Susan O'Connor

Gettysburg, PA, has no shortage of awesome area attractions. Yet, as of just a few months ago, this charming and quaint town is now home to another stellar site worth exploring: the newly established Barn Resort.

While still in the early stages of a multi-phased grand opening, The Barn Resort is already off to a great start in fulfilling its goal of becoming Gettysburg’s premier resort destination. The plan is to present guests with an all-in-one experience that combines luxury accommodations with delightful diversions, fantastic food, and plenty of space for hosting public and private events of all sizes.

The new facility isn’t exactly new, per se. You may even remember when the distinguishable red barn formerly served as another beloved area attraction of great acclaim. It was here that the once-popular Boyd’s Bear Country operated between 2002 and 2011. Look closely, and you can still see reflections of Boyd’s Bear Country all around. The still-present bear tracks in the parking lot provide a lovely touch I’m hoping they decide to keep.

Most onsite developments are still underway, like the “resort” part of the resort. We were told that the available lodging options, comprising more than 65 stellar suites with “unique amenities,” will be located along the top three floors of the five-story building.

The resort’s expansive 130 scenic acres of surrounding countryside provide plenty of potential for other onsite attractions and endeavors to be added sometime in the future. More immediate plans, however, are to utilize the grounds as rental spaces for parties, receptions, milestone celebrations, and other special occasions. They’ll also host tentative concerts, festivals, community events, and live entertainment here.

Other rental spaces will be located inside the resort. We caught a glimpse of a banquet room right off the main lobby and what appeared to be an adjacent conference room.

While work continues around The Barn Resort, some onsite operations have already officially opened to the public. These include the gift shop, arcade, and the impressive Farmhouse Restaurant.

When you first arrive at The Barn Resort, you will enter through the main doors leading into the cozy lobby laden with comfortable furniture, classical décor, and large windows overlooking the grounds. It all pairs so well with the rural motif!

Head to the right of the lobby, and you’ll notice escalators leading down to the resort’s first lower level and an impressively extensive gift shop just to the right of the escalators. And when I say “extensive,” I mean it, given how the gift shop packs a lot into its in-store holdings. From candy to collectibles, books, memorabilia, and even swords, you can easily spend an hour or more simply browsing all there is to see.

To experience the phenomenally filling fare of the resort’s already famous Farmhouse Restaurant, you’ll want to head for the escalators, taking you down to the lower level. At first, you’ll see Cellar 75—the watering hole expansion to the primary dining scene. Their hours of operation are later in the day, opening at 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and at 2 p.m. on weekends. They’re closed Monday through Wednesday.

The Farmhouse Restaurant is located a little to the left. Lunchtime (brunch on Sundays) operations begin promptly at 11:30 a.m. daily, except on Mondays when they are closed. While weekly dinnertime specials keep things varied and versatile, one of the things I like best is how you can count on all the same quintessential culinary classics to be featured every time. That’s because the Farmhouse presents a bountiful buffet spread beyond compare. Even the pickiest of eaters, like yours truly, can find fulfilling fixings. Their salad bar, for instance, both meets and exceeds all expectations, even offering less common standout options.

There’s also plenty to be said about the abundance of home-cooked helpings featured along the hot buffet line. Most items are authentically made from scratch and prepared in-house—an endeavor that’s all too uncommon at most establishments today. There is an essence of farmhouse flavor that precedes every entrée. The presentation works well with the fresh farm theme and décor reflected in the spacious dining rooms. It’s a unique blending of nostalgia and timeless eclectic ambiance.

Be sure to stop in at the resident arcade before heading out. Also located on the lower level, you’ll find it to the right of the escalators. A great way to burn off a little post-meal energy, kids of all ages and adults alike will enjoy the versatile playtime provisions. All games are family-friendly and suitable for all attending audiences.

It may still technically be a work in progress, but The Barn Resort is one of the most ambitious new projects unfolding within the greater Gettysburg area. By all the existing examples we have to go by, we can rightfully declare it’s already a great success.

Location and Contact: The Barn Resort is located at 75 Cunningham Rd, Gettysburg, PA 17325. For more information, visit thebarnpa.com.