Shopping
Gettysburg is a shopper’s haven, and browsing is almost an art form in this area. The main four streets in town (Baltimore, Chambersburg, York, and Carlisle Streets) have shop after shop along the way, and many people stroll along and browse in each shop. If you prefer a little structure to your shopping expeditions, this chapter is divided into different categories, such as Antiques, Gift Shops/Collectibles, and Specialty Shops. Shopping categories that have many listings (usually 10 or more) are arranged alphabetically according to the business’s geographic location in relation to the square. If there aren’t too many listings, shops will be listed only alphabetically. Many stores carry a range of different items, so I’ve done my best to list a place under the category that I feel represents the majority of its stock and the overall feel and appearance of the store. If you’re looking for shops that carry mainly military memorabilia and Civil War clothing, these businesses are treated separately within the Gettysburg National Military Park chapter.
Shopping - The Arts
The arts are an integral part of the Gettysburg community, and many shops feature the works of local artists on their walls and shelves. You’ll find galleries boasting the art of well-known Civil War artists alongside the works of regional artists, and this delightful mix guarantees a new experience on every visit. The biggest event for those who admire fine art is the annual History Meets the Arts, held every April, when the town galleries show off their collections and host artists and events throughout the weekend. (See the Annual Events and Festivals chapter for more on History Meets the Arts.) But you can be sure there are plenty of places in town to discover interesting art anytime you visit. Although a great many of the galleries offer art representing the Civil War genre, you’ll also discover contemporary and unique shops along the way. Entries for Gettysburg galleries and studios are listed alphabetically within geographic direction from Lincoln Square.
The performing arts are also well represented here, as they have been for decades. The Totem Pole Playhouse has been entertaining theatergoers since the 1950s, and the Majestic Theater hosted the Eisenhowers during the ‘50s when Ike was president. Today both theaters are still integral parts of the local entertainment scene, which has grown to include dinner and regional theater. Of course, arts flourish best when they are locally supported, and Gettysburg has numerous organizations that promote art throughout the region.
1. Abe’S Antiques
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (717) 337-2122
Address: 22 Baltimore Street
Description: If you collect Lincoln memorabilia, you’ll want to stop by this store. The owner even looks like Lincoln, and on some weekends he dresses the part. Abe’s Antiques has been on Baltimore Street since 1994, and the antiques and collectibles offered here are reasonably priced, with many items less than $20. Lincoln-related items fill most of the back of the store, but take time to look at the stuff in the front, too. The Victrola phonograph and antique musical instruments right inside the door are worth a long look, and it’s also fun to check out the tintype photos, antique kitchen gadgets, and other collectibles at the front of the store. Be sure to take notice of the turn-of-the-20th-century cash register, too. Abe’s Antiques is open seven days a week.
2. Antique Center Of Gettysburg
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (717) 337-3669
Address: 30 Baltimore Street
Description: With 100 showcases of antiques and collectibles, the Antique Center of Gettysburg is bound to have something that will intrigue you. As you wander the aisles, you’ll find military antiques from many different wars, toy soldiers, military-related books, antique tools, and Lincoln memorabilia. There’s also jewelry, glass and pottery, and china. Upstairs you’ll find more books, prints, and framed artwork. The Antique Center is closed on Tuesday.
3. Rx Antiques
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (717) 338-9092
Address: 28 Chambersburg Street
Description: If you’re wondering about the unusual name, the owner used to be a podiatrist before he retired and opened this shop in 1998. This long, narrow shop has antique pottery and glassware, fabulous beer steins, and unusual and one-of-a-kind items. Rx Antiques is closed on Tuesday.
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Shopping
Address: 17 Lincoln Square
5. Wogan’S York Street Antiques & Treats
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (717) 337-3378
Address: 26 York Street
Description: Wogan’s York Street Antiques & Treats opened in 2004, and it holds a large portion of the items that used to be at Mel’s Antiques Mall, which closed in 2005. It’s a great area for browsing, with glassware, jewelry, china, Civil War–era memorabilia, furniture, and more among the offerings. The Treats part of the name comes from the delicious ice cream that’s served here for a ridiculously low price ($1 for an ice-cream cone!). There are two booths at the front of the store where you can sit and watch the world go by on York Street as you savor your treat.
6. Gettysburg Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (717) 334-5264
Address: 10 Lincoln Square
Description: This delightful shop is filled with clothing for everyone in the family, and the clothing is priced to sell. Used as well as new garments are intermingled, everything is nicely arranged on hangers, and there’s plenty of room to look at what’s on the racks. The thrift shop is open Monday through Saturday, and proceeds from sales at the store benefit Gettysburg Hospital.
