Hidden Gems in Gettysburg and Adams County

Gettysburg and Adams County, located in the heart of Pennsylvania, are filled with hidden gems just waiting to be explored beyond the well-trodden paths and famous attractions. Here are some hidden gems that make Gettysburg and Adams County so unique.

Hidden Gems in Gettysburg and Adams County

Crop Hop and Adams County Blossom Belt

The Crop Hop and Adams County Blossom Belt will take you through the surrounding area of Adams County’s breathtaking natural beauty. From late March to early May, the stunning “Blossom Belt” blooms, painting the countryside in pink and white. The Crop Hop is active from late April through December.

Adams County, known for its rich agricultural tradition, allows visitors to see the beauty of its fruit trees throughout the spring season. Explore Upper Adams County’s Blossom Belt, a beautiful route that passes through charming communities and farms.

Start your adventure in downtown Gettysburg and go north, where you’ll encounter an array of farm markets, nurseries, and restaurants hidden among the blossoming orchards. The stunning sight of over 20,000 acres of fruit trees in full bloom highlights the region’s agricultural riches.

As you wander along the Blossom Belt or Crop Hop, you’ll have the opportunity to gather fresh fruits, unique gifts, and cherished memories.

Gettysburg Dinosaur Bridge

The Gettysburg Dinosaur Bridge allows visitors to glimpse an ancient past.

As you cross the stone bridge over Plum Run, you’ll be taken back to the Triassic Period, the earliest era of dinosaur existence. The footprints of two different dinosaur species are imprinted into the bridge’s stones: the Anchisauripus, a medium-sized carnivore, and the Atreipus, a smaller herbivore.

Although no fossilized skeletal remains of these dinosaurs have been discovered, their footprints on the Gettysburg Dinosaur Bridge provide insight into the prehistoric ecosystem that once thrived in this region.

To experience the wonder of the Gettysburg Dinosaur Bridge, follow the one-way route on South Confederate Avenue toward Big Round Top. The bridge, accessed from Seminary Ridge or Steinwehr Avenue, leads to the high slopes of the wooded Big Round Top. Park near the William Wells statue, located just before the bridge.

PRO TIP: The road was closed when I visited, but you can park and walk to the bridge.

Historic Round Barn

Experience the timeless charm of Adams County’s Round Barn, a symbol of the local area’s rich agricultural history. Built in 1914, this architectural gem has stood the test of time, attracting tourists with its unique circular design. 

Visitors can step inside the Historic Round Barn & Farm Market, a lovely family-owned business that serves an excellent variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables produced on the farm. As you enter the market, the aroma of fresh produce and warm smiles from local farmers greet you.

Outside, the Round Barn stands majestically against the backdrop of rolling hills and orchards with its circular architecture. It serves as a reminder of the past, when round barns filled the countryside, sheltering livestock and storing past generations’ harvests.

Today, the Historic Round Barn serves as a gathering place for community events and celebrations. Its historic charm adds a touch of nostalgia to every occasion.

Adams County Winery

Another hidden gem in Gettysburg is Adams County Winery, the fifth oldest operating winery in Pennsylvania. This historic establishment has crafted exceptional wines since its founding in 1975, with five decades of winemaking expertise.

Adams County Winery, located on over 75 acres of rolling hills and beautiful countryside, provides a peaceful getaway for wine lovers. The winery’s heart is its lovely 1860s bank barn, which serves as the historic Tasting Room. Visitors are welcome to explore their wide range of award-winning wines, all expertly produced from locally-grown grapes.

Adams County Winery’s wine selections cater to various tastes and preferences, from the popular Rebel Red, a sweet Concord mix with fruity overtones, to Cotton Candy Dreams, with hints of strawberries and candied apples. Try the Twisted Thicket, a delicious Concord, Niagara, and Blackberry combination.

PRO TIP: Reserve a spot on the Vintners Reserve Tour for a behind-the-scenes tour and learn more about wine-making.

Boyer Cellars

Discover the art of winemaking at Boyer Cellars, a family-owned winery that combines passion and craftsmanship to create exceptional wines. Boyer Cellars produces a wide range of classic reds, whites, fruit wines, and artisanal hard ciders, all meticulously crafted to capture the flavor of the region’s terroir.

The wrap-around porch is the perfect spot to sip your wine selection while admiring the rolling hills. Stroll through the nursery gardens or even cross the street to experience the live evergreen hedge maze.

Inn at Herr Ridge

Experience the timeless beauty of the Inn at Herr Ridge, which offers an ideal combination of historic elegance and modern comfort. Each beautifully decorated guest room reflects the inn’s rich history and the breathtaking scenery of the Gettysburg Battlefields.

