Dining in 1776

While in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania for the Stars and Stripes Sale, I get the urge to become a historian. I absolutely love to go on the tour with Carol and takes in the sights of the battlefield. It is such a humbling experience to be where to many Americans lost their lives.

This was our (Drew and I) second trip to Gettysburg for the sale. Tracking down my unique eats in town, last year I wanted to try a place called the Dobbins House, but didn't get a chance to. So you better believe it was on my to do list this year.

The Dobbins House was built in 1776 by Rev. Alexander Dobbin. This makes it the oldest and most historic home in Gettysburg. Rev. Dobbin bought the land and built the home to handle his family (19 children) and his school. His school was a Classical School, much to the equivalent of a combined Theological Seminary and liberal arts college. In the mid-1800's a secret crawl space was used as a part of the Underground Railroad, and has been featured on National Geographic.


Today the historic house appears virtually the same as it did over 200 years ago. It has stone walls, seven fireplaces, and hand carved woodwork have been restored to their original beauty with interior decor in traditional 18th century style. They have added a small venue to the right side of the building that can be used for weddings and parties that also houses a small gift shop. You can dine in two different locations. There is the Dobbin House, where we ate. It is alittle more elegant and they recommend reservations. If you are looking for something a little more low key, the Tavern serves appetizers, soups, and sandwiches. They are known for their onion soup!

Our party of seven was seated in an old canopy bed frame in which we dined by only two candles.It was a little dark! All of the servers dress in traditional 18th century clothing. Our server informs us that the china and flatware that we would be using matches fragments that we found in the cellar. The China was a beautiful blue and white oriental piece called Blue Willow.

All of the entrees were accompanied by a huge basket of delicious breads, a salad, and your choice or baked potato or sweet potato. Drew ordered the crab cakes and I chose a dish they called Crab Meat Ala Dobbin. My dish was basically yummy fresh crab meat with melted butter, salt and pepper. It was yummy! Everyone else at our table had either the prime rib or filet.

Overall it was a really neat dining experience. Something you definitely don't get from a chain restaurant. If you are looking for a place that will fill your belly with history and good food, than I definitely recommend the Dobbin House.