7. T&S Menswear, Inc.
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (717) 334-7575
Address: 1 Chambersburg Street
Description: T&S has been around since the 1960s, and the owners have had their spot right off the square since 1991. The small shop is filled with men’s fine clothing, casual clothing, and formal wear. Men can find dress shirts, sweaters, pants, and suits as well as plush robes and loungewear. The store is laid out nicely with room to browse, and it’s always fun to see what’s in the display window at this upscale shop. T&S Menswear is open every day of the week but Sunday.
8. American History Store
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (717) 338-0631
Address: 461 Baltimore Street
Description: The largest bookstore in Gettysburg is located within this beautiful 19th-century brick building that sits at the southern end of Baltimore Street. Its owners also own the next three shops around the corner on Steinwehr Avenue—Habitat, Battlefield Souvenirs, and Stoneham’s Armory. (See this chapter for more on Habitat and Battlefield Souvenirs and the GNMP chapter for more on Stoneham’s Armory.) As you might expect, books on history, especially Civil War history, fill many of the shelves at this shop, and it’s a real joy to browse here. Among all this history you’ll also find a nice selection of DVDs, artwork, chess sets, and fine collector-grade toy soldiers.
9. Arrow Horse
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Shopping
Address: 49 Chambersburg Street
Description: This shop is all about bluegrass music. You’ll find lots of banjos for sale, and a bluegrass jam that is free and open to the public is held here every Friday night (see the Nightlife chapter). There’s also bluegrass sheet music for sale, bluegrass CDs, and bluegrass-related collectibles.
10. Farnsworth House Military Impressions
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (717) 334-8838
Address: 401 Baltimore Street
Description: This place reminds me of a scholarly library. The rich wood of the shelves holding the rows of tomes and the art prints that are displayed set the mood in this orderly and well-laid-out bookshop. You’ll find extensive collections of new and out-of-print books on the Civil War and WWII, as well as books on other military history. If you’ve enjoyed a dining adventure at the Farnsworth House (see the Restaurants chapter), you may want to pick up a copy of The Farnsworth House Recipe Book; it is carried here exclusively. The bookshop, which is open daily, also carries a line of Civil War bronze sculptures, Civil War music, and art prints by Don Troiani and other well-known Civil War artists.
11. Gettysburg Book Cellar
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (717) 337-0557
Address: 22 Carlisle Street
Description: If you love losing yourself among books, this is the place for you. Bookshelf after bookshelf is filled to overflowing with used, out-of-print, and old and rare books. You enter by going down a few steps (hence the cellar in the name), and you’re immediately surrounded by books. As you browse, each corner you turn offers the opportunity to find new treasure. Bookcases are labeled by subject for easy hunting, and first editions are among the offerings. There are also comic books and more recent titles on display. The Gettysburg Book Cellar is closed on Wednesday and Thursday.
12. Gettysburg Christian Bookstore
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (717) 334-8634
Address: 24 Chambersburg Street
Description: Since 1972 Gettysburg Christian Bookstore has been offering a wide array of items with something to please just about everyone. Of course you’ll find books, some on religious topics and some on the Civil War. But the bookstore also stocks plaques, cards, artwork, and knickknacks. The children’s section carries a nice selection of books for various ages. (See the Kidstuff chapter for more details.) Gettysburg Christian Bookstore shares its address with Gettysburg Electronics, a small but fascinating shop at the back of the store where you can buy metal detectors. (See the Specialty Shops section of this chapter for more on Gettysburg Electronics.)
13. Noteworthy Music
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (717) 334-3522
Address: 52 York Street
Description: In business since 1978, Noteworthy Music is a bit of a Gettysburg institution. It’s even one of the buildings portrayed in miniature for sale in the gift shops around town. Owner Bob Ranalli, who does repairs on instruments, can often be found tinkering with something or other at his table in the back of the store. Bob also sells and rents guitars, drums, amps, music, and accessories, as well as doing sound engineering and rentals.
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Shopping
Address: 61 Seminary Ridge (Milton Valentine Hall
15. Battlefield Baskets & Gifts
City: Gettysburg, PA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (717) 338-1565
Address: 100 Baltimore Street
Description: This charming shop that’s open daily has a nice selection of Victorian gifts, including baskets, bells, teapots, tins, and porcelain dolls. The Victorian gifts occupy a small portion of the larger space that is filled with the Civil War clothing offered by A Civil Affair. (For more on A Civil Affair, see the Civil War Clothing and Accessories section of the GNMP chapter.) If you want to surround yourself with period knickknacks while being properly dressed, be sure to visit this charming shop. Battlefield Baskets & Gifts is closed on Monday and Tuesday.