Is there anything more eerily beautiful than seeing the full moon rise over the Battlefield in Gettysburg? This shot was captured on November 2nd, standing on the road in front of the Inn. We've recently had inquiries from lots of folks wanting to time their visit to be near the Full Moon so they can get some images like this one. To help them plan we've found this calendar that shows all of the moon's phases. Next full moon will be Tuesday, December 1st.

Beginning November 1st the National Park Service has made the switch to Winter Hours. The Museum & Visitor Center is now open from 8 am to 5 pm daily, and the Battlefield itself from 6 am to 7 pm. Guests to the Doubleday Inn are reminded that the park road on which the house sits, Doubleday Avenue, is open to traffic 24 hours per day so there is never a curfew or specific time you need to be

back to the Inn.

This is a wonderful season to visit Gettysburg for those wanting to really study the battle terrain and get a feel for how the troop movements played out. With the leaves mostly off of the trees, the climb to the top of any of the observation towers is well-rewarded by vistas of up to 10 miles. With few lines at any of the shops or museums and plenty of space on the Battlefield to have it all to yourself, you will love the peace and relaxtion of a winter Gettysburg visit.

Plan your stay now and take advantage of our off-season discounts: Any room at the Inn is yours for just $135/night with no mimimum stays required. Plus book directly through our website and enjoy an additional $10/night off your stay. Treat yourself to a relaxing get-a-way and take time to reconnect with a loved one. You deserve it!

Now is also the time to plan your Holiday visit. We are happy to once again be co-hosting the popular "Scrooged!" weekend with the good folks at the Cashtown Inn. We have one room available for the program on December 4th/5th, click here if you would like to make a reservation.

We have also just finalized plans to offer another weekend holiday special: "Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol" is a live interactive dinner theatre which tells the story of Marley's efforts to save his friend Scrooge's soul. Weekend package includes a Friday night four-course private dinner at the Cashtown Inn along with live dinner theatre performance. Saturday receive tickets to the 13th Annual Gettysburg Holiday House Tour where you can view multiple historic properties decked out in their holiday finest. This very special weeekend is being offered December 11th & 12th ONLY. Click HERE for details and to make your reservation.

Your innkeepers are busy making plans for holiday decorating. By popular demand, the Lionel train dislpay will be BACK for Christmas this year! Decorating will begin just after Thanksgiving. We've been having lots of fun the last few days with Roby & Carolyn Laporte, our website designers. Together they are Wowi Zowi and are responsible for our website being as pretty and user-friendly as possible. They have been here with us for several days, taking updated pictures and making plans for website changes, stay tuned for those in the next few months!

I have to take a moment and thank everyone who has visited in the last few months and spoiled our dog rotten!

Molly has gotten more treats, stuffed toys, balls, and ear rubs than we can count! Thank you for being so good to her, and to us.

While I was snapping pics of the moon this week, Molly took the opportunity to visit Sallie the War Dog and do a little bartering for the biscuit that had been left on the monument. Who do you think came out on the better end of that deal?

We hope to see you soon on the Battlefield!

~Christine, Todd & Molly

Summer Fun!

We're sure you can tell by our lack of posts these past few months that we are deep into the BUSY season here in Gettysburg! This has been our best summer yet, filled with so much history, fun and great folks.

June gave us the opportunity to host the "Lost Gettysburg" weekend in conjunction with the Cashtown Inn.

Licensed Battlefield Guides Rich Kohr and Tim Smith took us on a 10+ hour tramp of the Battlefield as we discovered out of the way places, examined historic photos to see the things that aren't there anymore, and learned some really cool info on quarry sites here on the Battlefield.

Did you know that many of the monument bases were quarried right here from "Gettysburg granite"? Once you know the markings to look for you will find this stone EVERYWHERE on the field!

The absolute highlight of the weekend was the Saturday morning walk onto the property of Mr. Dean Schultz. His historic home sits just off the Baltimore Pike and backs to "Lost Lane" or Neill Avenue, which is a land-locked portion of the National Military Park that few people get the opportunity to see.

Mr. Schultz generously spent more than three hours with our group. He not only showed us Lost Lane with its beautiful monuments and detailed Battle history, but also walked us along the south side of Rock Creek, up to the traces of McAllister's Mill, which has been documented as an Adams County stop on the Underground Railroad.

Mr. Schultz is simply an amazing historian. With his relaxed conversational style and seemingly limitless knowledge, we learned not only Battle history but information on the town of Gettysburg and her citizens of 1863, the geological and geographical features of the town that helped to frame its history, and the role of the area in the Underground Railroad complete with personalized accounts of the McAllister family. Everyone agreed it was simply a once-in-a-lifetime event and we all felt so privileged to be part of it. It will not soon be forgotten, and we are so grateful to Mr. Schultz for his time and for his continued dedication to land conservancy here in Adams County. He is truly a treasure!

