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[klongstreet]

I am now so interested that I want to visit Gettysburg, I believe from other threads that for next year book early, I am looking to book in the next month, what I need is the following from you expert people.

1- month to travel, obviously not too cold and although I love heat, I do not want to be attacked by the native species ( this has no reflection on the AOP) but I would not want to bitten by anything.

2- I want to relax and meet as many people as I can, but again I want a hotel as close as possible, so will not travel during any anniversary ( Junes out than) So will May be good?

3- Nearest airport, would this be Hagerstown? I am not driving and will need to get a bus, to make things even harder I smoke, so need a break.

4- internal flights? - ideally I would like to fly from Hagerstown/ Gettysburg ( or train) to the Custer battle field, is this possible? Again I need to smoke.

5- From this battlefield my last visit is to Montreal in Canada, I know I am asking a lot and know I could look all this up, but I am English and bow to superior knowledge.

6- Can you pay for all this, sorry just kidding. This is a serious request and I look forward to hearing suggestions, especially from those who may be visiting in May 2015 and would enjoy a few beers discussing or correcting me on my meager knowledge. I thank all who answer and look forward to my visit.
Kind regards
Keith

 

[brass napoleon]

Welcome, Keith. I'm sure you'll find good answers here to all your questions. As for travel months, if you want moderate weather I'd suggest May, September or October. Autumn is especially gorgeous in the American northeast, and is usually cool and comfortable.

Happy travels!

 

[klongstreet]

Welcome, Keith. I'm sure you'll find good answers here to all your questions. As for travel months, if you want moderate weather I'd suggest May, September or October. Autumn is especially gorgeous in the American northeast, and is usually cool and comfortable.

Happy travels!

Many thanks, I am aiming for May and will no doubt enjoy the weather as well as the great hospitality

 

[Roxanne3888]

I went in mid October 2008 and the weather was wonderful. We stayed 4 nights and no rain, and temps were in the 70's. Beautiful. I don't know if the weather was a rarity or not for that time of year, but it really was beautiful.

 

[Mary763]

Hi Keith,
I have been there in both April and May. I really liked going in May because everything had started to bloom. I like staying at America's Best Value Inn on Steinwehr Avenue. It might not be the fanciest place but it was clean, near the sites, and reasonably priced.
Have fun!

 

[28thNewYork]

Greetings and welcome from Atlanta.

 

[pamc153PA]

Hi Keith,

The U.S. in general is an automobile-run place, and Gettysburg certainly is. When you get to the town itself, there is a Freedom transit trolley/bus, but I think you have to catch it at the Gettysburg transit center in town, and it only takes you on a certain, mostly battlefield, route. I'm not sure how you'd get around to other places in town, or even from wherever you fly into--bus and trains just don't exist like they do in England and Europe. There are buses you can catch from the Visitors center to the Eisenhower farm, or the George Spangler farm, but not the cavalry fields where you could see where Custer was involved. Once on the battlefield, you can always walk, though that limits you, and you can't even hire a battlefield guide (which I highly recommend) unless you have a car--they drive your car on the tour.

Best bet would be to think about renting a car.

It shouldn't be too hard to get a flight from wherever you come into the Gettysburg area to Montreal. My family and I usually drive, but we're about 100 miles northeast of Gettysburg, and it takes us about 10 hours.

And as others have noted, either spring or fall are the best times to go. The scenery is prettier (redbud trees in spring, the autumn colors in October) and you chances of getting bitten by anything (hopefully you're not worried about anything but ticks and mosquitoes, because that's about all there is to worry about still Gettysburg) are not so much. Hotel-wise, there are lots of them to choose from, in every price range. Use an internet travel site to check them out.

Pam

 

[Drew]

Not getting bitten by anything native (insect wise) depends on frost. The last spring frost around Gettysburg should be first week of May. The first fall frost, last week of September. But it's of course a **** shoot.

Hagerstown is closest airport with commercial service, but it's spotty, expensive and transport from there to Gettysburg may not be easy. I'd look at Harrisburg, Baltimore and DC in that order. It'll be at most two hours by bus, you should survive that without a smoke - forget prolonged train travel, they won't let you do it.

