The month of May in Gettysburg is exciting and busy! With most businesses closed at this time last year, May 2021 is busier than ever for Gettysburg.

​May 7 is First Friday, Gettysburg Style. What a great way to spend a Friday evening (and do some Mother’s Day shopping) by strolling the streets of downtown Gettysburg experiencing all of the wonderful small businesses. While you’re downtown grab a drink or a bite to eat but make sure you save room for popcorn. Follow the sounds of the carnival music being played outside of the Majestic Theater on Baltimore St. and join them for their curbside popcorn sale! They’re just tempting you with movie theater popcorn in anticipation of sitting in front of the big screen.

Come out and support the Adams County Farmer’s Market for opening day, Saturday, May 8. Located in the parking lot across from the railroad tracks by the historic Lincoln Train Station, you’re bound to find plenty of fresh produce, plants and baked goods. Supporting the Farmer’s Market means supporting local.
Sunday, May 9 is Mother’s Day. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed May 9, 1914 the first Mother’s Day. He asked Americans on that day to give a public “thank you” to their mothers and all mothers. If you’re thinking of taking Mom out for lunch or dinner, check with restaurants to see if they’re offering any specials or if you need to make a reservation.

Crossing our fingers for great weather, Saturday May 15th is the 54th Outdoor Antique Show. The streets of downtown Gettysburg are lined with quality antique and arts vendors from Virginia, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New York and Pennsylvania. The show hours are 7am-4pm. If you didn’t know, the vendor fees collected from the May and September Antique Shows are used to purchase wreaths, lights, decorations and other items for Christmas in Gettysburg.

The last Monday in May is Memorial Day, a day meant to honor those who have sacrificed and given the last full measure of devotion. Did you know that Gettysburg’s Memorial Day Parade is one of the oldest ceremonies in the country? We’re excited that Gettysburg will be having the parade and ceremonies this year, Monday, May 31. The parade starts at 2pm on Lefever St. and ends in the Soldier’s National Cemetery.

​So many things to do in our town, so many things to celebrate and be thankful for. Shop Local. Shop Gettysburg. Shop Small. It’s greatly appreciated. For a complete list of GARMA members visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com.
 
Jennie Dillon is the Vice President of GARMA and owner of Artworks on York St.

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On April 12, 1861 Confederate troops under the command of General Pierre Beauregard opened fire at 4:30am on Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. These were the first shots that started the American Civil War, also known as “The War Between The States”. That fateful April day unknowingly brought a little town called Gettysburg into the nation’s eyes for 3 long days in July 1863.

Growing up and working in this town, my first job was at the Gettysburg Travel Council when it was located in the train station on Carlisle St. The number one question asked when a tourist arrived was “where’s the battlefield”. I thought to myself, well, you’re kind of standing on it. I’d get them their town map, a list of all the museums and their hours and fees and then send them on their way to the Visitor Center on the Taneytown Rd. The first suggestion I had for them was to see the Electric Map (I’m really making myself sound pretty old) and second was to walk across the parking lot to the Cyclorama to see the historic painting of Picket’s Charge.

So many things have changed since then. The Gettysburg Travel Council is now Destination Gettysburg and located just outside of town. The Visitor Center on Taneytown Rd. is no more and the current location is on part of the grounds of the old Fantasyland Park (okay, I’m officially ancient). The Electric Map is no more and the Cyclorama building is gone and the painting is now housed in the Visitor Center.

What hasn’t changed is this town’s vibrancy and innovative ways to make itself relevant to a new generation of Civil War enthusiasts. Steinwehr Ave was the street to be on Friday and Saturday nights. Shops were open late, people were out walking way past dark and the locals were cruising the street and making the “Hardee’s to the Square” loop.

So what is happening on Steinwehr now? Well, there’s no more Hardee’s. The Gettysburg Wax Museum is now the Gettysburg Heritage Center. Gone are the life size wax figures depicting scenes and prominent figures during the battle and the war. Now there is a more interactive experience at the museum focusing on the civilians who lived in the town and the soldiers on the battlefield. You get to hear the stories of those who called Gettysburg their home.

