dill's tavern and plantation

Who would ever have thought that small-town Dillsburg in south-central Pennsylvania would have a plantation? 260 years ago, it did! Today, you can visit what's left of it and learn the history of the founding of this modern-day town. It is located 30 minutes north of Gettysburg, along Route 15, and 20 minutes south of Harrisburg. Dill's Tavern is a large stone building on Baltimore Street that has been restored by the Northern York County Historical and Preservation Society to appear as it did in its heyday. You can visit the original tavern, which was built in 1794, and tour the additions to the building, which were completed in 1800 and 1819. You can also see the Squirrel-Tail bake oven, tobacco leaves drying in the woodshed, check out the garden and apple orchard, and visit the Wheelwright's Shop. When this shop is being used, you can watch blacksmiths, gunsmiiths, or carpenters, all using the tools of 19th century America.The most recent addition is a 200 year old log barn being re-constructed on the property. Just two blocks down the street, you can visit the Maple Shade Barn where the Historical Society has their archives, museum and gift shop. This property is where J.E.B. Stewart and his men arrived on July 1, 1863, on their way to Gettysburg.This is a hands-on historical attraction so there are no velvet ropes keeping you away from the furniture. You may touch, learn and enjoy! The attractions are open for tours from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sundays, April through November.