(7/7/2005) During the month of June, the Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau sign on eight new members to their destination marketing organization. The new members include retail locations, agricultural businesses, tours, and accommodations. As part of their member benefits, each business will receive promotional efforts by the Gettysburg CVB including brochure distribution, public relations, the ability to advertise in GCVB publications, online promotion, a unified voice in the tourism industry and more. New members include Arsenal of the Alleghenys, Gettysbike Tours, Historic Church Walking Tours, Hollabaugh Bros, Inc., Orchard Hill Suites, Summit Springs Inn, Quail Valley Golf Club, and the Yorktowne Hotel.

Arsenal of the Alleghenys, owned and operated by Jay and Melanie Thomas, is located at 141 Steinwehr Avenue, at the corners of Taneytown Road and South Washington Street. Arsenal of the Alleghenys is Gettysburg's newest Civil War Artifact shop with a bit of Native American memorabilia thrown in for good measure. The Native American memorabilia includes beaded pipe bags, arrowheads, and brain clubs. Other items in the store's inventory includes Springfield and Enfield brand rifles, a large assortment of Cavalry and Artillery sabers, Colt pistols, belt buckles, and all sorts of accoutrements that the everyday soldier fighting during the Civil War would require.

Gettysbike Tours is a new bike tour operation in Gettysburg; it is also the only battlefield bike tour. Matthew Callery, David Grenker, and Peter Bonfanti own the tour company. Matthew and Peter are managing the business operating at 240 Steinwehr Avenue. The group is providing licensed battlefield guides to lead tours on their bicycles. More information is available at www.gettysbike.com.

Historic Church Walking Tours, Inc. joined our organization this month. Located at 130 S. Hay St, the tours are managed by Frederick Wentz. The tour was developed by eight downtown churches through its Board of Directors: Christ Evangelical Lutheran, Gettysburg Presbyterian, Gettysburg United Methodist, Prince of Peace Episcopal, St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic, St. James Lutheran, St. Paul's AME Zion, Trinity United Church of Christ. The tour of eight downtown churches features Battle of Gettysburg scenes depicting the buildings as hospitals and the civilian involvement in the conflict and the care of the wounded. Presently there are programs every Wednesday evening in the three summer months, alternating two tour patterns of four churches each. For additional information, call 717-334-0755.

Hollabaugh Bros, Inc. also joined the organization to promote their agricultural tours, farm markets gift shop, and u-pick. Agra-tourism is a growing industry in Pennsylvania. Hollabaugh is just one of many agricultural business that are promoting the agricultural industry in Adams County, providing additional activities for visitors here to see the Battlefields. Hollabaugh Bros. is a grower and shipper of fresh fruits and vegetables. The family owned and operated production farm has been in operation since 1955. The market and tour, located at 545 Carlisle Road in Biglerville, is a beautiful drive 9 miles north of Gettysburg on Route 34. Additional information is available by contacting Manager Kay E. Hollabaugh or visiting www.hollabaughbros.com.

Orchard Hill Suites, a new guesthouse, is located at 100 Orchard Hill Drive in Orrtanna. Owned by Liliane Verlinden, Joe Pinto is managing the guesthouse. The house offers two suites with handicap accessibility, refrigerator and kitchenette. It is non-smoking only with prices ranging from $50-$75 per night. Additional information is available at www.gettysburgsuites.com.

Adams County offers several golf courses, and Quail Valley Golf Club has joined the CVB to help promote their offering. Scott Keller and Colyn Keller own the course. This Littlestown course is located at 901 Teeter Road. For additional information, call 717-359-8443.

Summit Springs Inn, located at 15434 Summit Farm Drive Blue Ridge Summit, is also a new member. Owned by Alice Humphrey, this guesthouse was originally the site of a tannery in 1776. Guests will find more than overnight lodging, they will be surrounded by the beauty of the Blue Ridge Summit and have the opportunity to release stress with a therapeutic massage. For more information, visit www.Summitspringsinn.com.

The Yorktowne Hotel also joined the Gettysburg CVB, offering accommodations in a Historic Hotel of America. The hotel offers 121 rooms and 11 suites, a fitness center, restaurant, lounge, and meeting space. The hotel is located at 48 East Market Street in York. Additional information is available by contacting Kathy Mortorff or visiting www.yorktowne.com.