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<channel><title><![CDATA[HICKORY BRIDGE FARM - BLOG]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog]]></link><description><![CDATA[BLOG]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 20:58:08 -0500</pubDate><generator>Weebly</generator><item><title><![CDATA[A Match Made in Pennsylvania: The Story Behind Our Local Ice Cream Pies]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/a-match-made-in-pennsylvania-the-story-behind-our-local-ice-cream-pies]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/a-match-made-in-pennsylvania-the-story-behind-our-local-ice-cream-pies#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 20:11:26 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/a-match-made-in-pennsylvania-the-story-behind-our-local-ice-cream-pies</guid><description><![CDATA[ (function(jQuery) {function init() { window.wSlideshow && window.wSlideshow.render({elementID:"242533396836267280",nav:"none",navLocation:"bottom",captionLocation:"bottom",transition:"fade",autoplay:"1",speed:"4",aspectRatio:"auto",showControls:"true",randomStart:"false",images:[{"url":"1/7/7/3/17734165/icecream5.jpg","width":"1107","height":"738"},{"url":"1/7/7/3/17734165/icecream.jpg","width":"1107","height":"738"},{"url":"1/7/7/3/17734165/icecream4.jpg","width":"1107","height":"738"},{"url": [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div style="height:0px;overflow:hidden"></div> <div id='242533396836267280-slideshow'></div> <div style="height:15px;overflow:hidden"></div></div>  <span class='imgPusher' style='float:left;height:0px'></span><span style='display: table;width:auto;position:relative;float:left;max-width:100%;;clear:left;margin-top:0px;*margin-top:0px'><a><img src="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/uploads/1/7/7/3/17734165/hk58302-001-web-res-236x300_orig.jpg" style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; border-width:1px;padding:3px; max-width:100%" alt="Kreider Farm, Lancaster PA" class="galleryImageBorder wsite-image" /></a><span style="display: table-caption; caption-side: bottom; font-size: 90%; margin-top: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;" class="wsite-caption"></span></span> <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;display:block;"><span>At&nbsp;Hickory Bridge Farm, our commitment to providing a truly authentic&nbsp;farm-to-table dining experience&nbsp;is at the heart of everything we do. When you step into our&nbsp;160-year-old barn restaurant, you are entering a space steeped in American history and tradition. Since 1977, the Martin family has been dedicated to <a href="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/dining1.html" target="_blank">serving meals made with&nbsp;local ingredients</a>, ensuring that every guest experiences the best flavors our region has to offer. One of the most beloved highlights of our <a href="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/dining1.html" target="_blank">family-style meals</a> is our&nbsp;popular ice cream pies, and we are proud to share that the secret to their success lies in our partnership with a local legend:&nbsp;Kreider Farms.</span><br /><br /><font size="5"><span>A Heritage of Excellence: The Kreider Farms History</span></font><br /><span style="color:rgb(16, 16, 16)">To understand why we chose <a href="https://www.kreiderfarms.com/ice-cream/" target="_blank">Kreider Farms as our ice cream source</a>, one must look at their incredible history, which mirrors our own dedication to heritage. </span><span>In the spring of 1935, Noah W. Kreider and his wife, Mary R. Hershey, relocated with their two young sons, Richard and Noah Jr., from Bird-In-Hand to Mary&rsquo;s family homestead on Doe Run Road. The farm had deep roots in the Hershey lineage, remaining in the family since its original settlement in 1739. Mary&rsquo;s father, John B. Hershey&mdash;a cousin of chocolate magnate Milton Hershey&mdash;sold the property to Noah and Mary as his health declined.</span><br /><br /><span>Starting modestly, the young family managed 102 acres, cared for a dozen dairy cows, and tended 200 chickens. In those early days, they supplemented their income by growing vegetables in their garden and traveling to Manheim to sell produce door to door.</span><br /><br /><span>As their sons matured and married, the family acquired neighboring farms, laying the groundwork for what would become Kreider Farms. Ongoing expansion in dairy operations prompted a pivotal move in 1972: the construction of a processing plant and retail store. This allowed the company to process and bottle its own milk, produce ice cream, and sell directly to customers. Meanwhile, egg production accelerated significantly, and Kreider Farms eventually grew into the largest egg producer in the state of Pennsylvania.</span><br /><br /><span>Today, under the third-generation leadership of Ron Kreider, the Kreider family oversees a dynamic agricultural enterprise supported by approximately 475 employees. The operation spans nearly 3,000 acres and serves both retail and wholesale markets with farm-fresh milk, ice cream, eggs, and a range of other products.</span><br /><br /><span>From the beginning, Noah and Mary built their business on a foundation of superior quality, tireless work ethic, and the courage to pursue new opportunities&mdash;all guided by strong moral and ethical principles. Those same values and mission-driven commitments continue to shape the direction of Kreider Farms as it looks toward future growth and innovation.</span><br /><br /><font size="5"><span>From Their Farm to Your Table</span></font><br /><span>The philosophy at <a href="https://www.kreiderfarms.com/ice-cream/" target="_blank">Kreider Farms</a> aligns perfectly with the&nbsp;culinary heritage experience&nbsp;we strive for at Hickory Bridge Farm. They believe in a the <a href="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/menus.html" target="_blank">farm fresh approach</a>. For those who want to see the magic behind the scenes, Kreider Farms even offers&nbsp;90-minute dairy farm tours, allowing visitors to discover how their&nbsp;farm-fresh milk, eggs, and ice cream&nbsp;make the journey from the farm to the table every single day.</span><br /><span>This level of transparency and dedication to the craft is why their products are often described as&nbsp;"udderly delicious". By using ice cream that is produced right here in Pennsylvania by a family-owned operation with deep historical roots, we ensure that our ice cream pies maintain the high standard our guests have come to expect since we first opened our doors.</span><br /><span>&nbsp;</span><br /><font size="5"><span>Shared Values: Sustainability and Tradition</span></font><br /><span>Hickory Bridge Farm and Kreider Farms share more than just a local region; we share a set of core values. Our restaurant is located in a barn originally constructed in the 1840s, standing as a&nbsp;living monument to the region's agricultural roots. Similarly, Kreider Farms is deeply invested in the future of Pennsylvania agriculture through&nbsp;sustainability and regenerative farming&nbsp;practices.</span><span> </span><span>Their dedication to&nbsp;community involvement&nbsp;and maintaining state-of-the-art facilities ensures that they are not just resting on their 275-year history, but are actively working to improve the quality of local food for generations to come. When you enjoy a slice of ice cream pie at Hickory Bridge Farm, you are supporting this cycle of&nbsp;local sustainability and tradition.</span><br /><span>&nbsp;</span><br /><font size="5"><span>The Perfect Ending to a Family-Style Meal</span></font><br /><span>Dining at Hickory Bridge Farm is meant to be a journey through centuries of culinary heritage. From the moment you are greeted by our warm, rustic atmosphere&mdash;adorned with&nbsp;hundreds of genuine farm antiques&mdash;to the final course, we want every detail to be perfect.</span><span> </span><span>Our family-style service encourages guests to share abundant platters of house salad, corn fritters, and fresh vegetables. But no meal is complete without a signature dessert. By sourcing our ice cream locally from Kreider Farms, we bring a taste of&nbsp;Lancaster County excellence&nbsp;to our&nbsp;Orrtanna retreat. It is the quality you can taste&mdash;a result of centuries of dedication.</span><br /><span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><font size="5"><span>Visit Us and Taste the Difference</span></font><br /><span>Whether you are staying in our&nbsp;1750 farmhouse bed and breakfast&nbsp;or joining us for a&nbsp;hearty dinner, we invite you to experience the local flavors that make our farm so special. Our ice cream pies are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of&nbsp;Pennsylvania&rsquo;s farming history&nbsp;and our commitment to using the <a href="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/dining1.html" target="_blank">very best local ingredients</a>.</span><br /><br /><span>Reserve your table today&nbsp;by calling <a href="tel:7176425261">717-642-5261</a> and join us for a meal that honors the past while serving up something truly delicious for the present. We look forward to spoiling you with our hospitality and a slice of our famous local ice cream pie!</span></div> <hr style="width:100%;clear:both;visibility:hidden;"></hr>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hickory Bridge Farm: A Legacy of Giving Back, One Cookie and Gala at a Time]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/hickory-bridge-farm-a-legacy-of-giving-back-one-cookie-and-gala-at-a-time]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/hickory-bridge-farm-a-legacy-of-giving-back-one-cookie-and-gala-at-a-time#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 16:41:30 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/hickory-bridge-farm-a-legacy-of-giving-back-one-cookie-and-gala-at-a-time</guid><description><![CDATA[       In a world that often feels fast-paced and disconnected, there are places that stand as beacons of community spirit and unwavering generosity. Hickory Bridge Farm, nestled in a picturesque setting, is one such place. More than just a charming destination, it&rsquo;s a hub of heartfelt giving, a testament to the power of a community-minded business. For decades, Hickory Bridge Farm has woven a rich tapestry of compassion, reaching out to those in need with open arms and a commitment to mak [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/uploads/1/7/7/3/17734165/cookies-for-soldiers_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">In a world that often feels fast-paced and disconnected, there are places that stand as beacons of community spirit and unwavering generosity. Hickory Bridge Farm, nestled in a picturesque setting, is one such place. More than just a charming destination, it&rsquo;s a hub of heartfelt giving, a testament to the power of a community-minded business. For decades, Hickory Bridge Farm has woven a rich tapestry of compassion, reaching out to those in need with open arms and a commitment to making a tangible difference. This isn't just about business; it's about a legacy of kindness that continues to grow and inspire.