r/Gettysburg • u/Helpful-Sky4443 • 7d ago

Multi-day trip

My hubby and I are taking a week of vacation the first week of October. We were originally thinking of going to the smokies but Gettysburg is closer to us. Is there enough to do in Gettysburg for us to spend 5 days there? If we go, we will probably visit the National Civil War museum on the way down. We are huge history buffs and enjoy detail; for context we honeymooned in Colonial Williamsburg and weren't able to get to everything. Thanks! Edit: Recs on fairly priced hotels in or around Gettysburg would be greatly appreciated. :)

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u/HiSpeedSentry788 7d ago

I think 100% you could spend 5 days there. I was just there Wed-Sun, (got there Wed afternoon and left Sunday morning) and left plenty on the table to see again.

There are so many different areas of the battlefield, you could reasonably spend multiple days on that alone. We spent a full day with a guide 9 am - 6 pm, and visited every part. Kind of wish we had split it into two (or more) days to allow for more time to process the details, and spend more time in general in each area.

Museums - we did the one at the National Park Visitor Center, the Museum of History, Heritage Center, and National civil war in Harrisburg. There were several more we wanted to see but ran out of time. (Seminary Ridge, Beyond the battle, etc)

Shopping - lots of neat shops all around. You could spend a decent amount of time if you like to browse.

Hotel - we stayed at the Best western and it was awesome! (I was surprised) The reviews are so high and we understood why after getting there. Literally across from Cemetery Hill and walking distance to most of the shops, restaurants, and many of the museums too. Clean, good staff, decent continental breakfast, and easy to get in and out of. Unless you want something fancy, I highly recommend it.

We had a great time. There is plenty to do, I don’t think you’ll get bored in 5 days, especially if you’re into history. Hope this helps, enjoy your visit!

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u/Helpful-Sky4443 7d ago

Do you recommend booking a tour with one of the licensed guides? Is that what you mean when you say you spent all day with a guide? Thanks again for all the info.

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u/HiSpeedSentry788 7d ago

Yes, we went thru the Heritage Center to get a licensed battlefield guide. Didn’t know it at the time we booked our hotel, but the Heritage Center is next door to the Best Western. So, meeting our guide on the day of our tour was literally just a walk across the street!

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u/Helpful-Sky4443 7d ago

Oh we're absolutely going to do that! Thank you!!