We live about an hour from Gettysburg yet I didn't make my first visit until our son was 6yo.

The visitors center is very impressive. I am a milatary history buff but even my husband and son loved the displays and cyclodome (sp?).

We went on the spur of the moment and NP guides were booked but I have heard very, very good reviews about the official guides from people I know that are very into Civil War history.

We had lunch at the Dobbin House and it was enjoyable in a historic, oldie time way.

I find no charm at all in Lancaster county but then again, I grew up visiting relatives there. I think the entire area is a tourist trap but I speak as a semi-local who hates the traffic and fake "Amish" themes. I really don't mean to down the idea, I am just being honest as someone who has spent time there. The area does offer a lot of outlet shopping and certain worthwhile attractions depending on how far you want to research.

I like Hershey. I have family there and we visit frquently. The Chocolate World tour is actually a free ride, think Disney themed, with a mock up of the coco process that dumps you at a giant retail center. For free , it is fine but I would not go out of my way to visit it. It is not a true factory tour, sadly....

The Hershey Gardens (entrance fee) and lunch at the Hershey Hotel would be a very nice stop, but pricey. Trevi, one of the hotels restaurants has a lovely outdoor seating area. You could make a day of a visit to the gardens and a stroll around the resort and lunch. The Circular dining room has a lovely buffet lunch and a lavish Sunday Brunch.

The Hershey Experience is a very interesting museum highlighting Milton Herhsey's life. We really enjoyed our first visit and will go back.