Battlefield B&B shares their favorite ways to celebrate the holidays in Gettysburg, PA. From delightful festivals to delicious meals to cozy overnight stays, enjoy the magic of the holidays in the most famous small town in America!
Holiday decor and Christmas tree in the Solarium at Gettysburg’s Battlefield Bed & Breakfast
The Gettysburg Holiday House Tour is coming back in 2024!
The Adams County Historical Society is taking over the Gettysburg Holiday House Tour. That means that more historic homes will be on the tour this year, in addition to the traditional bed and breakfast inns of past years.
The Gettysburg Holiday House Tour has expanded to two days, Saturday and Sunday, December 14 & 15, 2024.
On both days, the Adams County Historical Society will be included in the tour.
Many of the properties will be offering Christmas treats like cookies, hors d’oeuvres, or cider.
Country Properties will feature historic homes and inns in the country-side around Gettysburg, Cashtown, and Fairfield.
These properties are within 10 miles of downtown Gettysburg. Enjoy the beautiful Adams County orchards and woodlands while touring homes and inns. Each will be showing off Christmas trees and holiday décor.
There are several well-known wineries in the country-side that can become added stops on your tour.
In-town Properties will include holiday theme decorations at in-town inns and homes
These homes and inns are in the immediate Gettysburg Borough or within 5 miles of Gettysburg. This is your chance to see the interiors of buildings you may have walked by for years. Of course, all the homes and inns will be showing off their holiday decorations.
Book a room at Battlefield Bed & Breakfast for the weekend.
Buy your tickets from the Adams County Historical Society. For updates, sign up for the ACHS newsletter.
Get in the holiday spirit with the Gettysburg Holiday House Tour.
Details about the homes on the tours and ticket sales will be coming soon. Please put a Save The Date on your calendar.
Ticket Sales from the Gettysburg Holiday House Tour support the Adams County Historical Society and the South Central Community Action Program (SCAPP).
SCAPP runs the local homeless shelter and food bank.
The new movie, “A Christmas In Gettysburg”, was shot on location around the town of Gettysburg. If you get a chance to see the movie before your visit, you may also enjoy tracking down the sites of your favorite scenes.
Book early to get a room at Battlefield Bed & Breakfast.
What to expect at one of Battlefield B&B’s Who Dunnit Dinner Parties during our entertaining Mystery Weekends.
Battlefield Bed & Breakfast offers daily history presentations to thrill B&B guests of all ages and Civil War knowledge-levels.
A look at love throughout the seasons with Battlefield B&B’s 2022 wedding couples.
Florence’s Famous Maple-Poached Pears!
Bring the holiday spirit into your house with Florence’s Festive Poached Pears!
9 Whole Bosc Pears (firm)
1 cup Maple Syrup
1 cup Water
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350°.
Arrange pears standing up in a 10” glass pie pan.
Combine remaining ingredients and pour over pears, coating each fruit completely.
Bake pears for about 1 hour, while adding 1/4 cup of water to the syrup in the pan and then basting the fruit with the mixture every 15 minutes.
Pears are ready when they are golden brown and the flesh is soft.
As Florence says, “Easy peasy delicious!”
Start your birding in Battlefield Bed & Breakfast’s 30 acre nature preserve. Then explore the nearby Gettysburg National Military Park. The GNMP is a home to grassland birds due to the history of old-fashioned agricultural methods. Within Adams County, birds thrive in the parks and countryside.
Here are links to more information about birding in Adams County.
Southern Adam’s County Grasslands - Audubon
Species Check-list for the Gettysburg National Military Park - This is a comprehensive list of all the species found in the park so enjoy the birds, but also, enjoy the mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and plants.
If you want to get started right now, you may enjoy this LIVE BIRD-FEEDER CAM in Gettysburg.
One of our favorite activities when vacationing or touring is to visit local galleries. We recommend that you make time to explore the Gettysburg galleries during your visit. Be aware that Covid-19 restrictions may limit your access to art galleries so check ahead before you make your plans.
Lord Nelson’s Gallery
This gallery features original paintings of 18th Century America, nature, and animals. Artists include John Buxton, Dean Morrissey, Beverley Ford Evans, Robert Griffing, Doug Hall, Diane Hoeptner, Todd Price, Nick Serratore, Jonathan Stasko, Jason Tako, Bryant White, and John Weiss.
17 Chambersburg Street
Gallery 30
Stop in to immerse yourself in a wide variety of Pennsylvania crafts and fine art by local artists. Gallery 30 is known for a dazzling display of gourd art as well as sign art. The gallery’s fine art display features eleven local artists who work in a variety of media.
