February 3rd, 2009 | Posted in Museums, Tours, York County
OK, all you Arnold Schwarzenegger and Stacey Bentley fans, visit the Weightlifting Hall of Fame in York, Pennsylvania. The hall of fame is located in York Pennsylvania at 3300 Board Road.
Sponsored by York Barbell Company, the museum has 8,000 square feet of floor space. You’ll see the vast and rich history of the weightlifting sport from as early as Greek Olympic events to the modern rise of female strength athletes. There is no charge to enter the hall of fame and you can go on a self-guided tour with a printed tour guide. Learn all about weightlifting and its various classes including powerlifting and bodybuilding. This is a great attraction for all you budding weightlifters. Don’t miss it the next time you come to Gettysburg Pennsylvania. York is a short 40 minute drive.
February 2nd, 2009 | Posted in Day Trips, Maryland, Public Service Messages, York County, baltimore, washington d.c.
York County’s public transportation system is linking up with Maryland public transportation using Rabbit Transit, the York County bus system. The scheduled route will run six times a day and take passengers to the Maryland light rail system. According to news sources, the scheduled bus runs are designed for commuters who live in York County and work in Baltimore and D.C. But I see no reason why tourists can’t take advantage of the service as well.
Trips cost $5 one way. That’s a huge savings though considering that gas prices are approaching $2 per gallon again. It will cost you more than in fuel to drive from York to Baltimore.
Visitors to Gettysburg can drive to the Rabbit Transit office or find a Rabbit Transit bus stop and take the bus to Maryland, hop the light rail system into Baltimore or Washington D.C. and enjoy a day trip to two of the Northeast’s biggest tourist attractions.
January 31st, 2009 | Posted in Battlefield Sites, Gettysburg, Recreation
This may not be the best time of year for camping, but if camping is your thing then you’ll love Gettysburg Pennsylvania. The options for RV camping in this area are spectacular.
With so much to do in Gettysburg any time of year you’d think that people might want to stay in a cozy and warm hotel room near it all. Not necessarily. You can drive up an RV and park then get out and see the countryside. Rent a taxi or rely on the area’s public transportation. Yes, Adams County actually has a bus system!
Camping is fun anywhere. But it’s really fun here in Gettysburg and I’ve compiled a short list of campgrounds that you might consider the next time you vacation in this area:
- Artillery Ridge - If you’re a horse love then you’ll love Artillery Ridge. Many people come to Gettysburg and stop here just so they can go on a nice horseback ride. But you can also pitch a tent and take in the cool, clean mountain air. And it’s close enough to all the sites that you can walk to them. How cool is that?
- Drummer Boy Camping Resort - Just a stone’s throw from the historic battlefields and Gettysburg’s many attractions, this 95 acre camp resort is full of modern amenities for those who don’t want to go too deep into the woods. But the scenery is beautiful.
- Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA - KOA Kampgrounds are as American as Civil War nostalgia. This award-winning campground is a little further out, but it’s a real treat. Just three miles from Gettysburg, you can enjoy the wilderness and still be close enough to drive.
- Gettysburg Battlefield Resort - Located on Emmitsburg Road near where much of the actual shooting took place, this resort offers free camping, hiking, and many modern amenities, including Internet access. Privately owned an operated.
- Gettysburg Campground - At this campground you can pitch a tent or drive in with an RV. You can even bring your pet. Hosted by The Adams Family, no not that Addams Family, Gettysburg Campground is not too far from where all the action is. Don’t have a tent or an RV? No problem, rent a cottage.
- Granite Hill Campground - You can actually camp on ground where blood was spilled. Right here on Granite Hill. For the hard core enthusiast.
- Round Top Campground - Named after one of the most famous battles of the war. Opens in April and runs through September. Located just off Taneytown Road so you don’t have far to drive to see the battlefield.
January 30th, 2009 | Posted in Battlefield Sites, Civil War, Gettysburg, Museums
If you’re looking for something to do tomorrow afternoon in Gettysburg Pennsylvania, you should go see Commanders: Strong Vincent and the Battle for Little Round Top. This is an educational event that begins at 1:30 p.m. at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitors Center. It will be the best hour you’ll ever spend.
In case your Battle of Gettysburg history escapes you, here’s a little bit about Strong Vincent that you should know.
He was a lawyer who served in the U.S. Army during the Civil War and fought alongside Col. Joshua Chamberlain at Little Round Top. Chamberlain is the one who gets most of the glory for the victory at Little Round Top, but it was Vincent’s vision and ability to see an opportunity that put Chamberlain there. In fact, Chamberlain was subordinate as regiment commander to Vincent who was the commander over 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, V Corps of the Army of the Potomac. Chamberlain’s 20th Maine was a subordinate unit.
Vincent gave the order to Chamberlain to defend the left flank of Little Round Top while he went off to defend the right flank. During the course of the battle, Vincent was wounded and subsequently died from his wounds. Vincent was awarded for his bravery in the battle with a promotion but he died before he ever knew of it.
Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitors Center is located at 1195 Baltimore Pike in Gettysburg Pennsylvania. Be sure to spend an hour there tomorrow afternoon and experience Strong Vincent and Little Round Top in a unique way.
