VISITOR EXPERIENCES

New 'Blossom Belt' buds in Adams County countryside

This week, Destination Gettysburg launched the new Adams County Blossom Belt, a seasonal campaign designed to draw visitors into the Gettysburg countryside to catch a glimpse of the millions of blossoms that dot the landscape.

To guide visitors to where blossoms are plentiful, Destination Gettysburg created an Adams County Blossom Belt map. The stops on the driving trail include recommendations on where to eat, shop and experience spring’s beauty in the countryside. Travelers will also encounter special events celebrating the season of blossoms, such as the Adams County Blossom Festival at the National Apple Museum and Hollabaugh Bros. Fruit Farm & Market's Spring Blossom Event, both to be held April 27.

The Blossom Belt was created with support by the Adams County Office of Planning and Development, Penn State Cooperative Extension and Gettysburg National Military Park.

Destination Gettysburg believes that this campaign is a great way to usher in the Spring season and highlight the region's rich agriculture through harvest time in the fall, including the integration of the Adams County Crop Hop.

All partners are asked to share Destination Gettysburg social media content about the Adams County Blossom Belt, and let us know if you have your own ideas for blossom-themed events or ways to be part of this campaign. Questions about the Blossom Belt can be directed to Tinsy Labrie at tinsy@destinationgettysburg.com.

GNMP names new superintendent

National Park Service Deputy Regional Director Cinda Waldbuesser this week announced the selection of Kristina (Kris) Heister as the superintendent for Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site. Heister has worked at Gettysburg and Eisenhower as deputy superintendent since 2020. She begins her new assignment on March 24.

“Kris brings a wealth of National Park Service experience with a deep commitment to community engagement, resource protection and employee development,” said Waldbuesser. “Her knowledge of and commitment to protecting both cultural and natural resources while enhancing visitor experience make her an excellent choice to lead these two important parks."

As the current deputy superintendent, Heister is already a key leader on the park’s management team, providing oversight for all aspects of park operations, according to a news release from Gettysburg National Military Park. Twice she has performed detail assignments as acting superintendent of the two parks, first in 2019 and again in 2023-2024. Before coming to Gettysburg, she served as superintendent of Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, as chief of Natural Resources for the NPS Northeast Region, and as Natural Resource Program Manager at Valley Forge National Historical Park.

Partner Benefit Cards to renew

We are now accepting new offers for our 2024 Partner Benefit Card, a discount program offered by Destination Gettysburg exclusively for its partner businesses and their employees.

Partners are given the opportunity to offer a discount or other incentive to encourage employees from other businesses to learn more about them and refer visitors to locations across the destination.

New offers may be submitted to Amy Welsh, Director of Partnership, at amy@destinationgettysburg.com. While offers may be added or changed at anytime, we ask that new offers be submitted by March 25 before the launch of our 2024 card.

Gettysburg nominated for

'Best Small Town' honor

An expert panel of travel experts and travel journalists have nominated Gettysburg as one of America's "Best Small Towns in the Northeast," according to a recent announcement by USA Today/10Best.com.

Through April 1, readers can vote for their favorite small town from the list of 20 nominations every day until the deadline. Gettysburg is currently ranked 12 in voting.

Destination Gettysburg encourages partners to share the contest and vote throughout the duration of the contest by using the link below.

Local museums earn Top 10 honors

Three local museums have placed in the top 10 in recent USA Today/10Best.com travel awards.

Children of Gettysburg 1863 placed eighth in the "Best Children's Museum" category, and the Shriver House Museum and National Apple Museum placed sixth and tenth, respectively, in the category of "Best Small Town Museum." Earlier this year, Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum, was voted the best new museum in America.

Congratulations to all!

GROUP TOUR MARKET

Group Sales Meeting set for March 14

Destination Gettysburg will host its next Group Sales Meeting on Thursday, March 14, at 2 p.m. The meeting will be held at our admin office, 1560 Fairfield Road, Gettysburg.

Our sales team will be reviewing our recent and upcoming sales efforts for 2024, as well as answering any questions from partners about the group travel market and ways to get more involved.

RSVP to Lindsay Methlie, Director of Sales, at lindsay@destinationgettysburg.com.

Partners sought for Girl Scout Day

Destination Gettysburg is hosting the second annual Gettysburg Girl Scout day in conjunction with the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania on Sept. 28, 2024. Last year, the event attracted over 300 people from six states.

We are now looking for Destination Gettysburg partners who would like to offer discounts to the Girl Scouts and their families for the weekend. If your business is interested in participating or if you have questions about Girl Scout Day, please email Lindsay Methlie, Director of Sales, at lindsay@destinationgettysburg.com.

We ask that all offers be provided by April 15.

Marketing, Sales and Partnership Report

See how Destination Gettysburg is

working to get its message out to millions of potential travelers from around the world.

State issues economic report for wine, grape industries

The vision of the Pennsylvania wine and grape industry is to be recognized as the premium East Coast wine appellation.

NEW PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Peters Orchards

Peters Orchards is a family owned and operated fruit and vegetable farm since 1870. They are located along Route 94 in the heart of apple country, nestled in the hills of Northeastern Adams County. Peters Orchard features fresh-picked, locally grown fruits and vegetables at its retail market.

Address: 10540 Carlisle Pike, Gardners

Phone: (717) 528-4380

Contact: Katie Peters

Email: steelepeters@pa.net

PARTNER EDUCATION

Are you ready for 'silver tourism'?

There is a significant opportunity to take advantage of the untapped market of "silver tourism," paving the way to not only grow the economy but also offer an ever-increasing aging population the opportunity to maintain quality of life. Considering their strong purchasing power, abundant leisure time, and high travel willingness, the aging population has been identified as an un-ignorable tourist group.