Shopping and dining on Steinwehr is plentiful. GARMA dining members on Steinwehr are Gettysburg Eddies, Hunt’s Battlefield Fries, Appalachian Brewing Company, Tommy’s Pizza and the historic Dobbin House built by Rev. Alexander Dobbin in 1776. GARMA shopping members are Rosie’s Collection, Regimental Quartermaster and just on the corner, still considered Baltimore St., Body and Soul Silversmith. Both the Gettysburg Heritage Center and Dobbin House have wonderful gift shops, too.

This little ‘burg, founded and named for settler James Getty, has evolved and thrived into the Gettysburg we see today in 2021. Gettysburg was resilient after the battle and it’s shown resiliency in the wake of the battle we’ve faced since March 2020; a national pandemic.

History, heritage and beautiful memories of Gettysburg. So many reasons to love our town. For a complete list of GARMA members visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com.
​Jennie Dillon is Vice President of GARMA and owner of Artworks on York Street

Springtime in Gettysburg is always beautiful. Once this snow is gone, we can start to make way for the beautiful flowers that the Gettysburg Garden Club spreads throughout the town. Shops will start to open more days and longer hours while restaurants will have outside dining without the necessity of a heater beside you. Ghost tours will once again inhabit the streets and tourists in horse drawn carriages will pass through.

Friday, March 5 is First Friday, Gettysburg Style. GARMA businesses will be celebrating with the green theme of St. Patrick. The Adams County Arts Council on S. Washington St. will feature an outdoor-themed collection of ACAC member artwork during the month of March, holding a reception on March 5. The Ragged Edge Coffee House on Chambersburg St. will be showcasing the work of local watercolor artist Tom Rooney. Gallery 30 on York St. will showcase handcrafted Birds-Eye Maple Cutting Boards for their First Friday reception. Check member’s Facebook pages and websites for a full listing of First Friday fun.

While we still aren’t able to go to our local theaters, Majestic Theater on Carlisle St. and Gettysburg Community Theatre on York St., you can still enjoy movies and performances virtually. Majestic Movies at Home lets you view movies at no charge by simply clicking the link on their Facebook page. Gettysburg Community Theatre is currently looking for actors to perform on stage in streamed productions (socially distanced on stage with no audience in the theatre). And if you’re looking for Saturday night laughs, you can watch their Online Improv Show.

March is Women’s History Month and what better way to spend a Saturday or Sunday then to walk the streets of historic Gettysburg with a Licensed Town Guide. These are one-hour tours discussing some of the heroics of the women who were here during the Battle of Gettysburg.

There are many beautiful days ahead of us in the weeks to come. One event that I am personally looking forward to is the Gettysburg’s Spring Outdoor Antique Show on Saturday, May 15. This year marks the 54th year of wonderful, quality vendors and antiques gracing the streets of downtown Gettysburg. Let’s cross our fingers for beautiful weather that day.

Remember that when you’re dining or shopping in the downtown, there’s no need to rush yourself. Meters in the square and downtown have three-hour parking limits. This does not include the parking garage or the meters on the side of the garage.

Explore the beauty that is Gettysburg. We are fortunate to live amongst such rich history, beautiful museums, shops and incredible culinary cuisines. For a complete list of GARMA members visit our website at www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com.

Jennie Dillon is the Vice President of GARMA and owner of Artworks at 30 York St.

GARMA is excited to welcome two new members to our family of retail shops, attractions and restaurants.

Union Cigar, located at 5 Baltimore St., is under new ownership. A longtime staple of downtown Gettysburg, business partners John Weiser and Alex Babik bought the business in the fall of 2020. If you are a cigar aficionado you will be in great company. First and foremost, when you walk in the front door be prepared to relax! Union Cigar offers a very welcoming atmosphere with their leather sofas and chairs, warm fireplace, big screen TV and full service coffee bar.