January 29th, 2009 | Posted in Arts, Gettysburg
Welcome to history. This year is historic in many ways. One of which is the 200th birthday of the president who signed The Emancipation Proclamation - Abraham Lincoln - which proclaimed the freedom of all the slaves living the confederate states of the U.S. That date, Lincoln’s 20th birtday, is February 12th.
On that day this year the Majestic Theater in Gettysburg will present The American Spiritual Ensemble, a performance from some of the most accomplished vocalists in the U.S. paying tribute to African-American musical achievements. The show will draw from disciplines and traditions of the black experience ranging from old-time spirituals, jazz, and even Broadway classics.
American Spiritual Ensemble got its start in 1995 by Everett McCorvey, who had a vision to keep the American negro spiritual tradition alive.
Performers will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. on February 12. Tickets start at $31 and can be purchased by calling 717-337-8200. The Majestic Theater is located at 25 Carlisle Street in Gettysburg Pennsylvania.
January 28th, 2009 | Posted in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, People, Public Service Messages, York County
President Obama signed an executive order to close Guantanamo Bay within the next year. There has already been talk of sending at least some of the detainees held there to York County where federal prisoners have been housed for some time. This has many local residents concerned, including Adams County Congressional Representative Todd Platts, who has an office in Gettysburg.
Keep in mind that these are prisoners. They won’t be turned loose on the public and asked to dine at local restaurants or cozy up to tourists from Alabama. Of course, one of the concerns for local residents is always escaped prisoners. What if one of them gets loose?
If a foreign prisoner were to escape in York County and make his way to Gettysburg this summer or next while tourists from around the world are enjoying a walk or a ride around the nation’s most famous battlefield, I’m sure you’ll hear about it for a long time. If that prisoner is indeed a terrorist and performs an act of violence then the fallout for the Obama Administration will be even worse. But understand that these plans have not been finalized.
You may not agree with the closing of Guantanamo Bay, but that doesn’t spell doom and gloom for domestic security. Write your Congressional representatives and let them know how you feel about terror suspects being held in Adams or York County Pennsylvania. But, please, don’t panic.
January 27th, 2009 | Posted in Abbottstown, Business, People, Shopping
The Gettysburg Pennsylvania area is full of creative craftsmen. One such crafts person is blacksmith Robert L. Meckley, who owns and operates Pigeon Hill Forge near Abbottstown, which isn’t far from Gettsyburg Borough.
Among the fine handcrafted wrought iron products Meckley makes are wine racks, wall hooks, dinner bells, and other wine-related products. These home decor items are all hand forged using the best wrought iron available and Robert Meckley is the man behind the blacksmithing.
Be sure to visit Meckley’s website and take home a few handmade wrought iron products from Gettysburg Pennsylvania.
January 26th, 2009 | Posted in Business, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Restaurants, Tours
One of the favorite attractions of visitors to the Gettysburg Pennsylvania area is the Appalachian Brewing Company. Located on Buford Avenue in Gettysburg, the restaurant and bar are an extension of the original brewing company located in Harrisburg. Still, the beer is great and the food is awesome.
The Gettysburg microbrewery doesn’t schedule tours, but you can stop in and take a “guided visit.” There is also an ABC in Camp Hill Pennsylvania just a short stretch up the road between Gettysburg and Harrisburg. However, if you really want to see a site then show up at the Harrisburg plant at 1 p.m. on Saturday for a schedule tour. Be early because many times they have more tourists than they can handle and you’ll have to wait a week.
The Harrisburg Appalachian Brewing Company is located at 50 N. Cameron St. in Harrisburg. For more information on touring the facility call 717-221-1080.
January 24th, 2009 | Posted in Arts, Hanover
One of the Gettysburg areas favorite attractions, among locals and visitors alike, is the Eichelberger Performing Arts Center. Located in Hanover, the Eichelberger Center is just a short drive from Gettysburg. If you’re in town tonight and you’re looking for something to do then I recommend heading over to the Eichelberger to see Rhonda Vincent and The Rage perform.
Rhonda Vincent and The Rage is one of the area’s favorite attractions. And I use the word “attraction” lightly. Not only is she a beautiful sight, but she has a beautiful voice and that’s what you’re going for, right? Bluegrass is the style and Vincent’s mix of vocals and mandolin playing will entertain your family for a long time after the concert is over.
You’ve likely heard of Rhonda Vincent and The Rage if you listen to bluegrass or country music. She has been featured on CMT numerous times and has a hit video that just keeps playing and playing. Now you can see her in person.
Rhonda Vincent and The Rage goes on stage tonight at 8 p.m. The phone number for the Eichelberger Performing Arts Center is 717-632-9356 ext 300. Don’t miss this show.
January 23rd, 2009 | Posted in Gettysburg, Museums
David Wills House in Gettysburg is being transformed into the Lincoln Museum and is set to open 200 years after its namesake, Abraham Lincoln, was born. That date is Feb. 12, 2009.
The project has cost $7.2 million and took an old run down house then reconstructed it from the ground up to be the Lincoln Museum. Lincoln slept in the house the night before giving his now famous Gettysburg Address. The David Wills house was built originally in 1818. The recent restoration project put it back in the condition that it was in in 1863. The museum will also house many of the original furnishings of the house. It is now owned by the National Park Service.
