Get the Gettysburg, PA Inspiration Guide
Check out our Inspiration Guide online or have us send you one. Have an immediate question? Call us at 1.800.337.5015
Get the GuideAh, May. We’ve been waiting for you! You bring us the sun, warm temperatures, colorful flowers, and that perfect taste of summer … without the humidity.
But why enjoy the month of May at home when you can take your first getaway of the year, especially to America’s favorite historic destination? Gettysburg, after all, is more fun than mulching, spring cleaning, and changing out your winter wardrobe.
May is a popular time to visit Gettysburg and its countryside for good reason … actually eight good reasons:
Get mom out of the house. Seriously, she’s been waiting for you to take her to Gettysburg. If she’s not a history buff, that’s OK – there are great restaurants, shopping, spas, wineries … everything to make her Mother’s Day special. Our online calendar features a variety of Mother’s Day events.
Come May, outdoor dining is everywhere in Gettysburg. Who doesn’t love a nice bagel and coffee under the morning sun, or a cold drink with dinner outside among friends in the cool evenings? From cafes to taverns and breweries, dozens of restaurants have a table outside waiting for you.
Living history is back! In May, visitors will find living history encampments throughout the battlefield and locations throughout the historic town. These re-enactors and historians are here to give you a peek into army camps, dress, weaponry, food and more. Encampments at Gettysburg National Military Park begin in May and typically run through the end of October on select weekends.
Broaden your Civil War knowledge with a re-enactment to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Monocacy at the historic Daniel Lady Farm on May 18 and 19. The event will feature a living history encampment, demonstrations, re-created hand-to-hand combat and full-size cannons.
If there’s one thing May is known for, it’s Memorial Day, and Gettysburg is one of the top places in the country to honor this important holiday. From its hallowed battlegrounds to its solemn cemeteries and renowned Memorial Day Parade, Gettysburg is a great place to pay respects to America’s fallen.
Speaking of Memorial Day, if you haven’t been to Gettysburg to witness “One Hundred Nights of Taps,” this is the year you should make that happen. This nightly 7 p.m. event begins on Memorial Day (May 27) and runs through Labor Day, and features buglers from around the country to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers in the Gettysburg National Cemetery. It’s an extraordinarily moving experience.
Experience the spring beauty of the Eisenhower National Historic Site. Visit the presidential home of Ike and Mamie and meander through the grounds of the farm for a variety of spring colors. In May, the home is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, but the grounds are open daily.
And finally, if you’ve been staring at that camping equipment in the garage or at your RV in the driveway waiting for a chance to build that first campfire of the season, May is a great time to get away to Gettysburg for a few days of outdoor adventure, s’mores, mountain pies and that piping hot mug of coffee in the morning.
For a full list of events happening in May – from Mother’s Day events to art classes and a wide variety of history presentations – visit Destinationgettysburg.com/things-to-do/gettysburg-pa-events/.
Check out our Inspiration Guide online or have us send you one. Have an immediate question? Call us at 1.800.337.5015
Get the GuideCheck out our unique festivals, fairs, exhibits, theater, & concerts.
View the CalendarCheck out our Inspiration Guide online or have us send you one. Have an immediate question? Call us at 1.800.337.5015
Get the Guide