Planning a visit in 2023

[Gus2015]

We are planning a visit in 2023. Curious to know weather wise the best time of year and any recommendations on lodging and meals?

Thanks,

Glen

 

[John Winn]

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[MRB1863]

Anytime is a great time to visit Gettysburg!
Spring is nice with the wildflowers and trees coming to life. And its not too hot usually, just a few rainy days here and there. Not quite summer vacation season so the crowds are apt to be a little smaller.
Personally, we prefer staying at the 1863 Inn on Baltimore abutting the Jennie Wade House. Lots of places and restaurants to walk and see...Steinwehr Avenue is a block away for gift shopping and food/beverages. Meals depend upon your taste in table-fare and the time of day of the meal you want...Hunts for a quick Cheesesteak/Fries (oh yes! Hunt's fries!) or other sandwiches. Tommy's for sandwiches and pizza. Farnsworth House, Dobbin House, O'Rourke's for a little more upscale lunch or dinner. There is a KFC, Appalachian Brewing and a MCDonalds on Steinwehr near the battlefield...take a few minutes to "Google" restaurants in Gettysburg. Most have a link to their menu. A huge variety of choices. Downtown, at the square...Blue and Grey among many others...never a loss for choices, for sure!!!

 

[Drew]

We're assuming you plan to visit Gettysburg? It's largely an outdoor experience and I would choose June or September for high chance of really nice weather.

Lodging and meals are completely dependent on budget. You can probably spend $60 - $600 per day, depending on you.

 

[Gettysburg Guide #154]

As far as seasons, spring and fall are generally the most pleasant weather. Late March, April and early May are "bus season". Nevertheless, crowds are highest just before, during and just after the battle anniversary (July 1, 2 & 3). Crowds can be surprisingly light in late August. During September and October the plurality of the visitors are retired couples.

Check out the "Destination Gettysburg" website for suggestions on lodging, restaurants and special events. If you notice that your planned visit coincides with "Bike Week", change your dates, unless you are a motorcyclist yourself.

At the risk of somewhat "blowing my own horn", whatever else you do, hire a Licensed Battlefield Guide. One way to do this is to phone the Association of Licensed Battlefield Guides. The number is 717-337-1709. You will be asked to leave a voice message indicating the date and length of the tour you want, as well as the number in your party and any special interests that you want included in the tour. The guide assigned to you will phone you to work out the details (usually within 24 to 48 hours). A 3 hour tour of the battlefield reserved in this way cost $94.50 for a group of up to 6 persons.

 

[infomanpa]

Terrific. I want to also suggest that you do a search on this forum because this topic has been covered in depth in other excellent threads.

 

[Poorlaggedman]

The 1863 inn is usually decent. Presidential Inn and Suites is usually the best economic choice if you don't mind driving everywhere—it's on the edge of town away from all the restaurants and attractions. Prices will always be cheaper away from the anniversary and during the middle of the week.

If you're bringing family the best option is to plan to hire a licensed battlefield guide. They're about $75 for two hours and a little more for three. It's good to plan, unless you're just looking to wander around and take some photos with cannons. It's like having your own professor for a few hours.

Check out the NPS Ranger program schedule when its released for whatever time of year you go there.

If you're going to go to the Museum and Visitor's Center then you should budget at least two hours and probably more. Other than the introductory film & cyclorama I don't care for it. Unfortunately you have to buy the tickets all together and it's currently around $15/person.

People have their favorite restaurants. However, the quality of the restaurants has dramatically reduced in the aftermath of COVID. It's just a fact that the various places have been stealing each others' cooks and many staff changed careers because the industry doesn't pay well while other jobs are beginning to. Gettysburg is a small town saturated with a lot of restaurants. I used to really love eating out there and it's lost much of the magic for me to the point it's making my hometown restaurants seem great. I've been eating at a nice little family Mexican restaurant in a laundromat north of Gettysburg the last few times I've been there. Hopefully things improve.

Dobbin House, for example, is a historic tavern that used to have lots of long-time staff, the bartender would be 10-30 year employee minimum with some seasonal staff of course. Now it's some young kids behind the bar who know the menu less than I do. That's fine if the management is on-point and able to keep the quality. None of them are doing that well. There's a noticeable reduction in quality at most places. This would only be a nuisance if the prices were not simultaneously rising from an already-higher price point.

There's two restaurants on the square. One of them is a modern looking place that sells decent burgers, has kept the quality decent, and has loyal townies who still frequent it. The other is an olden-vibe tourist trap of a restaurant which has always had overpriced basic food. I have yet to meet a townie or long-time visitor who will ever want to go there or consider it a hangout spot.