<br /><br />The story of Hickory Bridge Farm's charitable endeavors is deeply rooted in a simple yet profound act of kindness: homemade cookies. For many years, the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted from their kitchens, destined not for local patrons, but for soldiers serving in troubled areas across the globe. Imagine the comfort and taste of home, thousands of miles away, a small but significant reminder that they were not forgotten. The impact of these sweet gestures was immeasurable. Units would respond with heartfelt letters of thanks, sharing glimpses of their lives through photos, and even sending back American Flags that had proudly flown over their locations. These cherished mementos, symbols of gratitude and connection, are a powerful testament to the profound effect a simple act of generosity can have on those who sacrifice so much. This tradition of supporting our troops speaks volumes about the values upheld at Hickory Bridge Farm, demonstrating a deep respect and appreciation for service.<br /><br />Beyond their steadfast support for the military, Hickory Bridge Farm extends its benevolent reach to numerous non-profit organizations throughout the year, transforming their beautiful venue into a stage for charitable events. These aren't just fundraisers; they are carefully curated experiences designed to bring joy, foster community, and raise vital funds for worthy causes.<br /></div>  <span class='imgPusher' style='float:left;height:0px'></span><span style='display: table;width:220px;position:relative;float:left;max-width:100%;;clear:left;margin-top:0px;*margin-top:0px'><a><img src="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/uploads/1/7/7/3/17734165/published/screenshot-2026-01-31-at-11-45-05-am_1.png" style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; border-width:1px;padding:3px; max-width:100%" alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder wsite-image" /></a><span style="display: table-caption; caption-side: bottom; font-size: 90%; margin-top: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;" class="wsite-caption"></span></span> <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;display:block;">One of the most enchanting events on their calendar is the annual <a href="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/hickory-bridge-farms-butterfly-tea-a-whimsical-summer-tradition-in-rural-pennsylvania" target="_blank">Children&rsquo;s Butterfly Tea Party</a>, held every July. This magical gathering supports the Adams County Special Olympics, an organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities through the power of sport. Imagine children, dressed in their finest, sipping tea and enjoying treats, surrounded by the whimsical beauty of butterflies, all while contributing to a cause that champions inclusion and celebrates ability. It&rsquo;s an event that not only raises crucial funds but also creates unforgettable memories for the young attendees, instilling in them the importance of giving back from an early age. The joy and laughter that fill the air during this event are a true reflection of Hickory Bridge Farm's dedication to nurturing a compassionate future.<br /><br />Hickory Bridge Farm once again opened its doors for a heartwarming event benefiting Toys for Tots. On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, the farm transforms into a festive wonderland where children can meet Santa Claus, play games, and enjoy delicious cookies and warm hot cider. This event is a cornerstone of the community's holiday preparations, ensuring that every child has a toy to open during the festive season. The sight of children's faces lighting up with excitement as they share their wishes with Santa, knowing that their participation helps other children, is a truly moving experience. It&rsquo;s a powerful reminder of the spirit of generosity that defines the holiday season and Hickory Bridge Farm's role in fostering it.<br /><br />Adding to their impressive roster of charitable initiatives, Hickory Bridge Farm has recently introduced the <u><strong><a href="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/valentinersquos-gala-feb-14-2026.html" target="_blank">Valentine Gala</a></strong></u>, a new and exciting event designed to support <a href="https://www.gh-community.org/mission" target="_blank">Graceful Harvest</a>. Graceful Harvest is an outreach program dedicated to assisting those in need within the community, providing essential support and resources. The Valentine Gala promises an evening of elegance and entertainment, showcasing a delightful dinner and an opportunity for dancing, all while contributing to a cause that directly impacts the lives of vulnerable individuals. This new endeavor highlights Hickory Bridge Farm's continuous commitment to identifying and addressing the evolving needs of their community, demonstrating their proactive approach to philanthropy.<br />&#8203;<br />Hickory Bridge Farm is more than just a business; it's a cornerstone of its community, a place where compassion is cultivated, and generosity flourishes. From sending homemade cookies to soldiers overseas to hosting enchanting tea parties for Special Olympics and festive gatherings for Toys for Tots, and now with the elegant Valentine Gala for Graceful Harvest, their dedication to helping others is unwavering. Their story is a powerful reminder that businesses, big or small, have the capacity to be incredible forces for good, enriching lives and strengthening the fabric of society. When you visit Hickory Bridge Farm, you're not just enjoying a <a href="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/dining.html" target="_blank">meal</a> or an <a href="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/events.html" target="_blank">event</a>; you're becoming a part of a beautiful legacy of giving back.</div> <hr style="width:100%;clear:both;visibility:hidden;"></hr>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Winter Wonders Near Gettysburg: Cozy Stay, Historic Adventures, and Winter Fun]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/winter-wonders-near-gettysburg-cozy-stay-historic-adventures-and-winter-fun]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/winter-wonders-near-gettysburg-cozy-stay-historic-adventures-and-winter-fun#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 22:59:38 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/winter-wonders-near-gettysburg-cozy-stay-historic-adventures-and-winter-fun</guid><description><![CDATA[       When winter settles gracefully over the hills of Pennsylvania, few destinations capture the season's charm quite like the&nbsp;Gettysburg area!&nbsp;From snow-covered battlefields steeped in history to the exhilarating slopes of&nbsp;Liberty Mountain Resort, this region transforms into a landscape of warmth, wonder, and adventure. And sitting right at the heart of it all is&nbsp;Hickory Bridge Farm, your home base for winter comfort, cozy country meals, and easy access to some of the area [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/uploads/1/7/7/3/17734165/winter-2026-barn_orig.jpg" alt="winter things to do in Gettysburg PA" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;">When winter settles gracefully over the hills of Pennsylvania, few destinations capture the season's charm quite like the&nbsp;<span style="font-weight:600">Gettysburg area!</span>&nbsp;From snow-covered battlefields steeped in history to the exhilarating slopes of&nbsp;<span style="font-weight:600"><a href="https://www.libertymountainresort.com/" target="_blank">Liberty Mountain Resort</a></span>, this region transforms into a landscape of warmth, wonder, and adventure. And sitting right at the heart of it all is&nbsp;<span style="font-weight:600"><a href="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/" target="_blank">Hickory Bridge Farm</a></span>, your home base for winter comfort, cozy country meals, and easy access to some of the area's best cold-weather activities.<br /><br />Located just&nbsp;<span style="font-weight:600">9 miles west of historic Gettysburg, PA</span>, and minutes from&nbsp;<span style="font-weight:600">Liberty Mountain Ski Resort</span>, Hickory Bridge Farm combines rustic charm, hearty dining, and a peaceful countryside escape. Whether you're a history enthusiast, skier, foodie, or simply in need of a relaxing winter retreat, this is your invitation to rediscover Pennsylvania's countryside magic in 2026.<br /><br /><span><font size="5">A Historic Haven Near Gettysburg, PA</font></span><br /><a href="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/about.html" target="_blank">Hickory Bridge Farm</a>&nbsp;has been welcoming guests since&nbsp;<span style="font-weight:600">1977</span>, when our family acquired the property to pursue "a little slower pace of life." Today, we stand as one of South Central Pennsylvania's most beloved destinations&mdash;a place where the past comes alive through good food, genuine hospitality, and preserved history.<br /><br />The centerpiece of our property is a beautifully restored&nbsp;<span style="font-weight:600">barn, over 160 years old</span>, adorned with hundreds of farm-related antiques and period furnishings. The dining experience begins with a unique ritual: appetizers served from an antique sleigh, immediately signaling that something special awaits. Warm, fresh-baked bread arrives at the table, accompanied by homemade apple butter&mdash;a regional specialty that showcases our dedication to preserving local food traditions.<br />&#8203;<br />The nearby&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nps.gov/gett/index.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight:600">Gettysburg National Military Park</span></a>&mdash;located just minutes away&mdash;remains a must-visit spot even in the colder months. The snow adds a serene beauty to the storied fields, and fewer crowds make it the perfect time to explore the museums, monuments, and walking trails in quiet reflection. Learn more about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/things-to-do.html" target="_blank">what to do in the Gettysburg area</a>&nbsp;by visiting our dedicated guide.<br /><br /><span><font size="5">Winter Fun Just Minutes Away:<br />&#8203;Liberty Mountain Resort</font></span><br />One of the biggest advantages of staying at Hickory Bridge Farm is our proximity to&nbsp;<span style="font-weight:600">Liberty Mountain Resort</span>&mdash;a premier destination for winter sports lovers. Located just&nbsp;<span style="font-weight:600">15 minutes</span>&nbsp;from our doorstep, Liberty Mountain offers something for everyone, from avid skiers to families seeking winter fun.