PA - Gettysburg vs Amish Country
 

I will be in Pennsylvania Memorial weekend. Plan to visit Philadelphia on Fri, drive to Amish country on Sat morning and drive back to New Jersey Sun am/afternoon. Now I am debating doing Gettysburg instead of Amish country. Or can I fit all in? Any recommendations on what is must see? This will be my only visit in this area. Thanks.

Are you interested in the Civil War? I've done and enjoyed both locations, but gettysburg is a battlefield and museum. Amish country is crafts, interesting sights, and some nice shopping.

I am neither a history buff not have any particular interest in the Civil War. I still found Gettysburg amazing. We did the self-guided car CD (at that time tape) narration. This allowed us to go at our own pace (it was about 10 years ago and we had kids with us); have returned once with just HS age dtr on a look-at-colleges trip. Have heard wonderful things about Ranger-lead tours as well.

There was some kind of spiritual connection to be standing on ground where battles were fought. Since I knew little beyond the basics of the Civil War and am a rather visual person, to see the distances, hills/valleys finally put it in perspective for me.

Have also been to Amish country. Beautiful landscapes, interesting drive-bys. But did not capture me in anything approaching Gettysburg.

Interesting side note. I bought my favorite travel carry-on bag at a little local craft shop on a side street in Gettysburg.