 

[roundball1]

We are planning a visit in 2023. Curious to know weather wise the best time of year and any recommendations on lodging and meals?

Thanks,

Glen

We are planning a visit in 2023. Curious to know weather wise the best time of year and any recommendations on lodging and meals?

Thanks,

Glen

My wife and I visited Gettysburg last summer. We loved it so much, we are going back this May to celebrate our 25 years of marriage. We stayed at the Farnsworth House and Inn last Summer and we are staying with them again. Aside from the battlefield, itself, we love the stores. If you like military antiques, be sure to go to the Horse Soldier and the Union Drummer Boy. The Regimental Quartermaster and the Maryland Sutler aren't bad, either, but very pricey. It doesn't cost anything to look. I've also got to get over to Dirty Billy's Hats.

 

[3rdBrigade]

I live in Gettysburg and would recommend for great food at a good price Chubby's. Located at the intersection of Taneytown Rd and Wheatfield Rd, just behind Little Round Top. Have not had a bad meal there!

 

[mwalker6043]

Anytime is great to visit.
Spring and Fall have the best weather if you don't like heat and humidity. Ticks are a bonus all year round
Winter and Early Spring are good if you are looking for obscure monuments and markers and terrain because the undergrowth is down.
Some shops and museums are closed Monday & Tuesday after October until April.
Quality Inn Battlefield, 1863 Inn, Inn on Cemetery Hill and Best Western, Colton and 3 Crowns (last 2 are very low budget) are close to The National Cemetery, battlefield, museums, food, drink and shops.
Places I have patronized during several visits, I prefer locally owned, can get chain food anywhere.
ABC (Appalachian Brewery Co.), Gettysburg Eddies, O'Rourke's, Blessings (Authentic Mexican - Latin American), Montezuma's, Li's Buffet (Chinese Buffet), Tommy's Pizza, Mai's Noodles, Farnsworth/ Sweney' Tavern, Blue & Gray Bar, Dunlap's (best breakfast), Ernie's Texas Lunch, Lincoln Dinner, Gettysburg Family Restaurant, The Gettysburger & Mason Dixon Distillery. All are good.
The Dobbin House is a must for a fine dining experience.
Visitor Center and Cyclorama, Gettysburg Museum of History, Shriver House, Jennie Wade House and Museum are a must.

 

[speedylee]

We are planning a visit in 2023. Curious to know weather wise the best time of year and any recommendations on lodging and meals?

Thanks,

Glen

For Gettysburg, May is a good time, as is October. The heat of summer has not arrived yet. Be aware that Little Round Top is not open for visiting now and probably will not be by next summer. Food: There is a bar & grill named Garry Owen in the middle of town. My wife and I enjoy the food there very much. We eat there multiple times every visit. There is another place, smaller and trendier, called Food 101. It is also in the middle of town. Lodging: We have stayed at the Courtyard (nice) everytime we've been there. A friend has stayed at the Best Western (acceptable).

If you are thinking of Chickamauga, late March/early April allow for better viewing of the topography. That is important for this particular battle. The weather is usually decent that time of year. The battlefield is close enough to Chattanooga that I always stay there when visiting the battlefield. Plenty of places to eat there. I'm a Marriott points guy. I've stayed at several Fairfield Inns in Chattanooga.

Hope this helps!

 

[infomanpa]

I was there, today. January 5. It was a beautiful sunny day, almost 60 degrees and very few people.

 

[111thNYSV]

I went with my wife and 2 little ones from Dec 26th to the 31st. It was a great time. All the Christmas decorations were up and the weather was beautiful. I was able to walk all over the battlefield without sweating or freezing. Plus I encountered no ticks this time. Last trip in May I think I ended up with 5 on me. No bites though. This time we stayed at the best western which is newer. In May I stayed at the Colton but I was on the motorcycle and didn't have the wife and kids with me. Tommy's pizza is a must food wise. Oh and the miniature soldier shop is cool too, the younger guy that works there remembered me from last time and is a real nice guy.

 

[Merlin1066]

We usually stay at the 1863 Inn. Great location, You are pretty much right next to the Park and can even walk to Culps Hill and the Cemetery. You are also right across the street from some really nice shops and restaurants. It's about a 5 min drive from the downtown square. We go generally in May or October.

 

[LoyaltyOfDogs]

Places I have patronized during several visits, I prefer locally owned, can get chain food anywhere.

Absolutely! Always choose the local restaurants! I'd add that Gettysburg is a great town for ice cream-lovers. Several fine ice cream establishments are located in and around town.

 

[EJ Zander]

The 1863 inn is usually decent. Presidential Inn and Suites is usually the best economic choice if you don't mind driving everywhere—it's on the edge of town away from all the restaurants and attractions. Prices will always be cheaper away from the anniversary and during the middle of the week.

