From July 1 to 3, 1863, the Confederate and Union armies faced off in the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. The South’s defeat at Gettysburg became a turning point in the conflict, and an entire tourism economy has grown around the town’s significance.

This Field Trip gives that history its due, but Gettysburg isn’t a one-trick pony. Expect battlefield landmarks and ranger talks alongside viral doughnuts, lake swims, craft cider, and Syrian food; all about 140 miles west of Philadelphia.

Start the car.

It’s worth timing your trip to arrive in Gettysburg for Fritter Friday, the weekly tradition that has turned Devil’s Den Doughnuts into a viral sensation. Lately, the little bakeshop on the outskirts of downtown Gettysburg has been running a berry version cloaked in a magenta glaze. If it’s sold out by the time you arrive, don’t worry. The bakery is still packed with chocolate-iced, cinnamon-sugared, and honey-drenched options; plus over-the-top cold brews to wash them down.

📍 16 Deatrick Dr., Gettysburg, Pa. 17325

From its beginnings as an 18th-century stop for westbound travelers to today’s best boutique stay in downtown Gettysburg, the Union Hotel has history in abundance. Its four-story brick facade, striped awnings, and gold marquee give it the look of a classic Main Street landmark. Inside, the 12 suites offer kitchenettes, full-size sofas and beds wrapped in Brooklinen sheets.

📍 27 Chambersburg St., Gettysburg, Pa. 17325

No surprise the 1863 Civil War battle of Gettysburg is the area’s main tourism driver. Even visitors who are typically snoozy on history need to do the circuit when they come here, and that starts at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitors Center. Doing this first sets the context for the entire historical gravitas of Gettysburg and its pivotal role in the war, and a standard admission ticket includes the museum galleries, filled with battlefield artifacts; the iconic 360-degree Cyclorama painting of Pickett’s Charge; and A New Birth of Freedom, the introductory film. You can add on the bus tour of the Gettysburg Battlefield, but it’s unnecessary since that site will be covered separately in this itinerary.

📍 1195 Baltimore Pike, Ste. 100, Gettysburg, Pa. 17325

About 20 minutes north of Gettysburg, Pine Grove Furnace State Park offers a welcome change of pace once the weight of Civil War history starts to settle in. Nearly 700 acres of forest feature more than a dozen hiking trails, including a stretch of the Appalachian Trail, along with mountain biking, bird-watching, swimming at Fuller Lake (lifeguards in season) and kayaking on Laurel Lake.

📍 1100 Pine Grove Rd., Gardners, Pa. 17324

The Three Springs Fruit Farm apples you love at the Headshouse Square Farmers’ Market? Farmer Ben Wenk’s generational orchards grow them right outside Gettysburg in the Adams County countryside. While his Jonagolds and Nittanys make great fresh eating, many of the more arcane heirlooms get fermented into Wenk’s liquid spinoff, Ploughman Cider. He tends a cozy taproom right in downtown Gettysburg, where you can try the whole cider portfolio, along with seasonals and limited-edition runs that might not even make it to the city. Hillbilly Banana blends Stayman Winesaps with our native “tropical” fruit, the pawpaw.

📍 14 Lincoln Square, Gettysburg, Pa. 17325

Syrian cooking in Gettysburg? Yes, please. Jamilie Syrian Kitchen, with its exposed brick walls, hand-painted plates, and full cocktail menu, is open all day, making it an ideal spot for the early dinner you need in order to get to your nighttime plans. The extensive menu ranges from hot and cold mezze — including tangy muhammara and za’atar-and-cheese flatbreads — to kebabs, hearty entrees, and excellent pistachio ice cream.

📍 28 Carlisle St., Gettysburg, Pa. 17325

Aim to reach Gettysburg National Military Park around 6 p.m., when the lowering light lends the battlefield an especially powerful atmosphere. Access to the park is free, and there are both free and paid apps to download that correspond with the self-guided Auto Route, which follows the battle’s timeline from McPherson’s Ridge to the National Cemetery as it covers 24 miles. If you’re visiting on an upcoming Saturday, plan your drive to end at Pitzer Woods Amphitheater for the free Campfire with a Ranger program at 8:30 p.m. The hourlong talks blend military history with local lore, all beside a crackling campfire.

📍 Auto Tour begins at Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, 1195 Baltimore Pike, Ste. 100, Gettysburg, Pa. 17325