City: Gettysburg, PA

Category: Accommodations

Telephone: (717) 677-7736, (800) 745-8194

Address: 2585 Biglerville Road

Description: This motel has 17 rooms to choose from, ranging from a room with a double bed and a shower stall to suites with two double beds, a sleeper sofa, and a living room. In between, you’ll find family rooms outfitted with a fridge and efficiencies outfitted with kitchens. The Blue Sky is nothing more than it appears to be—a small motel that offers clean, affordable lodging. It’s not fancy, but it is run by friendly people who want your stay in Gettysburg to be a happy experience. You won’t have a paper delivered or have a free continental breakfast here, but there is a wake-up service and a late-check-in service, local calls and morning coffee are free, and battlefield tours pick up at the motel. Located a little less than 5 miles north of the square and practically next to the National Apple Harvest Festival held in Arendtsville (see the Annual Events and Festivals chapter), Blue Sky Motel, which was built in 1950, had its rooms completely gutted and renovated in 2000. You’ll find rooms with modern heating and air-conditioning and random-width hardwood panels that have caused more than one guest to say it felt like he was staying in a cabin. Technically, you won’t find any nonsmoking rooms here. If you request it at the time of your reservation, the staff will do an intense cleaning of your room, including wiping down the walls and cleaning the carpets. In the summertime you’ll find a playground, a picnic area where you can barbecue, and a pool. Since the motel sits on four acres, there’s also plenty of room for horseshoes, croquet, badminton, and volleyball. With notice the motel will also pick up discount tickets to Hersheypark (see the Day Trips chapter) for you.