30 York Street
King James Gallery
This gallery is a showroom for limited edition prints and giclées. The artists featured include P. Buckley Moss, John Paul Strain, Mort Künstler, Rod Chase, and Tom Freeman.
15 Baltimore St
Lincoln Into Art
Artist Wendy Allen paints Abraham Lincoln. Her extraordinary interpretations have been displayed internationally.
329 Baltimore Street
Smucker Art Gallery
This is the art gallery belonging to Gettysburg College. The gallery displays 8-10 exhibits a year featuring national, international, and college artists as well as pieces from the gallery’s permanent exhibit.
300 N. Washington Street
Adams County Arts Council
This is Gettysburg’s community center for local artists of all abilities and stages of their artistic development. Teachers, students, and local artists may be featured in gallery displays. The Adams County Arts Council gives energy to Gettysburg’s wide-reaching art community.
125 S Washington St
The Houghtelin family fought to abolish slavery. Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address stamped Gettysburg with the mission of equality for all. The Battlefield Bed & Breakfast continues the tradition of justice and equality by sharing with our guests the stories of this historic property and the people who are connected with it.
"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal." 1863
-Abraham Lincoln
Why does a bed and breakfast speak out about racial injustice?
We are committed to being an active member of our community, welcoming all guests and working towards justice in a community that prides itself as the site of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.
To support our commitment, we have made some intentional changes at our inn.
Thoughtful Conversations About History
We have asked our historians to provide thoughtful background information on the Civil War to help our guests understand how we got to the place we are now. We encourage story sharing and conversation about these difficult topics.
The Farmhouse’s Abolitionist History:
Our inn was the home of abolitionists Cornelius and Anna Houghtelin. By the time the Civil War happened, Cornelius had been working for at least three decades on abolition and the Underground Railroad. Cornelius associated with Thaddeus Stevens and other local prominent abolitionists, serving as the 1835 Vice President of the Gettysburg Antislavery Society. We named Houghtelin’s Hideaway and Anna’s Garden in their honor.
The Farmhouse’s Role in the Battle of Gettysburg:
The farmhouse was the headquarters for Brigadier General Wesley Merritt, who commanded cavalry here on the farm during the Battle of Gettysburg. This action took place during and after Pickett’s Charge on July 3, 1863. After the Civil War, Merritt was the first commander of the Buffalo Soldiers, the first black cavalry in the United States Army. The master suite of the original 1809 house is named General Merritt’s Suite.
Social Justice Focus
Our history programs will focus more on the social justice stories connected to our house, including some guest rooms that we have named in their honor.
Gettysburg Resident Lt. Col. William Baker Room:
We are honoring a Gettysburg resident, Lt. Col. William Baker, who did the research and took the initiative to do the hard work to exonerate the black soldiers who were wrongly accused in the Brownsville incident in 1906. Because of the work of Lt. Col. Baker, these soldiers were given honorable discharges in the 1970's. We have renamed the 7th Georgia Infantry room the “Lt. Col. William Baker” room.
Beneath the Falling Stars Room:
In 2017, Battlefield Bed & Breakfast hosted Constance Boudreau’s “Beneath the Falling Stars,” a commemorative ceremony honoring female combat soldier’s military honors. This remembrance brought attention to the female combat soldiers in the Civil War.
North Star Room:
“The North Star played a key role in helping southern slaves to find their way as they traveled under the cover of darkness—the North Star was a beacon to true north and freedom. Escaping slaves could find it by locating the Big Dipper and extending a straight line from the outermost star of the bowl of the “ladle.” The Big Dipper and North Star were referenced in many slave narratives and songs. Follow the Drinking Gourd was a popular African American folksong composed decades after the War and based on these anecdotes that memorialized the significance of these stars. We have renamed the Hart’s Artillery Room the “North Star” room.”
(Note: Text quoted from the National Parks Service: https://www.nps.gov/articles/drinkinggourd.htm)
To our black patrons and friends: Your lives matter.
#blm #blacklivesmatter #destinationgettysburg #battlefieldbedandbreakfast #visitpa
This morning, some wonderful guests were enjoying playing our Steinway piano, which they were surprised to find at a B&B and in such good shape. Their fresh eyes helped us slow down to enjoy the music and delve into another one of our Stories of the House.
