Foodie Road Trip! Gettysburg, Lancaster, And More

Springhouse Tavern within the Dobbins Home
89 Steinwehr Ave, Gettysburg, PA 17325
Dobbinhouse.com

If it’s a historic eating expertise you’re after, the Springhouse Tavern and Dobbins Home Tavern on the historic Dobbins home delivers. Inbuilt 1776, listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations, and Gettysburg’s oldest constructing, the Dobbins Home was initially constructed by an Irish Reverend named Alexander Dobbin who emigrated to America for a greater life. It actually has all of it: a protracted and fascinating historical past, nice meals served by candlelight and workers carrying interval costume. You may’t get any extra of an immersive eating expertise. We loved a scrumptious informal Colonial fashion lunch served within the decrease stage of the house known as the Springhouse Tavern named for the three pure springs positioned there. Open day by day for lunch and dinner, within the Springhouse Tavern, you’ll additionally discover darkish wooden, candlelight, fireplaces, yummy informal tavern fare, and a scorching pecan pie to die for. 

Don’t miss their French Onion Soup, which is among the greatest I’ve ever had. The key: it’s made with prime rib. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a extra upscale eating expertise, make a reservation to dine within the Dobbin Home Tavern, which opens at night time for dinner, and is positioned within the higher flooring of the house. Remember to try the tiny museum devoted to a small part of the home that was a part of the Underground Railroad. There’s additionally an inn for lodging and a present store with a deal with Irish items. An incredible expertise throughout, the Dobbins Home is to not be missed in Gettysburg.

Blue And Grey Bar And Grill
2 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA 17325
facebook.com

A scorching spot that pulls locals, school college students, and vacationers day by day, The Blue And Grey Bar And Grill presents up nice bites, craft beer and wine in a enjoyable and relaxed ambiance. Plus, they’re open till 2 am day by day if you’re in want a late night time chunk. Positioned on Lincoln Middle within the coronary heart of downtown Gettysburg, the Blue And Grey Bar serves artistic pub meals, wings, salads, sandwiches and burgers the place most all the pieces on the menu has a Civil Conflict-themed identify.

If you happen to’re actually courageous (or perhaps somewhat loopy) and up for a problem, order their Pickett’s Cost Burger Problem. For $25.00 you’re tasked with consuming their large 5.5-pound multi-stack monster burger with a number of patties, grilled cheese sandwiches, and a Philly cheesesteak. If you happen to end this burger described on their menu as being “as massive because the Military Of The Potomac and Military of Northern Virginia mixed,” in beneath 20 minutes, you win the problem and it’s free. Though you would possibly pay in different methods later within the day. I had some touring to do, so this wasn’t within the playing cards for me. Possibly subsequent time.  

Garryowen Irish Pub
126 Chambersburg St, Gettysburg, PA 17325
garryowenirishpub.net

For recent, genuine, and simply throughout tasty Irish fashion pub meals at its most interesting, Garryowen Irish Pub is the place to go in Gettysburg. Known as the “The Go” by locals, Garryowen is Gettysburg’s solely Irish-owned Irish pub with lots of that are the proprietor’s family recipes. Lots of the elements used within the dishes are even straight from the Emerald Isle. The meals right here tastes recent and genuine and there’s love put into the meals right here. We loved one other scrumptious French Onion Soup (it’s onerous to discover a menu in Gettysburg with out one), a recent Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese with Candied Walnuts and an implausible selfmade Reuben. For a wonderful Irish drink, Garryowen’s has over 100 Irish whiskeys, a fantastic collection of Irish and native craft beers on faucet together with a global wine checklist. If you happen to occur to be right here on a Sunday, you could be handled to some Irish music to take pleasure in together with your nice Irish fare.