<br />Here's what you can look forward to at&nbsp;<span style="font-weight:600">Liberty Mountain</span>&nbsp;this season:<ul style="color:rgb(13, 13, 13)"><li><span style="font-weight:600">Skiing and Snowboarding:</span>&nbsp;With 16 trails and top-quality snowmaking, Liberty Mountain provides a first-rate experience whether you're carving down advanced runs or learning the basics.</li><li><span style="font-weight:600">Snow Tubing:</span>&nbsp;Perfect for families and groups seeking playful winter thrills.</li><li><span style="font-weight:600">Terrain Park Adventures:</span>&nbsp;For freestyle enthusiasts and advanced riders looking for jumps and rails.</li><li><span style="font-weight:600">Learn to Ski and Ride:</span>&nbsp;Professional instruction makes it easy for beginners to master the slopes in a supportive environment.</li></ul> After a day on the slopes, you'll love returning to Hickory Bridge Farm for a home-cooked meal in our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/dining.html" target="_blank">barn dining room</a>. Think golden fried chicken, our legendary&nbsp;<span style="font-weight:600">Crab Imperial</span>, warm homemade bread, and rich apple crisp&mdash;all the flavors that bring warmth back to your soul after a day in the snow.<br /><br /><span><font size="5">Top Winter Things to Do Near Gettysburg</font></span><br />The Gettysburg area is full of winter charm, with plenty of things to do beyond skiing. Whether you're a history buff, adventurer, or simply love discovering small-town beauty, here are wonderful experiences to enjoy this season:<br /><span><font size="5">1. Explore Gettysburg's Historic Sites</font></span><br />Bundle up and walk through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nps.gov/gett/index.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight:600">Gettysburg Battlefield</span></a>, perhaps with a hot cup of cocoa in hand. Stop at the&nbsp;<span style="font-weight:600">Gettysburg Museum &amp; Visitor Center</span>&nbsp;to catch one of the area's famous historical presentations or explore exhibits detailing this pivotal moment in American history.<br /><span><font size="5">2. Cozy Up with Farm-Style Dining</font></span><br />There's nothing like family-style comfort food after a chilly day outdoors. Our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/dining.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight:600">Dining Experience</span></a>&nbsp;features meals made from scratch using local ingredients and family recipes handed down through generations&mdash;served in our authentic barn that has welcomed countless families.<br /><span><font size="5">3. Discover Downtown Gettysburg</font></span><br />Winter in downtown Gettysburg has its own special glow. Antique shops, art galleries, and cozy caf&eacute;s line the streets. Guests love exploring local boutiques, historic taverns, and seasonal holiday events that capture the festive spirit of the season.<br /><span><font size="5">4. Visit Adams County Wineries and Cideries</font></span><br />Adams County is known for its wine and cider trails. Seasonal tastings are offered at local establishments, each offering cozy tasting rooms and scenic winter vistas of the Pennsylvania countryside.<br /><span><font size="5">5. Experience Regional Winter Festivals</font></span><br />Throughout winter, the tri-state area hosts special events and seasonal celebrations. Check local tourism boards for updated event listings and festival dates.<br /><span><font size="5">6. Go Hiking at Scenic Nature Preserves</font></span><br />The countryside surrounding Hickory Bridge Farm offers peaceful winter trails surrounded by snow-covered forests. Perfect for quiet walks, photography, or simply reconnecting with nature in stillness.<br /><span><font size="5">7. Relax in Our Country Lodging</font></span><br />After your day's adventures, there's nothing more comforting than unwinding in one of our <a href="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/bed--breakfast.html" target="_blank">bed and breakfast accommodations</a>. Our&nbsp;<span style="font-weight:600">1750 farmhouse and country cottages</span>&nbsp;include king-size beds, microwaves, coffee makers, fireplaces, and private baths. Each space features rustic charm, antique d&eacute;cor, and that peaceful feeling of getting away from it all. Browse our full&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/bed--breakfast.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight:600">Lodging Options</span></a>&nbsp;to plan your perfect winter stay.<br /><br /><span><font size="5">Planning Your Winter Group Getaway</font><br />&#8203;</span>If you're traveling with a larger group,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/groups.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight:600">Hickory Bridge Farm specializes in group dining experiences</span></a>. We welcome tour groups, family reunions, corporate events, and special celebrations. Our team can arrange custom experiences including historical impersonators, Gettysburg Battlefield guides, and our farm museum tours to enhance your winter adventure.<br />For group reservations and package pricing,&nbsp;<span style="font-weight:600">call 717-642-5261</span>&nbsp;or visit our group dining page for details.<br /><br /><span><font size="5">A Winter Getaway that Warms the Heart</font><br />&#8203;</span>Winter in South Central Pennsylvania brings out the best in the Gettysburg area&mdash;quiet trails, roaring fireplaces, crisp air, and endless opportunities for exploration. Whether you're hitting the slopes at Liberty Mountain, exploring historic battlefields, or sharing a family-style meal under centuries-old beams, Hickory Bridge Farm&nbsp;is your cozy home base for every kind of adventure.<br /><br />&#8203;So, pack your scarves, lace up your snow boots, and come discover why winter here is one of the most magical times of year! Because every season has its charm&mdash;but winter truly brings our countryside to life.<br /><br /><span>Ready to Book Your Winter Stay?</span><br />&#128222;&nbsp;<span style="font-weight:600">Phone:</span>&nbsp;<a href="tel:7176425261">717-642-5261</a><br />&#128231;&nbsp;<span style="font-weight:600">Email:</span>&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@hickorybridgefarm.com">info@hickorybridgefarm.com</a><br />&#128205;&nbsp;<span style="font-weight:600">Address:</span>&nbsp;96 Hickory Bridge Rd, Orrtanna, PA 17353<br /><br /><a href="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/bed--breakfast.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight:600">Reserve Your Room</span></a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/dining.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight:600">Make a Dining Reservation</span></a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/groups.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight:600">Plan a Group Visit</span></a></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[A New Year, A New Experience: Discover the Timeless Charm of Hickory Bridge Farm in 2026]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/a-new-year-a-new-experience-discover-the-timeless-charm-of-hickory-bridge-farm-in-2026]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/a-new-year-a-new-experience-discover-the-timeless-charm-of-hickory-bridge-farm-in-2026#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 15:46:07 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/a-new-year-a-new-experience-discover-the-timeless-charm-of-hickory-bridge-farm-in-2026</guid><description><![CDATA[       As we step into 2026, there&rsquo;s no better time to slow down, reconnect with tradition, and savor life&rsquo;s simplest joys than with a visit to&nbsp;Hickory Bridge Farm. Nestled in the peaceful hills near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, our charming country getaway continues to welcome friends&mdash;both new and returning&mdash;into a world where great food, warm hospitality, and history come together in the most delightful way.&#8203;From cozy country lodging and mouthwatering home-cooked [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/uploads/1/7/7/3/17734165/country-style-dining_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">As we step into 2026, there&rsquo;s no better time to slow down, reconnect with tradition, and savor life&rsquo;s simplest joys than with a visit to&nbsp;<span style="font-weight:600">Hickory Bridge Farm</span>. Nestled in the peaceful hills near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, our charming country getaway continues to welcome friends&mdash;both new and returning&mdash;into a world where great food, warm hospitality, and history come together in the most delightful way.<br />&#8203;<br />From cozy country lodging and mouthwatering home-cooked meals to beautifully restored barns and scenic countryside views, Hickory Bridge Farm is much more than just a destination&mdash;it&rsquo;s an experience worth savoring. Whether you&rsquo;re making a weekend escape, celebrating a family milestone, or looking for a relaxing countryside retreat to begin your year, you&rsquo;ll find countless reasons to make 2026 the year you visit.<br /><br /><span><strong><font size="5">A Tradition of Hospitality That Feels Like Home</font></strong></span><br />At Hickory Bridge Farm, we pride ourselves on our legacy of genuine hospitality. Since opening decades ago, our mission has remained simple: to treat every guest like family. When you walk through our doors, you&rsquo;re stepping into a space filled with stories&mdash;of family dinners, laughter-filled reunions, and generations of guests returning for more.<br /><br />Visitors often say there&rsquo;s something different about our atmosphere. Maybe it&rsquo;s the comforting aroma of our family-style meals served in our historic 1800s barn dining room. Or perhaps it&rsquo;s the way our friendly staff remembers your name and goes out of their way to make you feel right at home. Whatever it is, that heartwarming combination of tradition and authenticity is what has made Hickory Bridge Farm a beloved Pennsylvania retreat for decades.<br /><br />For those new to our story, we invite you to learn more about our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/historyabout.html" target="_blank">Farm History</a>&mdash;a fascinating journey that began as a working farm and evolved into one of South Central Pennsylvania&rsquo;s most loved dining and lodging destinations.