Sara Bozich

Giveaway: What If ...? of Hershey

2010-03-15T20:37:15-04:00

Past the hustle and bustle and chocolate KISS lined streets, the What If ...? Cafe of Hershey provides a cool and contemporary bar and dining scene, off the beaten path. From fun cocktails concocted from infused vodkas to tempting Eurasian cuisine, the What if ...? of Hershey is a great place to catch dinner before a show - or a cocktail after dinner.

What If ...? of Hershey often hosts themed dinners - this month's is Italian Night this Saturday, March 20. The five-course meal begins at 7 p.m. Check out the menu here. To make reservations, click here.

This week, win a $25 gift card to What If ...? of Hershey (to use toward this weekend's dinner or whenever you want). Simply visit What If ...? of Hershey's website and leave a comment in the space below telling me what you'd like to try on their menu.

A winner will be selected at random at the end of the week.

As usual, you can ReTweet this giveaway and leave a second comment saying you've done so for an additional entry.

Don't forget to become a friend of What If ...? of Hershey on Facebook, too.

Weekend roundup 3/11

2010-03-11T07:51:36-05:00

It's my birthday weekend (tomorrow is the actual day), and tonight I'll be driving with my soon-to-be to Renovo, Pa. for a presentation on Pennsylvania's bear population followed in the a.m. with a field trip to a bear's den, where we'll witness a hibernating bear (hope she doesn't wake up!) and hold a baby bear cub.

Should we return at a reasonable hour (and we should), I'm hoping to finally check out the Gas Station for my birthday dinner on Friday. On Saturday, Mom and I do our annual "girls day out," wherein we shop 'til we drop and have a nice lunch somewhere. I think this year's selection is the Brewhouse Grille.

My birthday celebration continues on Tuesday with dinner with a good friend at Mitaka. Buy those Restaurant.com gift cards - so, so worth it.

Naturally, there's oh so much more to do than follow my birthday travels, so check it out:

TONIGHT: Fink's Constant at HMAC. Featuring none other than John Micek, political reporter/blogger extraordinaire.
The Comedy Zone hosts Open Mic night tonight.
Did you happen to notice Midtown Tavern's fancy new website?
Tomorrow night, it's the party of the year with the Friendly Sons' St. Patrick's Day Party at Dragonfly. Your $25 ticket (or win 2 free here) gets you food (catered by Zia's), booze and music by Funktion - proceeds benefit the Lupus Foundation.
West shore folks: Spaghetti dinner tomorrow night at the West Shore Bureau of Fire.
A Chorus Line pulls into the Hershey Theatre.
The Pa Home Show continues at the Farm Show.
Fri & Sat, "Help for Haiti" benefit concert rocks Overtime Sports Bar (nee Shakey's).
Saturday night, Arooga's 15 and 39 - no cover charge for the UFC fight.
The White Bread Band is at Ceoltas on Saturday.
On Sunday, H.A.R.D. Nuclear Knockouts take on the DC Roller Girls. Tailgating starts at 4:30 p.m.; bout at 6 p.m. Tix are $10 in advance; $12 at the door at Olympic Skating Center in Enola.
"Sunday Funday" at Pints means all games are free - that includes Golden Tee, darts, Megatouch, Wii and the jukebox.
Flinchy's is now hosting Sunday brunch!

Giveaway: Friendly Sons of St. Patrick

2010-03-08T07:11:16-05:00

This Friday is the 14th Annual Friendly Sons of St. Patrick St. Patrick's Day Party.

Held in recent years at Dragonfly nightclub, this is one of the area's must-attend events. Music, food, Irish dancers, booze and good times are sure to abound. The party runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, Mar. 12.

You can order tickets from a Friendly Sons member, if you know one, or simply e-mail hbgfriendlysons@gmail.com.

However, for one lucky reader, the Friendly Sons ('friendly' is right there in the name) will give away 2 free tickets to their St. Patrick's Day Party on Friday.

To qualify, simply answer the following question in the comments section below.

What two local restaurateurs have been named FSOSP's "Irishman of the Year"?

Make your guesses below. You do not need to be correct to win. A winner will be selected at random at the end of the week.

As usual, you can ReTweet this giveaway and leave a second comment saying you've done so for an additional entry.

Don't forget to friend the Harrisburg Friendly Sons of St. Patrick on Facebook, too!

ABC Winner

2010-03-07T07:47:58-05:00

Congratulations to Jeff Kupko, winner of a $25 gift card to Appalachian Brewing Co., which he can use on food and brews while checking out any number of live musicians this month and beyond.

Jeff's favorite ABC brew is the Cornerstone Espresso Stout, made in partnership with Cornerstone Coffeehouse. That's one I've been wanting to try!

Check back soon for the next giveaway -- you'll want to brush up on your Irish trivia for this one!

Visit Hershey, Pa.!

2010-03-06T09:37:27-05:00

With subtle hints of spring poking through (hello, sunshine!), it's time to consider a weekend getaway to Hershey, Pa.

For the first two weekends in April, Hersheypark will open for Springtime in the Park - you can get your tickets now!

From the park to the gardens, Chocolate World to hockey, there's a something here for everyone.

Did you know that Hershey has more than three golf courses?
Did you know that the Sooperdooperlooper was the first looping roller coaster on the east coast? It's still in operation at Hersheypark today.
Did you know that Milton Hershey once owned a sugar plantation in Cuba due to the country's ideal climate for sugar production?

To learn more about Hershey's history, and what to do, see, eat and try while visiting, pick up a copy of my book, Hershey: A Guide to the Town Built on Chocolate, at Amazon.com or at your local Borders or Barnes & Noble.

In addition to detailed reports on the history, attractions, dining and accommodations in Hershey, four other cities are included in a special section on "Day Trips." That section includes restaurant, nightlife and tourist attractions for Harrisburg, York, Lancaster and Gettysburg.

