GETTYSBURG, PA — Whether you're a nature lover, history buff or you just really need a break, The Lodges at Gettysburg is the perfect option for a peaceful getaway. Only a little over half an hour from the City of Frederick, The Lodges offers a tranquil spot to hike, fish, eat, spend time with family and take in the stunning views of Gettysburg itself. 

If you've been keeping up with this week's blog posts, you may know a little about what The Lodges has to offer, and you may be interested in seeing it for yourself. Now, we're giving you the chance to make that a reality with a one-night stay giveaway! 

For your chance to win this free overnight stay with up to three other guests, comment on the contest post on our FiND iT Frederick Facebook page with what you'd like to do in Gettysburg. Would you stick around The Lodges and take advantage of everything it has to offer, or would you want to venture out to the battlefields and learn some history? Whatever you choose to do, it's sure to be a memorable trip. 

It was 1996 when Cassidy flew cross-country from his native California to visit his close friend Terry Harner in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Harner brought Cassidy to the property, which was for sale at the time, and Cassidy couldn’t believe how spectacular the sweeping views were. 

“I made the trip, I looked at it, I loved it, and I said ‘I gotta have it,’” Cassidy said. 

While his goal was to make the property into “some type of special retreat,” the transition was not without some hiccups. The property sale closed in 30 days, but — long story short — it took more than a decade to get the building entitlements and another three years to build the lodges. 

“Fifteen years for our dream project,” Cassidy said. “And that was just to open the doors. [But] there was a passion to build this thing; we were committed.” 
 
One of Cassidy’s main goals was to ensure the Lodges complemented the surrounding natural beauty and wouldn’t be considered an eyesore by locals. Sitting atop one of the highest ridgelines in Gettysburg, the Lodges overlooks vast hallowed and sacred ground. Throughout the years, Cassidy and his team had to convince Gettysburg residents that the vision for the Lodges was appropriate for the space and would not be an eyesore. 

“We wanted to build something the community could be very proud of, that could service companies and organizations throughout the world,” Cassidy said. 

Approximately a decade ago when The Lodges was under construction, the owners would fly in from California and enjoy dinner at the Carriage House Inn in Emmitsburg. Senseney, who at the time only worked for the Carriage House Inn, built up a rapport with Cassidy, Harner, Lupin and Trapani. When The Lodges sought an exclusive caterer for the venue, the Carriage House Inn stepped forward. 

Since then, the Carriage House Inn and The Lodges have become a close-knit team. Just like the Lodges, it is a family-owned and operated business. Currently, Senseney serves as the Director of Events and Catering for both The Carriage House Inn and The Lodges. 

The Inn, built in 1857, has hosted prominent figures including the Clintons and locally-based bestselling author Nora Roberts. 
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​To experience the unmatched hospitality and special staff that makes The Lodges truly memorable, book your stay now. 

Did you miss our first FiNDiT123 about The Lodges? Check out this blog post to learn more about what The Lodges has to offer, and stay tuned on Friday for your chance to win a stay at The Lodges!