The Inn at Herr Ridge’s award-winning wine cellar showcases over 6,000 highly-rated local and international wines and highlights its commitment to quality. It serves as a great place to host special events. For a memorable experience, head to the rooftop terrace and take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Gettysburg Battlefield. From the terrace, you’ll see the historic landscape come to life, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

PRO TIP: If you’re a fan of the paranormal, prepare to be delighted.

Silvershire Farm 

Experience a journey through time with a carriage ride through the scenic countryside surrounding  Silvershire Farm. Embark on a leisurely one-hour carriage tour through the beautiful landscapes of Adams County orchards and beyond. Traveling through the rolling hills and lush orchards, you’ll learn about the beautiful Shire horses and the region’s agricultural importance.

Lose yourself in the beauty of blooming apple blossoms, with their delicate petals painting the landscape in shades of pink and white. You’ll also see an Elk herd and various other animals along the way.

At the end of your ride, you can meet and capture photos of your team of horses. If you want, you can also meet the other horses on the farm and offer them treats.

Hickory Bridge Farm

Pack your stretchy pants as you savor the flavors of farm-to-table cuisine at Hickory Bridge Farm, a beloved local restaurant housed in a historic farmhouse. The restaurant serves delicious homemade meals in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Enter the lovely barn-turned-restaurant and enjoy family-style dining with three different entrees and a bounty of vegetables and sides brought directly to your table. Every part of your meal, from savory salads to freshly baked bread and spiced peaches, is expertly prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

As you savor each delectable bite, the friendly staff will refill your table with more mouthwatering dishes until you’re satisfied or ready to burst! And just when you think you can’t take another bite, a delectable selection of desserts is still awaiting you! While Hickory Bridge Farm offers a rotating selection of entrees each weekend, it is best known for its signature crab imperial.

Note that reservations are a must, as this popular dining destination tends to fill up quickly, often booked weeks in advance.

PRO TIP: Time your visit to include a stop in the Red Shed for some country line-dancing fun! You can usually find them every Wednesday evening and the second Saturday of every month.

Thirsty Farmer Brew Works

Thirsty Farmer Brew Works is a family farm brewery where craft beer enthusiasts can enjoy handcrafted brews and farm-fresh cuisine. The brewery provides a one-of-a-kind and welcoming atmosphere ideal for relaxing and chatting with friends and family.

Step inside, and you’ll find a rotating selection of ales, lagers, and ciders, all made on-site in small batches with passion and precision. Each flavor celebrates their farming expertise and commitment to quality, made with fresh, locally sourced Adams County ingredients.

If you’re hungry, they also have a unique “Build Your Own” (BYO) system where you can personalize your meal to your taste. Choose from quesadillas, paninis, flatbreads, and brioche rolls, then top with your favorite meats, portabella mushrooms, spreads, cheeses, and toppings.

Walking Tour of Gettysburg

Join a guided walking tour of Gettysburg and explore the town which became part of the battlefield. You’ll follow in the footsteps of soldiers and civilians and learn the stories that shaped a nation.

The Gettysburg Licensed Town Guides take you through the town’s charming streets and historic landmarks, where you’ll learn about the town’s rich history, architecture, and significant sites. You’ll see the train station President Lincoln used when he visited to give his famous speech.

For those interested in paranormal activity, Gettysburg Ghost Tours provide an intriguing look into the town’s haunting history, creepy sites, and chilling stories from the past. A ghost tour is a fun way to learn about the historic sites.

Sachs Covered Bridge

Experience the timeless beauty of Sachs Covered Bridge, a treasured piece of Adams County’s history. This unique wooden bridge, built in the 19th century, is a testament to the region’s rich history and rustic beauty. It’s the perfect place to take photos and relax.

Sachs Covered Bridge, built by David Stoner in 1852, played a part in the Civil War Battle of Gettysburg, serving as a crossing point for Union and Confederate forces in July 1863. The bridge, located off Pumping Station Road in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, gracefully spans Marsh Creek. The Department of Highways designated it Pennsylvania’s “most historic bridge” in 1938 and added it to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

But Sachs Covered Bridge is more than simply a historical site. The bridge is believed to be haunted, attracting paranormal enthusiasts looking for ghostly encounters and unsettling experiences. Whether or not you believe in the supernatural, visiting Sachs Covered Bridge will be an unforgettable experience for all.

Cashtown Inn

Discover the classic charm of Cashtown Inn, a historic building that has welcomed tourists for over two centuries. This beautiful bed and breakfast with Old World Charm provides a comfortable getaway for travelers looking to surround themselves with history.