If you're bringing family the best option is to plan to hire a licensed battlefield guide. They're about $75 for two hours and a little more for three. It's good to plan, unless you're just looking to wander around and take some photos with cannons. It's like having your own professor for a few hours.

Check out the NPS Ranger program schedule when its released for whatever time of year you go there.

If you're going to go to the Museum and Visitor's Center then you should budget at least two hours and probably more. Other than the introductory film & cyclorama I don't care for it. Unfortunately you have to buy the tickets all together and it's currently around $15/person.

People have their favorite restaurants. However, the quality of the restaurants has dramatically reduced in the aftermath of COVID. It's just a fact that the various places have been stealing each others' cooks and many staff changed careers because the industry doesn't pay well while other jobs are beginning to. Gettysburg is a small town saturated with a lot of restaurants. I used to really love eating out there and it's lost much of the magic for me to the point it's making my hometown restaurants seem great. I've been eating at a nice little family Mexican restaurant in a laundromat north of Gettysburg the last few times I've been there. Hopefully things improve.

Dobbin House, for example, is a historic tavern that used to have lots of long-time staff, the bartender would be 10-30 year employee minimum with some seasonal staff of course. Now it's some young kids behind the bar who know the menu less than I do. That's fine if the management is on-point and able to keep the quality. None of them are doing that well. There's a noticeable reduction in quality at most places. This would only be a nuisance if the prices were not simultaneously rising from an already-higher price point.

There's two restaurants on the square. One of them is a modern looking place that sells decent burgers, has kept the quality decent, and has loyal townies who still frequent it. The other is an olden-vibe tourist trap of a restaurant which has always had overpriced basic food. I have yet to meet a townie or long-time visitor who will ever want to go there or consider it a hangout spot.

Agreed on the place next to the laundromat. But we cant give up all the secret spots.

 

[Gus2015]

Thanks everyone for all the great information. We're going to sit down over the weekend and pick a date and get started planning. The guide sounds great. I have a grandfather's footsteps I'd like to follow as close as possible. Thanks again everyone.

Glen

 

[speedylee]

Personally, I would not recommend the battlefield guides. My experiences with them have been unacceptable.

 

[Hoplite]

Anytime is a great time to visit Gettysburg!
Spring is nice with the wildflowers and trees coming to life. And its not too hot usually, just a few rainy days here and there. Not quite summer vacation season so the crowds are apt to be a little smaller.
Personally, we prefer staying at the 1863 Inn on Baltimore abutting the Jennie Wade House. Lots of places and restaurants to walk and see...Steinwehr Avenue is a block away for gift shopping and food/beverages. Meals depend upon your taste in table-fare and the time of day of the meal you want...Hunts for a quick Cheesesteak/Fries (oh yes! Hunt's fries!) or other sandwiches. Tommy's for sandwiches and pizza. Farnsworth House, Dobbin House, O'Rourke's for a little more upscale lunch or dinner. There is a KFC, Appalachian Brewing and a MCDonalds on Steinwehr near the battlefield...take a few minutes to "Google" restaurants in Gettysburg. Most have a link to their menu. A huge variety of choices. Downtown, at the square...Blue and Grey among many others...never a loss for choices, for sure!!!

Anytime is a good time for Gettysburg!
It can be hot and muggy in the summer. If you go in fall after leaves have fallen I think you get a better view and oversight- especially from the elevations.
Dobbin House is my go to for food. If you are going to go 'fast food' patronize the food at the visitors center, give them the business.

 

[Poorlaggedman]

If you are going to go 'fast food' patronize the food at the visitors center, give them the business.

I have to disagree. The company that contractually monopolizes the food at the visitor's center is overpriced and under delivers. It's basically a money pit for schools and organizations that plan to eat there. They also stand in the way of many poorer groups from picnicking or being fed at the visitor's center (by contract) in any of the class rooms that they might have reserved for the day and, I believe, the entire grounds of the Gburg Foundation so that they have to plan to find a different set of private land to eat their bagged meals on since there's no picnicking on the battlefield. I would be very happy to see the contractor go belly up. It's given me massive headaches in the past. I'm not even sure if the NPS can order pizza to the visitor's center or that it's not limited to so many times per year because of the contracts by the Gettysburg Foundation (which owns the visitor's center) to the vendor. I don't really care about the logic behind the exclusivity, it's a curious combination of government/non-profit/private sector chained together in a precarious situation. The Foundation has became a behemoth since it's inception. You can look at the Foundations' financials with a free account on the website GuideStar, they're doing fine. I don't hate 'em but I darn sure don't love 'em.