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Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Cornwall Iron Furnace - A Step Back in Time

Cornwall Iron Furnace in Cornwall Pennsylvania
Cornwall Iron Furnace is located in Cornwall, Lebanon County Pennsylvania and is part of the Pennsylvania Trails of History travel tour. It's the only surviving intact charcoal cold blast furnace in the western hemisphere. It was open for business from 1742 until 1883 and was one the largest iron producing plants east of the Mississippi River.

Today, Cornwall Iron Furnace stands silent. The roar of the furnace, the heat of the flames, the stench, the smoke, the brilliant, sizzling, red-hot flow of iron are gone forever. But the furnace itself, its great wheel, blowing tubs, casting sheds, and charging arch, remain.
Cornwall Iron Furnace in Cornwall Pennsylvania

Last year we had the opportunity to tour Cornwall Iron Furnace and published our feature right here on the blog. Since our first feature, we've received many questions about Cornwall via email and on social media, so today...we're sharing some additional information and photographs with you. You can re-visit our original post for historical information.
Cornwall Iron Furnace in Cornwall Pennsylvania

Cornwall Furnace built in the year 1742 by Peter Grubb, sold by his son to Robert Coleman in 1786 and operated by him and his descendants continuously until 1883. Presented in 1932 to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by Margaret Coleman Buckingham, great granddaughter of Robert Coleman. (info from on-site historical marker).
Cornwall Iron Furnace in Cornwall Pennsylvania

The living history museum is broken down into two main buildings that you can visit and tour. We decided to explore the Cornwall Iron Furnace building first and our tour guide was fantastic at giving us information. He really took his time to answer all of our questions and he had a great sense of humor to go along with it. Every time I look at the building's features...I see gothic written all over it. Check out those windows!
Cornwall Iron Furnace in Cornwall Pennsylvania

Cornwall Iron Furnace in Cornwall Pennsylvania

Your tour starts on the upper floor of the building and you work your way through the building and down. There are steps for you to use, but if you're disabled and can't do steps, you'll want to skip this tour and just do the museum tour that's located in the main (gift shop) building. From start to finish, this part of our tour took about an hour, give or take a few minutes.
Cornwall Iron Furnace in Cornwall Pennsylvania

Cornwall Iron Furnace in Cornwall Pennsylvania

We then headed into the other main building that houses the museum and the gift shop. In the museum section, it's a self-guided tour, so we were able to wonder around at our own pace which was really nice. This section is loaded with a lot of artifacts and items that were originally used at Cornwall Furnace. I recommend that you take the time to read the information plaques and markers, so that you can learn more about the items, their history and importance. 
Lebanon Cornwall Town Historical Marker in Pennsylvania

Again, you'll want to re-visit our original travel feature to get all of the important historical information, see our original photographs and to read about our personal experience. Today, we just wanted to share some additional information and photographs with you that we didn't share with you the first time around. It's a great place to visit!

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Union Canal Historical Marker - Union Deposit Harrisburg

Union Canal in Union Deposit Pennsylvania
Driving around the Harrisburg and Hershey areas in Pennsylvania, you'll come across several historical markers. Three years ago we started documenting the ones that we came across here on our blog by photographing them and including their information and location.

Today's historical marker can be found at the intersection of Hershey Road and Allentown Blvd., right outside of Harrisburg. We passed it while coming back from Hershey and heading into the Harrisburg suburbs. We were able to easily pull off the road and photograph it.

According to Wikipedia - The Union Canal was a towpath canal that existed in southeastern Pennsylvania in the United States during the 19th century. First proposed in 1690 to connect Philadelphia with the Susquehanna River, it ran approximately 82 mi from Middletown on the Susquehanna below Harrisburg to Reading on the Schuylkill River.

