Gettysburg/PA Dutch/Hershey

[ryca1dreams]

Being from Tennessee but living the past 20 years or so out west, I was amazed how beautiful this part of Pennsylvania was when we visited last May. I almost drove off the road several times looking around!

Make sure you take time (in addition to seeing the battlefield) to see the park service museum - it has an amazing collection. Oh, and do the interactive map show (or whatever it's called). It will give you a good idea of the battlefield before you take your tour, if you're not familiar with the history. There is a small fee for this, but it's worth it.

[mouse-logic]

I argee with the others above that there are plenty of interesting and fun things to do up in PA Dutch area in the Fall. Gettysburg is a remarkable place. Make sure you seek out a licensed battlefield guide. These are the only people sanctioned by the park service to give tours, and they really know what they are doing. The training and licensing requirements are beyond rigorous. (Of course, I don't mean to say that other unlicensed folks can't give you a great tour.)

Anyway, temper your enthusiasm for Hershey Park if you have any interest in the big thrill rides. During November and December the coasters do not run. However the park is open for Christmas Candy Lane (I believe weekends only) which is a great time in itself.

Hotel Hershey is a historic property, the Hershey Lodge is also very nice.

After you are through with that, might as well travel east to Lancaster and Amish Country. I live here so I am used to the buggys, but it still is something to see if you haven't before.

And, since you're in this part of the country, and if you can brave the urban blight, and might consider heading into Philadephia to see history (National Constitution Center, Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Museum of Art where you can pay homage to Rocky, etc).

You might consider breaking out a B&B guide and work your way across South-Central-Eastern PA. Some beautiful historic properties. Have fun

[mrsHerbie53]

Every year Hersheypark seems to grow by leaps and bounds!! With their new water park and newer rides, it is definitely a full day and I think it is better to have 2 days to do it. Check them out on the web.

While driving to WDW last year, my DS9 stated that Hersheypark has much better rollercoaster rides than Disney. If you are a thrill ride person, he is certainly right in terms of numbers, anyway.

[TheDuckRocks]

I think you will have a wonderful trip to the Lancaster area. Some of my suggestions would be:
1) Don't miss Longwood Gardens it is only 43 miles from Lancaster and it is absolutely one of the most beautiful gardens I've ever seen. Have lunch in their table service restaurant , it's a nice break from touring the gardens and the food is really good. You could Google them, their website is one of those dot org things.
2) When you're in Gettysburg try The Pub on the town square for lunch and if you have a sweet tooth get a peice of the carrot cake. I know people that go up for a meal just to end it with the carrot cake.
3) The Strasburg Railroad is fun, isn't all that expensive and doesn't have to be terribly time consuming. They also have an informational website. And right across the street is a railroad museum if you're really into trains.
4) The Kettle Kitchen in Intercourse, PA has a couple of good dining options and it has a very easy walking area with all kinds of little shops. It is very touristy though.
5) When in Amish country be very mindful of the buggies, my sister and I almost got ran over by one when crossing the street and we were doing it within a cross walk with a green light. I guess they rightly assume that you will jump out of their way when a big horse is clopping down on you at a lively rate of speed.
6) If you at all have the time make the drive down to Harpers Ferry. The National Park Department runs a wonderful program with ample parking and a shuttle down to the town.
We have lived in the Mid-Atlantic area for about 5 years now and I still am amazed at how much there is to do in this area and how beautiful it is. Have a wonderful anniversary trip.

[pwdebbie]

Another thing to do would be to visit the Amish Farm and House in Lancaster. And there is a restaurant called Shady Maple that people rave about. (I haven't been there.)

Deb

[DisneyTwinsMommy]

Oh, the PP is right, Shady Maple is AWESOME!!! But just note, it is in Lancaster County, really not near Lancaster...

I have stayed at the Fulton Steamboat hotel, and it is very cool, it is right across the street from lots of outlets...

We live in Hershey and we love it here... just know, in November, Hersheypark will be closed for the season. There is still Chocolate World, the Auto museum, Hershey gardens (don't know how goo they will be in the fall either), Hershey Museum... lots of things.... and do not forget that Hershey is about 10 miles away from Harrisburg, which has lots of cool things there too... A PA state museum, you can tour the capitol building, an awesome downtown with shops and restaurants...

If it is your anniversary, you could consider the Sunday brunch at the Hotel Hershey, it is to die for!!! It is a bit pricey, but totally worth it, there is a dress code and it is quite fancy!! You can make reservations on the hotel Hershey website...

PM me if you need advice about a certain place... happy planning!!

[BMan62]

For the sports fan there is baseball galore - Harrisburg Senators, Lancaster Barnstormers, York Revolution.

Shows - -Strand/Capitol Complex in York, Dutch Apple Dinner Theater in Lancaster County, Fulton Opera House in Lancaster.

Bube's Brewery/The Catacombs in Mt. Joy

About an hour north of Harrisburg is Knoebel's Groves in Elysburg, PA - "America's Largest Free Admission Park"