Dating back to 1797, Cashtown Inn was a stagecoach stop on the westward journey. During the Gettysburg Campaign of the Civil War, Cashtown Inn became historically significant as it served as the headquarters for numerous Confederate officers and a battlefield hospital for Confederate troops.

Jennie Wade House

Learn about the story of the only civilian casualty during the Battle of Gettysburg at the Jennie Wade House. Authentically furnished from cellar to attic, the Jennie Wade House memorializes Jennie and life during the American Civil War. At just 20 years old, Jennie was tragically killed while kneading dough in the kitchen when a rifle bullet pierced two doors and took her life.

As you walk through the house, knowledgeable interpreters dressed in historical attire will guide you. They will bring the home’s history to life with passionate retellings of Jennie’s story and the hardships civilians faced during the war.

Artifacts from that fateful day in 1863 are displayed throughout the house, offering a glimpse into the past. From the artillery shell that punctured the roof of the house to a floorboard stained with Jennie’s blood, each item tells a story. 

Coster Avenue Mural

Discover the hidden gem of Gettysburg’s battlefield memorials with a visit to the Coster Avenue Mural, a tribute to the soldiers who fought bravely in the Battle of Gettysburg. Located off the beaten path but well worth the journey, this mural stretches across a town block. You’ll find it tucked away in a grassy area beside an alley.

Civil War descendant Mark H. Dunkelman designed and painted the mural with acclaimed muralist Johan Bjurman. This mural serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made on both sides of the conflict.

The mural clearly shows the tragic events of the battle, where Coster’s troops, positioned as the rearguard, found themselves outnumbered and unprotected behind a modest wooden fence. Despite facing overwhelming odds, they bravely stood their ground, fighting brutal hand-to-hand combat with the Confederate forces led by Hays and Colonel Isaac Avery.

Visitors can reach the Coster Avenue Mural and its memorials at the intersection of East Stevens Street and Hazel Alley in Gettysburg. 

PRO TIP: This residential area has limited parking, so pay attention to parking signs to avoid being towed or ticketed.

Food 101

Gettysburg is home to some great restaurants, including Food 101, only a block from Lincoln Square. Since 2015, the restaurant has been committed to offering high-quality, scratch-made cuisine. It offers a wide selection of menu items, like pizza, sandwiches, salads, and exceptional entrees. Every dish is made with care and attention to detail, using the best ingredients from local vendors whenever possible.

Food 101 operates on a first-come, first-served basis because it believes in giving all guests an equal opportunity to try its culinary delights. It does not accept reservations or disclose wait times over the phone. The restaurant is open daily, starting at 11 a.m.

PRO TIP: While everything here is delicious, their award-winning burger was on Yelp’s Top 100 Burgers in 2023 and pairs perfectly with their truffle fries.

Battle of Gettysburg Sights

Okay, so obviously history buffs and visitors to Gettysburg are aware of its importance during the Civil War. But they may not realize you can do your own auto tour using an app! Download the NPS (National Park Service) app and under “Find a Park,” type in Gettysburg National Military Park. And off you go! You’ll gain a better understanding of how the Confederate armies and Union soldiers used the terrain to their advantage.

History fans will be thrilled by the countless sights and landmarks commemorating the Battle of Gettysburg. Gettysburg National Military Park preserves the battlefield where the three-day conflict occurred in 1863. Here, nearly 1,400 monuments and statues stand as tributes to the courage and sacrifice of both Union and Confederate forces. Highlights include Seminary Ridge, Cemetery Ridge, and Oak Ridge.

Learn more about the story of Gettysburg at the Museum and Visitor Center, where exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays offer insights into the battle’s context and its enduring impact.

Next to the battlefield stands the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his immortal Gettysburg Address, highlighting the importance of preserving the Union and honoring the fallen.

And, of course, no visit to Gettysburg is complete without a visit to Little Round Top, a rocky hill that witnessed fierce fighting and played an essential role in determining the battle’s outcome.

Visit the Daniel Lady Farm around the battle anniversary July 1-3 to view battle reenactments.

Sunset at Little Round Top

End your day with a breathtaking sunset at Little Round Top, one of the most iconic locations in Gettysburg. Located atop Little Round Top, you’ll have a unique viewpoint from which to see the expansive landscape that awaits you. From this historical viewpoint, where brave soldiers once stood in defense of their beliefs, the sky turns into a kaleidoscope of colors.

As the last rays of sunshine light the rolling hills and beautiful fields below, you’ll be reminded of the region’s history of bravery and sacrifice. It’s a time to pause, recognize the importance of the past, and reflect on the lessons it teaches for the future.

PRO TIP: Little Round Top has been closed for rehabilitation since 2022 and is expected to re-open in the summer of 2024, so check the NPS website before going.