Adams County Vineyard Gettysburg Wine Store
25 Chambersburg St, Gettysburg, PA 17325
adamscountywinery.com

When strolling via downtown Gettysburg you don’t must stray too far for a fantastic glass of native wine. Adams County Vineyard, Gettysburg’s oldest vineyard, has been making its award-winning wines within the space since 1975 and grows its grapes on the South Mountains overlooking Gettysburg. You may choose to go to the vineyard on website and do a tasting of their put up Civil Conflict period barn, or simply cease into their wine store within the downtown space whereas doing a little procuring. Tastings are complementary and so they have bottles accessible for buy so that you don’t must go residence empty-handed. Insurgent Crimson is their hottest bottle that’s candy, fragrant, flavorful with plenty of Harmony Grape taste. We cherished their whites too and ended up with a bottle of their Riesling which was bursting with honeysuckle, citrus and orange blossom. For a cool deal with, you’ll want to cease in and check out their frosty and scrumptious wine sorbet. It’s somewhat cup of wine heaven.

Journey Tip: Adams County the place Gettysburg is positioned is residence to Pennsylvania’s largest fruit-growing area. Remember to go to destinationgettysburg.com the get tips about which farms permit you to decide your personal fruit like blueberries in the summertime and apples within the fall.

The place To Store For Contemporary Farm Items In Gettysburg, PA

The Historic Spherical Barn & Farm Market
298 Cashtown Rd, Biglerville, PA 17307
roundbarn.farm

For our final cease within the Gettysburg space, we headed to The Historic Spherical Barn & Farm Market. Positioned about 8 miles west of Gettysburg, lies this family-owned stunning historic farm and market that was in-built 1914. The attraction right here is seeing the distinctive spherical structure of this superbly preserved white barn. These spherical fashion barns turned fashionable within the 1820’s and remained so till about 1920 once they fell out of trend.

Whereas the market choices weren’t intensive right here, they did have a fantastic collection of distinctive and conventional jams, jellies, sauces, cheeses, snacks, and native produce. In addition they have a couple of farm-style antiques right here and there. If you happen to’re into cookbooks, there’s rather a lot to select from with a deal with Pennsylvania and country-style recipes. We purchased some horseradish mustard, scorching sauce, fig preserves, and beef jerky. Every little thing was scrumptious and we’d like to return within the fall for apple selecting season. Earlier than we left, we visited with their candy and pleasant goats and waved goodbye to their mules and horse within the distance.

 💡 Tip: If you happen to go to the barn, and have time to unwind, head throughout the road to the Thirsty Farmer Brew Works the place you possibly can order a light-weight chunk to eat and pattern their small-batch handcrafted ales, lagers, and ciders on a small household farm.

The place To Keep In Gettysburg, PA

Federal Pointe Inn
75 Springs Ave, Gettysburg, PA 17325
FederalPointeInn.com

Whereas in Gettysburg we stayed at The Federal Pointe Inn, an award-winning boutique Ascend Lodge.  One other Gettysburg historic gem and positioned simply a few blocks from Gettysburg’s middle, The Federal Pointe Inn has its personal wealthy historical past. Initially in-built 1897 as Gettysburg’s first highschool, it was bought and renovated in 2012 by Peter and Elizabeth Monahan who remodeled it right into a luxurious inn whereas preserving the distinctive structure of the constructing. As a substitute of lecture rooms, you’ll now discover 18 tremendous snug and extremely spacious visitor rooms and suites. Many have grand four-poster beds, massive granite loos with spa tubs and all include excessive ceilings match for a palace. 

Whether or not you’re coming or going, complimentary espresso, tea, and lemon water are served all day within the foyer and freshly baked scones are set out at 4:00 for tea time. If you would like an informal chunk to eat or a glass of wine or craft beer with out stepping off-site, simply head to The Pointe Pub positioned within the backside stage of the lodge open Wednesday via Sunday. 

And when you love antiques, artwork, and historic pictures then don’t be stunned if you end up wandering via the delightfully scented hallways of the Federal Pointe Inn, admiring their spectacular assortment.  A health middle, free on-site parking, and WIFI all through the property are true conveniences right here and also you’ll discover the workers authentically pleasant and useful whether or not you want a dinner or exercise advice.