Plenty of welcoming and comfortable places to stay once you get there. Check back in when you make up your mind - others will have good advice. Exciting trip!

 

[JerseyBart]

I am now so interested that I want to visit Gettysburg, I believe from other threads that for next year book early, I am looking to book in the next month, what I need is the following from you expert people.

1- month to travel, obviously not too cold and although I love heat, I do not want to be attacked by the native species ( this has no reflection on the AOP) but I would not want to bitten by anything.

2- I want to relax and meet as many people as I can, but again I want a hotel as close as possible, so will not travel during any anniversary ( Junes out than) So will May be good?

3- Nearest airport, would this be Hagerstown? I am not driving and will need to get a bus, to make things even harder I smoke, so need a break.

4- internal flights? - ideally I would like to fly from Hagerstown/ Gettysburg ( or train) to the Custer battle field, is this possible? Again I need to smoke.

5- From this battlefield my last visit is to Montreal in Canada, I know I am asking a lot and know I could look all this up, but I am English and bow to superior knowledge.

6- Can you pay for all this, sorry just kidding. This is a serious request and I look forward to hearing suggestions, especially from those who may be visiting in May 2015 and would enjoy a few beers discussing or correcting me on my meager knowledge. I thank all who answer and look forward to my visit.
Kind regards
Keith

November is when I usually...cool days, long chilly nights, beautifully seasonal scenery.

 

[jay gale]

Hi Keith,

here's how I usually do it, not that it's the perfect way or anything but it's one that works for me given my aversion to crowds and my desire to kind of have the field to myself and in the same weather that the battle was fought.

I am now so interested that I want to visit Gettysburg, I believe from other threads that for next year book early, I am looking to book in the next month, what I need is the following from you expert people.

1- month to travel, obviously not too cold and although I love heat, I do not want to be attacked by the native species ( this has no reflection on the AOP) but I would not want to bitten by anything.

I usually go during the last week of August, the crowds are dying down due to school starting up and it's right before the Labor Day weekend. The weather is usually pretty hot and it can be humid, I've never had any trouble with bugs. The cool thing is that all the shops are still open, ghost tours are still running, and there are usually some re-enactment events going on during the weekend.

2- I want to relax and meet as many people as I can, but again I want a hotel as close as possible, so will not travel during any anniversary ( Junes out than) So will May be good?

The 1863 Battlefield is a good hotel and set kind of in the middle of everything. It's a very short walk, less than a block from the Evergreen Cemetary gatehouse and is right next door to the Jennie Wade house. You're withing walking distance of Cemetary Hill and can walk to some good restaurants from there. It's rumored to have a ghost that the hotel employees call George, he likes to mess with all things mechanical like fax machines and printers and stuff....last time I was there one of the elevators went down, and the staff put a sign on it saying "George did it". The staff is very friendly ,and the breakfasts are good too.

3- Nearest airport, would this be Hagerstown? I am not driving and will need to get a bus, to make things even harder I smoke, so need a break.

I fly into Reagan International, from there it's about a 1.5 to 2 hour drive to Gettysburg, and once you're out of the beltway mess the country that you drive through is beautiful. Lots of farmers markets along the road too. I would bet that there is some kind of shuttle service that could get you there.

4- internal flights? - ideally I would like to fly from Hagerstown/ Gettysburg ( or train) to the Custer battle field, is this possible? Again I need to smoke.

Are you talking about the cavalry battlefield at Gettysburg? that's no problem, it's not far from the main battlefield at all. If you're talking about Little BigHorn, that's an entirely different story

5- From this battlefield my last visit is to Montreal in Canada, I know I am asking a lot and know I could look all this up, but I am English and bow to superior knowledge.

I'm tagging along on my wife's business trip to London in September, would love to see the Hastings field and also the Bannockburn field. how accessible are those from London?....bowing to YOUR superior knowledge on this one sir.

6- Can you pay for all this, sorry just kidding. This is a serious request and I look forward to hearing suggestions, especially from those who may be visiting in May 2015 and would enjoy a few beers discussing or correcting me on my meager knowledge. I thank all who answer and look forward to my visit.

