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Herr Tavern & Publick House
Your Host(s): Steven Wolf
Location: Gettysburg, PA
Rooms: 18
Nightly Rates: $109 to $209   
View a map of the area around the B&B
Description: The Herr Tavern and Publick House was built in 1815 by Thomas Sweeney. Sweeney built his tavern here to capitalize on the route that led west. This is now US Route 30. It is possible that while Sweeney owned the tavern, Davey Lewis hid out there. Davey Lewis was a famous bank robber in the early 1800's. There are stories of Lewis the Robber using the tavern as a base of operations for counterfeiting. If this was the Davey Lewis of legend, he had to have been here when Thomas Sweeney owned the building, because Davey Lewis died in prison in Bellefonte in 1820. Bank Robbers aside, Mr. Sweeney's prosperity would not last long.
He would only own the building for twelve years. In 1827 he was forced into bankruptcy and had to sell his tavern. In 1828, Frederick Herr purchased the tavern that still bears his name. He turned the tavern into a fixture of the area; in fact, by all accounts the ridge it sits on is called Herr's Ridge. Herr ran the tavern as well. He provided food, and lodging for travelers and the local people. It seems that he also had some less that legitimate business ventures as well. According to stories and legends, he allowed a friend to use the basement of the Herr Tavern for counterfeiting operation. Frederick would then launder this money through the tavern, passing it off to people heading west. There is also a story that he used the upstairs as a brothel.
It seems as if Mr. Herr had a very diversified portfolio. Even though it appears that Frederick Herr used his tavern for some illegal activities, he also put it to good use. In the years before the Civil War, he allowed his tavern to be used by the Underground Railroad. No one knows how many people were helped to freedom by Mr. Herr. The Civil War removed the need for the Underground Railroad, and it also blasted its way through Herr Tavern. Frederick Herr owned the tavern until his death in 1868. After his death, the tavern was sold to the Reading family. The building was subsequently bought and sold over the years, eventually seeing use as a dairy farm in the early 1900's. The current owner, Steven Wolf purchased the in 1977, and has spent the last quarter century turning it into the marvel it is today. The Tavern shows the care and effort that Steve has put into the restoration. The tavern is a testament to Steve's dedication.
Other Amenities: Massage by appointment only...Be prepared for a complete health screen including information on your medical condition, current medications, stress and personal goals for your massage session. You will meet the therapist at the massage room. He/She will leave the room and allow you to undress to your comfort level. You will then get between the fitted and flat sheets on the massage table. The only part of your body exposed is what is being massaged. A full session takes approximately one hour unless a longer appointment has been scheduled. After the session, the therapist will once again leave the room to ensure privacy. Be sure to drink plenty of water after the session to help flush the body of toxins. You will also have a variety of fragrant oils, natural creams and hypoallergenic lotions to choose from.
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