Steinway Serial Number
Our Steinway Grand Piano #180984 was built in New York between 1916-1917. We can tell this because Steinway does an excellent job of helping people identify their pianos through their Serial Number Database.
The original serial number was probably on the cast iron plate between the tuning pins above the keyboard, however we can no longer read the number there. Luckily, the number is also stamped underneath the piano, towards the pedals.
While we don’t have a history of how the piano spent its early years, we know that it was purchased in California in the early 1960’s by the Coulson family when their daughter, your Innkeeper Florence March, needed a piano to continue her piano lessons at home. Her incredible piano teacher Donald Anthony helped the family find the right piano, which he insisted would be a Steinway.
The Steinway remained at Florence’s childhood home for many years, eventually finding a new home at her brother Eric’s house once his two boys were ready to learn piano. (Florence’s daughter Connie, also one of your innkeepers, threw far too many piano-lesson-related temper tantrums and quickly gave up on piano lessons, much to her adult-self’s chagrin!) Eric’s boys studied piano for several years, until they decided that they preferred violin. Once they switched instruments, Florence jumped at the opportunity to welcome the Steinway back into her life here in Gettysburg.
Three-thousand miles later, the piano arrived safely at Battlefield Bed & Breakfast. Upon its first tuning, the technician discovered massive amounts of legos, crayons, and other childhood objects hidden inside the piano, which dramatically affected the sound. Once cleared of its extra “gifts,” the music poured out freely and beautifully.
Now, a technician visits at least once per year to make sure the 100+ year old beauty is still playing to its full potential. This past year’s visit, the technician discovered over 20 poker chips stuffed into the keys by some young guests that continued the family tradition of finding nooks and crannies to hide treasures. While we enjoyed a nice laugh at the Steinway’s history as a secret spot for toys, we were so happy when it was freed up to return to its true sound.
Come play with us! We love it when guests take a turn tickling the ivories. The piano has also serenades brides walking down the aisle and accompanied countless songs as special events and parties.
If you would like to schedule a house concert, please consider this an open invitation! Call Florence at 717-334-8804 to schedule some music magic!
Snickerdoodles
Simply delicious!
Enjoy this guest favorite at home!
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 sticks butter, softened
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
Cinnamon sugar (1/4 cup sugar and 1 Tbsp cinnamon and 1/8 tsp nutmeg)
Instructions
Pre-heat oven to 375 F.
Wisk together dry ingredients.
In separate bowl or electric mixer, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy (up to 5 minutes).
Beat in eggs one at a time.
Mix in dry ingredients until just blended.
Chill dough for about an hour. Note: we tend to skip this step.
Roll dough into 1 1/2 inch balls.
Roll balls in cinnamon sugar and space on baking sheet about 3 inches apart.
Bake for about 12-15 minutes, until edges are lightly browned.
Cool on rack.
Enjoy!
Connect with nineteenth century life by taking a carriage ride on the Gettysburg Battlefield.
Feel the sway of the carriage and imagine how different the pace of life was when fast travel was limited by the speed of a horse or the path of a train track.
Smell the leather of the harness and the musk of the horses. Nineteenth Century life was rich with odors.
Share seats with friends and family as you pass the time enjoying passing nature and untampered fresh air. The Nineteenth Century had time for friends and family and a closeness with nature.
Tour the Battlefield by horse-drawn carriage
Two strong draft horses from the Victorian Carriage Company pull the wagon through the Gettysburg Battlefield
View Little Round Top from a horse-drawn carriage
The Battle of Gettysburg happened in the midst of a Civil War .
To understand the context of the battle, read not only about the strategy and tactics of the Civil War, but also about the thinking of the time that propelled the country into war over slavery.
Some of the notable thinkers of the time who opposed slavery included President Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Walt Whitman, Frederick Douglas, Sojourner Truth, Ralph Waldo Emerson, William Lloyd Garrison, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Mark Twain.
Harriet Beecher Stowe House wallpaper with illustrations from Uncle Tom’s Cabin and poster for Uncle Tom’ Cabin play. Stowe’s writing stirred antislavery compassion before and during the Civil War.
Our most popular recipe! A delicious treat at any time of day.
Peach season is magical in Adams County, Pennsylvania. Enjoy the bounty with this fresh, fruity, guilt-free delight!
