Stop and smell the familiar flowers of Gettysburg

Stop and smell the familiar flowers of Gettysburg

Each week, usually by Tuesday, I’m trying to figure out what I’m going to do the upcoming weekend. I like to plan ahead because it gives me something to look forward to. One or two days off of either mowing my yard (which I do find relaxing) or planning something with family or friends.

My mom and I have always enjoyed walking around town looking in all the shops or reading the plaques on or in front of the buildings. Yes, I’ve lived here all my life, but sometimes you still need to take time to smell the flowers even if you’ve smelled them before. And sometimes it’s fun to take a tour of downtown and see things from someone else’s perspective.

My friend Lori Mitchell has a unique tour business called Savor Gettysburg Food Tours. These walking tours are done on the weekends and gather a small group of people to walk the town and visit various selected eateries to taste samplings of their great cuisines. These tours not only introduce you to great food, but also give you a chance to look at every building and see what shops are here and what happened where. One of Lori’s tours is actually a tour and cooking class all in one.

The “Farmer’s Market Tour and Cooking Class” features local chefs taking participants through the Adams County Farmers Market where you can learn to shop like a chef. Once you’ve made your purchases of fresh produce you’ll proceed to the Adams County Arts Council. There you’ll participate in a hands-on cooking class where the chef teaches you how to prepare your market fresh items into delicious dishes. After you’ve prepared your food you’ll pair it with local wine from Reid’s Winery and Cider House.  

Our town and county is so rich in not only history, but also in what comes from the soil. Adams County is the Apple Capital of the east coast. Local wineries like Reid’s and Adams County Winery harvest their own grapes and other fruits to make such uniquely tasting wines. Our Farmers Market, who is an umbrella host every Saturday morning from May to October for local farmers to bring fresh grown produce to sell. The market and local retail shops are an outlet for local artisans to sell their handmade products.

One thing I love about Gettysburg is how locals work with locals. We’re still a small enough community to understand the importance of working together. In one tour you have three local entities being brought together, highlighting the best of Gettysburg and Adams County.

So take the time to walk the town, the market, the shops, the restaurants, take a tour and smell those familiar flowers. You may have a better appreciation for them. As Mayor Streeter says “Come. Visit. Enjoy the jewel of south-central Pennsylvania”.
Visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com for a list of GARMA members and events.
 
Jennie Dillon is the President of GARMA and owner of Artworks, 30 York St

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