John and Alex have a lot of events scheduled in the upcoming weeks to appeal to a wide audience. Cigar 101, Ladies Night, Cigars and Coffee Pairing are just a few. They also offer a Humidor Seasoning Service. A cost is associated with this, unless you purchase your humidor from Union Cigar, then it’s free. Great products and service are guaranteed.

A store named after a beloved childhood bear and the rose headband she wears. That’s Rosie’s Collection, located at 9 Steinwehr Ave. Owner, Marci Cropp has Rosie the bear displayed prominently throughout the shop. Marci wanted to present an atmosphere that transforms lives by making people feel comfortable through their outward appearance so that it might permeate inward.

Rosie’s Collection brings a glimpse of big name city designer apparel to a small town community through great fashionwear. A true “chic boutique” for ladies, Rosie’s carries high-end women’s clothing and accessories at reasonable prices. You can also find great handbags and jewelry to compliment any outfit. New to the shop is Rosie’s Cupboard. An array of branded jams and jellies, salad dressings, bread mixes and salsas will fill your cupboard and keep your meals exciting.

Visit these and other GARMA shops on February 5 for First Friday, Gettysburg Style. Stores will be offering extended hours and in-store savings and offers. You can visit our website, www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com, and click on the store icon to see what’s happening at your favorite shop or restaurant.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Plan a getaway weekend at one of our local hotels or Bed & Breakfasts. The Swope Manor on York St. and The Inn at Herr Ridge are both offering Valentine weekend packages. Check the websites or Facebook pages of our GARMA member restaurants to see what Valentine dinner specials are offered.

Shop local, eat local, stay local. Our restaurants and shops appreciate your business.

​Jennie Dillon is the owner of Artworks on York St., Vice President of GARMA and Office and Events Manager at Gettysburg Rental Center.

Gettysburg Strong! I feel I need to say that first and foremost after witnessing how our community has pulled together in the face of adversity. This past year has presented many challenges that we never thought we’d see in our lifetime and I wanted to recognize our strengths and successes.

Shopping has never been quite as different as it has been this year. So many stores have gone above and beyond to make sure customers experienced a safe and secure shopping experience. Just to give you an idea of some of the business initiatives that were taken (regrettably, there isn’t enough room in this column to recognize everyone for all their efforts), True Friends Boutique on Baltimore St. started offering private shopping appointments for customers wishing to avoid any crowds. LeLe B’s Boutique on Carlisle St offered delivery. Some businesses offered curbside and contactless pickup. Stores promoted online shopping with extra incentives. Nerd Herd on York St. offered free shipping on orders over a certain dollar value. A&A Village Treasures on Chambersburg St. offered many online shopping codes for discounted savings.

Restaurants were most definitely challenged this year and their efforts are greatly applauded by all. As said before, there isn’t enough room in this column to name them all, but there were so many ways our restaurants rallied and kept their lights on. Many restaurants offered some sort of outside dining, whether it be on a porch or patio. The Dobbin House and Appalachian Brewing Company, both on Steinwehr, utilized tents in their parking lots and added heaters as the weather turned colder. Takeout orders increased tenfold for many places. Gettysburg Eddie’s added “Order-Pay-Park” as an option where you are able to order and pay for your food online and have them bring it to your car.

Businesses helping businesses. Wade Leedy, owner of Tommy’s Pizza, created a Facebook page called “Gettysburg Takeout” where you could find out what restaurants were offering as far as services. Roger Lund, owner of The Christmas Haus (and Gettysburg Adams Chamber of Commerce’s 2020 Citizen of the Year) launched an effort entitled “Adopt a Restaurant” asking people to adopt two restaurants to commit to patronizing for takeout, gift card or merchandise purchases.

Then there was YOU, the people of Gettysburg who pledged to Shop Local and Support Small Business during this critical time. Not saying that many of you didn’t already, but this pandemic heightened awareness of how much our businesses and our town need you. YOU make a difference, no matter how small or large your contribution, YOU make a difference. Thank YOU all.

​Continue to Shop Local and Shop Small Business in the New Year and make a difference in your community – www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com

Jennie Dillon is the owner of Artworks on York St., Vice President of GARMA and Office and Events Manager at Gettysburg Rental Center.