In July, we had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with National Park Ranger Eric Campbell as he led the July 1st Battle of Gettysburg 146th Anniversary Walk on "The Attack & Defense of Oak Ridge".

Frequent readers/guests will recognize Eric's name because we talk about him often! He is our very favorite Park Ranger, and one of the first with whom we got to take a tour when we began visiting Gettysburg 15 years ago. Eric has such a passion for the history of this area, and does a tremendous amount of research to be able to share with visitors some very personal remembrances from the soldiers who fought here and their loved ones who remained at home.

Eric's tour began at the Eternal Light Peace Memorial and about two-thirds of the way through, the group (330 people strong, Gettysburg regimental strength!) stopped in the front yard of the Inn for some iced tea, lemonade and watermelon...it was nice to cool off in the shade. The tour continued down the side yard of the Inn, along the railroad tracks and finished in the railroad cut, where Eric read the dramatic account of the 16th Maine Regiment, charged with guarding the Union retreat at the end of July 1st and suffering great casualties in this unenviable position.

We got to see many familiar faces on this tour and met some new friends as well. We were very touched to receive a thank-you card from some folks in Maine who had attended, they were grateful for the chance to get cool and rehydrate and were nice enough to say so! That tickled us. We just really enjoyed getting to work with Eric and hopefully introducing some new folks to the excellent summer ranger programs that the Park offers each year.

We are looking forward to the season finale of the 2009 Battlefield Weekends here at the Inn, with "Pickett's Charge"on August 21/22 hosted by the incomparable Wayne Motts. We will be sure to post photos for those who are unable to attend.

We hope that you are all enjoying some summer fun of your own with your loved ones. Please keep in touch, and we hope to see you soon on the Battlefield.

Christine

Gettysburg Summer Ranger Programs

It's that time of year again!  The National Park Service has planned a full two months of daily entertaining and informative ranger programs, which will begin on Saturday, June 13th and run through mid-August.

The Park offers a variety of ranger guided programs with subjects ranging from battle history to medical practices of the Civil War, living history and battlefield hikes.  These programs are offered at the Visitor Center, on the battlefield, and in the Soldiers' National Cemetary.  Programs range in length from 20 minutes to 3 hours, so there is something for everyone.  The best part is that these programs are all FREE of charge!  Simply meet at the designated spot and enjoy your tour.

Click here for a detailed description of programs which are offered on a daily basis.  This schedule is also available in a printed format at the information desk of the Visitor Center.

Each day at 3:30 pm is a two-hour intensive "Battle Walk" with a ranger, in which you cover a particular area of the battlefield in-depth.  The Park has its schedule of specific Battle Walks posted on the website, updated weekly.  Click here for the Battle Walk schedule.

Each evening there is a Campfire program hosted at the Park Ampitheater at Pitzer Woods, located at Auto Tour Stop #6.  Enjoy the fire as you listen to rangers cover a wide range of topics, listed here by date (scroll to bottom of page).

During the Battle of Gettysburg Anniversary dates of July 1, 2 and 3 the Park will offer additional "Real Time" and "Anniversary Walks" which will allow you the most in-depth look at the battle actions that took place on this historic ground 146 years ago.

New Program Announced!  "Dinner and a Painting":

Join Licensed Battlefield Guide and Cyclorama expert Sue Boardman for an "after-hours" viewing of the Cyclorama painting at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center.

The evening begins with a hearty Civil-War inspired meal in the Refreshment Saloon, followed by Sue's insightful program on the Cyclorama painting. Learn the history of the genre of cycloramas and the history of the Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama at the Museum and Visitor Center, including the conservation effort. Then, journey to the Cyclorama platform where Sue will describe interesting features of the painting and answer your questions.

This special program is limited to 50 attendees. For more details on this event or to be added to the special programs e-mail distribution list, please e-mail the Gettysburg Foundation's Programming Department. 

WHEN:

Saturday, June 20, 2009 from 6 – 9 p.m.

Friday, July 24, 2009 from 6 – 9 p.m.

Saturday, August 8, 2009 from 6 – 9 p.m.

Saturday, August 29, 2009 from 6 – 9 p.m.

WHERE:

Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center 

TICKET PRICES:

Single Ticket: $55; Friends of Gettysburg Members: $50

Purchase tickets for the June 20 program online. Click on the calendar date for June 20 and scroll to the bottom of the program listings for the special Cyclorama program.

Tickets can also be purchased by calling 877-874-2478.

Finally, we couldn't resist this opportunity to send congratulations to our good friend and employee, Erin, on her May 30th wedding to Nick.  Erin is truly our "go to gal" here at the Doubleday, and many of you will recognize her from your stays here.  She does everything from housekeeping to innsitting for us, and we were so happy to take part in her special day.  Their dog Annie is bunking with us during the honeymoon, so if your visit to us is between May 30th and June 7th, you will get TWICE the Golden Retriever fix during your stay!