Construction began in 1792 during the George Washington Administration, but financial difficulties delayed its completion until 1828. Called the "Golden Link," it provided a critical early transportation route for shipping anthracite coal and lumber eastward to Philadelphia. Closed in the 1880s, remnants of the canal remain, most notably the Union Canal Tunnel, a hand-built engineering marvel that is the oldest existing transportation tunnel in the United States.

Union Canal Historical Marker near Harrisburg Pennsylvania

Here's what the Union Canal historical marker says:

Union Canal

At Union Deposit, five miles south, can be seen remains of this canal. It connected the Susquehanna at Middletown with the Schuylkill at Reading. Suggested by William Penn, the canal was surveyed in 1762. Completed in 1828; abandoned in 1885.

Bottom (in tiny print): Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

The historical marker sits right at the intersection and busy Allentown Blvd. and you can't see any "remains" of the old canal from this advantage point. However, we will be publishing another blog post in the coming weeks showing you some photographs of what remains of the canal itself.

Note: You can double click on the above image and have it open up in a new browsing window and in enlarged size.

Monday, August 28, 2017

Experience the Colors of Fall in Blount County Tennessee

Fall in Blount County, Tennessee
As summer continues, the intense heat and sticky bug spray can often bring about feelings of longing for a changing of the seasons. In Blount County, Tennessee, that longing is especially felt as summer gives way to some of the most beautiful fall landscapes anywhere in the United States. Those who are looking to truly experience fall foliage should look no further than the Peaceful Side of the Smokies.

Why Blount County and the Smoky Mountains?

The Smoky Mountains offer a great destination for fall foliage enthusiasts looking for a beautiful, relaxing getaway. The Peaceful Side of the Smoky Mountains, in Blount County, Tennessee, provides a refuge from the more tourist populated areas, a serene escape with scenic mountain views and countless options for biking, hiking, riding motorcycles, camping and more. It is the perfect place for those looking to fully immerse themselves in the outdoors. While seemingly remote, the forest is also in close proximity to the town of Townsend, providing a wide selection of dining options, activities and accommodations. Blount County, Tennessee provides several benefits to travelers looking for a fall getaway destination. With a wide variety of activity options, all convenient for viewing miles of vibrant forest colors and enjoying crisp autumn weather, Blount County is the perfect place to visit to see extraordinary fall foliage colors.
Fall in Blount County, Tennessee

Peak Foliage Season

Peak fall foliage season depends on what elevation of the Smoky Mountains you are visiting. At the highest peaks, colors start changing around mid-September. Mid to lower elevations reach peak season between mid-October and early November.

Routes for bicyclists, hikers or motorcyclists offering beautiful fall views:

* Cades Cove Loop: 11 miles through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with a backdrop of mountain peaks and a lush valley, the Cades Cove Loop is one of the area’s most popular options for cyclists, hikers and bikers, especially for viewing fall colors. Visitors can enjoy the largest variety of historic buildings along the way in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The road is closed to vehicles in the mornings, allowing for a peaceful bike or hike. Restrooms are available and a visitor’s center provides supplies. Cades Cove also offers a campground for those who enjoy camping in the great outdoors. Trail visitors should keep an eye out for white tail deer, coyotes, elk, fox, and in the evening hours, may spot black bears.

* Foothills Parkway: Advanced bicyclists and motorcyclists will love the breathtaking fall views of the Foothills Parkway. A low amount of traffic makes this hilly ride ideal for those looking for a long, scenic route to enjoy. Riders will meander through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains across the western side o Chilhowee Mountain for 16 1/2 miles.
Fall in Blount County, Tennessee

* Little River Run: Nine miles one way, the Little River Run Bike Trail is great for cyclists of all skill levels. This trail starts at Coulter Bridge and winds down to the Townsend Bike Trail, passing Pee Wee Spring and the Foothills Parkway. This trail features views of historical sites such as Peery’s mill site and dam, Old Gamble family cemetery, the Walland community and Sunshine Station.