<br /><br /><span><strong><font size="5">Country Dining That Celebrates Simplicity and Flavor</font></strong></span><br />When guests talk about Hickory Bridge Farm, one thing always comes up&mdash;<span style="font-weight:600">the food</span>. Our home-style meals are not just delicious; they&rsquo;re a tribute to the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition of simple, wholesome cooking. Every dish is crafted using fresh ingredients and time-honored recipes passed down through generations.<br /><br />Whether you&rsquo;re seated in our charming barn or joining us for a special event, you can expect mouthwatering dishes served family-style. Favorites include our famous crab imperial, golden fried chicken, locally sourced roast beef, homemade applesauce, and warm farmhouse bread served fresh from the oven. Each meal ends on a sweet note with our signature desserts&mdash;like apple crisp and melt-in-your-mouth shoofly pie&mdash;that remind you why homemade tastes so much better.<br /><br />If you haven&rsquo;t yet, browse our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/dining.html" target="_blank">Dining Experience</a>&nbsp;page for details on our seasonal menus, dining hours, and special holiday meals. It&rsquo;s the perfect way to plan your next countryside feast.<br /><br /><span><strong><font size="5">Charming Country Lodging for Every Kind of Traveler</font></strong></span><br />A visit to Hickory Bridge Farm wouldn&rsquo;t be complete without staying overnight in one of our cozy accommodations. Whether you choose a romantic room in our farmhouse or one of our peaceful cottages along the creek, every space offers comfort, tranquility, and rustic elegance.<br /><br />Imagine waking up to the sound of birds singing, enjoying a homemade breakfast with local ingredients, and sipping coffee while overlooking the rolling landscape that surrounds the property. Each room is thoughtfully decorated with antiques and touches of farm-inspired charm, creating a peaceful atmosphere where you can truly unwind.<br /><br />Many of our guests love that staying here feels like stepping back in time&mdash;but with all the modern comforts you need. Couples often choose Hickory Bridge Farm for a romantic weekend, while families and friends find joy in the simplicity of connecting away from technology and city life.<br /><br />Discover more about our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/bed--breakfast.html" target="_blank">Lodging Options</a>&nbsp;and start picturing your countryside getaway for the year ahead.<br /><br /><span>Seasonal Events and Special Celebrations in 2026</span>2026 promises to be a year full of exciting things at Hickory Bridge Farm! From our beloved seasonal dinners to community events, there&rsquo;s something special for every visitor.<ul style="color:rgb(13, 13, 13)"><li><span style="font-weight:600">Winter Warmth Dinners:</span>&nbsp;Cozy up by the fire as you enjoy hearty comfort foods and warm hospitality after a day exploring nearby Gettysburg or scenic winter trails.</li><li><span style="font-weight:600">Springtime Getaways:</span>&nbsp;Watch the countryside bloom with vibrant wildflowers&mdash;perfect for nature walks, photography, and romantic weekends away.</li><li><span style="font-weight:600">Summer Evenings on the Farm:</span>&nbsp;Take part in our outdoor dining nights, complete with live local music and fresh summer dishes.</li><li><span style="font-weight:600">Fall Harvest Dinners:</span>&nbsp;Celebrate the season with family-style feasts that capture the flavors of autumn&mdash;apple butter, roasted chicken, and pumpkin desserts galore.</li></ul> Each season offers its own charm, and our events calendar will be filled with opportunities to make lasting memories with family and friends. Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates about special dinners, farm tours, and lodging packages.<br /><br /><span><strong><font size="5">A Destination Rich in History and Natural Beauty</font></strong></span><br />Part of what makes Hickory Bridge Farm so unforgettable is its unique location. Just minutes away from historic Gettysburg, our property allows visitors to enjoy a peaceful countryside escape while still being close to the area&rsquo;s rich history and cultural attractions.<br /><br />Explore local antique shops, hiking trails, wineries, and museums&mdash;all within a short drive. Then, return to the farm to relax beneath the stars or share stories over a family-style dinner. Our setting offers the perfect balance of discovery and rest&mdash;ideal for anyone seeking an authentic Pennsylvania experience.<br /><br /><span><strong><font size="5">Why 2026 Is the Perfect Year to Visit Hickory Bridge Farm</font></strong></span><br />As the world embraces a slower, more mindful pace post-2025, travelers are rediscovering the beauty of places that offer authenticity, connection, and comfort&mdash;and Hickory Bridge Farm embodies all three. Whether you&rsquo;re looking to recharge in nature, reconnect with loved ones, or celebrate new beginnings, our farm is ready to welcome you with open arms.<br /><br />When you visit Hickory Bridge Farm in 2026, you&rsquo;re not just booking a room or a table&mdash;you&rsquo;re becoming part of a legacy. A place where memories are made, traditions are kept alive, and every visitor leaves feeling a little more at peace than when they arrived.<br /><br /><span><strong><font size="5">Plan Your Visit Today</font></strong></span><br />Make 2026 the year you experience everything Hickory Bridge Farm has to offer. From our welcoming tables and cozy rooms to our scenic countryside setting, every detail is designed to help you relax, reconnect, and rediscover the joy of simple living.<br />&#8203;<br />We can&rsquo;t wait to welcome new friends&mdash;and old&mdash;through our doors this year. Visit us soon and see why so many guests call Hickory Bridge Farm their&nbsp;<span style="font-weight:600">home away from home</span>.</div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Favorite Family Recipes]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/favorite-family-recipes]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/favorite-family-recipes#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/favorite-family-recipes</guid><description><![CDATA[ Dear Friends,&nbsp;&#8203;Our family became involved in the hospitality industry in 1970 through a restoration project at the Fairfield Inn in Fairfield Pennsylvania. After the sale of the Fairfield Inn in 1977, my family purchased Hickory Bridge farm.We continue our hospitality by offering delicious family style dinners that are served in a beautiful old barn decorated with hundreds of antiques. The barn dates back to 1865 and is constructed of oak and Chestnut wood. Dinner is served two large [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class='imgPusher' style='float:left;height:0px'></span><span style='display: table;width:auto;position:relative;float:left;max-width:100%;;clear:left;margin-top:0px;*margin-top:0px'><a href='https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/category/recipes' target='_blank'><img src="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/uploads/1/7/7/3/17734165/published/01.jpg?1763670575" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 20px; border-width:1px;padding:3px; max-width:100%" alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder wsite-image" /></a><span style="display: table-caption; caption-side: bottom; font-size: 90%; margin-top: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;" class="wsite-caption"></span></span> <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;display:block;">Dear Friends,&nbsp;<br />&#8203;Our family became involved in the hospitality industry in 1970 through a restoration project at the Fairfield Inn in Fairfield Pennsylvania. After the sale of the Fairfield Inn in 1977, my family purchased Hickory Bridge farm.<br /><br />We continue our hospitality by offering delicious family style dinners that are served in a beautiful old barn decorated with hundreds of antiques. The barn dates back to 1865 and is constructed of oak and Chestnut wood. Dinner is served two large parties during the week and to individual guests on the weekends by reservations.<br /><br />Bed and breakfast accommodations for our guests are also available at the farm. Several cottages are located in the woods along the stream. Each cottage features a king size bed, gas, fireplace, and whirlpool tub for two. Our farmhouse rooms have lovely accommodations and feature, king-size beds, cable, television, Wi-Fi, and whirlpool tubs for two. We serve a full farm breakfast for our overnight guests except on Sundays. We deliver breakfast to our guests room.<br /><br />Many of the recipes included on our website are favorites at Hickory Bridge Farm. We hope that you will enjoy serving them in your home.<br /><br /><strong>Happy cooking!</strong><br />The Martin Family<br /><br /><em>In memory of Nancy Jeane Hammett<br />Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother</em></div> <hr style="width:100%;clear:both;visibility:hidden;"></hr>  <div style="text-align:center;"><div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div> <a class="wsite-button wsite-button-large wsite-button-highlight" href="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/category/recipes" target="_blank"> <span class="wsite-button-inner">Click to View RECIPES</span> </a> <div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Cheese Spread Recipe]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/cheese-spread-recipe]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/cheese-spread-recipe#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 20:44:59 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Recipes]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/cheese-spread-recipe</guid><description><![CDATA[             [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/uploads/1/7/7/3/17734165/cheese-8827229-1280_orig.jpg" alt="Hickory Bridge Farm's Cheese Spread Recipe" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/uploads/1/7/7/3/17734165/hickory-bridge-farm-recipe-cheese-spread_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hot Spiced Apple Juice Recipe]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/hot-spiced-apple-juice-recipe]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/hot-spiced-apple-juice-recipe#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 20:40:59 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Recipes]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/hot-spiced-apple-juice-recipe</guid><description><![CDATA[      [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/uploads/1/7/7/3/17734165/recipes-appetizer1_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[​Hickory Bridge Farm: The Heart of Historic Country