As anyone who knows me would be aware, I enjoy bringing Jackson with me wherever he possibly can go. Yeah. yeah, I'm one of "those" people. He enjoys it, as do I. It's great socialization for him (and me!) plus he gets so worn out by the end of the day, it's entirely worth it. So it's always exciting to find places or towns that are welcoming to our pooches! Jackson is a veteran at this stuff, he's been coming every year since 2009. Lola is almost 2 years old (my mom and little sister's dog) and she got to come along for the first time this year. Gettysburg, PA is full of history, sight-seeing and fun for the whole family, including our four-legged friends. Besides the obvious battlefield tours available, there are also many dining experiences you can enjoy including outdoor tables and patios where friendly on-leash dogs are welcome. Not to mention the recreational activities and shopping which, by the way, a majority of the stores are totally welcoming to your dogs in the stores. So, let's start with our hotel. Every year we stay at the 1863 Inn of Gettysburg. Great hotel, staff and location. You're right next door to the fun tourist spot The Jennie Wade House -- which was actually her sister Georgia's home but Jennie happened to be baking bread for Union soldiers when a single bullet went through the door and killed her. She was the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg. They have a little gift shop with little trinkets and apparel. The people working had no problem with the dogs coming inside and shopping with us.
(Jackson, Emma and Lola in front of the door with original bullet hole)
Right across the street is an Irish pub/restaurant O'Rorkes which has an awesome dog friendly deck/patio. The staff is very accommodating to those with dogs too. Jackson and Lola enjoyed people watching from under the table. As a bonus, the food there was awesome! We ordered a bunch of appetizers - wings, pretzels with cheese, mozzarella sticks; everything was delicious. Most restaurants with outdoor seating around town allow dogs -- there is only one I can think of downtown in the circle that specifically has a 'no dogs' sign. O'Rorkes Facebook page often has posts and pictures reminding everyone that they are 'dog friendly'!
Jackson loves going shopping with us and, as I said, a majority of the stores are totally welcoming. Many had dog bowls and treats placed out front, others had 'dogs welcome' signs, and others didn't have anything but if you asked, they were okay with it. My favorite store (for the humans) had to be downtown (by the circle and close to the Lincoln Diner) was A & A Village Treasures. The owners were so nice and helpful and this boutique literally had everything you could imagine. They even had a Doggie Spa section!
The DOGS favorite store was quite obviously The Dogs of Gettysburg in the adorable "Old Gettysburg Village" -- they have homemade and unique collars, outfits (ever want to see a dog in a bonnet? This is your place!), treats (the main reason Jackson loved going there was for the Bare Bites liver treats), and the owners are so welcoming. In the same little village you can find "Lola's of Gettysburg" (naturally I had to pose Lola by the sign) and a few other little hidden gems. If you are a wine drinker, there are many cute winery shops all around Gettysburg, very welcoming to dogs too (although don't let your pup get too drunk ;) - no alcohol for the pooches, sorry!)
Don't forget the ever-so-famous Gettysburg Ghost Tours. Quite a few of the tours allow dogs, including Haunted Gettysburg Tours. They also have horse and buggy rides, many of which allow your pups to ride in the carriage as well. There is a nice little park a few blocks off Steinwehr Street with baseball fields & paths, etc... If you decide to leave the town a little bit, there is a shopping outlet center that allows dogs since it is an outdoor mall. Coffee shops, such as The Ragged Edge allows dogs on their front porch and in their backyard patio. The Pike restaurant also allowed dogs on their outdoor front deck for dining. There's also a Rita's Italian Ice right across from the hotel where you can walk up to the window and order with your dog.
Last but certainly not least, the dogs enjoyed the hiking along the battlefields the most. And of course, I had to pose the dogs by many cannons, monuments and historical statues and plaques, because, well... I'm a dork like that. The Gettysburg National Park allows dogs to walk everywhere except inside the cemetery or inside the visitor's center. You can grab some great photos at "Little Round Top" and "Devil's Den" and other famous visitor attractions.
Overall, Gettysburg is a VERY dog-friendly town! Most activities are outdoors that you would want to do and many of the hotels are welcoming to the four-legged variety. It's very easy (and fun) to walk with the dogs downtown, Steinwehr St., Baltimore St., etc and most of the stores and attractions are welcoming.
** Keep in mind that Jackson is well trained, socialized, and behaves nicely in public and I also never take him anywhere that dogs are not welcome. Follow the rules & be respectful and more places will start allowing dogs. :) **