Sunday, August 20 – We headed out this morning under a cloud of fog toward Gettysburg, PA. We chose a southern route through West Virginia and Maryland instead of the shorter route through Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania route was via the PA Turnpike which meant a hefty toll. The route we chose was a beautiful way to travel on the busy Eastern part of the United States. We were amazed how much mountain driving was required. Admittedly, the Appalachian Mountains are nothing compared to the Rockies, but we sure did some steep up and down driving today.
This was along the the highway today. What a hoot.
We arrived in Gettysburg by mid-afternoon without any problems with either the truck or 5th wheel, which is certainly a plus. We are staying at Artillery Ridge Campground which is located right on the edge of the historical Gettysburg battlefields. This is a Passport America park Monday-Thursday. The campground is fairly large. It has a couple of different areas. We are in the back by the horse stables. We have a FHU, pull-through site with 50 amp electric. We requested a site suitable for our satellite. We are in a very open area. The roads and sites are gravel but needing freshened-up with additional gravel. The sites aren't very level. There are picnic tables at each site but are pretty close to your neighbors and have no landscaping. It's all about location when choosing this park over several others in the area since it is located adjacent to the historic battlefields. Also, one of the perks of staying at this campground is by staying 2+ days, we received free tickets to the Gettysburg Diorama, Spirit of Gettysburg, and Lincoln Train Museum. That saves us a ton of money.
Site 427
Looking right.
Looking left.
After getting settled in our site, we headed to the battlefield Visitor's Center about one mile down the road. We strolled through the store and purchased tickets for the movie, museum, and the cyclorama, which we will see tomorrow morning. You need to reserve a time for the tickets. Since we like to get an early start, we chose 9:00 a.m.
Marsha’s best friend was waiting for her at the front door.
We then drove to downtown Gettysburg to check things out and get the lay of the land. We stopped at the famous Dobbin House Tavern for happy hour and enjoyed a couple adult beverages. We opted to have our drinks in the Springhouse Tavern. It is amazing. It is an eating and drinking alehouse amidst three natural springs and two glowing fireplaces. Built in 1776, it has reasonably priced drinks. Although we didn't eat dinner, we were told the food is great.
We sat at the original bar.
We then headed back to the campground for dinner and to rest up for the next couple days of sightseeing. Stop back and enjoy historical Gettysburg with us.
Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y’all back real soon. Have a great day!
As you said it may not be the best campground, but you have it pretty much to yourself and it is about the destination and all you can see and enjoy. The Battlefield is awesome and we can't wait to hear of your adventure.
ReplyDeleteThe cyclorama is amazing! I'm glad you are going to see it.
ReplyDeleteWe were there in July, the month of the famous battle, and I kept thinking about the soldiers in wool uniforms.
We really really enjoyed our time there. And I remember the up and down big hills. Lots of them. We ate in the basement of the Dobbin House and would do it again. Have a great time.
ReplyDeleteGlad you arrived safely and got everything all set up for tomorrow. Have a wonderful time. Hope you have wonderful weather for all your touring:) Tell Paul he did a great job putting on the happy face outside the VC:)
ReplyDeleteHope they still have the battleground horseback ride from that park. It was the highlight of our time there. When you leave there, think about visiting the Martin Guitar Co. and the Yueling Brewery.
ReplyDeleteNice to see you out and about again, no matter what the campground is like you are in your own home. Looks like a great time you will be having.
ReplyDeleteOne of our favoerite areas, we return to the battlefield whenever we are nearby.
ReplyDeleteGreat location...we stayed in the same area as you when we were there! Very sobering to sit atop Little Round Top looking down to Devil's Den. The diorama really helps sort out the battles.
ReplyDeleteThe addition of "free" tickets makes your stay quite the bargain, and so worth it to stay close, even if it's not quite up to snuff.
ReplyDeleteI remember thinking the Appalachians were quite the ride as well. . .enjoy Gettysburg, I know you will.
Make sure you do eat at the Dobbin House.
ReplyDeleteWhen we are in Gettysburg we always stay at Artillery Ridge. Once we even took the battlefield tour on horse back from there. We've stayed in the back section a few times but last fall we had the granddaughters with us so we were in the site right behind the office and across from the pool and playground. We have done the free tours they provide and knew what to expect. We took the girls into the Spirit of Gettysburg. When the first door opened (supposedly by a ghost) out they shot. Little one is still concerned we might take her somewhere where there are ghosts. After that it was a struggle getting them on the Lincoln train exhibit. We love Gettysburg! You will too.
What a fun trip. There's so much to see and probably a great summer break.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome tavern. I guess you had plenty of room at the campground.
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