Day 2-3: Lancaster, PA

Subsequent cease on our highway journey was Lancaster, PA. Whereas Lancaster County is understood for its Dutch nation allure, Amish farms, bakeries, meals markets, and total affect within the space, Lancaster’s downtown is to not be missed with nice eating places and procuring. Lancaster can be a city that loves its beer. And baked items. And cheeses. And farm recent something. So meaning there’s loads of locations to indulge. Right here’s the place we ended up:

The place To Store In Lancaster, PA

Lancaster Central Market
23 N Market St, Lancaster, PA 17603
Centralmarketlancaster.com
$-$$

Positioned within the coronary heart of town at Penn Sq., Lancaster Central Market is a foodie’s dream come true and should go to if within the space. Thought-about America’s oldest farmers’ market constructing, farmers have been promoting their recent meats, greens, fruits, and different merchandise on this very website for the reason that 1730’s. Lots of the vendor’s there as we speak have been promoting their items “on market” for the reason that early 1900’s via the generations of their households.

Moving into Central Market (because the locals name it), you’ll discover row after row of recent meats, dairy and produce (principally natural), proper from the native farms the place they’re grown. It’s as recent because it will get. There’s additionally chocolate and sweet distributors together with recent baked items to strive like breads, pies, whoopie pies, cookies, truffles and scones. Love cheese? There’s loads of farm recent cheese to pattern and take residence. Don’t miss the Linden Dale Farms stand and get a pattern of their wealthy and creamy goat cheese. 

If you happen to’re touring via the world, Lancaster Central Market is a superb place to cease earlier than you make your method residence to top off on some farm recent meals, a bouquet of recent farm flowers or nation items.  Plan your go to accordingly as a result of it’s solely open 6 am-4pm Tuesdays and Fridays, and 6 am-2 pm Saturdays.

Street Journey Cash Tip: Many stands on the Lancaster Central Market don’t take bank cards, so you’ll want to have loads of money readily available. Even when you neglect, there’s an ATM on website. Don’t you hate these ATM charges although? That’s why we love our Needham Checking Account debit card for touring.  With the NB Checking Card, you’re by no means charged any ATM charges regardless of the place you withdraw cash out of. Even when touring internationally! It’s the right journey card. Click here to open an NB Checking account.

The place To Keep In Lancaster, PA

Lancaster Arts Lodge
300 Harrisburg Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603
www.lancasterartshotel.com
$$-$$$

If you happen to want someplace to remain within the Lancaster space, we advocate the Lancaster Arts Lodge. Positioned within the northern a part of town, there’s rather a lot to like about this former 1800’s tobacco warehouse now turned hip trendy lodge with uncovered brick partitions and reclaimed wooden floors. The Lancaster Artwork Lodge presents supremely snug and trendy lodging with loads of luxurious facilities. If you wish to keep match in your travels there’s a gymnasium in home or you possibly can head over to the YMCA throughout the road for which entry is complimentary together with your keep. However, it’s the celebration of native artwork discovered on show all through the lodge that offers this lodge it’s true allure and persona. They even encourage company to get artistic, by supplying each visitor room with a sketchpad and pencil. Depart your personal little masterpiece behind with the lodge and it’ll turn into one of many many artistic endeavors displayed on rotation all through the lodge. The situation on the Lancaster Arts Lodge is admittedly handy and is inside strolling distance to quite a lot of nice eating places and cafes, each informal and upscale together with Beilers Donuts and Meduseld Meadery.

The place To Eat And Drink In Lanscaster, PA

John J. Jeffries
Lancaster Arts Lodge
300 Harrisburg Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603
Johnjjeffries.com
$$$

Whether or not you’re staying on the Lancaster Arts Lodge or not, you’ll want to go to its onsite restaurant, John J. Jeffries. The meals isn’t good right here. It’s nice. With a deal with seasonal and sustainable dishes made with native and natural elements, the cooks at John J. Jeffries efficiently pull off a menu of tempting dishes which might be internationally impressed. Plus, what isn’t nice about supporting native farms? Thought-about fine-dining, but completely unpretentious, John J. Jeffries commits to sourcing their elements inside a 25-mile radius of the lodge. 