Dining]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/hickory-bridge-farm-the-heart-of-historic-country-dining]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/hickory-bridge-farm-the-heart-of-historic-country-dining#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Mon, 20 Oct 2025 23:36:11 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/hickory-bridge-farm-the-heart-of-historic-country-dining</guid><description><![CDATA[       Nestled in the scenic foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, just a short drive from historic Gettysburg, Hickory Bridge Farm stands as a beacon of historic dining and authentic country hospitality. For over five decades, this cherished destination has welcomed guests from near and far to experience the warmth, tradition, and culinary excellence that define Pennsylvania&rsquo;s rural heritage.A Living Monument to American Agricultural HistoryThe story of Hickory Bridge Farm begins in the [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/uploads/1/7/7/3/17734165/hickory-bridge-farm-restaurant-gettysburg_orig.jpg" alt="Historic Dining: Take the gang &ldquo;over the river and through the woods&rdquo; for dinner at Hickory Bridge Farm Restaurant in the neighboring town of Ortanna. Comfort foods are made from scratch and served family style in a 160-year-old barn." style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">Nestled in the scenic foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, just a short drive from historic Gettysburg, Hickory Bridge Farm stands as a beacon of historic dining and authentic country hospitality. For over five decades, this cherished destination has welcomed guests from near and far to experience the warmth, tradition, and culinary excellence that define Pennsylvania&rsquo;s rural heritage.<br /><br /><font size="5">A Living Monument to American Agricultural History</font><br />The story of Hickory Bridge Farm begins in the late 1700s, when the land was granted by King George III to Charles Carroll, father of a signer of the Declaration of Independence. <a href="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/historyabout.html" target="_blank">Today, the centerpiece of the property is a beautifully restored barn, over 160 years old, adorned with hundreds of farm-related antiques and period furnishings.</a> Dining here is not just about the food&mdash;it&rsquo;s an immersive journey through centuries of American history, where every corner tells the story of rural life and agricultural tradition.<br /><br /><font size="5">The Art of Country Dining</font><br />What truly sets Hickory Bridge Farm apart is its commitment to country dining in the purest sense. Meals are served family-style, a tradition that prioritizes abundance, quality, and communal enjoyment over individual portions and quick turnover. Guests gather around long tables, sharing stories and savoring dishes crafted from scratch using local ingredients and recipes handed down through generations.<br /><br />The dining experience begins with a unique ritual: appetizers served from an antique sleigh, immediately signaling that something special awaits. Warm, fresh-baked bread arrives at the table, accompanied by homemade apple butter&mdash;a regional specialty that showcases the farm&rsquo;s dedication to preserving local food traditions. The house salad, dressed in a signature warm bacon dressing and garnished with homemade spiced peaches, is a nod to the area&rsquo;s German-influenced cuisine and agricultural roots.<br /><br /><font size="5">Seasonal Menus and Signature Dishes</font><br />Hickory Bridge Farm&rsquo;s menus change throughout the year, honoring the rhythms of the farm&rsquo;s gardens and nearby growers. Each meal features a trio of rotating entrees, often including the legendary Crab Imperial, alongside other beloved dishes that reflect the flavors of south-central Pennsylvania. Farm-fresh vegetables, classic stewed apples, and outstanding corn fritters are served generously for guests to share, ensuring every bite is a celebration of the land and its bounty.<br /><br />Dessert is always homemade, with favorites like warm apple crisp crowned with vanilla ice cream, celebrating the seasons and local harvest. The commitment to freshness and authenticity means that every visit offers something new, yet always feels like coming home.<br /><br /><font size="5">Historic Dining in a Unique Setting</font><br />Dining at Hickory Bridge Farm is more than a meal&mdash;it&rsquo;s an experience steeped in history and tradition. The barn&rsquo;s interior, with its fine linens and old-fashioned place settings, transports diners to a bygone era while maintaining modern comfort standards. The atmosphere is enhanced by the presence of antique farm tools and artifacts, creating a sense of continuity with the past and a deep appreciation for the region&rsquo;s agricultural heritage.<br /><br /><font size="5">Hospitality and Community</font><br />At the heart of Hickory Bridge Farm is a spirit of compassion and hospitality that infuses every aspect of the dining experience. The staff treats every guest like family, ensuring that each visit is memorable and meaningful. Whether you&rsquo;re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Hickory Bridge Farm offers a warm embrace of tradition and heartfelt hospitality.<br /><br /><font size="5">Plan Your Visit</font><br />Hickory Bridge Farm serves individual guests on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons, with special accommodations for large parties throughout the week. Reservations are essential, as each meal is prepared with care and attention to detail, ensuring that every guest enjoys the full country dining experience.<br /><br />For those seeking a true taste of historic dining in a setting that honors the past while celebrating the present, Hickory Bridge Farm is a destination unlike any other. Here, the flavors of Pennsylvania&rsquo;s countryside come alive, and every meal is a tribute to the enduring charm of rural America.<br /><br />Discover more about their menus, history, and reservation details on their <a href="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/dining.html" target="_blank">dining page</a>.</div>  <div style="text-align:left;"><div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div> <a class="wsite-button wsite-button-small wsite-button-normal" href="tel:7176425261" > <span class="wsite-button-inner">Call to Make a Reservation Today</span> </a> <div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hickory Bridge Farm Restaurant, Keystone Cuisine]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/hickory-bridge-farm-restaurant-keystone-cuisine]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/hickory-bridge-farm-restaurant-keystone-cuisine#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 02:07:33 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/hickory-bridge-farm-restaurant-keystone-cuisine</guid><description><![CDATA[Hickory Bridge Farm dates back to the late 1600s when the land was granted to the Declaration of Independence signer&rsquo;s father, Charles Carroll, from the King of England. In the early 1960s, new owners Mr. and Mrs. Scott repurposed the barn into the farm-style restaurant it is today. The restaurant, decorated with farm-related antiques, provides menus catered to the season with different monthly selections but always includes house salad, spiced peaches, stewed apples, corn fritters, and ve [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;">Hickory Bridge Farm dates back to the late 1600s when the land was granted to the Declaration of Independence signer&rsquo;s father, Charles Carroll, from the King of England. In the early 1960s, new owners Mr. and Mrs. Scott repurposed the barn into the farm-style restaurant it is today. The restaurant, decorated with farm-related antiques, provides menus catered to the season with different monthly selections but always includes house salad, spiced peaches, stewed apples, corn fritters, and vegetables. Learn more about our history on the video below <em>(Created by PCN. Originally poste</em><em>d at <a href="https://pcnselect.com" target="_blank">pcnselect.com</a>)</em></div>  <div class="wsite-video"><div title="Video: hickory_bridge_farm_restaurant_keystone_cuisine_2025-09-11_02_02-_565.mp4" class="wsite-video-wrapper wsite-video-height-480 wsite-video-align-center"> 					<div id="wsite-video-container-467038327440990947" class="wsite-video-container" style="margin: 0px 0 0px 0;"> 						<iframe allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" id="video-iframe-467038327440990947" 							src="about:blank"> 						</iframe> 						 						<style> 							#wsite-video-container-467038327440990947{ 								background: url(//www.weebly.com/uploads/b/17734165-572925607220362667/hickory_bridge_farm_restaurant_keystone_cuisine_2025-09-11_02_02-_565.jpg); 							}  							#video-iframe-467038327440990947{ 								background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/videojs/play-icon.png?1757542217); 							}  							#wsite-video-container-467038327440990947, #video-iframe-467038327440990947{ 								background-repeat: no-repeat; 								background-position:center; 							}  							@media only screen and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), 								only screen and (        min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), 								only screen and (                min-resolution: 192dpi), 								only screen and (                min-resolution: 2dppx) { 									#video-iframe-467038327440990947{ 										background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/videojs/@2x/play-icon.png?1757542217); 										background-repeat: no-repeat; 										background-position:center; 										background-size: 70px 70px; 									} 							} 						</style> 					</div> 				</div></div>  <div class="paragraph"><font size="2"><em>Transcript (original recording):<br /></em>Hello, this is Mary Lynn Martin at Hickory Bridge Farm. I'd like to welcome you. We feature a restaurant as well as a bed and breakfast here. My parents bought Hickory Bridge Farm in 1977, but we started out in restaurant business in 1970. My parents purchased the Fairfield Inn in Fairfield, Pennsylvania. At that time it was a pretty rough bar and my parents wanted to restore an old building. They restored the building in seven years. A wonderful, wonderful experience.<br />&nbsp;<br />But when they sold it they bought Hickory Bridge. Hickory Bridge is a charm. We are outside of Gettysburg by nine miles and we feature a wonderful family-style restaurant which is housed in a barn. Our barn is about 160 years old and then we also have a nice bed and breakfast which features jacuzzis for two, cable television as well as Wi-Fi and gas fireplaces.