While attending a higher education conference in Emmitsburg, MD (south of the Mason-Dixon Line), I had the pleasure of learning some wonderful things about Emergency Management (EM). I was also honored to meet some wonderful people (Melody and William in particular) who are experts in this field, and I was happy to share their knowledge with me; newcomer to the EM field.
Learning trends, skills and pedagogical needs to succeed with EM was not the highlight of this conference. The tent with two wonderful professors (one of whom was civilbuff) was the most exciting part. do it all
When we attended the workshops and listened intently to those present, we sat down and formed a plan of what we were going to do when we decided on time. Those convenient sidebars led us to a trip to Gettysburg, PA which is only 12 minutes from Emmitsburg.
Our adventure began with us deciding to find our way to Gettysburg. It wasn’t that difficult. Our conference headquarters was a stone’s throw from US-15 North – which is the direct route to Gettysburg.
Since it was the first time in this area we all decided to stop and do something before driving around town. We wanted to take it for the floor.
William (our designated driver and war buffalo) drove and pointed out areas of interest. After 20 minutes of touring we decided on a game plan –
· Eat
· Visitor Center
· Tour
· Shop
· Eat
First – EAT
Every time I travel, I can’t help but try it when I’m at home. That’s kind of hard because I live in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Here we have everything close to the plow! Therefore, those that are specific to other states and/or specific to the country, were found by striking the local hospitality.
Since we didn’t get out of the car at this point, we searched our map to describe some restaurants to us. As William drove off, I sat in the back seat with my Android reviews of restaurant reviews as Melody called them from our reference board. We decided to go to one that got a 3 star review – Restaurant Dunlap & The bakery
There was nothing over-the-top about Dunlap’s decorum. It seemed like another restaurant; good landscaping, clean exterior and colorful signage. What stood out was that what was next was what appeared to be a huge bed and breakfast; but also the coolest daycare I’ve ever seen.
As we entered Dunlap, we realized that there was a neighborhood restaurant. People sat and talked about local issues and problems. Our host was very polite and the place was clean.
I heard about the sea food in this country and wanted to try crab cakes before I even booked my flight. So when the menu was delivered, I immediately turned to the seafood options.
Dunlap’s has a commercial scrap yard composition of dishes that includes shrimp, scallops, eel and crab cakes. Melody and William had special days on Wednesday; that was meatloaf. Each entree with a salad bar (which includes all you can eat soups and veggies) or< /b> some of the other veggies amazed our waitress. They were fun! It’s corn that’s stuck in my head – with honeyed spinach.
Now I understand that there is a larger population of Germans, Irish and Dutch in this area. I’m not a punk when it comes to new things. Our waitress even brought a sample of the salsa to our table. It is definitely an acquired taste. I like spinach. I like pickled beets. Not really crazy about them as a joint.
When we arrived at the entrance, I was scared out of my mind by the butcher’s sergeant. But, when I got my combo dish, I had an internal Texas spirit that has all the parts flooding the plate. Yes. Texans know to pile it on the plate (which is why we’re the leaders in having the fattest communities in the nation!)
For the portion size, this was the freshest seafood I’ve had in a long time. Mind you, the coast is less than 3 hours away; this was some really awesome food! Except for the crabcake. I don’t know if the sauce or if the cancer has been overcome. But I was a little disappointed with it. Not to take the other things away – but it was just the crabcake. . . pure
William says he is a “meatloaf connoisseur” and will give himself two inches of meatloaf. I’m from New Orleans, so I said “Baabay … give some good right der“! Yes, I don’t want crabcake.
Of course we don’t just have an antecedent and leave. They enjoyed their “or sweet tea” (from the southern brands) and desserts. I opted for plain tea and a sweet tea melody. I’m not sure what brand they used, but it was tasty. It was literally sweet to the taste; which Melody said she was a “new fan” of.
I had a blackberry on the table. I’m always afraid of eating cobbler somewhere since my Aunt Mary was a cobbler teacher. But I work again almost once.
GORGEOUS!!! I don’t know what the cookie is made of. But it was buttery, crisp and light, with just enough sweetness to let the berries shine. At first I thought I was going to bite into canned berries. But, after a biting bite, let me see that they looked like fresh berries. William had a sugar free apple-pie a la mode (also sugar free). Now, if you meet Melody, you will immediately be drawn in by her infectious laugh and quirky nature. So looking at his order Shoofly Pie was going to be a treat in itself.
I had only heard of Shoofly Pie in the movies. I forgot to be a boy from the south. But Melody insisted that we should all try this pie just because it was her first command.
When the pies are shoveled with molasses, I was expecting to shoot through the roof from the cane sugar. Oddly, it was not overly sweet. It was really good!