* Tuckaleechee Caverns Trail: For a biking or hiking route with a side trip, the Tuckaleechee Caverns Trail is 9 miles one way of mostly flat, paved trail and connects with both the Townsend Bicycle Trail and the Tuckaleechee Caverns site. Visitors enjoy mountain stream views and beautiful colors as they anticipate a trip inside the Caverns.

* The Tail of the Dragon: Blount County is the origin of one of the most famous motorcycle rides in the world, The Tail of The Dragon. The Dragon has been voted the #1 motorcycle road in America and winds 11 miles along the Tennessee-North Carolina state line with 318 curves. This two lane section of Highway 129 has no intersections and is carved into the mountains along the water’s edge, making it a destination for bikers year-round.

For more information or help planning your trip, visit smokymountains.org.

Saturday, August 26, 2017

Family Fun at Hershey's Chocolate World

Hershey's Chocolate World in Hershey Pennsylvania
Hershey's Chocolate World is located in downtown Hershey, Pennsylvania. It's within walking distance of Hersheypark, ZooAmerica and other Hershey area attractions. Chocolate World is open year-round (hours depend on the season) and offers FREE admission to visitors. You'll find free parking on-site if you plan on staying less than 3 hours during your visit. If you're planning to stay longer, you'll have to pay a parking fee.

You'll find various attractions at Hershey's Chocolate World for you and the family to enjoy. There's the Chocolate Tasting Experience, the Tour Ride, Create Your Own Candy Bar, 4D Chocolate Mystery, Hershey's Photo Studio, gift shopping, the food court, etc. If you want to take a guided tour around Hershey, you'll find Hershey Trolley Works located here too!
Hershey's Chocolate World in Hershey Pennsylvania

Hershey's Chocolate World in Hershey Pennsylvania

On the day that we visited, they were extremely crowded and I mean CROWDED! We had to wait over 30 minutes to even get a handicap parking spot. Once in the doors...it was even worse! I'm not sure what was going on...but as you came through the main doors hundreds of people were just standing around and you could barely walk through that area. I wish the staff & security would of moved this people forward or to the side, instead of letting them block the entrance like that. 

Once we made our way through the crowds we headed to the Tour Ride first. As I stated, it was extremely crowded that day, so we had about a 30 minute total wait before we got on the ride. The staff will help you sit in one of the ride cars which holds 5-6 people. We had 5 (3 adults and 2 children) in our party, so they left us all sit together in one car.
Hershey's Chocolate World in Hershey Pennsylvania

Hershey's Chocolate World in Hershey Pennsylvania

The tour ride lasts approximately 10-15 minutes in duration. During the tour you'll learn where Hershey's gets their cocoa beans, how those beans are manufactured, how chocolate is made, how it's molded, packaged, etc. My 2 grandchildren thought the best part of the tour was the singing cows at the beginning of the tour and they loved it when our ride car passed through a multi-light tunnel. 

After your done with the ride tour, you'll climb the steps and head out of this section. As you're walking through the area, they'll offer you the opportunity to purchase a photograph of you during the tour and right before you exit this area...you'll be given a free Hershey's miniature chocolate bar. We opted out of the photograph as we found them to be too expensive. Just our 2 cents on that.
Hershey's Chocolate World in Hershey Pennsylvania

Hershey's Chocolate World in Hershey Pennsylvania

We then headed down to the gift shop area and did a little shopping. I love to buy our Hershey's candy when we're there as it's so much FRESHER than the stuff you find on your supermarket shelves. Trust me, you can tell the difference when you eat it! With that said, you do pay a little bit more for it, since they don't accept coupons and run the candy on sale like the grocery store does. However, I appreciate the freshness & variety of candy products that I can get there, so I always stock up during our visits.
Hershey's Chocolate World in Hershey Pennsylvania