<br />&nbsp;<br />We always begin our tour here at Hickory Bridge with some appetizers. We feature local products, of course apples, here in Adams County, and so we like to promote Musselman's applesauce, apple juices. We also serve Lucky Leaf products and we have some Mott's products on the shelf.<br />&nbsp;<br />So we start out by serving apple juice when you come into the farm. We serve an appetizer with that. This time of the year we do a cheese spread serving cold apple juice, but in the wintertime we serve a delicious warm apple juice and our guests love our pepper jelly and cream cheese that we feature with that.<br />&nbsp;<br />When you're seated, we serve a family style dinner at your own private table. We are a tablecloth restaurant. We make everything from scratch. So when you're seated, your family will enjoy a nice family style dinner and you may have as much as you like from appetizer to dessert.<br />&nbsp;<br />It's extremely important to note that our restaurant is not open every day. We specialize in serving to groups and parties during the week. We do a lot of motor coaches that go to the Totem Pole Theater. And then we have other groups that come as clubs, retirement dinners, also reunions and things like that. We do very small weddings.<br />&nbsp;<br />and we also do some special events. Our most popular events happens to be our tea parties. We have those twice a year for the spring and the fall season, and then we do a fun children's tea in the middle of July, and this year it will be Cinderella. So we always showcase something like that, and we also do murder mysteries, and our murder mysteries are also featured in the spring and in the fall, and our guests love coming for our full dinner, and then we have a murder mystery right along.<br />&nbsp;<br />But our regular dinner hours, so if you want to come back with your family and your friends, it's extremely important to book a reservation. And we're open every Friday evening from 4 to 8 o'clock and Saturday from 4 to 8 o'clock as well. And then on Sunday, we midday dinner, and so we serve from 12 noon to 3. But our holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Easter in those days, we also feature a little bit longer extended hours on those Sundays.<br />&nbsp;<br />Speaker<br />Thanksgiving happens to be our most popular day of the year. We sell out extremely quickly. Reservations are only accepted beginning on the 1st of October and we're always sold out within a two-hour frame.<br />&nbsp;<br />We are in the dining room here at Hickory Bridge Farm and I wanted to explain a few things. Many of our guests enjoy walking across the uneven floor. This is the original barn floor. It is made of chestnut wood. The planks are about 14 to 16 inches wide and they're about 2 inches thick. And the big barn doors to this barn happen to be back toward my back.<br />&nbsp;<br />And they would have the big doors there. They kept hay on this side. The animals were only on that side in this barn. Even though it's large, like many of the Pennsylvania barns across Pennsylvania, this was called a ground barn instead of a bank barn because it was built right on the ground. They also kept hay up above the stable area on the side to my left.<br />&nbsp;<br />They put a fireplace in the dining room, of course, when they restored the barn. Many of our guests enjoy a quaint little table by the window by the fireplace, and it's often requested during the wintertime. I want to note that Hickory Bridge Farm is family style, but still it has a lot of fine touches, such as being a tablecloth restaurant. We use cloth napkins, and we have very nice china on the tables as well.<br />&nbsp;<br />Our decor here at the restaurant involves my dad's lantern collection. He collected many, many lanterns, railroad lanterns, lanterns that were on trucks, all different types of lanterns are decored throughout the restaurant. The large lanterns that are here in this part of the restaurant happens to be from the streets of Biglerville. We also have a little train that runs throughout the one dining area here. It sits up high, and my dad painted the train car with Hickory Bridge Farm on it.<br />&nbsp;<br />Right now we are in the lower dining room here at Hickory Bridge and it happens to be my favorite room. The lower dining room is the only area that kept the livestock.<br />&nbsp;<br />But it is decorated beautifully with many, many kitchen-related antiques. We have numerous cherry cedars, apple peelers. We have a beautiful collection of blue agate and also some nice green enamelware. This old cook stove here happens to be a local piece. It belongs actually to the family up the road. Many guests like to reminisce about how their great-grandparents had one of these stoves in their farmhouse kitchen.<br />&nbsp;<br />Something rather new at Hickory Bridge happens to be the offering of spirits and beverages from the bar. We keep it kind of low key. We feature local wines from Adams County and we also make a wonderful sangria depending on the season and we also make a nice rum punch. Many of our guests like to have this included especially when they have a banquet or a special party coming to the farm.<br />&nbsp;<br />I would like to welcome you to the bed and breakfast at Hickory Bridge Farm. When our guests arrive, they normally come into the old kitchen. The old kitchen is the first room that they built in 1750. The house was built of mud bricks. They made them by hand, often in forms, and they laid the mud into the forms and dried them until they were ready to put into the home. The old part of the house here is all made of mud bricks. When my husband redid the bathroom, they were still in the walls right up to the attic.<br />&nbsp;<br />This is called the farmhouse suite, the oldest part of the house, which is three bedrooms and two baths used as one unit, so your family could come and stay with us. We serve full breakfast here in the old farmhouse every day, but on Sunday morning, we spoil our guests. Breakfast is delivered to you, to your cottage or to your room in a nice basket featuring homemade sticky buns, muffins, fresh fruit and juice.<br />&nbsp;<br />When our guests come to Hickory Bridge and they're here in the old kitchen, they always like to see the old fireplace. The fireplace is a walk-in fireplace where they often did a lot of their cooking, of course, and they also did some of their laundry. This particular fireplace does have a crane in it where many pots and things hung. But in the olden times, the families often did not have a beautiful collection as I have today. They were happy if they had one pot.<br />&nbsp;<br />They also had a bake oven here which is out at the exterior part of the kitchen. The original bake oven was replaced by a new one and from time to time we do cook in the bake oven. We are now in the newer part of the old farmhouse. It was built in 1977 when my parents bought Hickory Bridge Farm. They lived in this part of the house for 25 years and then after they moved to Fairfield we went ahead and made the whole house into bed and breakfast.<br />&nbsp;<br />Since the house is a newer construction, we were able to put in nice jacuzzis for two. All the rooms have king-sized beds and they have Wi-Fi and cable television here in the house. The house is decorated with antiques from our family as well as photographs that many of our guests enjoy seeing.<br />&nbsp;<br />Right now we're on the back porch of the farmhouse. This is where we serve breakfast from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Many guests enjoy the peacefulness of hearing the creek, which is right here at the back of the house. And they also can see our covered bridge, which Hickory Bridge is actually named for. We have many hummingbirds that like to follow our feeder, and that's a lot of fun to see those in the morning as well.<br />&nbsp;<br />Welcome to my garden. I'm very proud of my garden. We have a variety of vegetables here that we like to use on the table at the restaurant. I'd love to be a farm-to-table restaurant, but we serve too many guests. So our anniversary dinner is the first Sunday in August. We have live bluegrass music that we play while you have dinner. And then I'll be featuring cucumbers and onions from the garden, fresh zucchini, sliced tomatoes,<br />&nbsp;<br />And of course we're going to have local peach desserts, which features our ice cream pie with a wonderful blueberry raspberry melba sauce.<br />&nbsp;<br />This is another favorite spot of mine at Hickory Bridge Farm is our country store. We are very fortunate to own this collection that was owned by very good friends of mine who are kind of like second parents, Bill and Grace Newman. They had their display here at Hickory Bridge for about 20, 22 years and because of time they needed to give it up and we were very fortunate to be able to purchase it. Everyone loves to see the things of the past.<br />&nbsp;<br />It's fascinating. Our boxes are filled with clothing. The medical items that we have are filled with products. Certainly wouldn't want to try it, but at least the shelves are filled with beautiful things. One of my favorite things happens to be the clothings. This is a lambkin baby hose that is featured here. It has, of course, the original box and a beautiful little inlay, and then the baby hose just can't be more adorable.<br />&nbsp;<br />I would like to add that some of the products in this country's store are also given to us. We're very tickled to have a charge account from a local gas station. It goes back to 1924. It actually still has some of the original receipts in it. I don't even know if they've ever been paid. But whenever someone gives us something here at Hickory Bridge, I always take their name and address, just in case their family wants that piece to be back. I'm more than willing to give it back at no cost.<br />&nbsp;<br />In addition to the antique collection here at the Country Store, we also have a very nice retail shop. Our guests can buy candles, some jewelry, and they actually can buy old-fashioned things such as penny candy. All the children and some of the adults certainly appreciate getting some old-fashioned candy.<br />&nbsp;<br />I'm here with Mary Lynn Martin, owner of the Hickory Bridge Farm, Restaurant, and Bed and Breakfast in Ortana, Pennsylvania. How long has the restaurant and the business been in operation? Well, it's been a restaurant since the early 1960s. My parents bought it when it was almost completely out of business in 1977. So I am the second generation and my son Bert will be the third generation. And when did you guys start the farm and bed and breakfast part?<br />&nbsp;<br />The farm, we always served at the restaurant. We actually served Wednesday through Sunday at that time. My mom had carried over from a restaurant called the Fairfield Inn in Fairfield, Pennsylvania. So her reputation came over.