After our 12:00 p.m. ceremony, you will have about three-and-a-half hours of downtime before the reception kicks off. Not to fret--there are many, many ways you can fill this time. Here are some ideas of things to do and see in Emmitsburg and Gettysburg on October 29.
After the ceremony, take a quick drive up to The National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. The grotto is one of the oldest American replicas of the revered French Grotto of Lourdes, where Saint Bernadette is believed to have seen and talked with the Virgin Mary. Meander along the wooded paths while admiring the statues and mosaics leading to the Grotto, or just take a few moments to reflect amidst this beautiful and scenic site. (301-447-5318; www.msmary.edu/grotto).
Where’s the oldest parochial school in the United States? Why, it’s right in downtown Emmitsburg, just a stone’s throw from the Mount’s campus. The Mother Seton School, established in 1809, is part of the National Shrine of Elizabeth Ann Seton. The site includes the original stone house (circa 1750) where Seton founded her religious community as well as the house where she began her school. (333 South Seton Ave., 301-447-6606)
Next to the Seton Shrine is the National Fire Academy, where thousands of the nation’s top firefighters descend upon each year to hone their skills. Standing on the Academy’s campus is the The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, dedicated to the men and women "who have lost their lives in the very act of saving others." The long brick walk to the memorial commemorates some of the worst fires in U.S. history, the bricks inscribed with the names of firefighters who died and with messages from their comrades and families. Plaques bearing the names of firefighters killed since the memorial was established in 1981 encircle an eternal flame and bronze Maltese cross. Another plaque is inscribed with the names of firefighters killed Sept. 11, 2001. (U.S. Fire Administration, 16825 S. Seton Ave., 301-447-1000).
If you’re hankering for a mid-day snack, pop in the favorite hangout of both firefighters and Mount Saint Mary’s students alike. The Ott House Pub & Restaurant offers what many call the best crab cakes in all of Maryland along with other pub grub. But don’t spoil your appetite—there will be plenty to eat and drink at the reception! (5 W. Main St., 301-447-2625.)
Across the way from Ott’s is the Emmitsburg Antique Mall. If you want to collect it, you'll find it here. Dishes, patriotic memorabilia, books, toys, linens, jewelry, souvenir items, political buttons, maps, furniture, art -- the display is eclectic and endless. Antique doesn't mean ancient -- a Welcome Back Kotter puzzle and Jackie Collins paperbacks were among the items. (1 Chesapeake Ave., 301-447-6471). Also worth checking out: Callie's Collectibles offers a good mix of antiques and reproductions with interesting finds like watercolors of the area by local artists, primitive decoys and well-loved furniture that spend much of its previous life with nearby farm families. (24 W. Main St., 301-447-6700):
Can’t resist a bargain? Then stop by Gettysburg Factory Village Stores on your way up to Gettysburg. Snag steals at stores including American Eagle, the GAP, Old Navy, Liz Claiborne, Jones New York, adidas, and Reebok. (1863 Gettysburg Village Drive, Gettysburg, PA 17325, click here for directions).
A trip to Gettysburg just isn’t complete without a tour of the Gettysburg National Military Park. The site of the largest battle ever waged during the American Civil War, this park incorporates nearly 6,000 acres, with 26 miles of park roads and over 1,400 monuments, markers, and memorials. You can tour the battlefields on your own, with a professionally-trained guide, or with the assistance of audio tapes. (Visit here or call the Gettysburg Convention and Visitors Bureau at (717) 334-6274 for many more details on battlefield tour)
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