Harrisburg

Your road to Gettysburg begins in our capital city. The painful and proud history of the American Civil War is recounted here at the National Civil War Museum.

You'll be captivated by its centuries-old, but in near-mint condition, collection of items owned by heroes ranging from the average soldier to President Abraham Lincoln. Outside the museum is the Walk of Valor, an arc of red bricks bearing the names of Civil War veterans honored by surviving descendants for their service and sacrifice.

Nearby, the hallowed burial grounds of Harrisburg Cemetery also serve as a reminder of those who contributed to the defense of the commonwealth.

Visit the upscale specialty stores at Strawberry Square, located in the heart of downtown Harrisburg.

In close proximity is the Thomas Morris Chester Story Stop. As one of Harrisburg's most famous African Americans, Thomas Morris Chester was a leader in education, journalism, military recruitment, diplomacy, and the practice of law.

Home to a collection of fire fighting apparatus spanning more than 200 years, The Pennsylvania National Fire Museum is another worthy destination.

Now that you've built up an appetite, enjoy some mouth-water specialties from the eclectic mix of food choices at Restaurant Row along Downtown Harrisburg's 2nd Street. After you've had your fill, go to Market Square, the historic and contemporary urban center of the city. Throughout the Civil War, the Union Army depended on this site as a hub for troops and supplies.

Later, head to Fort Hunter Mansion and Park, spectacularly situated on a bluff with stunning panoramic views of the Susquehanna River and the Blue Mountain Range. Guided tours of the elegantly restored Mansion House takes you back in time to sophisticated country living during the Civil War era.

If you're looking for a comfy night's rest, Harrisburg boasts a wide array of major hotel chains, like the elegant Hilton Harrisburg and the Crowne Plaza Hotel Harrisburg Hershey.

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Lancaster and York

Continue your journey through Lancaster. Grab some brunch at Bube's Brewery, an historic 19th century brewery and museum complex.

Stop at the tombstone of attorney Thaddeus Stevens, one of the architects of the 14th Amendment.

Visit the Lancaster County Historical Society, located on the pristine grounds of the Louise Tanger Arboretum. Across the lawn, see life in the Civil War Era at James Buchanan's Wheatland, the four acre estate of President Buchanan.

Shop at the Lancaster Market and check out the Lancaster Arts Hotel, located in a historic tobacco warehouse.

Drive to Strasburg to visit the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. Check out the fascinating exhibit tracing the history of women working on the railroad.

The Strasburg Rail Road also has your ticket to fun. Travel past Amish farms aboard authentically restored passenger cars pulled by a steam locomotive. Take a side trip to Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, featuring the 5-acre Amazing Maize Maze.

As you make your way to York, step back in time at the National Watch & Clock Museum in Columbia.

Enjoy a hearty meal at The John Wright Warehouse or chow down on some Cajun at Prudhomme's Lost Cajun Kitchen.

Once in York, there's a historic site nearly everywhere. Using eight sites, the York County Heritage Trust has been collecting, preserving and interpreting York County's rich and diverse history. One of its museums, the Agriculture and Industry Museum, houses a collection of York County-built automobiles, an operational 20-foot tall ammonia compressor, an authentic Conestoga Wagon, and a 1937 Aeronca K airplane.

Stay at the American Vintage Bed and Breakfast, a cozy historic farmhouse, built in 1780, or the Yorktown Hotel, a member of Historic Hotels of America.

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Hanover and Gettysburg

On your final leg of the journey, trace the footsteps of the Battle of Hanover in a self-guided Battle Walking Tour. Eighteen waysides mark the locations where Rebel forces invaded the city and where General George Custer withstood the Confederate onslaught.

Next, stop at Hanover Junction, a prime target during the Civil War because it was a central transportation and communications hub. This historic site, now a museum, was also President Abraham Lincoln's stop on his way to and from delivering the Gettysburg Address.

Now entering Gettysburg, this place is home to more than just the headlined stories. A must-see is the David Wills House, where President Lincoln added his finishing touches to the Gettysburg Address. Enjoy a living history re-enactment of the war at the American Civil War Museum.

See numerous war collectibles on display and experience what the Civil War was really like at the Rupp House, the Shriver House and Jennie Wade House. Guides in period dress recount the harrowing story of the family's experiences during the battle.

Grab something to eat at the Dobbin House Tavern, now a beautifully restored and authentic colonial restaurant. Then pick up a military souvenir at the Horse Soldier or the Union Drummer Boy.

At the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitors Center, experience one of the largest Civil War collections brought to life with interactive exhibits. Stop by the Gettysburg National Cemetery, the final resting place of thousands of Civil War soldiers and site of the Gettysburg Address.

Rest up at the Gettysburg Hotel, Lightner Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast, or the Historic Fairfield Inn.

Road to Gettysburg PHOTO GALLERY:

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