🎃 Our Annual Family Vacation: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania #9History

History, Haunts, Faith & Family — with a Disc Golf Heart

_{This post was lovingly updated to show deeper storytelling, historical insight, and the heart of our family journey.}

Every year, we load up as a family. We head somewhere that leaves a mark on us. It leaves a mark not just on a map, but on our hearts. This year’s destination was Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. A place where time feels layered. Where history whispers through the hills. Where faith, sacrifice, and legacy feel close enough to touch.

Just an hour outside Washington, D.C., Gettysburg offered the perfect balance for our crew. It has deep American history, fall-season charm, and a touch of spooky fun. And — of course — there’s room to breathe, walk, and throw a disc.

This adventure was lovingly planned by Grandma D, our fearless family road warrior. She and her husband have been married for over 35 years. They are living the retired RV dream. They cross the country, collect stories, and turn history into something real for the grandkids. Watching that legacy unfold is a gift in itself.

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RV Life, Autumn Air & the Gift of Slowing Down

We stayed in one of the largest RV parks I’ve ever seen — truly a small village on wheels. October had fully arrived, and the campground was wrapped in Halloween spirit. Lights, decorations, costumes, laughter drifting through the cool air. It felt like community in its purest form.

There’s something sacred about evenings like that. We sit outside an RV. Kids are laughing nearby. The smell of fall is in the air. It’s a reminder that God meets us in the simple moments just as much as the big ones.

Walking Through Living History

Gettysburg isn’t a place you simply visit. You feel it.

We stood on the ground where the Battle of Gettysburg unfolded in July of 1863. This was the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War. Over 165,000 soldiers collided here in a three-day fight that would change the course of the nation. These rolling hills once echoed with cannon fire, prayers, fear, and courage.

Just months later, Abraham Lincoln returned to this land. He delivered the Gettysburg Address with fewer than 300 words. These words still shape our understanding of freedom and sacrifice today.

Standing there, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much was given. This allows future generations to stand freely. They can raise families and worship openly. They can also pursue their dreams. This includes joyful activities like a family trip. It can also be a day on the course throwing discs.

We also visited sites tied to later history:

• A church once walked by President Nixon
• Buildings that still bear Civil War bullet shells in their walls
• The grounds near President Eisenhower’s Gettysburg home, where he would retreat for rest and reflection

History doesn’t sit behind glass here — it surrounds you.

Disc Golf: Finding Peace Between the Lines of History

One of my favorite things about disc golf is how it naturally fits into places like this. The quiet focus. The long walks. The way your mind slows as your body moves.

Throwing a disc in historic landscapes feels different. You’re reminded that while life moves onward, the ground beneath your feet has carried generations before you. Disc golf becomes more than a game — it becomes a moment of gratitude. A prayer in motion.

Each throw felt intentional. Each step between holes provided time to think. This included reflecting on faith, family, and the blessing of playing a sport we love. It’s a sport that allows us to play in places so rich with meaning.

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Haunted History & Family Traditions

If you know our family, you know fall means haunted houses. Every year, my husband Trey proudly steps into his role as our official Haunted House Researcher. Gettysburg did not disappoint.

We explored haunted bridges, historic streets, and attractions that blended folklore with fact. One stop brought us to a bridge once crossed by General Robert E. Lee and his troops. No ghosts showed themselves — but standing there, knowing who had passed before us, was haunting in its own way.

Later, when we made a quick trip into Washington, D.C., Amaya stayed behind with Grandma and Grandpa. She soaked up grandparent love. Meanwhile, the rest of us squeezed in more adventures. When we returned, a neighboring RV had arrived with kids her age, and just like that, new friendships were formed. Watching kids connect so easily is always a reminder of how simple joy can be.

Escape Rooms, Laughter & Learning Grace Under Pressure

We couldn’t leave without tackling an escape room — and this one earned its nickname: One Lock Away.

We worked fast, solved puzzles, and leaned into our usual strategy: gather everything and work as a team. The puzzles grew tougher, the clock louder. At one point, the game master jokingly reminded us there was no WiFi in 1863. This somehow made everything harder. It was funnier at the same time.

Midway through, I had to step back due to feeling lightheaded. Sitting down, slowing my breathing, and reading clues calmly ended up making me more helpful than scrambling ever did. It was a quiet lesson in listening to your body. You can trust that you still have value even when you need rest.

We didn’t escape in time, but we walked out laughing, learning, and thankful for the teamwork.

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Haunted House Parks: A Fall Favorite

We visited three different haunted house parks, each with its own personality:

• Park One: Spooky but family-friendly. It has four houses and an atmosphere that eased everyone in. Amaya, in particular, faced her fears with quiet bravery.
• The Haunted Hayride: A highlight for all of us. Just spooky enough, relaxing enough, and full of shared laughs.
• Jason’s Woods: Deep in the forest, intense, immersive, and unforgettable. There are nearly two miles of haunted walk-through trails. Animatronics and jump scares pushed our limits. They gave us stories we’ll tell for years.

🗝️ Before You Leave Pennsylvania…

Some places don’t just tell stories —
they leave questions behind.

Gettysburg is one of them.

Hidden within the history you just walked through is a truth waiting to be unlocked. A puzzle tied to this land, its legacy, and the moment that changed everything.

Think you caught it?

👉 Enter the Pennsylvania Escape Puzzle
and see if you can unlock the truth historians still point to today.

Only those who solve it earn the Pennsylvania State Badge.

Gratitude Above All

Trips like this remind me why we do what we do.

We travel not just to see places. We do it to build faith and deepen family bonds. We create memories our kids will carry long after the photos fade. We’re grateful for protection on the road, laughter around campfires, and the freedom to explore this beautiful country.

God’s hand was in the details — from quiet moments on historic ground to joyful chaos in haunted woods.

Thanks for walking this journey with us. Gettysburg left its mark on our hearts — and we can’t wait to share where the road leads next.

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