A few of the standout dishes we ordered have been the Wild Caught Shrimp & Grits with lemon butter, seasonal greens, and chorizo sausage and the Lamb Kabob served with basmati rice, cucumber, tomato, and feta salad. We completed our meal with their model of a Tres Leches served with native strawberries and a caramel sauce that was out of this world. If you happen to go, choose to take a seat exterior on the patio like we did, if climate permits. John J. Jeffries serves dinner solely and opens at 4 pm.

Beiler’s Donuts
398 Harrisburg Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603
Beilersdoughnuts.com
$

Positioned adjoining to the Lancaster Arts Lodge Beiler’s Donuts is a famend donut store despatched from the pastry gods and most well-known for his or her location in Philadelphia’s well-known Studying Terminal Market. Utilizing a household recipe that was handed down for generations, Beiler’s makes their hand-rolled donuts recent day by day and are embellished, glazed and stuffed making for quite a lot of excellent donut creations. To me, these are the right donut. Tremendous mushy and yeasty, with a barely crispy edge to the chunk. I’d die for one among their glazed donuts this minute, however for now, we will drool collectively over their donut taste menu linked here. 

Lancaster Brewing Firm
302 N Plum St, Lancaster, PA 17602
Lancasterbrewing.com
$$

For some native craft beer and a chunk to eat, we headed to Lancaster Brewing Firm. At any time when I am going to a brewery for the primary time I at all times order a sampler for a good suggestion of what they’ve to supply. Lancaster Brewing presents 6 beneficiant samples for a very affordable $12. Standouts for us have been their Double Chocolate Milk Stout (intense roasted malts, silky easy mouthfeel, delicate sweetness, and velvety chocolate) and their Peanut Butter English Ale (wealthy caramel malts, a great deal of all pure peanut butter and Fuggles hops). For enjoyable, we thought “what if we mix these two?” Would it not style like a peanut butter cup? It did, and it was scrumptious. Notes of chocolate and roasted peanuts, not too candy, however easy and balanced. Yum and yum. If you happen to construct up an urge for food beer tasting, which everyone knows is tough work, Lancaster Brewing Firm has a full eating menu with nice appetizer choices to enrich its brews. We ordered their satisfying and delish Home Smoked Pork Nachos and so they made the beer tasting expertise much more pleasant. Plan forward earlier than you go and take a look at their day by day blissful hour specials to avoid wasting money. If you would like an in-depth have a look at their craft beer making course of, name to guide a tour. If you happen to style one thing you like, all beers can be found to buy for on the go.

Meduseld Meadery
252 Harrisburg Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603
meduseldmeadery.com
$-$$

After a day of exploring, typically you simply must unwind. You already know, nothing loopy, simply the same old stuff like consuming some mead and throwing a few axes. No huge deal. Positioned simply throughout the road from the Lancaster Arts Lodge is Meduseld Meadery. We went in simply seeking to strive some mead and left religious, die-hard followers.  If you happen to’ve by no means tried mead earlier than, it’s an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey with yeast, water and quite a lot of completely different elements like lemongrass, ginger, tart-cherries, hops and orange peels to create a limiteless quantity distinctive taste combos. Additionally known as honey wine, mead is the oldest fermented drink identified to man. Fairly cool, proper?  What’s distinctive about mead, moreover the best way it has stood the check of time, is that it may be produced in quite a lot of kinds. Some are carbonated, much like glowing wine or beer, and a few are nonetheless and excellent for sipping like a wonderful whiskey or tequila. Meduseld Meadery expertly produces each kinds and likewise presents mead slushies and mead shakes (assume flippantly candy and creamy) for the win. Sure, they’re all superior.