The grandchildren wanted Hershey's Chocolate Milkshakes, so we headed into the Food Court to get them. Again, due to the crowds, it took us 15 minutes to get them and then we couldn't find any where to sit down. Seriously, we walked all over the place for about 20 minutes hoping to find a place to sit down and found no empty spots. People were sitting for LONG periods of time and we're even eating at all. I think they should limit that during the busy season....in other words, if guests aren't dining, they shouldn't be allowed to sit at the food court tables! 
Hershey's Chocolate World in Hershey Pennsylvania

Hershey's Chocolate World in Hershey Pennsylvania

We decided to cut our visit short that day due to the massive crowds. It's hard to enjoy yourselves when you have to wait in extremely long lines, can't find a place to sit and eat and the lines going into the restroom were ridiculous. They definitely need better crowd management down there. 

If you plan on visiting Hershey's Chocolate World in Hershey Pennsylvania, I recommend that you go in late September through early May to avoid the crowds. If you go during the busy summer tourist season, expect crowds and long lines. Overall, we had a nice time with the kids. We're going to plan another trip in late Fall, once all of the crowds are gone. 

Thursday, August 24, 2017

The Shawangunk Wine Trail - Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast

Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast in New York
DRINK AND DECORATE: Wine Tasting and Decorating Trail Leaves Guests with a Festive Holiday Wreath

The Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast provides the first ornament then guests sip their way to a wreath full of trinkets at the “Fineries at the Wineries” event this holiday season along the Shawangunk Wine Trail.

Are you up to the taste and decorate challenge? Each year the Shawangunk Wine Trail puts together its popular "Fineries at the Wineries" event where visitors get to sample wines at area wineries and accumulate trinkets to end their adventure with a fully trimmed holiday wreath. Now the Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast, located amid the region, will give guests a head start with a unique ornament.
Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast in New York

“This is an extremely popular event in the lower Hudson Valley and tickets go very quickly,” said Dena Finneran, who co-owns the award-winning country inn with her husband John. “We wanted to give our guests something extra special to set their wreaths apart.”

The Shawangunk Wine Trail will issue each couple that attends “Fineries on the Wineries” a handmade wreath and a wine tasting glass. Guests may then visit the more than two dozen wineries sipping the region’s finest wines and collecting their trinkets.

The Fineries at the Wineries event takes place from 10 am to 5 pm on the following Saturdays and Sundays: November 18-19, December 2-3, and December 9-10.
Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast in New York

The participating wineries include: Adair Vineyards, Applewood Winery, Baldwin Vineyards, Benmarl Winery, Brimstone Hill Winery, Brotherhood Winery, Brunel & Rafael, Clearview Vineyard, Demarest Hill Winery, Glorie Farm Winery, Palaia Vineyards, Robibero Winery, Stoutridge Vineyard, Warwick Valley Winery, and Whitecliff Vineyard.

The "Drink and Decorate” package (based on two people) includes:
· 2-night stay at the Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast
· $5 discount per ticket for 2-day admission to the Shawangunk Wine Trail Fineries at the Wineries event (subject to ticket availability)
· Complimentary three course gourmet breakfasts
· Complimentary parking at the bed and breakfast
· Complimentary WiFi at the inn so you can share your journey on social media

Package price varies by room selection and duration of stay. Package costs starts at $400 plus tax; subject to availability. Groups of guests wishing to add-on a car service to drive to-and-from the various wineries should call the bed and breakfast as soon as possible and make arrangements in advance; car services in the area tend to sell out in advance – as do event tickets. Event tickets available online only; sales close on the Thursday before the event weekend; call B&B for promo code.
Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast in New York

About Caldwell House: The Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast is a multi-award winning member of the prestigious Select Registry and Diamond Collection groups of Inns. Located in the heart of the Hudson Valley– just 60 minutes from NYC by car or train is located close to the United States Military Academy at West Point, the Storm King Arts Center, Brotherhood Winery (and many of the Shawangunk Wine Trail Wineries), and the Woodbury Premium Outlet Mall. Some of the Hudson Valley’s most beautiful hiking/biking trails are within walking or easy driving distance. Built in 1802, this historic inn is full of many original features, antiques and original paintings, as well as modern amenities. Each guest room includes its own private full bath (several with Jacuzzi tub for two), smart TVs with Netflix/Hulu, free Wi-Fi Internet access, individual room temperature controls, iPads and more. The Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast is located at 25 Orrs Mills Road, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577. To make a reservation or additional information call 1-845-496-2954 or visit www.caldwellhouse.com. Also at: facebook.com/CaldwellHouseBandB.

