History is indeed the major attraction at Gettysburg. But there is much more. We have a Pella Window Plant, an elevator factory, tile company, and various other small businesses. It would seem that a major casino is also in the works, adding gambling tourists to historical tourists. There is a fairly new shopping center/outlet mall just outside of town. The downtown (which seems to be rarely visited by tourists) is a mecca of galleries, eclectic shops, and two winery shops. There are several small shopping centers, and several grocery stores. The Park is, of course, the biggest draw for visitors, with a new, state-of-the-art Visitor's Center, which includes the Cyclorama painting---a 360 degree view of the Battle of Gettysburg at its height. There are historical museums all over the town. We have several fine restaurants. There are cultural events at the Gettysburg College, and also at the downtown Majestic Theatre. The Majestic was an old movie theatre recently remodeled to house movie theatres and live performances. If you want 'heavy-duty' culture and/or shopping, you are within close driving range of Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Washington, D.C. I don't know anyone personally who lives in Gettysburg and commutes any distance to work. The major drawback to living here is the large tourist influx in the summer, with the resultant traffic problems---the worst time being when the Battle re-enactment is scheduled. In the spring, fall and winter the Park and surrounding areas are beautiful. Winter is especially nice, with cross-country skiing on the Park, and downhill skiing and sports at Ski Liberty, a few miles away.
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