The holiday season is upon us. Everyone has holiday traditions that they’ve either deliberately created or just happened on by chance. One of my traditions is that I have some movies that I must watch during the holidays and would watch all year long if TV permitted. I watch the new standards such as Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story, Home Alone and Elf. But I’ve never watched or learned to appreciate the classics.

Friends of mine cannot believe that I haven’t seen White Christmas or It’s A Wonderful Life. So I’ve made a solemn vow that I will watch them this year. But not in the comfort of my own home. I intend to watch these gems on the big screen of the Majestic Theater. The Majestic celebrated her 95th birthday on November 14 and I can’t think of a better way to pay my respects than to see It’s a Wonderful Life and White Christmas, showing December 12/13 and December 19/20 respectively.

Another event I have to look forward to this holiday season is a Wine and Paint night at the Adams County Arts Council. The subject of paint night, the Gettysburg Christmas Tree. This tree, oh this tree. As the Chairperson of the Christmas Committee for GARMA, I am tasked with scheduling all the activities that occur before, during and after the tree is placed in our center square. Over the last five years the tree has been a great source of joy and headache for me! It’s quite the undertaking to look after this tree. All joking aside, I do truly enjoy my tree duties which is why I can’t wait to paint my rendition of it thanks to the Arts Council.

If you’re interested in starting a new holiday tradition, why not make it a point to donate to Toys for Tots. New, unopened toys are in high demand for area children who may not otherwise receive a gift this Christmas. Nerd Herd on York St. is a Toys for Tots collection spot. You can find fantastic gifts for kids there and also at Purple Piggy on Chambersburg St. So many unique and exciting toys await at these two local favorites.

There are so many things you can do to make the season merry and bright, even during the craziest of times. Enjoy our little town and all that it offers. Make new traditions and continue the old. Shop our local merchants and keep your dollars local. Don’t know what to get someone? Gift certificates always make a great gift. You can purchase store specific gift certificates or let your recipient decide where to spend them by giving a GARMA gift certificate. Our gift certificates can be redeemed at over 60 downtown shops, restaurants, and venues. GARMA gift certificates can be purchased at Artworks on York St., Gettysburg Heritage Center on Steinwehr Ave. and Goin’ Postal at the Outlet Shoppes. For a complete list of where to redeem them, visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com.

Stay safe, strong and support each other.

​Jennie Dillon is the owner of Artworks on York St., Vice President of GARMA and Office and Events Manager at Gettysburg Rental Center.

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Every year GARMA enjoys bringing the holiday spirit to downtown Gettysburg via our many decorations and celebrations. As we know, 2020 has brought forth some interesting challenges as to how we conduct ourselves in large group situations. With that said, we would like to update everyone as to how we will be handling the holiday season from start to finish.

GARMA will continue the tradition of the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 27 (Black Friday) with some alterations to our regular plans. This year’s tree lighting will be done virtually. We will live stream the event on our Facebook page, thus encouraging people to stay home and celebrate in warmth with family and friends. This live stream will start at 5:45 pm on the 27th and last approximately 25 minutes. During this time we ask families to post pictures on our Facebook page depicting their anticipation of the lighting of the Gettysburg Christmas Tree (#gettysburgvirtualtreelighting). Those who post will win GARMA Gift Certificates that can be spent at over 65 GARMA businesses.

Santa will still come to Gettysburg to light the tree that evening. However, he will not be stopping at his Shanty afterward to greet children and well-wishers. Santa’s Shanty will be brought to its regular spot in the ACNB/Open Minds quadrant of the square. Instead of in-person visits with Santa, we will be encouraging children to drop off their letters to Santa that can be deposited in a mail slot on the Shanty (no postage required). Children will receive a double-sided postcard, with a holiday drawing that can be colored, from Santa acknowledging their letters. Santa will make visits to downtown Gettysburg throughout the season to wave and greet the children at a distance.