I had hoped to go to Gettysburg this summer, but that evil thing called work has other ideas for me so I will have to wait until next year. I heartily recommend the Dobbin House for a good place to cool down with their wonderful French Dip sandwich and a cold one.....they have lots of beers on tap but I don't drink anything stronger than iced tea these days so I can't recommend a brew. After lunch, do try their Gingerbread with hot lemon sauce, it's one of the main reasons I go there.

hope that helps, any way you go or anytime you go you will not be disappointed.

 

[MarylandLine]

Ticks can be a problem at times of the year and they carry Lyme's disease. BWI airport is nearby without the hassle of the DC beltway. BWI is on the Baltimore beltway (695). Go 695 North to 795 North then Rt 140 through Westminster ( Stuart's Cavalry was attacked here by the 1st Delaware Cavalry during the Gettysburg campaign Haha, lasted maybe 10 minutes) then take Rt 97 through Littlestown, PA ( very scenic).

 

[klongstreet]

Hi Keith,
I have been there in both April and May. I really liked going in May because everything had started to bloom. I like staying at America's Best Value Inn on Steinwehr Avenue. It might not be the fanciest place but it was clean, near the sites, and reasonably priced.
Have fun!

Many thanks Mary,
As expected I have had many great replies ......Non with such a lovely photo though, again I thank you

 

[klongstreet]

Can I just say to all that I am so glad that I joined this site and have nothing but respect and warmth to those who take time out in order to give advice, help and give freely there own time consuming research. I can't thank you all but will take all advice and visit with the due respect warranted. As said I wish to visit and learn, thank you all and i look forward to meeting some if not all of you whilst there.
PS
I can't walk over the battle field if being over fed, over pampered with alcohol and generally taken in with your hospitality,
Treat me gently.......Can't wait till may

 

[klongstreet]

Hi Keith,

here's how I usually do it, not that it's the perfect way or anything but it's one that works for me given my aversion to crowds and my desire to kind of have the field to myself and in the same weather that the battle was fought.



I usually go during the last week of August, the crowds are dying down due to school starting up and it's right before the Labor Day weekend. The weather is usually pretty hot and it can be humid, I've never had any trouble with bugs. The cool thing is that all the shops are still open, ghost tours are still running, and there are usually some re-enactment events going on during the weekend.



The 1863 Battlefield is a good hotel and set kind of in the middle of everything. It's a very short walk, less than a block from the Evergreen Cemetary gatehouse and is right next door to the Jennie Wade house. You're withing walking distance of Cemetary Hill and can walk to some good restaurants from there. It's rumored to have a ghost that the hotel employees call George, he likes to mess with all things mechanical like fax machines and printers and stuff....last time I was there one of the elevators went down, and the staff put a sign on it saying "George did it". The staff is very friendly ,and the breakfasts are good too.



I fly into Reagan International, from there it's about a 1.5 to 2 hour drive to Gettysburg, and once you're out of the beltway mess the country that you drive through is beautiful. Lots of farmers markets along the road too. I would bet that there is some kind of shuttle service that could get you there.



Are you talking about the cavalry battlefield at Gettysburg? that's no problem, it's not far from the main battlefield at all. If you're talking about Little BigHorn, that's an entirely different story



I'm tagging along on my wife's business trip to London in September, would love to see the Hastings field and also the Bannockburn field. how accessible are those from London?....bowing to YOUR superior knowledge on this one sir.



I had hoped to go to Gettysburg this summer, but that evil thing called work has other ideas for me so I will have to wait until next year. I heartily recommend the Dobbin House for a good place to cool down with their wonderful French Dip sandwich and a cold one.....they have lots of beers on tap but I don't drink anything stronger than iced tea these days so I can't recommend a brew. After lunch, do try their Gingerbread with hot lemon sauce, it's one of the main reasons I go there.

hope that helps, any way you go or anytime you go you will not be disappointed.