And didn’t I point out one thing about axe throwing? Inside Meduseld is an axe-throwing cage the place you possibly can reside out your wildest axe throwing fantasies. Sound scary? It’s really tons of enjoyable. They actually have a coach there that can assist you together with your axe throwing approach. You already know you wish to strive.

Day 4: Lititz, PA

Lititz is a type of nice little cities that can have you ever wanting to go to time and time once more. Voted America’s Coolest Small City by Funds Journey in 2013, and about 8 miles north of Lancaster, a visit to Lititz makes a fantastic place to spend a day or your entire day. The large draw to Lititz, moreover its quaint historic downtown, is its vibrant meals and craft beer scene. Don’t neglect to walk over to the historic Lititz Spring Park to admire the surroundings and feed the pleasant geese. No journey to Lititz is full and not using a go to to 2 of their most well-known historic food-centric institutions: Wilbur’s Chocolate and Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. Each companies began within the 1800’s and are going sturdy as we speak. You may wager that whereas we have been right here, we checked in.

Wilbur Chocolate
45 N S Broad St, Lititz, PA 17543
wilburbuds.com
$-$$

Wilbur Chocolate is the sort of place chocolate goals are fabricated from. Initially based in 1865, Wilbur Chocolate is known for his or her signature chocolate Wilbur Buds which they debuted again in 1893. Related in form to a Hershey’s Kiss (which got here out later), however rounded on the underside in a form that resembles a flower bud, Wilbur’s is a Lititz establishment. The one disappointment right here is that they’ve moved out of their authentic historic manufacturing facility to a retail house throughout the road. The unique manufacturing facility is now being developed into luxurious condos, however you possibly can nonetheless catch a glimpse of it from the surface. Whereas procuring round their new house, watch as chocolate treats are handmade earlier than your very eyes. There’s a small chocolate museum devoted to Wilbur’s scrumptious and spectacular historical past and loads of free chocolate samples to go round. Plan to go to Wilbur’s any day besides Sunday.

Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery
219 E Foremost St, Lititz, PA 17543
juliussturgis.com
$

It’s onerous to search out somebody who doesn’t love a pretzel. And on Foremost Avenue in Lititz, we paid a go to to America’s first business pretzel bakery positioned in the identical historic residence bought by Julius Sturgis in 1861. An extension to the home was added to accommodate the Sturgis household pretzel bakery, however the authentic a part of this stone residence dates again to 1784. Listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations, Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. Most of their pretzel varieties are bagged onerous pretzels, however there’s additionally recent mushy pretzels for buy. If in case you have time to spend right here, positively take their pretzel making tour, the place you possibly can tour the unique manufacturing facility, be taught the pretzel making course of and have a go at twisting your personal pretzel. No go to right here is full with out bringing residence a few of their scrumptious pretzel treats and pretzel swag from their entrance room bakery. Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery is open day by day, however examine their web site for tour occasions and hours.

Day 5: Intercourse/Gordonville, PA 

Driving east out of Lancaster is the place you’ll discover lots of Lancaster’s Dutch nation sights like Dutch Wonderland, The Amish Farm And Home in addition to a number of smorgasbord eating places the place Dutch Nation and Amish delights are served up so far as the attention can see. Don’t be stunned when you see a horse and buggy or two go by, as that’s the Amish’s main supply of transportation. There are such a lot of nice locations to see and store right here, it deserves a few days of exploration all by itself. This was our final day on the highway, however nonetheless made time to make a cease in Intercourse, one among Lancaster County’s many quaint cities.