Nutty Peach Crisp with Oats, Almonds, and Pecans
(Vegan & Gluten-Free)
Nutty Peach Crisp with Oats, Almonds, and Pecans
(Vegan & Gluten-Free)
Peach Filling
8-10 fresh peaches, parboiled, peeled, and sliced (about 9-10 cups)
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
4 Tbsp maple syrup
½ tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp arrowroot (or cornstarch)
Crisp Topping
1 cup almond flour
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
2 Tbsp maple syrup (or more, to taste)
½ tsp salt
4 Tbsp coconut oil
Directions
• Preheat oven to 350 F.
• In large bowl, combine all peach filling ingredients and stir to coat peaches.
• Pour peach mixture into 9x13 baking dish and place it on a baking sheet to catch drips if fruit boils over. Cook peaches uncovered for 10 minutes.
• While peaches bake, whisk the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Add coconut oil and stir to combine until oil is evenly distributed. Taste to see if it’s sweet enough. If not, add 1 Tbsp at a time of maple syrup until it’s perfect.
• Pull fruit out of oven and sprinkle topping until it is evenly distributed.
• Bake until fruit is bubbling and crisp is golden brown, usually about 30-40 minutes.
Today, we are commemorating the Gettysburg Civil War Cavalry Battle on our farm here at Battlefield Bed & Breakfast. The fighting on our property occurred during and slightly after Pickett’s Charge, also known as Longstreet’s Assault about two miles from the inn on the Emmitsburg Road.
Because the fighting here lasted longer than the infantry charge called Pickett’s charge, our property may have had the last gunshot of the Battle of Gettysburg, 156 years ago on this day, July 3.
If you are coming to Gettysburg for the Gettysburg Battle Reenactment, here is a map to the events and a schedule of the major battle reenactments.
Gettysburg Reenactment 2019
Battle Times
Saturday, July 6th - 11:00 a.m.
Gettysburg Reenactment Map 2019 on Pumping Station Road
If you want to feel the real magic of Gettysburg, come at the end of June or the beginning of July for firefly season. As the sun sets, the seas of rich grass start to sparkle, first a few twinkles, and then as those twinkles are answered by distant firefly friends, the twinkles start to rise into the air and climb into the trees. As darkness falls, the Battlefield and for us, the grounds of Battlefield Bed & Breakfast, come alive as the trees turn into lighted fantasies of magic lights.
Our 30 acres are preserved as a wildlife habitat. We haven’t used any kinds of toxic sprays on our land for 25 years. The fireflies are a wonderful and wild expression of the best of Mother Nature. Come enjoy!
Expect almost anything but cold weather! June has beautiful days for hiking with blue sky and refreshing breezes. Some days are starting to get into the 80’s with humidity to match.
Sudden thunderstorms that might drop the temperature a wind-whipped 20 degrees for an hour or two. Then the sun may suddenly reappear.
You should bring a light wrap, but you may not need it. Prepare for rain, but expect a lot of good weather.
The evenings are starting to be warm. By June, the fireflies are out. You may enjoy time by the firepit or by the deck fireplace. You still may want a light wrap some evenings.
For shoes, you want something that can tolerate water and a muddy path so you can hike the Battlefield.
Bring bug spray for a few mosquitos and quite a few ticks.
Relax on our patio or deck with a cool drink and enjoy spring in Gettysburg.
Experience the magic of Battlefield B&B’s newest savory entrée:,
Cloud Eggs!
Ingredients (per person)
2 eggs
¼ cup sharp cheddar, grated
1 teaspoon chives, chopped
Olive oil, for baking sheet
Salt & pepper, to taste
Yolks waiting for clouds.
Directions
Shape fluffy whites into clouds.
Preheat oven to 475° F.
Grease baking sheet with a thin layer of oil.
Separate eggs, keeping yolks intact.
Beat egg whites to stiff peaks.
Fold in cheddar and chives.
Drop whites into cloud shapes on baking sheet.
Use the back of a spoon to create an indentation in the top of the cloud.
After whites have set, pull them out and drop yolks into indentations.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Bake eggs for 3 minutes.
Pull out eggs and place one yolk in the indentation atop each cloud.
Bake for another 4-5 minutes, until cheese is browned and the top of the yolk is soft set.
Eggs are finished when whites are toasted and yolks are soft-set.
Bake for another 4-5 minutes, until cheese is browned and the top of the yolk is soft set.
Serve immediately because they fall quickly.
There are many ways to enjoy the Battlefield. One of the most memorable is a guided carriage ride through the Third Day’s Battlefield with the Victorian Carriage Company.
A carriage can hold you and your entire extended family. What a wonderful way to create a memory!
The farms and barns along the old Emmitsburg Road are some of the sites you will visit on your carriage ride.