Gift Certificates will be awarded throughout the holiday season for Facebook posts and other interactive activities, thus encouraging shoppers to spend this “free money” during the holiday season. This new practice is in lieu of our annual $1000 shopping spree we’ve done in the past which allowed only one winner to be drawn at the end of the holiday season to spend their “free money”.

GARMA has entered into an agreement with the Borough for Free Parking during the holidays. This year will be a bit different. Free parking will be Monday – Thursday from 8am-8pm. Friday – Sunday will be toll parking.

To finish the 2020 holiday season, GARMA has taken over the reins of the Annual New Year’s Eve festivities in downtown Gettysburg. This event, previously put on by the Adams County Arts Council, is proving to be an exciting challenge as we social distance ourselves into 2021. As we will not be encouraging a large gathering, we will be looking at an alternate location to have the New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display.

As this year has challenged us all in one way or another, we hope that everyone will continue to thrive, stay safe, forge on and look for a brighter new year. We, the board members of GARMA appreciate your support. We strive for the best in 2021.

For information on all GARMA activities visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com.

Jennie Dillon is the VP of GARMA, Christmas Chairperson, and owner of Artworks on York St.

The month of October always ushers in crisp air and beautiful landscapes of changing colors of reds, oranges and greens. Adams County in October traditionally starts with the National Apple Harvest Festival held the first two weekends of the month (just down the road in Thurmont, Color Fest is held). Bus tours would come into Gettysburg all month so people could see our beautiful fall landscapes on the battlefield and around the county.

This October is very different. With events, like the National Apple Harvest Festival being cancelled and bus tours not coming to town, I feel that I crave some sense of normalcy. I’m not one of those pumpkin spice everything people when it comes to my food and drinks, but I do love the colors, the pumpkins, hay bales and scarecrows. Everything that says “Happy Fall Y’all”. I love the inflatable Frankenstein’s in the yard and cobwebs in the trees (I can do without the spiders in the cobwebs though). I love seeing the lights on in neighborhoods for Trick or Treaters. As a kid, Stratton Street was the best for trick or treating in town. There was a house on Water Street that always gave out homemade caramel popcorn balls. If we couldn’t visit any other houses, we at least made sure we visited that one.

So this year I’m decorating. I have always loved decorating for holidays, especially Halloween, but haven’t done any of it for quite a few years. I realize that I can still have a sense of normalcy even when things aren’t so normal. I can still put out pumpkins, hay bales and scarecrows. I can still look out my window and see the leaves changing colors. I can still drive on the battlefield and see the landscape in all its fall glory. I can still have a cup of hot tea while sitting on my back porch talking to my herd of animals (3 dogs, 4 cats – don’t judge me, I volunteer at animals shelters). I can still do so much that I hold near and dear to me.

In this crazy year, don’t forget to still do those things you hold near and dear to you that can still be done. Decorate for the holidays. Turn up the volume when you hear a favorite song come on the radio and sing along. Go to your favorite restaurant for dinner, or order takeout. Do something that makes you smile. Pay it forward when you’re in line at getting your morning coffee. Do something that makes someone else smile. Practice random acts of kindness. We’re all in this crazy boat called 2020 and we need to get through it together.

On a personal note, I struggled with what topic I was going to write about this month. I always write about and promote our wonderful GARMA businesses (www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com) and encourage shopping local. However, I just felt I needed to express myself this one time. Please, everyone stay safe, do what you need to do to get through in these times and yes, shop local and explore our wonderful little town and what all there is to offer.

​Jennie Dillon is the VP of GARMA and owner of Artworks on York St.

Pizza. Sometimes, that’s all that needs to be said. A one word food, a one word statement. Gettysburg has the luxury of having some great pizza places to choose from. Two of these establishments have a rich history in Gettysburg.

When Thomas “Tommy” Kranias first came to America, Ellis Island to be exact, in 1951 he was 21 years old and spoke not a word of English. His Uncle Ernie (I think you know where that story leads) brought him here from Greece to afford him a better way of life. Under Uncle Ernie’s tutelage at the hot dog shop, Tommy was a hard worker, learned to speak and write in English, made many friends and married a local Biglerville gal named Nancy.