<br />&nbsp;<br />And so we served Wednesday through Sunday, as I said, but the price of gas went over a dollar and that really hurt our business tremendously back in the early 80s. So we decided to close and just do banquets and parties. So that's how we got established, doing so many banquets and special events, which we do during the week. And then we are open every Friday night, Saturday night, and then we're also open Sunday midday, serving family style dinners.<br />&nbsp;<br />So when did the farm start? The farm originally started in 1750. The room that we're seated in was the first room that they built, and they only lived in this room and the room above us. And the house is made of mud bricks, and they built the rest of the house shortly thereafter because the whole house is made of mud bricks, except for the portion that my parents built on in 1977.<br />&nbsp;<br />So it goes back. It has a lot of good history to it. And when did you decide to open the bed and breakfast? The bed and breakfast, they had cabins here. People would bring their sleeping bags and they had restroom facilities in them and they were really, really rough. So the cottages are in the woods. We call them cottages, not cabins. They've been upgraded beautifully with double jacuzzis for two. And we also have gas fireplaces as well as<br />&nbsp;<br />king-size beds in all the cottages now and so then the rest of the bed and breakfast was here in the old portion of the house and my parents lived in the newer part of the house<br />&nbsp;<br />So they always had bed and breakfast here. My mom was probably the very first person to have bed and breakfast in Adams County when they owned the Fairfield Inn because she used the rooms at the Inn for bed and breakfast at that time, which would have been in the early 70s. We're very fortunate to be part of an association called the Select Registry, which is a fine organization of B&amp;Bs and Inns that you need to be selected in. And I think that keeps our quality up to snuff.<br />&nbsp;<br />And it's important to make sure that our rooms and everything is very clean, up to date, and offer the best hospitality as we can. So what is your favorite part of operating the restaurant and the bed and breakfast? It has a lot of self-satisfaction. We have guests that really appreciate us making traditions here. They bring their families here. They say it's always been part of their special occasions.<br />&nbsp;<br />And I think that it's very gratifying to see people very happy with what we do and to have those traditions. And I think that that's my best part is the people that we have come here.<br />&nbsp;<br />And another part is that I got a great staff. I mean, when you have staff that, you know, I've been their only employer after 32 years, as our head cook has been, or his sister who runs the front that has been here for over 30 years, and multiple people have been here for over 15 and 20 years, it makes it very satisfying that I have a great team, that we can offer good hospitality and a great product to our guests.<br />&nbsp;<br />Can you talk about some of the traditions that you do here at the Hickory Bridge Farm? Some of our traditional things will be open on Thanksgiving. It's a day that our guests thoroughly love coming to the farm. It's our most popular holiday out of the year. We start taking those reservations for Thanksgiving on the first of October at nine o'clock and we're always sold out by 10:30.<br />&nbsp;<br />So we are open for other holiday banquets and traditions as people come with their company parties and things like that. So the restaurant is very well known for people coming year after year. We have an insurance company in Gettysburg called CRS and they have come for the last 40 years at Hickory Bridge every Christmas.<br />&nbsp;<br />So it's nice to see that people want to continue those traditions year after year by coming to Hickory Bridge. And where did the name come from? It was named Hickory Bridge Farm when we bought the place.<br />&nbsp;<br />They had a little hickory bridge down behind the house. I don't know if that's what it was that the farm sits on the creek So there's a bridge just beyond the restaurant and it used to make a terrible amount of noise So I don't know if it had something to do with the noise or or what but it's always been hickory bridge farm the original owners actually owned a restaurant in Gettysburg called the Dutch cupboard and<br />&nbsp;<br />and it's Martha Scott and she wanted to have a place that she could do hay rides and pony rides so she fixed up Hickory Bridge in that respect so she named it and I have no idea why but I would think that it was probably because of the Hickory the bridge up above us that was so noisy<br />&nbsp;<br />How would you describe the food that you serve in your restaurant? Our food is just very down to home type food. We feature local products. I'd love to be farm to table, but that's not able to do that with the number of guests we have. So we like to promote local products. So we promote the fact that we serve a lot of apple products.<br />&nbsp;<br />When our guests come in, we serve apple juice. In the summertime, of course, it's cold, but in the wintertime, our holiday parties love it because it's always served warm. And then we serve an appetizer with that. We serve apple butter on the table always. And then we serve stewed apples with the dinner. And guess what? Apple desserts. Our apple crisp is very well known at Hickory Bridge, served warm with vanilla ice cream.<br />&nbsp;<br />So we like to promote a lot of the local products on the dinner table as well as family recipes. We're very well known for our crab imperial, which my mother featured years and years ago at the Fairfield Inn when we owned that. And people love having it. It complements two other entrees that we serve family style.<br />&nbsp;<br />So when you're seated as a family, we would serve you three entrees. There's no selection. Everybody gets the same thing. And our house special happens to be our oven fried chicken, roast beef with dressing. It changes every week. So those menus are posted online or also in our newsletter. And we also have...<br />&nbsp;<br />Special dietary need entrees that we feature for those who may be gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, all those things. We like to have a little notice so we have your dinner kind of thought about before you arrive.<br />&nbsp;<br />What are the most popular items on your menu? Oh, our corn fritters are always popular and our oven fried chicken and our crab and pierro are our three entrees as well as our roast beef with dressing. People love our dressing. It's so simple. Our dressing is made just with real butter, of course, with celery and parsley and salt and pepper.<br />&nbsp;<br />and no spices but people really enjoy that dressing as well. And what is your personal favorite dish? Oven fried chicken. Oven fried chicken right across the board. Doesn't matter we always have it. I always have to have a leg or a thigh before I leave and I tell you it's been 42 years and I still enjoy our chicken.<br />&nbsp;<br />And now you also have a cookbook with recipes from your restaurant. What recipes are in there? All the recipes that we serve are in the cookbook but not our fried chicken and we don't let our guests, we call it in-house recipe of our crab imperial. That one's not also in there.<br />&nbsp;<br />But I would say majority of all the recipes are in the cookbook and many of them were my mother's. We've gotten a good many from Southern Living. There's Cook's Country. That's another of my favorite cookbooks. So I read cookbooks all the time. So looking for new ideas continuously. But our small cookbook features all of our signature desserts such as our apple crisp, our dressing and things like that and the corn fritters, of course.<br />&nbsp;<br />Now you mentioned that the menu changes every week. Why did you decide to do that? It's easy to plan the weekend menu. So it's Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the same menu. So we can prep for the same menu for one weekend. So one weekend we might have...<br />&nbsp;<br />Baked ham with a pineapple dressing in the oven, fried chicken in the crab imperial. Another weekend, it might be a boneless breast of chicken. It might be, you know, so it changes and that is online or our guests can receive a newsletter that has our special events in it, which are really nice because we do some special events here that people like to know about.<br />&nbsp;<br />Talk a little bit about those special events and what you guys do throughout the year. Our special events, we do teas. We do a tea party in the spring and in the fall, and then we do a children's tea. We're going to do our July children's tea, but it is sold out. This year, it's going to be based around Cinderella, where in the past it's always been a butterfly theme, but we decided to change it a little bit. We also do murder mysteries in the spring and in the fall. They're very popular.<br />&nbsp;<br />And one of our most popular events happens to be this August where we have our summer dinner in our open house where we have live bluegrass playing during your dinner hour. And then we feature things from the garden as much as I can. Or I'll go to friends' gardens and pick up more stuff. And then we have a wonderful ice cream pie we feature. And it's going to be, of course, our peach ice cream pie with a blueberry raspberry sauce and fresh peaches will be on it. And it's a highlight of the month.<br />&nbsp;<br />How would you describe the atmosphere of the restaurant? Well, it's of course a big barn. Our atmosphere features tablecloths that are cloth and also cloth napkins. I try to do some fresh flowers within the dining room if I can.<br />&nbsp;<br />But then it's because the antiques are just gorgeous. So we have a lot of antiques I'm real picky about cleanliness. Our restaurant is probably one of the cleanest ones you'll go to So we have a very very very comfortable feeling where people are going to want to come back Where is your favorite spot to sit and eat? Oh our favorite spot to eat and especially in the wintertime is right beside our fireplace it's called the fireplace in the corner by the window and<br />&nbsp;<br />And we have guests that definitely request that. It's a two table, but people love that little table, especially when the fire is going. We do have a wood-burning fireplace in the restaurant, so a lot of people do enjoy that. But when it's windy, we can't light it because it will smoke like a chimney. So it makes it a little tough sometimes when the weather's not cooperating.