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Weekend Family Getaway to Cape May

The Beach in Cape May New Jersey
We love visiting Cape May in New Jersey and recently took off for a 3 night and 4 day weekend getaway. Luckily for us, Cape May is about a 4 1/2 hour car ride from Central Pennsylvania and we can make good time if we leave early in the morning to beat rush hour traffic. We typically drive through Lancaster county, Chester and into Mullica Hill, New Jersey via the Commodore Barry Bridge, south of Philadelphia.

During our extended weekend getaway here are some of the things that we did.
World War II Lookout Tower in Cape May New Jersey

Atlantus Sunken Concrete Ship - Sunset Beach in Cape May New Jersey

1. Sunset Beach - We visited Sunset Beach one afternoon to do some gift shopping, to see the concrete sunken ship and the World War II Lookout Tower and to play a quick round of miniature golf. Luckily for us...only 2 other families were playing, so we were able to get through their 18-hole mini golf course in just an hour.
Trolley in Cape May New Jersey

2. Trolley Tour - Later that evening we decided to take the Cape May Trolley to see some of the local sights. Since we were visiting during the busy tourist travel season, this was a great way to see the city. Traffic and parking can be a real nightmare during their busy times of the year. We spent about 1 1/2 hours on our trolley tour and really enjoyed it.
Rio Station Restaurant in Rio Grande New Jersey

3. Rio Station - We drove up to one of our favorite restaurants located in Rio Grande...right off route 9 and about a 7 minute drive from Cape May. We ordered some burgers, fries, shrimp, soup and salads. We enjoy visiting this restaurant due to the vast menu selections, affordable and all of their food has been delicious.
Higbee Beach in Cape May, New Jersey

4. Higbee Beach - We enjoy visiting Higbee Beach (right next door to Sunset Beach) because it's a FREE beach and they have a large parking lot. Every time we go to Higbee Beach there are no crowds! The beach is a tad rocky in some places and sandy in others. This is a great place to do some dolphin watching, boat watching or to look for Cape May diamonds in the surf.
Fishermen's Memorial in Cape May, New Jersey

5. Fishermen's Memorial - Later that particular day we headed to the Fishermen's Memorial which is a little memorial park that sits along Cape May harbor and the bay. There is a memorial there that's dedicated to the fishermen who have lost their lives at sea. There are a few park benches where you an sit down to enjoy the scenic views.
Oyster Bay Restaurant & Bar in Cape May, New Jersey

6. Oyster Bay Restaurant & Bar - The Oyster Bay Restaurant in Cape May is our favorite restaurant to visit when we want a nice sit-down dinner. If you're looking to dine on seafood, the Oyster Bay is definitely the place to go!
Cape May Miniature Golf in Cape May, New Jersey

7. Cape May Miniature Golf - I'm aware of only 3 places in Cape May that offer mini golf. There could be more, but in the town itself, I'm only aware of 3 different places. Cape May Miniature Golf is one of our favorite places to play. They offer up an 18-hole mini golf course with some really nice water features. Fun for the entire family!
N. J. Audubon's Nature Center in Cape May, New Jersey

8. N. J. Audubon's Nature Center in Cape May - If you're looking for something free to do, we recommend that you visit the Cape May Nature Center. It's an educational center that focuses on animals that are native to the area and bird watching. The center consists of 2 floors with activities and an observation deck/tower where you can get some stunning views of the bay and of the harbor.
Cape May Harbor & Marina in New Jersey

9. Cape May Harbor - If you enjoy boating, parasailing, water skiing, jet skiing, saltwater fishing, etc. You'll want to visit the Cape May Harbor where you'll find all of those activities and more! We love walking around that place and just watching the fishing boats go in and out. It's pretty cool to see, especially when the larger fishing boats & ships come in.