Tommy’s Pizza first opened in the former railroad station on North Washington Street, in 1973. I remember that location well. Whether we ate in or carried out, I would gravitate to the jukebox and hope that we had enough time to listen to a few songs. In 1987 Tommy sold the railroad station to the Gettysburg College and moved the operation to its current location at 105 Steinwehr Ave. Ownership passed to Tommy’s daughter Cathy and her husband in 1995. Tommy passed away suddenly in 1999 and ownership has stayed in the family with Tommy’s grandsons, Drew and Wade Leedy, as the current proprietors.

Mamma Ventura became a Gettysburg staple when Carmelo Fazzolari moved to Gettysburg in 1977. He first opened his pizza shop on York Street (currently Starbucks). In 1982 a fire swept through what is now The Gettysburg Hotel, which was used as an apartment building back then, and that structure sat in hollowed ruins for 8 years. The Gettysburg College purchased and restored the building and the grand hotel was operational again in 1990. Having to relocate due to the changes, Carmelo purchased 13 Chambersburg Street and moved the pizza shop to its current location.

What was once a pizza shop then evolved into Mamma Ventura Casual Italian Dining, a more upscale dining experience with authentic Italian cuisine. Carmelo suddenly passed in 2003 and his wife Jackie and daughter Cristina have carried on the family business. The restaurant offers a spacious banquet room for wedding parties, anniversaries, birthdays and other intimate events. Cristina, a graduate of the Cordon Bleu School in Pittsburgh, specializes in the creation of the incredible desserts that are offered.

Two families. Two restaurants. Two dreams. Two Gettysburg traditions. Dine in is offered at both, and if you’re not comfortable with that yet, both offer take out as well. Stay local, shop local and help support family dreams. It’s what helps them become Gettysburg traditions. Visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com for a list of all of our GARMA retailers.

Jennie Dillon is the Vice President of GARMA and the owner of Artworks on York St.

Every Sunday night a small group of locals (6-10 of us), including myself, gather at The Swope Manor Bed & Breakfast for an evening of fellowship, fun, laughs and most important of all – exquisite food.

Located at 60 York Street, right in the first block of the square, George Swope purchased the property in 1836 and built the current brick structure you see today. Prior to this, the first structure built on this lot was a log home in 1793 by our town’s founder and namesake James Gettys. Prior to the outbreak of the Civil War, in 1860 George added an addition of a half story as well as the ornate trim you see around the roof, windows and entrance today. This building, and the Swope family, have a storied history that you can read about at www.theswopemanor.com. Current owners John and Lori Jumba purchased the property in 2012 and completely remodeled and restored it to what it is today.

Speaking of today, The Swope Manor is much more than a regular Bed & Breakfast. With the addition of Executive Chef Karl Held, John and Lori are happy to announce the opening of “George’s at The Swope” for casual fine dining and take out. Appropriately named after George Swope, “George’s” is a great new addition to the Gettysburg culinary scene. Open for dinner to the public for in-house dining (social distancing dining is provided outside and throughout the house) and curbside take out, “George’s” is open Thursday through Sunday from 4pm until 9pm. Call ahead for reservations and find out what culinary delights are on the menu.

So many of our buildings in town have such a history to them that may not be Civil War related. This month I turn a number in the high 40’s – let’s just leave it at that. I loved how Gettysburg was when I was growing up and how things have changed. I remember the David Wills House being a museum upstairs, but the lower level being a Rea & Derrick, then People’s Drug Store, for a short time CVS and then it was the Antique Center of Gettysburg. I love seeing where new brick and old brick meet, where a window or door may have been. The restoration in this town is beautiful and the revitalization projects have been much needed. Don’t laugh, but a lot of seniors would write in their yearbook that their goal was to “get out of Gettysburg” I didn’t write that, and I’m glad I stayed to see our stories unfold. We’re more than a Civil War town.

​For a complete listing of GARMA members, who just might happen to be in some of these storied older buildings, visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com.

Jennie Dillon is the Vice President of GARMA, owner of Artworks on York St and Events Manager at Gettysburg Rental Center