History carved lines upon the face of America just as experiences etched the fine lines and deep wrinkles on the faces of its citizens. One tremendously etched face was that of President Abraham Lincoln. I can only imagine as he stood solemnly that day giving the infamous Gettysburg Address during the Civil War, having penned his own words in a speech lasting all of 2 minutes, trying to comfort those who had lost family in the nation's war, that his face grew even more deeply furrowed and creviced. The hillsides of the North and South forever changed shapes as cannon blasts and dynamite rerouted the landscapes leaving jagged scars and new wrinkles upon the earth's face. Natural forces had their share in assisting with changing the hills and valleys; thunderous rains, forest fires, and land erosion over time all contributed to undulating hills and mountainsides with trails being redrawn for travel.

The place is Gettysburg, Pennsylvania almost 150 years later we can find the burial grounds where President Lincoln once stood and reverently gave honor to those lost in battle. You won't find tears of sadness and mourning, however, what you will find is one great place to visit historically and to relive history! Upon arrival to Gettysburg you may find Lincoln caricatures and his 1863 constituents, reenactments of battle, the smell of gun smoke in the air, hear the roar of cannons, see Civil War attire and watch the North come alive! Stretch your imagination just a bit more and strain to hear the whinny of nervous horses, the shouts of excited soldiers, and the sharp barking of orders from generals.

This isn't all Gettysburg has to offer for the touring senior, it is however an important event in American history which has given us a few wrinkles, just as those beautiful fine lines that appear in each aging face with the accumulation of history. Walking tours are abundant in Gettysburg. Amazingly after 550 cannons were positioned in the area, and 569 tons of ammunition expended after the battle had ended, a number of buildings were kept intact, now over one hundred years old with minor renovations for structural safety, otherwise, designated for architectural study in design. Well within walking distance of each building, the city tour is truly a step into history for seniors who are energetic and enjoy seeing period time pieces displayed appropriately. Each home or place of business is appropriately furnished with furnishings of the 1860's era and for the history buff, this type of vacation is just the perfect “nip and tuck.” With 35 museums and resort attractions, some unlike any others in the world, plan to set aside at least 3 whole days to spend in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, “one of the nation's most ‘history-filled' areas.”

If walking just isn't your exercise or should disabilities prevail, there are fantastic driving tours (self-guided) through out the countryside. Excellently detailed maps with clearly marked trails and Scenic Valley Tour signs show you through some of America's most historical and scenic countryside. Definitely a 2 hour drive through, you will be delighted and overwhelmed at covered bridges built in the 1850's, see working farms, country churches, and drive through the center of Victorian New Oxford and Early-American East Berlin as well as other small villages.

Temperatures usually average in the 50's – 70's so this is layering weather. Rainfall averages 40 inches a year and snow 32 inches a year. Come to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania prepared for changes in weather and climate. Since most activities are outdoors, it is always better to be well prepared! Go online at www.gettysburgcvb.org and ask for a Gettysburg visitor's guide to be mailed to your home or request the 12 minute loan video available to groups and clubs which covers the historical overview (1.717.334.6274). The guide is stocked full of information and comes complete with an area map which will help locate the historical sites you wish to visit. The map also includes the city which is well marked and easy to read. One of the best publications I've seen. Where to stay? Gettysburg is loaded with a spectrum of low to high end hotels and bed ‘n breakfast rooms. There are also a number of resorts offering package deals associated with golf ( www.carrollvalley.com ) , camping, riding stables, Civil War packages, and Gourmet Holiday weekends ( www.thegaslightinn.com ). With Gettysburg and its unique historical background, I believe this is one place which could be revisited several times before you'd leave feeling you've seen everything, but then history itself has carved a few wrinkles on me also and my face joins the rest of American citizenry as I too attempt to put President Lincoln's words into perspective. Gettysburg will always be on my “places to visit.” When I look into the mirror each night and see those wrinkles, I'll smile knowing I'm part of history. Happy Traveling!

Photos are courtesy of Gettysburg CVB. Abe Lincoln portrait by Matthew Brady 1860's.