As you can see, we crammed a lot into our 4 day and 3 night weekend getaway down to Cape May in New Jersey. It's a great family-friendly coastal town that is bustling with fun things to see and do year-round.

Sunday, August 20, 2017

13 Beach Safety Tips for Families on Vacation

13 Beach Safety Tips for Families on Vacation
As a family, we head to the beach as often as we can. When we go, we always plan ahead and even with thorough planning, things can and do...go wrong. You want your day at the beach to be enjoyable and memorable. When you utilize these 13 Beach Safety Tips for Families, you can help to ensure that things go as planned and if an emergency does arrive, you're family will be ready to handle it.

1. Weather Forecast - Any time you plan on spending time outdoors, it's important to get an updated weather forecast before you leave. If you plan on being out for several hours at a time, make sure you have access to the forecast as the day goes along. Use your cellphone or a weather radio for updates. If a storm moves in, get off the beach and take cover.

2. Beach Conditions - If lifeguards are on duty, ask them about the current beach conditions. Are there rip currents? Have they had any beach sand cave-ins? Wildlife hazards? etc. If no lifeguard is on duty, pay attention to warning flags and signage that may be nearby.

3. Be Aware - It's important to be aware of your surroundings and NEVER fall asleep while laying on the beach! Know who is near you and keep an eye on them. A lot of people can be robbed or harmed when caught off-guard while taking a nap or not paying attention to who's around them.
13 Beach Safety Tips for Families on Vacation

4. Valuables - Lock up your valuables and leave them behind. Don't take a big wad of cash, credit cards, checkbooks, keys and expensive jewelry over to the beach. Lock them up in a safe in your hotel room or invest in a portable safe that is locked up in your car.

5. Jetties, Rocks and Piers - Never swim near jetties, rocks and piers. In addition, do not walk or climb on them! You can fall and get hurt, plus rip currents have been known to form near and around them. It's recommended that you stay at least 100 feet from them.

6. Alcohol and Drugs - Please avoid taking illegal drugs or drinking alcoholic beverages while on the beach. They can impair your decision-making and sap your physical strength if needed. In addition, the sun and heat can dehydrate you much quicker when there is alcohol and drugs in your system.

7. The Buddy System - Whenever possible, don't go to the beach and/or swimming alone! If you insist on going alone, tell someone where you'll be and when you'll be back. Have them check-on you at the designated time and instruct them what to do and who to call if you don't return.
13 Beach Safety Tips for Families on Vacation

8. Cellphone - Take your cellphone along with you in case of an emergency and keep it charged up! Place it into a zipper-close plastic bag to protect it from sand and water. Don't let it lay out in direct sun or in extreme heat.

9. Water - Being out in the sun can quickly dehydrate your body. Take along plenty of water and remember to drink at regular intervals. We like to freeze our water bottles ahead of time and use them as ice packs in our cooler. They thaw out while we're enjoying our time on the beach and every member of the family enjoys a cold beverage to drink.

10. Sunscreen - Take along a waterproof sunscreen and re-apply it according to the directions on the package. Always make sure you have enough sunscreen for the entire day.

11. Family Talk - Talk to every member in your family before getting onto the beach and explain to them all of the rules for the day. Go over them several times if needed. You need to teach children the "safety rules" while being on the beach and in the water. Make sure they understand what your saying and allow them plenty of time to ask you questions.
13 Beach Safety Tips for Families on Vacation

12. Within View - Keep your kids within your view at all times and explain to them that they have to keep you in their view too! Don't walk off to use the restroom while leaving your kids behind. Don't take naps and don't get distracted by reading a book or yapping away on your cellphone. Pay attention and always keep your kids in your sight.