After we had had our fill of seafood, meatloaf, and pie pies, we decided to ask our hostess if there were any greater comforts that she would recommend. It was proposed that if we see nothing else, we go to the devil’s lake and catch a glimpse of him.
Second Event – VISITOR CENTER
Since we didn’t have all week to go to the city, we decided to spend our time perusing the visitor center for maps and ideas. Honestly, if you’re into civil history and really want to learn about this area, you’ll need at least a week to really soak it all in.
The Gettysburg Convention and Visitors Bureau is an awesome sight. This 22,000 square foot, fort-like building hosts a museum, a theater and a book store. Our time was spent in the library. I love cookbooks. So I bought the Civil War Recipes of Life. recipe for Pie Shoofly!
William wanted to extend the time of our trip so he bought a CD for the audio of civil. There are many options for taking a field trip. You can make a bus tour. you can hire a personal tour. You could get a free map and just pick an area and read about each point. I personally liked the auto-audio tour. In this way we could go at our own pace and hear the stories of the struggle while it was being fought across the plains.
The third thing – TOUR
There are 16 points of interest on the guided tour. This tour begins at McPherson Ridge (where the battle was fought on July 3, 1863) and ends at the National Cemetery (the setting of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address). The Devil’s Den is explained at the tour stop 7.
Now I am not a historian (as William discovered when I asked him on which side Geronimo had fought in the civil war). Even as a veteran of foreign conflicts (Desert Shield/Storm) I’ve never really been interested in war history or stories. But it was worth it. There are so many monuments in this area that were donated by various states to aid troops (both Confederate and Union). Some are subtle, others very magnificent and ornate.
Although it is not required, you will want to get out of your car to see the various places that are pointed out by the audio guide. Now, if you do this in the summer, be sure to bring comfortable-shoes and bring water and a towel. But the signs will urge you not to climb the monuments! a> ‘” often!
I was happy to know that the past five months of Curves circuit training had beaten me into good enough shape to actually ride two. The most polished citadels supported me as I walked in the rocky places.
Fourth thing – SHOP
After about 2 hours at the camping site, we decided to double back to one of the areas where we had seen the tourist shops.
I highly recommend the Blue and Gray Gift Shop. Not that the Civil War item was reasonably priced (remember, I’m not a buffoon). But because the man who runs the shop was not only friendly, he was happy to help veterans and even recommended our 5th item.
Fifth thing – EAT
We didn’t know they had covered all the ground until their bellies started growling. While at the Blue and Gray Gift Shop, William asked the clerk for a meal plan that was good and reasonable. He suggests the O’Rorke Family Eatery and Spirits.
O’Rorke crept behind a gift shop on Steinwehr Avenue. It looks like Steinwehr is undergoing some major renovations – and that’s a good thing. This will be the cutest street once the refurb is completed. Several shops and eateries are tucked away. But, as a tourist, if you don’t know it’s there, you’ll miss it.
O’Rorke had a small scale of feeling. Remember the 1980’s TV show with Sam, Diane and NORM!? When entering the restaurant, the first thing you see are the bars; which is broadcast on television. There is seating at the front of the restaurant through the windows and walls across from the bar. Added seating in the back of the restaurant.
Our host gave us huge tips and took our drink orders. Again they were ordered “tea, sweet tea and water“. Then we studied the menu. So many choices!
The porter cut steak was a daily special. I’m not a big red meat fan. I opted for the traditional fish and chips. Instead of plain old French fries, I went with candied sweet potatoes. Melody had the shrimp and chicken basket. William had fried apple fritters.
I’m not sure how people in Taranto prep or fry their food. No, but she was pregnant! He did not complete something in all the southern areas. Crisp, tasty fries! The fish also tasted incredibly fresh. He raved about the melody of the shrimp! William said the burger was “darn good“. He was talking about how tender it was and that they used the same level of meat for the steak.
When we sat down in the restaurant, many tables were open. Leaving close standing room only. It only tells you something about this hidden gem.
Yes, there you have it — the 5th cleanest thing in Gettysburg — a town with a population of less than 10,000 people. People who, like in many other tourist towns, were very helpful and considerate hosts. So if you find yourself in this area or are curious about the Battle of Gettysburg, keep these places in mind. Oh, and for my Texas folks – the portions were delicious and filling! So don’t complain when you get your plate. Everything is great in TEXAS. Meaning, if visiting anywhere other than Texas this may not apply!
Enjoy!
Vicarious Dunlap and Baker
90 Buford Avenue
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: (717) 334-4816
Fax: (717) 334-2053
Gettysburg Monastery & Visitors Bureau
1195 Baltimore Pike
Gettysburg, PA
Blue and Gray Gift Shop
531 Street Baltimore
Gettysburg, PA 17325
O’Rorke on eatery and spirits
44 Steinwehr Avenue
Gettysburg, PA
