Weekend Getaway for One in Gettysburg, PA

I've preached up and down about solo dating. While some may find it intimidating or even strange, I promise you if you step out of your comfort zone and judgment and give it a shot it will change your life. You will appreciate yourself more. You will expect more from how people treat and value you and you will know when to walk away.

I took myself on a weekend getaway to Gettysburg, PA. Anticipating the snowfall on Saturday, I packed up Friday afternoon and after finishing my work for the day headed to a hotel in Gettysburg. When I arrived in the room the first thing I did was drop my bags and 'trust fall' onto the bed like it's a pool of water. What is it about a king-size hotel bed all to yourself anyway? Feels so special. I stocked my king suite with snacks and even treated myself to a Guinness. A hardy Guinness on a snowy day was the perfect choice.

My plans for the weekend included a few snow hikes around the battlefields, a walk through town to visit shops, network, and catch up with shop owners, reading by the fireplace, Steelers game, writing, and publishing. When I set out on this trip I knew I wanted to write and publish this weekend and just thought do I want to do that in my own house or do I want I change of scenery? When you're creative a change of scenery and venue can do a lot for your inspiration and productivity. Without the distractions of my to-do list around my house, I was able to focus and accomplish my goal in a short time frame. Publishing has been a lifelong goal of mine and accomplishing this on a weekend getaway made it feel all the more memorable and celebratory.

I go to Gettysburg often. It is one of the places I feel open, creative, and inspired. However, my visits are usually in the summer months when I have some time off from teaching. This is the first time I have been there with snow on the ground. The battlefield was striking with the grey stone monuments against the white backdrop. It's a whole different experience in the winter. There's a quiet stillness in the air. A stark contrast to the tourist-filled bustle of the summer months.

If you've never been to Gettysburg, here are a few reasons you may want to go beyond the typical tourist attractions. Gettysburg has a fantastic town square and lots of mom-and-pop shops with unique gifts, artisan finds, and sweet treats. It has two authentic Irish pubs with traditional fairs and beers on tap. On the outskirts of town, you can find wineries, breweries, cideries, and local farmers' markets. Two of my favorites are Adam's County Winery with a beautiful outdoor venue and live bands in the summer and the Round Barn market with local handmade goods and fresh produce. Off York Street, you can shop your heart out at the outlets. I love how they designed the outlets to resemble a small town's main street. Just up the strip, you have all your name-brand stores like Marshals, Michaels, Starbucks, and others. Gettysburg has something for everyone all year round and the drive up and down 11/15 is peaceful and picturesque with open farmlands and rolling hills.

To learn more about Gettysburg and plan your visit go to Destination Gettysburg or reach out to Jen for more tips and off-the-beaten path suggestions.