13. Emergency Information - Take an index card and right out all of your emergency contact information on it. If you're a visitor to the area, write down where you're staying. It's a good idea to write down the number of people who are with you during your visit along with their names and ages. Keep this emergency card in your beach bag. If you should have an emergency and can't speak, someone else can give the emergency card to a rescuer. Kids can panic and not give the correct information during stressful times.

These 13 Beach Safety Tips will help you and your family stay safe while visiting the beach. Plan ahead and you'll be ready to handle any emergencies that may occur.

Friday, August 18, 2017

Leister Farm – General Meade's Headquarters at the Gettysburg Battlefield

General Meade's Headquarters - Gettysburg Battlefield in Pennsylvania
A few months ago we took an extensive tour around the historic Gettysburg Battlefield in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The Battlefield is part of the Gettysburg National Military Park. We've featured several articles, posts and photographs from our tour already here on our travel blog. If you've never visited the battlefield before, you definitely need to add it to your bucket-list. It's an eye-opening, educational and humbling experience.

One thing that we've never talked about or featured in our other articles was General Meade's Headquarters at the Leister Farm property, located on Taneytown Road at the intersection with Hunt Avenue. It's a must-see when visiting the museum and/or battlefields.
General Meade's Headquarters - Gettysburg Battlefield in Pennsylvania

If you want to learn about General Meade's Headquarters at Leister Farm, we highly recommend that you visit THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG website online. They have a very extensive and accurate article with all of the historical facts right on their website. It's a great read if you want to learn more.

To see it in person, you'll find a little parking lot, pull-off spot right across the street that you can pull into and then walk across Taneytown Road to see it. You can walk right up to it and take photographs of it. It's free to visit.
General Meade's Headquarters - Gettysburg Battlefield in Pennsylvania

General Meade's Headquarters - Gettysburg Battlefield in Pennsylvania

There are times during the year that they'll open up the Leister House and a park ranger will be there to give you all kinds of history on it. During the other times of the year, you can walk onto the property and peer inside the windows.

On the day that we visited, there were two park rangers there and they gave us all kinds of great information about it. General Meade and his war staff took over the house and farm during the Civil War (briefly) and held war meetings inside the house. There is a informational board there that gives you the names of those in attendance, their rank and their importance during the war.
General Meade's Headquarters - Gettysburg Battlefield in Pennsylvania

Along the one side of the house is a nice porch, that's how you enter it. Once inside you'll find two small rooms that you can tour. Once is a bedroom that is sparsely decorated and then the main living area room which has a wooden table, two chairs and a hutch. I guess this served as both the kitchen, dining and living room. There is an old fireplace in that room too.
General Meade's Headquarters - Gettysburg Battlefield in Pennsylvania

General Meade's Headquarters at the Gettysburg Battlefield

As you walk around outside of the house you'll see a garden area. To the back of the house you'll see several beautiful old apple trees. As you're standing there you can see some of the Civil War monuments and memorials out on the battlefield and there is a walking trail that runs along the side of the house that you can use to go see those.

You'll find it on your Gettysburg Battlefield driving tour map and you can visit it at the beginning or at the end of your driving tour, since the entire driving tour forms a big winding loop. If you're visiting the museum, you'll find it right down the road (about a 3-4 minute drive). It's definitely a must-see when visiting the Gettysburg Battlefield.
General Meade Monument - Gettysburg Battlefield in Pennsylvania

While you're out taking the tour of the Gettysburg Battlefield itself, you'll want to be on the lookout for the General Meade Monument and Statue. It's not far from the location of Leister Farm and it's a definite must-see if your tracing his history. It's one of the nicest monuments on the tour.