Happy Memorial Day!

Today we take a moment to reflect and send a solemn "Thank You" to all of our nation's combat veterans past, present and future on this Memorial Day.  Did you know that this holiday has its origins in America's Civil War?  First officially celebrated and observed on May 30, 1868 the day was originally known as "Decoration Day", because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves.

The town of Gettysburg boasts one of our country's oldest Memorial Day parades. Today we will celebrate the 142nd annual event at 2 pm. The parade will form at Lefever Street in downtown, and will process west on East Middle Street, then turning south on Baltimore Street, 

where it will enter the Gettysburg National Cemetery thru the Baltimore Street Gate.   

The annual Service at the Soldiers National Monument in the Gettysburg National Cemetery

 will follow at 3 pm.  

New Event!

"Art in the Park Tours", to be led by Licensed Battlefield Guides Ralph Siegel & Sue Boardman, two well-known faces to guests of the Doubleday Inn!

The Gettysburg Battlfield is home to more than 1,300 monuments and memorials, making it one of the world's largest collections of outdoor sculpture.  On this "Art in the Park" tour, visitors can learn more about these works of art as well as the artists who created them.    

Times for tours are: Saturday, June 20/27 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.; Saturday, June 20/27 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 2027 3 – 5 p.m.; Saturday, June 20/27 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, June 21/28 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Sunday, June 21/28 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.; Sunday, June 21/28 3 - 5 p.m. Tours will begin at the Rupp House on Baltimore Street, and tickets may be purchased on site or by contacting the Gettysburg Foundation at 1-866-889-1243.  

We wish you and your family a very happy Memorial Day, and hope that your summer plans will bring you for a visit to your "home away from home" in Gettysburg very soon!

Todd, Christine & Molly (the upside down one in this pic!)

 

Happy Spring!

Our season is in full swing as we head into May, and our garden is as well! Thanks to our friend Mike for sending the beautiful pics of the backyard. We were so  happy to have the weeping cherry tree that we planted last Fall bloom this year...though it is a bit dwarfed by the pear tree in this photo, you still get the idea!  

It has been an exceptionally cool and wet spring thus far, which keeps the grass plush & green, and growing as fast as Todd can keep cutting it.  Good thing Molly is always right there to make sure he hasn't missed any spots (or run over any tennis balls)!

The Apple Blossoms were gorgeous this year, covering the hillsides of Adams County. We were so excited that the new orchard that was planted adjacent to the Inn bloomed as well.  We will be keeping an eye out for apples this fall.  With the warmer weather also comes an abundance of fresh, local produce. Beginning in late April, the Gettysburg Farm Market is held every Saturday morning from 7 am to 12 noon in the historic Lincoln Square.  You can get everything from fruits & vegetables, to herbs and fresh flowers here each week.  

The Round Barn in nearby Biglerville is also open from 9-5 daily beginning in May, and is another great spot for fresh produce and homemade baked treats.  A beautiful 

ride on Route 30 West of about 8 miles takes you to the yellow blinker light; make a right onto Cashtown Road and the Round Barn is on your right.

After visiting the Round Barn you can also visit nearby Hauser Estates Winery and Adams County Winery.  Both are open daily from 11 am to 6 pm.  Be sure to check their websites for seasonal events, concerts and tastings.  The wineries are an easy 10 minute drive from one to the other, so be sure to give both a try!

The National Park has begun to implement their seasonal Ranger Programs as staff is available, and the full daily schedule will be posted this month at their website.  These programs are all run by the Park's excellent knowledgeable interpretive rangers and best of all they are FREE!  You can also inquire at the main Visitor's Center and Museum information desk for a daily schedule of programs being offered.  

 The beautiful weather will also play host to many living history encampments in Gettysburg and the surrounding areas in the months to come.  For a complete listing of events, be sure to visit the Gettysburg Convention & Visitor's Burea's website for a complete calendar listing of events.

We hope you are enjoying your Spring and that a trip to Gettysburg will bring you "home" to the Doubleday Inn for a visit soon!

Christine

It's on the way!

A little burst of Spring-like temperatures in early March had us racing to find gardening gloves and get our hands in the dirt a little bit! We had a great time raking up the remnants of the Fall leaves and aerating all the flower beds. Clearing away all the winter coverings let us see how many bulbs we have ready to spring any day.

We already have crocus and some jonquils blooming, and the weeping cherry tree we planted last Fall looks like it will give us a good show in a few weeks. The robins are back in the yard and the gold finches are just beginning to turn their namesake color. All things that make us realize that the "season" here in Gettysburg is almost upon us, and we'd better get our running shoes ready!

