Gallery 30

On my last visit over Memorial Day, I was heartbroken to see that Gallery 30, once our must-​visit gift and book store that we have been visiting for over 20 years, has now become… well it’s hard to say what it is.
They have knocked down walls to make one big room now. When we walked in there was classical orchestral music playing so loud that it hurt my ears, already not welcoming, and the jewelry counters now consume the entire center of the whole store — over lit and over staffed. Where there once were charming racks of books of all kinds, we found only one tiny rack of books hidden in almost an alcove in the back — and this rack had only children’s books on it. The selection of greeting cards was strangely unsettling — I can usually find a card to love — not here.
What you can’t miss is that the store has been massively taken over by PAINTED GOURDS. I’m saying that there are now walls and walls of tacky painted hanging gourds, and big boxes and bins of painted gourds. It’s creepy and strange. It really takes any charm away from a painted gourd to see 1,200 at one time.
Also they now only have textiles in «authentic» civil war period colors and styles, meaning they are in wan, washed-​out, colors (like shades of natural tea dye) and very basic woven, «old-​time» styles. Someone might really dig this — not me.
They still have the «recycled sweater» handmade hats and mittens, but this artisan seems to be the only one featured — there are way too many of these, and it’s May! They had tables covered with folded t-​shirts with slogans like «tolerance» or «acceptance,» but they were mass-​made and mass-​marketed. Creepy, not charming.
In sum — a delightful, independent bookstore and gift shop has been taken over by… I don’t know what — a civil-​war themed Halloween shop? It’s summer, people, we do not need Halloween supplies nor winter hats. And the piped-​in spice-​smell doesn’t help. What a terrible shame… I hope someone else takes on the mantle of independent bookstore ownership in Gettysburg.

They lady who runs the store is beyond rude. If your to good for my business lady you can take your crap and shove it. SO RUDE!

My wife and I visited Gettysburg on Memorial Day weekend for the first time. Gallery 30 was the first store we saw coming from the parking garage where we parked. The merchandise that is sold by Gallery 30 is right up my wife’s alley when it comes to taste.
I am white and my wife is hispanic. I was left alone the entire time I was browsing Gallery 30. Meanwhile, my wife was watched and stalked like prey. The employees really made her feel uncomfortable during her time in the store.
Gallery 30 definitely did not deliver a fantastic experience we all crave when we shop in stores and not online. If I could give this store zero stars I would as profiling is not acceptable. This was our first location of the morning and the experience was a terrible way to start the day.

Honestly, this place is very expensive. Nice store and nice variety but my $ 22 medium mason jar candle (jasmine) hardly smells and their gloves are ridiculously priced. They have beautiful linens and canvas rugs– but you will pay heavily — yet they are quality. But other misc. stuff just so very pricey for what it is. They are also gourd crazy. I’ve never seen so many gourds in a store.

Out of all the artsy shops in downtown Gettysburg, I think I was most impressed with this one. They have such a HUGE variety, and all of it (or almost all) is handmade. The gourds were especially fun to look at – literally a decorative gourd for every holiday and occasion! The shop also carries unique jewelry pieces, gloves and mittens, and even some wood working. The best part: most of it is pretty reasonably priced! Would definitely stop by here just to look around if you have some spare time, or if you are looking for a unique gift.

While visiting town center today I specifically went into this store to look at and purchase troll beads. Despite no less than 8 women behind the jewelry counters and no other customers, not one offered to assist me and looked at me like I was from another planet! Was very disappointed in their clearly less than welcoming atmosphere for customers. Will purchase my beads at my local bead store where they aren’t too busy to help me!

We stayed nearby on a recent trip the real purpose of which was to visit Amish farms in Lancaster County… where the tour buses and crowds don’t go, to the actual farms, not the «farmers market,» to buy organic goods at the source.
Wife saw the gourds displayed outside here and wanted to take a look. Very unique – each one – hand crafted.
We brought home two bags full!
One arrangement we put together was a bowl with «fruit» individually priced. Then she got two large gourd bird feeders.
She’s happy, and that’s what matters!
What distinguishes this «gift store» from others is that most items carried are unique, not «mass produced,» so for this reason, it seems to be in a category of its own. It also has a selection of books, but despite the name, that does not seem to be the primary draw.
Street parking only. Meters are 25 cents for 15 minutes IF you can find a spot. They even meter the designated handicapped spaces on the traffic circle. They monitor 8AM to 8PM, Monday-​Saturday, so allow for plenty of shopping time.

This was my favorite retail shop in Gettysburg. I should mention I am more excited by handmade arts and crafty things than by military regalia and war artifacts. This definitely strikes me as the type of shop the wives might visit while their husbands are out watching civil war reenactments. They sell art, books, jewelry, troll beads, toys, and lots and lots of locally grown handcrafted gourds. I’ve never even considered owning one before, but after viewing their extensive collection I couldn’t help but think they were actually quite cool. I didn’t but one then, but will likely check out their site and order some for fall decorating. The staff was great, even putting up with my daughter, who was doing her best to act like a spoiled tyrant. They have an awesome selection of troll-​beads, even one made just for Gettysburg.

This place has seen more reinventions than Madonna.
I like the space a lot, it is a store, but also a de facto gallery, as you can go in a browse local artist’s efforts without being bothered (too much) to buy any of it.
The inventory ranges from funky and awesome to frumpy, weird, and waaaay overpriced. I generally pop in for gifts when I don’t have the time to drive out to Route 5, or when I can’t find what I want at Codori’s. They always have some interesting jewelry. They also have a lot of pottery and textiles. Almost all of the art is out of my price range, but I like to buy photo prints when I can.
They also sell books, but they’re all list price or more, and even though I feel bad not supporting small, local business, I always buy my books from Amazon.
One of the past owners had two white yorkie dogs that were the sweetest creatures on earth. They would follow me around the store and sit in my lap if I sat down to read. Sadly, they are gone.
This place started as a showcase for local talent, and in the last couple of years it has tried to cater to a clientele that Gettysburg simply does not have. In the last year, however, they do seem to have gotten back to their roots, which is to say selling unique pieces you’d never seen anywhere else for a decent price.
I’ve marked it as «pricey», but it is possible to spend 30 $ or less on a nice piece of jewelry.