you can book him, you can be sure that he will know just about everything there is to know about the 73rd Ohio at Gettysburg. Here is a link to a series of tours he did on the XI Corps at Gettysburg for the Gettysburg Daily. https://www.gettysburgdaily.com/battlefield-guides/stuart-dempsey/11th-corps/

I'm sorry that I can't provide any advice about historic lodging or restaurants. We stayed in chain hotels on all of our visits. But I'm sure that the ones @Eleanor Rose and others have suggested will be first rate. Enjoy your trip and please be sure to give us an update when you get home.

Laura is dead on. In addition to the LBG, you may also want to buy a book titled Gettysburg Campaign Atlas. It is available online for $50 from Civil War And More - http://civilwarandmore.com . This book has over 400 maps and studies the battle hour-by-hour. You can pick out the actions where the 73rd Ohio fought and this book will show the action with good maps and brief descriptions of the fighting. I just checked. The book is also available at Amazon for the same price of $50.

 

[JamesWelchCoE73rdOVI]

This is great! Thanks everyone! I'm emailing Stuart now and will follow up on the book recommendations. Any other lodging recommendations and places to eat would Be great and thanks again!

 

[JamesWelchCoE73rdOVI]

Well - I went. It was an experience I'll never forget, made all the more meaningful that my ancestor was with the Ohio 73rd on Cemetery Hill during most of the fighting. I stayed in the Brickhouse Inn in a room occupied by Confederates who were firing on Cemetery Hill. Some of the exterior was marked with bullets. It is a historical place to stay and run by the nicest and most personable people ever. The breakfast was the best one I've had in any place I've ever stayed. The tour by Stuart Dempsey was simply incredible. If you ever need a tour guide who is knowledgeable, thorough and friendly, you could not find a better guide that him. There just aren't enough words to say how amazing it was.

 

[EJ Zander]

Blue and Gray bar but get there before 4:30 if going during week.
Garryowen Irish Pub same thing go early rather then later
O'Rorke's, I eat right at the bar and go there late (after 7:30)
The Parrot is also a nice place
Also got some good local spots but they are out of town if that interests you

 

[Eleanor Rose]

Well - I went. It was an experience I'll never forget, made all the more meaningful that my ancestor was with the Ohio 73rd on Cemetery Hill during most of the fighting. I stayed in the Brickhouse Inn in a room occupied by Confederates who were firing on Cemetery Hill. Some of the exterior was marked with bullets. It is a historical place to stay and run by the nicest and most personable people ever. The breakfast was the best one I've had in any place I've ever stayed. The tour by Stuart Dempsey was simply incredible. If you ever need a tour guide who is knowledgeable, thorough and friendly, you could not find a better guide that him. There just aren't enough words to say how amazing it was.

I'm so glad you had a good time! Thanks for letting us know! I'll have to check out the Brickhouse Inn. I'm not familiar with it, but it sounds great.

 

[MRB1863]

(Edit) Sorry folks, I did not realize this trip had been taken when responding.....but here goes anyway... (end of edit)
Agree with already mentioned places to eat. It kinda depends upon what type of meal you want. The Dining Room at Dobbin House is nice and upscale while the Springhouse Tavern downstairs is cozy and more relaxed. Both serve excellent food. You may consider the Farnsworth House for dining. Then on the other hand there is very casual fare at Tommy's Pizza, Gettysburg Eddies offers a variety. O'Rorke's is nice (and they have cool t-shirts).
Lodging...we always make the 1863 on Baltimore our "Gettysburg Address". We like the location and are always welcomed. There is alot to see within short walking distances.
You will most likely get more out of a couple of day stay if you would do a guided tour. There is an overwhelming amount of points of interest in and around Gettysburg!!! We go as often as possible, many times staying over for a day or two, and are a short 35 to 45 minute drive away. It seems like each time we find a new to us topic to explore.
Don't forget to check schedules as the Thanksgiving Holiday may affect availability of tours. There is abundant information on the internet to help you plan your stay.

 

[JamesWelchCoE73rdOVI]

Also - has dinner at Dobbin House and thought it was really great! Highly recommended!