Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Before sharing today's escapades with the USA Luge team let me first share a toast in honor of another Pennsylvania battlefield legacy. This is Gettysburg's oldest, most historic home, a living witness to the delivery of President Lincoln's famous speech known as “The Gettysburg Address.” It was also a comforting stop along the Underground Railroad for slaves attempting to runaway and find freedom.

It's the 1776 Dobbins House Tavern and one of our last meals enjoyed in Gettysburg. Lighted by hearth and candlelight we dined in the basement tavern - just our speed.

Our server was dressed in period costume and friendly as a Pilgrim. She took our order of sweet cheese, fruit, nuts and porridge and disappeared into the kitchen. I tried to imagine what it looks like before electricity - perhaps a dry sink with lugpoles, andirons, pot hooks, spits and kettles hanging off wood frames. Having a father with a love of antiques helps spur the imagination.

While the server prepped the appetizer we explored the rest of the house. Each room beguiled us with antiques and memorabilia from 200 years past. There were 7 fireplaces, six historic rooms and several authentic canopy beds-turned-tables to dine at. We came early enough to roam freely between rooms and hunt for more spirits. The one I found most intoxicating was a Rum Bellie Vengeance. A concoction of light and dark rum, exotic liqueurs & fruit juices. The potency limits 2 per customer.

Against our table was a stone wall with a free flowing spring trickling into a puddle. It was caught in a pool basin clean enough to drink from. There are actually three small underground springs in the basement tavern but we only heard this one gurgling.