Kitchen Kettle Village
3529 Outdated Philadelphia Pike, Gordonville, PA 17529
kitchenkettle.com

We determined to cease at Kitchen Kettle Village because it was on our route residence. What began as a jam-making enterprise over 60 years in the past, is now a small village of over 40 nation eating places and retailers promoting nation goodies like cheeses, jerky jams, jellies, recent kettle corn, baked items, handmade pretzels and “Fixer Higher” nation residence and leather-based items in a small “village” overlooking the attractive Pennsylvania Dutch countryside. You may simply spend the higher a part of a day right here procuring, consuming and other people watching. Type of touristy? Yeah. Type of enjoyable? Positively. For the complete Amish expertise, you possibly can even get a journey in a horse-drawn buggy, which is simply hanging out within the car parking zone ready to whisk away their subsequent passengers. For an prolonged keep, there’s even an Inn right here with rooms positioned over the retailers so you possibly can relaxation up.

Waltz Vineyards Tasting Room At Kitchen Kettle
3529 Outdated Philadelphia Pike, Gordonville, PA 17529
waltzvineyards.com

As a substitute of hopping on a buggy, we ended up on the Waltz Vineyards tasting room positioned within the Kitchen Kettle Village. The Waltz Vineyards wine is property grown on a sixth technology farm positioned between Lancaster and Lebanon, Pennsylvania, the place they produce over 100 tons of wine grapes a yr. Right here at their Kitchen Kettle tasting room, you are able to do a wine tasting, purchase glasses or full bottles, and loosen up both inside their bar or exterior on their patio. If in case you have time to take a seat and sip, you’ll want to order cheese to take pleasure in together with your wine. We had our tasting with Amish Butter Cheese that was unbelievably creamy and scrumptious. Tastings are $10 for five wines or $2 per 1 ounce tasting.  The wines listed here are on the dryer aspect, so if that’s what you favor you’ll love what Waltz has to supply. I discovered their whites particularly refreshing. We actually loved stress-free right here for a bit earlier than a last stroll via the village. It’s also possible to go to them at their winery in Manheim or further tasting room in Lititz.

 💡 Street Journey Tip: When touring on a highway journey, bear in mind to deliver a cooler bag or two in case you wish to deliver residence goodies which may should be refrigerated. They’re particularly helpful when you’re touring in the summertime months for retaining meals and drinks chilly on the highway. Go for freezer bricks or simply purchase ice-along the best way. Both method, you’ll be blissful you made the hassle if you’re consuming all of your favourite journey eats at residence.

Day 5: Chadds Ford, PA

For our last stretch of this highway journey, we headed to Chadds Ford positioned in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. What’s there to do in Chadds Ford? Chadds Ford is a quaint historic little city that’s residence to the Brandywine River Museum of Artwork, the Brandywine Battlefield Park, vintage retailers and two wineries. Once we heard a few “Meals Truck Throwdown” at Chadds Ford Vineyard we all know we needed to see what that was about. 

Chadds Ford Vineyard
632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317
chaddsford.com

Chadds Ford Vineyard, positioned within the Brandywine Valley in Chadds Ford is one among Pennsylvania’s largest wineries within the state, producing greater than 30,000 circumstances of wine every year. With quite a lot of each candy, dry and seasonal alternatives Chadds Ford Vineyard is a superb place to go when you’re within the space and seeking to loosen up take pleasure in some good Pennsylvania wine towards. They do tastings and excursions day by day weekends, however the Saturday we visited we have been excited to move there for one among their Meals Truck festivals. Not solely are there wine tastings and bars the place you should buy, glasses and bottles of wine, sangria, wine mojitos and wine slushies, all whereas having fun with quite a lot of tasty meals from a lineup of 10 or so native meals vehicles strive all the pieces from killer BBQ, oyster po’boys, souvlaki, spanakopita, and genuine Polish pierogis. For dessert, there was even a cupcake truck and a gelato truck. It was a good time of meals and wine loved with reside music towards the backdrop of Chadds Ford Vineyard historic Seventeenth-century dairy barn.

 💡 Tip: It’s greatest to deliver money with you to Chadds Ford Vineyard. It makes for straightforward tipping and faster transactions paying on the wine bars, tasting tents or on the meals vehicles. There’s no ATM on website so it’s greatest to come back with money earlier than you arrive.