Baladerry Inn: Hometown History in Gettysburg, PA

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I was invited to attend an Authentic Adams County Media Tour sponsored by Discover Gettysburg and was provided complimentary accommodations at Baladerry Inn. 

I find that most people are either bed & breakfast people or they’re not. To some, sleeping accommodations should more or less be a business transaction. That’s not to say they don’t look for luxury and comfort and excellence in customer service. It simply means they want to come and go and not be noticed, for the most part. To others, staying at a bed & breakfast is warm and welcoming, like staying in someone’s home.

For me, I fall somewhere in the middle. I like staying at specialty locations, especially those that are unique. But I don’t want to feel like I’m intruding in someone’s house, which is essentially where you’re staying at a B&B.

On a recent trip to Gettysburg, PA, I joined a group of travel writers at the Baladerry Inn Bed & Breakfast which is just minutes from the Gettysburg National Military Park and within close driving distance of downtown Gettysburg. But it’s tucked away in little section of woods that makes it seem like it’s set right where it belongs – back in the past.

The Baladerry Inn was originally a tenant farm house built in 1812 as part of the Bushman Farm. It includes an addition that was added in 1830 and eventually was used as a field hospital for the Army of the Potomac during the Battle of Gettysburg. When staying at the Baladerry Inn, there are 10 rooms, scattered throughout the original house, the addition, and the nearby carriage house.

Location

The Baladerry Inn is located just south of Gettysburg National Military Park and is a great location if you’re planning to venture out to the historical attractions nearby or want to drive a little further into town or even explore more of Adams County. Within a close driving distance, you’ll actually find access to local wineries, apple orchards, farmer’s markets, and more to help you explore the local culture and flavor (literally).

Safety

I never felt unsafe in any way. Although you’re close to tourist attractions, the house is set in a rural-like setting and the only visitors you’re likely to encounter on the grounds have four legs (including Ballie – the B&B cat!).

However, you should know that the main entrances (in the front and back of the house, including the bottom of the stairs outside my room) remain unlocked through the night. Each room has a deadbolt lock on the door so that wasn’t an issue but I did happen to have one of the only (the only?) rooms in the house with a private bathroom not attached to my room. I had to exit my room and visit the bathroom just across the hall.

The other thing I should mention is that there are rumors that the Baladerry Inn is haunted (it does have a long history). But to be fair, that can be said for literally everywhere in Gettysburg. I chose not to research this fact until after  I checked out. It turns out the Primrose room where I stayed (pictured above) is rumored to be the location of an rather amorous ghost, according to HauntedRooms.com:

There is also the presence of an amorous ghost who goes by the name of Geoffrey. He is especially fond of women with blonde hair and can often been felt in the Primrose Room. Due to his amorous nature, he’s known to staff as “Lover Boy”. Women have reported feeling him rubbing their feet and hearing the sound of a male singing in their ear. On occasion there has also been the reports of an invisible entity getting into bed with guests.

All I can say is I’m thankful I didn’t read that until afterwards but I can say that I felt nothing in the room other than comfort of that bed. Maybe it’s because I don’t have blonde hair.

Character

If you’re looking for a bed & breakfast that makes you feel at home, you’ll find it at the Baladerry Inn. It’s been decorated in a casual country style yet still retains it’s historic charm.

If your room doesn’t have a TV (mine didn’t), there’s always one available for viewing in the Living Room but I honestly didn’t miss having one in my room. Some rooms do have television sets.

We used the dining room for our group breakfast one morning but typically the breakfast would be served in the Great Room which offers seating indoors and out on adjoining patio.

And if history is your game, or you’re just looking for some games, head up to the loft of the Great Room where you’ll find a large checkerboard and other board games along with books full of history (haunted and otherwise) about the Inn and the surrounding area.

Vanity

Simple and homey are likely the goals for innkeepers Judy and Kenny. Judy escorted me to my room and make sure I knew where extra linens were and any other amenities I might need.

And, of course, I was please to find plenty of mirrors in the room (full length and otherwise) which was important as I had no bathroom in my room.

This part is important to know. All rooms have private bathrooms. But my private bathroom was outside of my room just across the hall. I didn’t mind it so much as there were only two other bedrooms on my floor, both occupied by women on the trip. However, the old wood floors and deadbolts make it seem rather LOUD when getting up to use the facilities in the middle of the night.

Toiletries

Just as if you were staying in someone’s home, you’d probably feel more comfortable bringing your own toiletries, like I did. There were small sample sized shampoo, conditioner, soap, makeup removers, and toothbrush and toothpaste but I’d use most of it in an “in case of emergency” situation.

Comfort

My king bed was exactly what I needed. Large, comfortable, and cozy. The sheets felt like jersey-knit but I slept comfortably and didn’t have any ghostly visitors invading my sleep.

Extras

The extra you should care the most about in a bed & breakfast is, of course, THE BREAKFAST! Judy did not disappoint with her fresh fruit cup, zucchini and bacon dish, and AMAZING french toast with sausage balls.

Finally, if you’re really looking for extras, it’s nice to know that Judy bakes fresh cookies every day and you’ll find them available in the Great Room.

And if you need something to drink outside of breakfast hours, water and coffee is available and soda is available for purchase.

The Baladerry Inn Bed & Breakfast is perfect for couples who are looking for an authentic historical experience to complement their stay in Gettysburg. It’s location is also well-suited for exploring the entire Adams County area. And don’t let the haunted stories scare you away!