Gettysburg was a major turning point in the Civil War, as it marked the end of Lee's invasion of the north. The Horse Soldier, which specializes in military antiques, especially those of the Civil War, is located in the heart of historic Gettysburg. Whether looking to own a piece of history or just browse, the Horse soldier has memorabilia ranging from weapons and artillery to maps, photos and excavated, battlefield relics. When staying the night, there are several hotels that are as historic as the city itself.
Established in 1797, the Gettysburg hotel is right on Lincoln Square, in the heart of the city, steps from the Wills house, where Honest Abe stayed and penned his famous Gettysburg Address. The hotel is about a mile from the Horse Soldier, the National Military Cemetery and Military Park. The rooms and suites can accommodate families and business travelers. Those visiting in colder seasons will enjoy the rooms with fireplaces or Jacuzzis. If visiting in summer, the roof-top pool offers some relief from the heat. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Breakfast and dinner are served at the casual, fine-dining restaurant and lunch and dinner are served at the pub, which also has a nightly happy hour.
Although the Gettys Hotel, which first opened in 1804, still looks as it did in 1920, it has been an apartment building, a hostel and a Civil War hospital. Rumor has it that this hotel is still visited by ghosts that have haunted Gettysburg since the war. The half-mile march to the Horse Soldier would have you follow the route Meade's army took in the face of Lee's Confederate troops. The fifteen suites, all of which are uniquely decorated, offer sitting-rooms, kitchenettes and a complimentary continental breakfast. Literally next-door is the Blue Parrot Bistro, where you can shoot some pool, grab a drink or dine on international dishes.
Located on the site of the battlefield, the 1863 Inn, named for the year of the battle, is within easy walking distance to the Horse Soldier, as well as the Civil War museum, cemetery and the famous monuments. Just around the corner is the Gettysburg bus tour center, where you can witness reenactments of the battle atop a double-decker bus. Smoking rooms are available, pets are welcome, Wi-Fi and a continental breakfast are free and some rooms have Jacuzzis. The nearby Farnsworth House Inn serves breakfast and lunch in the tavern, dinner in the garden or dining room and hosts a Friday night dinner theater.
Located on the site of Lee's headquarters, which now a museum which houses many artifacts from the battle, the Quality Inn is about a mile-and-a-half from the Horse Soldier and less than a mile from town. The original house, built in 1834, shares the property with The Appalachian Brewing Company, which hand-crafts a wide range of beers and serves pizzas, steak and seafood. Call ahead to arrange a guided tour. All rooms, smoking or non, offer free Internet and a continental breakfast. The luxurious suites offer Jacuzzis and kitchens as well and guests have use of the outdoor, heated pool.