<br />&nbsp;<br />What impression do you want your guests to leave with when they leave the Hickory Bridge Farm? I want them to feel like they visited home, that they visited our family, that they're not just a customer, they are a guest. And I want them to feel that it is going to be a place that we hope to see that they're going to come back to or refer their friends to.<br />&nbsp;<br />And what do you hope for the future for the restaurant, for the bed and breakfast, for the farm? I think I'm hoping that it's going to continue. My son does have a definite interest in what we're doing. I think that it's going to become a historic meal because people don't cook like this anymore, or few do, where they, you know, fix a complete meal that's homemade.<br />&nbsp;<br />So I'm hoping that the future of the business will definitely keep the old flair to what we're doing and keep the importance of family togetherness and friends, whether family is friends or whatnot. I think it's important that we continue to get together and share our love and concern for each other and that this is going to be a special place to be able to do that. Mary Lynn Martin, thank you so much for talking with us. No problem. Thank you for having us. We are privileged.<br />&nbsp;<br />Speaker<br />Okay, we're here in the kitchen at Hickory Bridge Farm, and I'd like to introduce Kelly Schaer. She's worked for us for eight years as one of our cooks. We feature a lot of local recipes as well as many, many family recipes. One of our signature recipes happens to be corn fritters.<br />&nbsp;<br />Speaker<br />Above the Mason-Dixon, we make corn fritters. Below the Mason-Dixon line, they're known as hush puppies. Hush puppies are made with cornmeal, but here at Hickory Bridge, they're not made with cornmeal because they're called corn fritters. The first thing we do is we beat the egg, the milk, and the sugar, and the corn together, all the liquid ingredients as well as the salt. And after these are well blended, she will add the flour.<br />&nbsp;<br />and she'll fold in the baking powder into the mixture. Baking powder happens to be known as one of the leavening agents that happens to go flat if you beat it too much. So you want to be careful that you don't beat the baking powder too much. Sometimes during the course of the year we also make apple fritters, but our corn fritters seem to be a bigger hit than the apple fritters are.<br />&nbsp;<br />We feature a cookbook at Hickory Bridge and our cookbook also features our corn fritters as well as many of the recipes that we have here at Hickory Bridge. Though we do keep some in house, our oven fried chicken and our crab imperial recipes don't go in the cookbooks.<br />&nbsp;<br />But we do have a pineapple dressing that we serve with our baked ham that is very, very popular. And our apple crisp is also super popular. It has a little coconut in it. But we do feature local apples with our apple crisp. And also we serve it warm, of course, with vanilla ice cream. After these are blended, then we go ahead and put them in the deep fryer for a little bit. It takes about five minutes to cook them in the deep fryer. And then, of course, you can't forget to put the garnish of powdered sugar on top.<br /><br />You want to put some in the fryer there? Show you how they look. When we serve the apple fritters, we often put a little cinnamon in the sugar as well. Makes a really nice taste to the apple fritters. Many people want to buy our corn fritters, but it's one of those things like donuts. You've got to eat them after they're cooked or they don't last.<br />&nbsp;<br />and here's a beautiful corn fritters that everybody enjoys with their dinner so it is served as a side with the main course of the dinner not a dessert</font><br /></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Group Dining: Where tradition meets with modern convenience.]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/group-dining-in-gettysburg-pa-where-tradition-meets-with-modern-convenience]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/group-dining-in-gettysburg-pa-where-tradition-meets-with-modern-convenience#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 01:46:06 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/blog/group-dining-in-gettysburg-pa-where-tradition-meets-with-modern-convenience</guid><description><![CDATA[       	#element-1feebb1b-a6ed-4b75-bf8d-a2c18f241f8a .h1 {  content: 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font-size: 1.75em !important;  }}</style><div id="element-1feebb1b-a6ed-4b75-bf8d-a2c18f241f8a" data-platform-element-id="919380649307043755-1.0.0" class="platform-element-contents">	<link href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Anton|Architects+Daughter|Cedarville+Cursive|Cherry+Cream+Soda|Chewy|Condiment|Crafty+Girls|Dancing+Script|Erica+One|Exo+2|Faster+One|Gloria+Hallelujah|IM+Fell+DW+Pica+SC|Indie+Flower|Josefin+Sans|Lato|Loved+by+the+King|Luckiest+Guy|Monofett|Montserrat|News+Cycle|Open+Sans|Oswald|Over+the+Rainbow|Oxygen|Patrick+Hand+SC|Paytone+One|Permanent+Marker|Playfair+Display|Questrial|Quicksand|Raleway|Reenie+Beanie|Roboto|Rock+Salt|Shadows+Into+Light|Syncopate:700|Titillium+Web|Yanone+Kaffeesatz|Zeyada" rel="stylesheet"><h1 class="default-font default-transform desktop">Group Dining in Gettysburg, PA</h1></div><div style="clear:both;"></div></div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;">Gone are the days of endless email chains or phone tag. Hickory Bridge Farm recognizes that group organizers want convenience and clarity right from the start. That&rsquo;s why new website upgrades now let you:<ul style="color:oklch(0.3039 0.04 213.68)"><li><span>Check Real-Time Availability</span>&nbsp;with an instant date calendar, so you can choose your ideal event weekend or retreat without waiting for a callback.</li><li><span>Download Menus and Packages</span>&nbsp;right from the site, including banquet menus, celebration options, and special add-ons like beverage packages or signature desserts.</li><li><span>Book Instantly</span>&mdash;from deposit to digital contract, booking an event space or group meal has never been faster or more flexible.</li></ul> By providing the information you need upfront and letting you reserve your date online, Hickory Bridge Farm keeps your planning process stress-free.<br /><br /><font size="5">Immersive Venue Tours and Event Galleries</font><br />Want to be sure the Red Shed Event Hall or rustic barn is right for your milestone celebration or company dinner? Explore interactive photo galleries and virtual 360&deg; walkthroughs before you schedule a tour:<ul style="color:oklch(0.3039 0.04 213.68)"><li><span>High-Resolution Venue Galleries</span>&nbsp;let you see every decorated detail of both indoor and outdoor spaces, so you can plan your seating, d&eacute;cor, and entertainment in advance.</li><li><span>Virtual Tours</span>&nbsp;offer a &ldquo;walk-in&rdquo; preview&mdash;capture the layout, see lighting options, or even envision where you&rsquo;ll take those must-have group photos.</li></ul> With these immersive visuals, Hickory Bridge Farm gives group planners the same confidence as a site visit, any time, from anywhere.<br /><br /><font size="5">Pricing Transparency and Clear Package Details</font><br />Budgeting for a group event shouldn&rsquo;t be mysterious. New web features from Hickory Bridge Farm help you compare options and understand exactly what&rsquo;s included:<ul style="color:oklch(0.3039 0.04 213.68)"><li><span>Downloadable PDF Menus</span>&nbsp;with per-person pricing and sample packages</li><li><span>Clear minimum/maximum guest sizes for each venue (the Barn, Red Shed, cottages)</span></li><li><span>Checklists for optional add-ons</span>&mdash;from d&eacute;cor themes to customized cakes or local wine pairings</li></ul> Transparency guarantees that planners know what&rsquo;s possible and how to stay on budget.<br /><br /><font size="5">Real Guest Stories and Event Highlights</font><br />Social proof matters! Hickory Bridge Farm is now spotlighting real guest feedback and sharing photo stories from recent group events:<ul style="color:oklch(0.3039 0.04 213.68)"><li><span>Testimonial Carousels</span>&nbsp;feature praise from company retreat organizers, reunion leaders, and happy couples.</li><li><span>Event Galleries</span>&nbsp;showcase decorated banquet halls, smiling guests, and imaginative party setups&mdash;fueling inspiration for future hosts.</li></ul> Not only does this build trust with new clients, it lets you see what&rsquo;s possible when you reserve your own event.<br /><br /><font size="5">Experiences That Go Beyond the Table</font><br />Hickory Bridge Farm is also rolling out&nbsp;<em>experiential</em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>thematic</em>&nbsp;event options to match leading competitors:<ul style="color:oklch(0.3039 0.04 213.68)"><li><span>Farm tours, hayrides, cider tastings, and chef demos</span>&nbsp;can elevate even the simplest banquet.</li><li><span>Local historian talks or battlefield guide presentations</span>&nbsp;add educational value, perfect for school groups or leadership retreats.</li><li><span>Partnerships with local cideries, breweries, or flower farms</span>&nbsp;bring a little extra Gettysburg magic&mdash;making your group event an immersive mini-getaway.</li></ul> Add any of these upgrades to your package for a truly one-of-a-kind celebration.<br /><br /><font size="5">All the Details, All in One Place</font><br />To truly bridge the competitive gap, the farm&rsquo;s new event page also brings together:<ul style="color:oklch(0.3039 0.04 213.68)"><li>Venue maps, parking, and accessibility info</li><li>Answers to common group questions (FAQs)</li><li>Sample itineraries for multi-day events</li><li>Step-by-step booking guides</li></ul> This holistic approach empowers event planners with every detail up front, reducing uncertainty and saving precious time.<br /><br /><font size="5">Ready to Gather? Let&rsquo;s Plan!</font><br />Whether you&rsquo;re organizing a milestone birthday, corporate summit, or just an extra-special get-together, Hickory Bridge Farm now stands out as one of <a href="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/groups.html" target="_blank">Gettysburg&rsquo;s best and most accessible venues for groups</a>. By bridging these competitive gaps, the farm blends its signature country warmth with the modern convenience today&rsquo;s planners expect.<br /><br /><font size="5">Interested in seeing these changes for yourself? </font><br />Visit the updated <a href="https://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/groups.html" target="_blank">Group Events page</a>, take a tour, and let the hospitality team show you how easy&mdash;and memorable&mdash;your next event can be.<br /><br /><em><strong><span>Hickory Bridge Farm: Where tradition meets today&mdash;because your group deserves the best of both worlds.</span></strong></em></div>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>