VISITORS' CENTER AT GETTYSBURG

If you haven't been to Gettysburg recently or never been there, it is something to think about putting on your list to see.

From NEPA it is a day trip. If you want a weekend away or a few days it is a great place.

There are many hotels, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds for lodging.

There are many restaurants from fast food to fine dining many of which are circa Civil War.

The best part if Gettysburg is the new Visitors' Center. The Cyclorama is now at the top of the new building.

Inside is a spacious restaurant, wide hallways, a large bookstore and many displays.

There is a computer room where you can look up a relative or family friend that served in the Civil War. There are friendly volunteers to help you navigate the computers.

The rest rooms are spacious and inside, not like the old center where they were damp, cold and under the building that you accessed from outside.

There is plenty of parking, handicapped accessible, with more parking planned in the future.

The Park Rangers are always available to answer any questions you might have. They also give field discussions on the battle.

It is a fantastic place to learn all about the battle of Gettysburg; information you never learned in school.

Do yourself a favor and watch the movie produced by Ted Turner, "Gettysburg", before you go. You'll have much more insight and be aware of what you are looking at.

You can buy an audio tour of the battlefield or hire a Park ranger guide to go in your personal vehicle. There are also bus tours around the area.

President Eisenhower's Gettysburg farm which was the summer White House is nearby. You can get the tickets, and the bus at the Visitors' Center.

With the economy still in a free fall and gas prices on the rise again, a day trip to Gettysburg might be a treat for the whole family.