Your Innkeepers had a really restful and productive Winter. We managed to play "hookie" several times and visited New York City, Fall River & Boston, MA and Washington, DC not once but twice! In each place we had a good time seeing historical sites while visiting with friends and family. Christine is now OBSESSSED with the Lizzie Borden mystery after visiting the house in MA and has read two books and seen about three shows on the topic...be sure to "axe" her about the mystery if you're not familiar!

Most satisfying for us was getting to see not one but two versions of the Gettysburg Address, each written in Lincoln's own hand. At the Smithsonian Museum of American History we visited the Bliss Copy (which normally lives in the Lincoln Bedroom at the White House) and at the Library of Congress we saw the Hay Copy, which is the copy that Lincoln finished writing while staying here in Gettysburg at the David Wills House. It was a really moving experience to see the documents first-hand. The excellent LOC exhibit also featured the letter which Lincoln wrote to General Meade after the Battle of Gettsyburg, expressing his frustration at Meade's failure to follow Lee and press for surrender. Lincoln decided to "sleep on it" for a night, and must have thought better of his words in the morning for the letter was never sent. This exhibit runs thru May so if your travels will take you to the DC area in that time frame be sure to check it out. You can get more info at http://www.loc.gov/.

With the coming Spring season we will welcome extended National Park Service hours. For those who will be visiting in the near future here is the schedule: as of April 1, the Battlefield is open from 6 Am to 10 Pm, and the new Museum and Visitor's Center will be open from 8 Am to 5 Pm daily. The Wills House will be open Tuesday-Sunday form 10 Am to 5 Pm.

On a final note, our Gettysburg family suffered a big loss this Winter with

the passing of Interpretive Park Service Ranger Gregory Coco on February 11th. Greg worked as a park guide and as a seasonal interpretive ranger at Gettysburg, where he was known for his development of the extensive two- to three-hour walks across the battlefield. He also was an NPS licensed battlefield guide for several years. Greg authored 16 books and 12 scholarly articles on topics related to the American Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg. He received national recognition for two of the above books. A Strange and Blighted Land: The Aftermath of a Battle, was voted number 12 in the top 50 Civil War books ever written, while another received an award from the Eastern National Parks and Monument Association.

During one of our first trips to Gettysburg as tourists we had the good fortune to attend a one hour program on Culp's Hill. When we arrived we found the tour leader Greg there, and we were the only attendants as it was a cold and rainy day. Greg took us to the top of the Culp's Hill tower to stay dry, and spent more than an hour with just the two of us, giving a detailed and passionate narrative of the action on that part of the Battlefield. Needless to say a love of and passion for Gettysburg history was nurtured in both of us that day. Greg was a very special member of the Park Service team and he will be dearly missed.

Happy Birthday President Lincoln!

February 12, 2009 will mark the 200th Anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's birth. Here in Gettysburg there is a great deal of excitement as on the same day we will celebrate the grand opening of the David Wills House, after a large scale renovation.

The Wills House is the large brick building located on the southeast corner of the Lincoln Square in downtown Gettysburg. It was in this house that President Lincoln spent the night of November 18, 1863 and where he put the finishing touches on his immortal "Gettysburg Address" which would be delivered the following day during the dedication of the first Soldiers' National Cemetary.

The National Park Service in cooperation with Main Street Gettysburg has undertaken the renovation of the Wills House. The new museum features seven galleries, including the restored office where David Wills coordinated post-battle recovery efforts and invited a President to deliver “a few appropriate remarks,” and the famous Lincoln bedroom where the President finished revising the Gettysburg Address.

In celebration of the Lincoln Bicentennial, the Wills House Museum will be open and free to the public, beginning Thursday 2/12/09 from 2:00 - 8:00 pm, and then Friday - Sunday, 2/13 thru 2/16/2009 from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Click here for a full, detailed schedule of events for the weekend.

There are also many exciting Lincoln exhibits happening in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the Bicentennial. Located only 90 minutes south of Gettysburg, Washington is an easy day trip from the Doubleday Inn. If you need help planning your itinerary please don't hesitate to ask!

Here are some details:

Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress, Feb 12 - May 12, 2009

includine the Springfield "Farewell" address, Lincoln's 1st & 2nd inaugural addresses, along with his bible, the Gettysburg Address (Nicolay or Hay copy) , and the letter Lincoln wrote to Meade after Gettysburg (the one he never sent).

EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION at National Archives, Feb 12 - 16 ONLY Archives Winter hours: 10 AM - 5:30 PM (last admission at 5:00 pm)

Designing the Lincoln Memorial National Gallery of Art, Feb 12, 2009 - Feb 12, 2010 View the original models for this memorial (French's 6-foot model & Bacon's wood model)

For a complete itinerary for all of 2009, visit www.lincolnindc.com