In addition to the show...

[bell 11]

My family and I are making the trip to the show. Being a 10.5 hour drive, we are making a "mini-vacation" out of it.

We are looking for a "must see" that is close to Arendtsville. I know that Gettysburgh is only about 15 miles from there, but I don't know what would be a good attraction to see. Looking for something that will not take the whole day to see and something that would be enjoyable for the whole family... (the wife, and 2 girls that are 9 and 10 years of age)

I've searched on the internet, but I would like to hear some personal experience from someone that has been to a attraction and was really impressed with it.

Thanks for any input and I'm looking forward to seeing y'all at the show! Jon

[Buzz 502]

With a wife and two girls you will have to go to Boyd's Bear Country right off route 15 outside of Gettysburg. http://www.boydsbearcountry.com/

They have a decent coffee shop where you can wait while they shop, and shop, and shop.

If nothing else take a sightseeing bus tour of the Gettysburg battlefield and visit the Visitors center and see the Cylclorama.

http://www.gettysburgfoundation.org/visit/center.html

[gwgdog66 23]

I haven't been around that area in 12 or 10 years. Hershey PA had a park with rides and all kinds of chocolate related gift shops. I'm not sure how far away it is, but it wasn't to bad a drive from Gettysburg.

[bell 11]

Mmmmmm coffee... lol

Hershey Park looks great!!! That's definately a possibility...

Now, how about something to do with nature, caves, animals????

[Nick 13]

Im not sure how the Girls would enjoy it but the PA train museum and steam train ride are around 70 miles from the show at Strassburg PA. Just up the road from the train is an amusement park, Dutch Wonderland, I think it is geared towards smaller children. The PA tourism site might help with more ideas.

http://www.visitpa.com/things-to-do/index.aspx

http://www.strasburgrailroad.com

http://www.dutchwonderland.com

http://www.roundbarngettysburg.com/

http://www.uasd.k12.pa.us/upperadams/Count...ore/default.htm

[Buzz 502]

Hershey park has a zoo, Zooamerica. Baltimore has the National Aquarium and is probably as close or closer than Hershey. There are caves in the Hershey area. Lots to do. If your family finds out about Boyds Bears you'll be going there :omg:

[Old Horse 0]

:omg:

Boyd bears is a good choice for a man in you position with all those ladies.

Gettysburg is only 9 mile max, south of the show. Land of Little horses might be of interest to the little gals, about 3 mile west of Gettysburg off of Rt.30 west.

You didn't mention how long you were making your mini-vacation. If your in the area for the show and plan on spending two days there, and you have at least another two days, (1) for whatever local, and another for a small roadtrip, and are interested in Hershey Park, it's worth it, but figure on a long day, 10 a.m to at least 10 p.m., just in the park, especially with all the water rides added recently. The kids will be very pleased. But it will be a long day, plus an hour and a half drive to and from the Gettysburg area, if your staying in the area.

Closer to home, you have Codorus Park, southeast of Hanover (about 45 minutes from the show), with public pool, very large lake and state park area for fishing, boating, canoeing. Boat/canoe rentals are available.

Just a mile north of Hanover on Rt. 94 you have a small race park with indy cars, sprints, late model sized go-cart tracks, indoor slick track if you want to try your luck out behind the wheel. Great for kids and adults. Bumper boats ride as well.

About three mile from the show on the Cashtown Road, between Arendtsville and Rt. 30, you have the Round Barn (worth a visit) with home grown fruit/veggies and just across the road up on a very high point of the vineyards in the newest winery in Adams County (about 2 years old now). Great place to check out wine and especially take in the view.

New Oxford, 10 mile east of Gettysburg, along Rt. 30, is the antique capital of Pa. Old large houses line both sides of the street, now used as antique and collectible shops and/or B&B's.

Just to mention a few......

Enjoy your stay and if I can be of any help go to the food stand (where you get your breakfast sandwiches) and ask almost any of those people (99% are in-law relation)ssshhhh, they will be happy to help or you can ask them to let Ed from Mummasburg, (about 5 minutes down the road from the show) know you are looking for me and where I can find you. I'll be there Friday eve, and probably all day Saturday. Not sure I'll be there much on Sunday.

Hope you enjoy your stay.

[chazm 412]

Hi ,Jon

Old Horse pretty much covered it - there is the Outlet mall on RT15 outside of

G-burg

A couple of State parks around - Caladonia State Park on RT 30 heading to Chambersburg has a pool & camping . Not much in Chambersburg .

If you play golf - tons of corses in the area

If you like home made fudge, candies & collectibles, Mr Ed's is off Rt 30 & RT234

Hope to see ya , Chaz :omg: