America at its Best just an hour's drive from Washington, DC.
Fairfield, Pennsylvania, may be the only place in America that hasn't changed much since it's founding in 1755. That's because this historic town is eight miles west of Gettysburg, just far enough outside of the tourist haven to have been overlooked by the millions of visitors to the Battlefield each year. There are no fast food or chain restaurants, no gas stations or traffic lights!
Located just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Washington, DC, Fairfield moves at a slightly slower, more enjoyable, elegant pace. In 1755, Lord Baltimore conferred upon Charles, Mary & Elinor Carroll a tract of land known then as Carroll's Delight, and the town remained part of Maryland until the Mason-DIxon Line was drawn 12 years later in 1767. Many of the original homes built in the 1700's still exist.
The town's oldest structure built in 1757, is The Fairfield Inn which has been in continuous operation since the 1700's serving travelers and stagecoach operators. It is one of only five Inns in America with such a distinction. Holding the area's oldest liquor license, visitors can enjoy sitting by one of the Inn's many roaring fireplaces in the winter as well as dining outside on the patio in the summer.
This is where the likes of Thaddeus Stevens and Patrick Henry resided for a time. Statesman Henry, famous for the quote: "Give Me Liberty of Give Me Death" was the nephew of the Inn's owner.
The Confederate Generals, Robert E. Lee and J.E.B. Stuart were treated to the Inn's famous hospitality having been served a hearty Ham & Bean soup when they retreated from Gettysburg on July 4, 1863. The recipe is still made and the soup remains on the menu and was said to be one of President Eisenhower's favorite choices on the many occasions he and Mamie dined at the Inn.
Shops filled with art, furniture, china and more line the narrow streets. Next door to The Fairfield Inn is St. John Lutheran Church, which, like The Fairfield Inn, also served as a Civil War Hospital and not only cared for the Confederates but also for the Virginia Cavalry as well.
A walk down main Street will lead you to one-of-a-kind shops where you can order custom-made English furniture reminiscent with the town's founding father's heritage. At the McKesson House, built in 1801, fine china featuring an unusual twist of hand-made Polish pottery and folk art is available for sale. Across from The Fairfield Inn sits the house where Major. Samuel S. Starr, 6th US Cavalry was cared for on July 3, 1863. One of the most unusual sites is an authentic Civil War cannon that sits on the side porch of the house. A block further down is Maxwell's, the town's general store housed in a home dating to the 1850's. Visitors can purchase penny candy or stroll through the home which houses an impressive antique store.
Although you would not normally walk into a hardware store on vacation, Metz Hardware is an old-time farmer's store in every sense. If you were so inclined, you could purchase just one bolt or screw, recently a Griswold iron muffin tin in the original 1920's box was found on the back of a shelf and purchased.
Even the grocery store is a walk down memory lane. Catering to the town's 486 residents, the owner makes his customers feel right at home making shopping more of an enjoyable social event. The store carries a large assortment of items since it is the only game in town. The check out line, if you could call it a line, is a table, it doesn't have a conveyor moving the groceries down to the end of the aisle, there is no scanning going on just good ol'fashioned cash register service. They will even offer to help take the shopping bags out to your car!
The Village Table is a good place for a hearty breakfast opening for the early birds, you can order a delicious, complete breakfast of two eggs, toast and a choice of ham, bacon, sausage or scrapple (a Pennsylvania Dutch dish) for $4.00. If you are going to skip lunch, a large ice cream cone can satisfy any hunger pangs at Sanders Square Ice Cream Barn. Just down the road is the world-class Mountain View Golf Resort designed by Ault & Clark and Ski Libery Resort, both open to the public but not yet charging world-class green- or skiing fees.
There is more to this one-horse town than meets the eye. Gwen Lamb, artist in residence, displays her creative talents on just about any surface imaginable. Her artwork, specializing in rustic acrylics of your home (just supply her with a picture), is wonderfully unique and accurate and can be viewed at her studio.
A visit to the Roby House Artists' Studio and Gallery housed in an original log building is a must see as is a trip to the nearby wineries. Both Adams County Winery and Hauser Estate Winery are all within a few minutes drive straight through the Civil War Battle site of the Battle of Fairfield, which took place on July 3, 1863.
Adams County ranks as one of the top apple producing areas in the Nation. In the Spring the blossoms are so pungent and sweet that the scent is everywhere and in the Fall, the county puts on a grand Apple Harvest splendid with crafts, a bake-off, daily and nightly entertainment and all the apples you could possibly eat in every which way imaginable.
A drive will also take you through the Jack's Mountain Historic Covered Bridge built in 1890, placed on the National Register of Historic Sites; it is a wonderful example of early American craftsmanship.
So far, the town is without chains - so motel and franchise restaurant fans must head to Gettysburg, PA, or Frederick, MD, to find familiar accommodations or restaurants. Somehow this quaint, nostalgic town has settled into a comfortable mix of Colonial America and Mayberry RFD. For a trip down memory lane, visit Fairfield, Pennsylvania, and find out just why the townspeople still wave and smile at you.
You can contact the Gettysburg Convention & Visitor Bureau 800 337 5015.
Built nineteen years before the Declaration of Independence, The Fairfield Inn is one of only five Inns in America that has been in continuous operation since the 1700's. It has served as a Colonial Meeting House, Civil War Hospital, Stagecoach Stop and as part of the Underground Railroad for run-a-way slaves. The Fairfield Inn was originally the Mansion House of Squire Miller, an original founder of the town. In the 250 years that have passed, the Mansion House has hosted many famous Americans such as Statesman Patrick Henry, nephew of Squire William and Isabella Henry Miller, Thaddeus Stevens, Generals Robert E. Lee & J.E.B. Stuart, Baseball Hall of Famer Eddie Plank and President & Mrs. Eisenhower.
When the Battle of Gettysburg was over, the Confederate Army retreated West through Fairfield. General Robert E. Lee and his officers stopped to eat at the Inn. After touring the Battlefield, guests are invited to retreat to the Inn's own style of history and hospitality. Unwind in one of the luxurious suites or guest rooms. Sip hot spiced cider by one of the eight fireplaces or have a drink in Squire Miller’s Tavern. Enjoy seasonal specialties on the front porch or dine in the original Mansion House. From the Inn's famous Chicken & Biscuits to the Chef’s signature dishes featuring the finest hand cut steaks and fresh seafood, taste why over four centuries of fine service and culinary expertise make dining at The Fairfield Inn a deliciously unique experience.
