"Trip to Gettysburg" Topic

Hey all

next year im heading to the states for a holiday and while im there i would really like to go to Gettysburg. we are looking to stay in New york. is it possible to do a day trip out there or would i be better off staying in Gettysburg its self?

cheers
Bryan

Too far for a day trip, you'll spend most of your day driving there and back. If you spend a night, you could take another day for Antietam and Harper's Ferry and only add about an hour to your return trip.

It's a 3 1/2 hour drive one-way form New York to Gettysburg, according to Google. I would want to stay over.

When I did it once with the kids on a road trip of that magnitude, we literally had enough time for a picnic lunch on Little Round Top,nothing more. It's a big battle;efield that deserves more time.

FYI, I highly recommend engaging one of the licensed tour guides who are available through the National Park Service visitor center for a car tour. (You have to bring the car.) I've done it twice, both times with the same guide, who had family stories of what his ancestors in town did during the battle. Their knowledge is such that it will materially enhance your experience.

Rick

I live about an hour and a half from Gettysburg, I spent 3 days there a few years back and felt like I barely got to see everything I wanted to see. Definitely recommend a guided tour whether that be on horseback or trolley. I think the trolley tours are better personally.

Another vote for the guided tour. And the side trips to Antietam and Harper's Ferry if you can manage them.

One thing to watch out for is the timing of your visit. The last days of June and first days of July are the anniversary of the actual battle. Awesome events to see but the sea of humanity that comes in for the spectacle is quite daunting.

As mentioned Gettysburg is a good distance in miles and time from New York. Not sure if you are traveling with friends or family but Gettysburg is a good overnight trip by itself. Also as mentioned, it is just north of a lot of other ACW attractions.

Oh, and you will be safe. They National Park Service has the Drop Bear population well under control.

The septics are starting to catch on. We need to invent some new imaginary animals.

thanks for the help guys

and to be honest im more worried about yogi stealing my picnic basket!!

"and to be honest im more worried about yogi stealing my picnic basket!!"

A few summers ago my then 9th grader daughter took part in a People To People: Ambassadors Abroad trip to Australia. One of their outings was a midnight hike on a farm. The hosting group gave all the kids hats to protect them from the "dangers" of Drop Bears. The hats worked, everyone returned unharmed.

Maybe the US members of TMP can chip in and buy you a hat to wear for your visit.

I also recommend staying there a few days and do a short trip to Harpers Ferry and Antietam. At Harpers Ferry you will feel like you went back in a time machine to the period.

I recommend the Federal Pointe Inn, in Gettysburg. We stayed there last year when we visited Gettysburg and plan to again on our next trip. You cannot see the battlefield in one day. The museum alone will take one full day. We stayed for three days.

We went to Antietam during the July 4th weekend and then went to Gettysburg for three days. I do not recommend visiting Gettysburg on July 4th. Too crowded.

Having never visited these battle fields before, I still did not need a guide. Years of research and gaming resulted in knowing exactly where most everything was.

link

If you plan it for the right time you can get to Historicon, Cold Wars, or Fall-in at nearby Lancaster. Not sure if all three are going to be there next year.

I also recommend the Federal Pointe Inn. Good rooms, reasonably priced and easy walking distance from the middle of Gettysburg. No breakfast, but there is a (pretty average) diner on the far side of the car park. Do go to Antietam and Harpers Ferry if you possibly can.