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Discover the sites where battles were fought, where decisions were made, and where our nation's leaders called home in an area rich with history. Explore the tunnels and homes that were part of the Underground Railroad or tour the birthplace of frontiersman Daniel Boone. See the realities of the Civil War or tour the home of a former President. Step back in time in an area where history comes alive.
DAY ONE - GETTYSBURG
Start your visit with an overview of July 1-3, 1863, at the Gettysburg Diorama or the Electric Map at the Gettysburg National Military Park Welcome Center. Embark on a battlefield tour that covers nearly 6,000 acres with over 26 miles of park roads and over 1,400 monuments, markers and memorials dedicated to the 164,000 soldiers who fought at Gettysburg. Several year-round tours are available, including bus, license guides, tape/CD tours, and self-guided trips.
Spend the afternoon learning about the civilian side of the Battle of Gettysburg at the Schriver House Museum to learn first hand of one family's struggle during the Battle of Gettysburg. You will learn more at the Rupp House History Center and the Jennie Wade House Museum.
Enjoy lunch or dinner at one of many local period establishments. Culinary delights include Goober Pea (Peanut) Soup, Pennsylvania Dutch Chicken Corn Soup, Game Pie, Spoon Bread, Apple Butter, Roast Duck Adams County, Seafood Isabella, and more.
Or, enjoy a dining experience at the Historic Dobbin House Tavern, located in the oldest building in Gettysburg. Be sure to visit the Underground Railroad Exhibit inside!
End your day with a ghost tour with one of five companies or a carriage ride through town.
DAY TWO - YORK
A one-hour drive through the Southern Allegheny Mountains finds you in York, the first capital of the United States. Start your visit with a stop at the Colonial Courthouse, a replica of the building where the First Continental Congress met during their nine month stay in York, the first Capital of the United States. It was during meetings in York that the Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation, the Nation's first Constitution.
Next visit the Historic Gates House and Golden Plough Tavern and experience the conditions of frontier life during the American Revolution.
Finish your morning with a walking tour of the Murals of York. More than 20 of the larger-than-life murals weave through an open-air gallery in York's historic district, bringing to colorful life York County's impressive 250-year history.
You might enjoy lunch at the Central Market House. Wander through the century-old farmers market and choose lunch from one of the more than 70 vendors for some delicious local specialties. After lunch, be sure to take a tour of Family Heirloom Weavers, where they take great pride in weaving reproductions of historic carpets, coverlets and table runners. Their work adorns the homes of ex-presidents and can be seen in the recently released movie, Cold Mountain. Next experience the history of American Heroes at the Police Heritage Museum or the Fire Museum.
End the day with a visit to Wallace-Cross Mill historic site, located in York's scenic countryside. Built in 1826, Cross Mill is a rare example of an operating water-powered grain mill - one of the few still standing!
DAY THREE - HARRISBURG/HERSHEY
Brace yourself for some historical adventure as you tour the National Civil War Museum. This state-of-the-art facility depicts the history of the Civil War through stirring displays, multimedia presentations and a collection of artifacts, documents and photographs that exceeds 24,000 items.
Next it's on to the Sweetest Place On Earth, Hershey. Climb aboard the Hershey Trolley for a truly memorable excursion! The journey begins in front of HERSHEY'S CHOCOLATE WORLD, and from there, singing trolley conductors take you on a fascinating, sentimental journey that is engaging for all ages. Don't miss the old-fashioned fun and informative entertainment of this one-of-a-kind ride through the town built on chocolate. Trolleys depart HERSHEY'S CHOCOLATE WORLD main entrance, rain or shine. Be sure to include a stop at the Hershey Museum. A variety of exhibits tell the many fascinating stories of Hershey - the man, the candy empire he founded, and the model town he created. The Museum features a hands-on Discover Room for kids and creative activities for all ages.
DAY FOUR - LANCASTER
Pennsylvania Dutch Country offers an abundance of cultural and heritage attractions. The Amish Farm and House provides a rare glimpse into the life of the Amish and Mennonites. Take a step back into time with a visit to Landis Valley Museum, the only "living history" attraction dedicated to the total preservation of Early Pennsylvania German life. 29 historic buildings help to interpret farm life during the 1700's and 1800's.
Lancaster City is home to the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the country - Central Market - where you can mingle with local stand-holders while shopping for locally-grown produce, baked goods, flowers, candy and locally-made crafts. Sample regional favorites such as shoo-fly pie, whoopie pies, chow chow and many other Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish specialties!
Spend the rest of the afternoon at the Bethel AME church, a key stop on the Underground Railroad. Their production of "Living the Experience" is a living history portrayal of courageous stories about work on the Underground Railroad.
DAY FIVE - READING
First, start your tour with a visit to Daniel Boone Homestead, birthplace of the famous frontiersman. Next discover the Historical Society of Berks County, where you can see art and artifacts from the past three centuries of Berks County. Soar on to the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum, grab lunch at the Yellow House Hotel or Historic Pleasantville Inn, then take a trip back in time at the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles. Have a dinner at the Alpenhof Restaurant for a sample of Berks county's German roots. Or dine in the age of King Arthur at Stokesay Castle - a stone's throw away from our famous Pagoda atop Mt. Penn. Another addition to your visit is our Hex Barn Art Tour, which will take you through our fertile countryside where hundred year-old German bank barns are decorated with a unique Folk Art design, referred to as hex signs.
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