It's hard to believe that we are more than halfway through October already! Autumn is such a busy time here in Gettysburg. Many visitors wait for fall's cooler temperatures and beautiful colors to visit our historic area. We are also having a bumper apple crop this year and visitorship to the National Apple Harvest Festival over the first two weekends of the month exceeded 100,000 people.
September 26th witnessed the Grand Opening of the new Museum and Visitor Center, with the much anticipated unveiling of the Cyclorama Painting. Having undergone the largest conservation effort ever undertaken on the continent, the painting now allows visitors to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of Pickett's Charge in the way its artist originally intended in 1884. There are reports that veterans of the Battle, upon seeing the Cyclorama for the first time, could not help but weep because of its stunning accuracy and the emotions it evokes.
With the official opening of the painting, the Museum and Visitor Center has changed its admission schedules and now has a flat $7.50/person fee, which enables you to see the introductory film New Birth of Freedom, the Cyclorama Painting, and the 11-gallery Museum for one price. For you die-hards (like us!) there are also discounted multiple day admission passes as well as family passes and yearly passes which allow you multiple entry into all venues. Check out the Gettysburg Foundation's website at http://www.gettysburgfoundation.org/ for full details.
October also saw the grand opening of Adams county's newest vineyard, the Hauser Estate Winery. Located just yards down Cashtown Road from the Round Barn, the winery sits on 170 acres of beautiful rolling hills, and with its glass-enclosed 360 degree tasting room, you can sip your wine while enjoying the gorgeos fall scenery. Hauser Estate is just a 5 minute ride from the farm at the Adams County Winery, so folks can now enjoy a full afternoon of wine appreciation, agricultural education, and beautiful scenery within easy driving distance of the town of Gettysburg! Click on the links for more info on each winery.
Please be sure to check out the "Specials" page of our website as we have posted all of our exclusive Battlefield weekends for 2009. There is literally something for everyone from first time visitors to veteran troopers! These packages make wonderful holiday gifts for the history buff on your list. Please be sure to let us know if you are booking one of our packages as a gift, we will be happy to put together one of our gift cards for you to present to your loved one. Slots are filling quickly so book today to ensure your favorite room and theme weekend.
October, 2008 will go down in our own history books as the Doubleday Inn's busiest month ever since its inception in 1987! We will finish out the month with over 90% occupancy, most of those rooms having been booked over 3 months in advance. We cannot thank you, all of our loyal friends and customers, enough for the success you have helped us to create. We realize how fortunate we are to be living our dream come true in Gettysburg, and we are so fortunate to be able to share that dream with all of you!
Finally, on a personal note, Todd & I were blessed to celebrate our 10th Wedding Anniversary on October 10th. We were able to host a lovely party here at the Inn for family and close friends, and had a gorgeous day in which to enjoy having all of our favorite people (and favorite food!) gathered together in one spot. We drank a toast to many more happy years together, here in our favorite place, Gettysburg.
Hoping you all enjoy the rest of a beautiful Autumn Season!
Christine
