Far from the shining lights of New York City and the beaches of California and Florida is a small, rural town in the heart of Pennsylvania known throughout the world for the epic battle that swept through the region during the American Civil War more than 150 years ago.

Today, Gettysburg welcomes visitors from more than 100 different countries. Most of the town's international visitors travel to the Gettysburg region to get a glimpse of the hallowed ground where thousands of soldiers lost their lives in the three-day battle or to re-trace the footsteps of President Abraham Lincoln as he delivered the Gettysburg Address – one of the most famous speeches in world history.

But visitors are also discovering that even small towns can offer amazing culture, great food and an authentic experience that so many foreign travelers are eager to see first-hand.

The Gettysburg National Military Park, one of America's most popular national parks, is home to more than 24 square kilometers of hallowed ground, featuring 1,300 monuments, markers in plaques – one of the largest collections of outdoor sculpture in the world. There, in 1863, a three-day battle resulted in 51,000 casualties, making it the most tragic conflict in North America.

Today, visitors tour the battlefield by bicycle, on foot, by horseback or automobile. The 42 kilometers of roadways guide travelers through such famous landmarks as Little Round Top, Devil's Den and The Angle – all places that have found their place in American history.

Soldiers' National Cemetery stands atop a ridge in Gettysburg as reminder of that sacrifice made to preserve the United States of America, as well as a symbol of hope delivered by Lincoln through his short, but immortal speech four months later.

A short distance from the majestic battlegrounds of Gettysburg is the town itself, bustling with small boutiques, art galleries, coffee shops and cafes and a variety of restaurants – many of which are tucked away in historic homes, former field hospitals for the wounded or taverns that bring history to life.

At the core of Gettysburg's culinary scene is the apple – 100 varieties of which grow in the farmland outside of town. Together, the love of history and food combine to give Gettysburg a unique flavor rarely found in a town of its size. Combined with great restaurants, food tours and an emerging craft beverage scene bring Gettysburg's culinary experience to the forefront of weekend getaways.

But in order to come face-to-face with Gettysburg's farm-to-table scene, you must venture out into the countryside where orchards, farm markets, wineries and cidermakers dot the rolling hills. There, visitors find an experience they'd never find on the streets of New York or the beaches of California – an authentic, scenic farm landscape that welcomes visitors with peaceful hilltop vistas and landmarks such as the Sachs Covered Bridge and the Historic Round Barn.

Interest in Gettysburg and its countryside among both American and international visitors continues to grow as travelers eagerly seek not only an engaging experience, but one that brings local flavors to life, relaxation and rejuvenation as well as destination so rooted in the history of the nation.

For more on Gettysburg, along with a comprehensive list of events throughout the year, visit www.DestinationGettysburg.com.

Destination Gettysburg, the official destination marketing organization, markets Gettysburg – Adams County as a premier travel destination, producing a positive economic impact.