Hi Keith,

here's how I usually do it, not that it's the perfect way or anything but it's one that works for me given my aversion to crowds and my desire to kind of have the field to myself and in the same weather that the battle was fought.



I usually go during the last week of August, the crowds are dying down due to school starting up and it's right before the Labor Day weekend. The weather is usually pretty hot and it can be humid, I've never had any trouble with bugs. The cool thing is that all the shops are still open, ghost tours are still running, and there are usually some re-enactment events going on during the weekend.



The 1863 Battlefield is a good hotel and set kind of in the middle of everything. It's a very short walk, less than a block from the Evergreen Cemetary gatehouse and is right next door to the Jennie Wade house. You're withing walking distance of Cemetary Hill and can walk to some good restaurants from there. It's rumored to have a ghost that the hotel employees call George, he likes to mess with all things mechanical like fax machines and printers and stuff....last time I was there one of the elevators went down, and the staff put a sign on it saying "George did it". The staff is very friendly ,and the breakfasts are good too.



I fly into Reagan International, from there it's about a 1.5 to 2 hour drive to Gettysburg, and once you're out of the beltway mess the country that you drive through is beautiful. Lots of farmers markets along the road too. I would bet that there is some kind of shuttle service that could get you there.



Are you talking about the cavalry battlefield at Gettysburg? that's no problem, it's not far from the main battlefield at all. If you're talking about Little BigHorn, that's an entirely different story



I'm tagging along on my wife's business trip to London in September, would love to see the Hastings field and also the Bannockburn field. how accessible are those from London?....bowing to YOUR superior knowledge on this one sir.



I had hoped to go to Gettysburg this summer, but that evil thing called work has other ideas for me so I will have to wait until next year. I heartily recommend the Dobbin House for a good place to cool down with their wonderful French Dip sandwich and a cold one.....they have lots of beers on tap but I don't drink anything stronger than iced tea these days so I can't recommend a brew. After lunch, do try their Gingerbread with hot lemon sauce, it's one of the main reasons I go there.

hope that helps, any way you go or anytime you go you will not be disappointed.

Many thanks for your advice Jay

I am in South London, which has a very good link to Hastings ( an hour at most) There is however a dispute over where the battle was fought, i can't say exactly but you may have to spend a lot of time at a busy road using your imagination. Please keep in touch as we could arrange a visit whilst you are in London. Wife's work permitting you would be more than welcome to stay with us ( thus avoiding being ripped off in London). As for Bannockburn ? A train or flight to Scotland will set you back a good few bucks, i will check and get back to you. As said we are near so many interesting places especially as you drink iced tea.
Kind regards
Keith

 

[reading48]

Most hotels are smoke free rooms, but they have an outside designated area..mid spring and mid fall are best to visit, the park is open till 10: PM
There are various ways to tour the battle field without a car, bicycle, closed or open air buses etc..

Have you tried "E'' cigarettes they are allowed in the Hotels, I have used them on bus trips as well...just a thought??????? Good Luck....

 

[jay gale]

Many thanks for your advice Jay

I am in South London, which has a very good link to Hastings ( an hour at most) There is however a dispute over where the battle was fought, i can't say exactly but you may have to spend a lot of time at a busy road using your imagination. Please keep in touch as we could arrange a visit whilst you are in London. Wife's work permitting you would be more than welcome to stay with us ( thus avoiding being ripped off in London). As for Bannockburn ? A train or flight to Scotland will set you back a good few bucks, i will check and get back to you. As said we are near so many interesting places especially as you drink iced tea.
Kind regards
Keith

Thank you, appreciate the offer. My wife works for Expedia so she gets killer deals on lodging and that's already arranged. Would love to hook up with a local like yourself, I'm an avid student and reader of English history as that is my heritage with my ancestors coming over to America in the 1600's. There's so much I want to see, I could spend a week in Westminster Abbey alone checking out the tombs and reflecting on the history contained in them. Trafalgar Square is a must so I can pay homage to my naval hero Lord Nelson, and anything with a Templar flavor is a must visit as well. Just so much history to visit and so little time.

I will stay in touch, and as the trip gets nearer I will keep you posted.