For more information or questions about the book, please contact me.

If you are interested in purchasing copies of the book to re-sell at your business, please contact me for more information and available bulk discounts.

Weekend roundup 3/5

2010-03-05T07:45:22-05:00

Oh sweet weekend, how I've yearned for you all week long. My big plans including some couples bowling tonight (in a real bowling alley, not Wii!) followed by some attempts at yard work on Saturday. Lounging, relaxing and whathaveyou to follow.

Now that we've reached the month of March, events will begin to bloom - even if the flowers haven't started quite yet. Out of hibernation we emerge for wine tours, live music, new happy hour specials and more. Keep your eyes tunes to my blog and my column for all the treats spring has to offer.

Appalachian Brewing Company is a venue that keeps busy year-round, but March is extra-hopping for them, too. Click here for a chance to win a $25 gift card to ABC, good on food and brews.

The rest of the news starts after the jump:

Tonight, check out the Rye Bread Band at the Grotto Pub in West Fairview.
Arooga's 15 has Farewell Flight live, plus $4 Captain & colas from 10 p.m. to midnight.
Irishfest kicks off at ABC locations today; April Skies kicks it upstairs at the Abbey tonight.
Whitaker Center has Alice in Wonderland in 3-D on the IMAX, starting today.
Dragonfly has J. Roddy Walston & The Business tonight.
Uncork York and the Tour de Tanks kicks off today with its Winemaker Dinners.
Troegs has discontinued its Rugged Trail Ale, but added Javahead Stout to its year-round lineup.
Slow Food Harrisburg has a new website -- and a great event scheduled for Harvest at The Hotel Hershey.
Saturday night, Darcie Miner (with full band) will perform at HMAC.
Or, jaunt down the turnpike for an evening of "Murder at Mount Hope."
On Sunday, check out a special Sunday show at HMAC with Imitation No. 9 and Songs of the Beatles.
Hang around the neighborhood for Midtown Cinema's Oscar Party, starting at 7 p.m. with hors d'oeuvres - BYOB (beer or wine only, please).
Sunday is the Maple Sugar Festival at Fort Hunter Park.
On Monday, stop in to Arooga's 15 for a night of trivia and fun to benefit the YWCA Carlisle. Tickets are $30 ($20 tax deductible) and include hot buffet and salad bar, silent auction, trivia and cash bar.

Giveaway: Appalachian Brewing Company

2010-03-01T07:48:09-05:00

In like a lion, out like a lamb - that's March. Hints of spring yet a chance of a blizzard in our future ... and St. Patrick's Day, one of the few days post-college where drinking during the day is not only acceptable, but encouraged. Add to that March Madness (who's got a bracket for me?), spring break and daylight savings time, and March is one action-packed, event-filled month.

Especially at Appalachian Brewing Company. Rock 'n roll, Celtic musicians, national acts and more comprise the March schedule at the brewery (a full schedule follows after the jump). Tickets are available here.

It seems the perfect time to win a free $25 gift card to Appalachian Brewing Company. (Note: gift card good for food/drink only; not applicable for ticket fees or cover charges.)

Simply leave a comment below and tell me what your favorite ABC brew is.

A winner will be selected at random at the end of the week.

As usual, you can ReTweet this giveaway and leave a second comment saying you've done so for an additional entry.

Appalachian Brewing Company March 2010 Schedule:

Friday, March 5 - The April Skies w/Metropolis & The Illuminati
Saturday, March 6 - Boro Boogie Pickers –$7
Wednesday, March 10 - CURSIVE w/In Wilderness & Caveman TIX $10 ADV
Thursday, March 11 - Amish Parrotheads Meetup – Tropical Soul performs 7PM
Friday, March 12 - Scythian- FEATURED SHOW- TIX $15 ADV
Saturday, March 13 - Martini Brothers- $7
Wednesday, March 17 - Harrisburg Area Tweetup – 7PM
Friday, March 19 - Toubab Krewe w/The Heavy Pets $10 adv
Saturday, March 20 - Mightychondria – No Cover
Wednesday, March 24 - Salsa Night at The Abbey Bar- Salsa Lessons at Seven- $7
Thursday, March 25 - Lloyd Dobler Effect- w/guests- No Cover
Friday, March 26 - Fink’s Constant - No Cover
Saturday, March 27 - 97.3 The River Presents- The Badlees w/The Jellybricks, Darcie Miner and Pan.A.Ce.A Tix $10

Appalachian Brewing Company Irish Fest:

Friday, March 5 - HARRISBURG- Wyndfall (Downstairs)
Saturday, March 6 - HARRISBURG- Fire In The Glen (Downstairs)
Friday, March 12 - GETTYSBURG- Wyndfall
Saturday, March 13 - HARRISBURG- Kilmaine Saints
Saturday, March 13 - GETTYSBURG- Fire In The Glen
Saturday, March 20 - HARRISBURG- Kilmaine Saints (Right after the parade)

Weekdend roundup 2/26

2010-02-26T07:28:32-05:00

Snowicane or no snowicane, one thing is for certain: I'm taking this weekend to chill out and unwind a bit. Busy week! On Sunday, I'm most excited for brunch at Devon Seafood Grill with two of my best girls for our tri-birthday celebration. All three of our birthdays fall within three weeks (and we're all Pisces), so we try to do at least one thing together each year. This year, it's Devon's $3 mimosas, $4 Bloody Marys, $1 Blue Point oysters and other lovely goodness - just us girls.

As you'll see by tomorrow's column, Mother Nature is playing a cruel joke, dumping snow on a snow make-up day. Mizik for Haiti (this time I wrote about the right date) and the Bill Ayers speaking event at Midtown Scholar are both slated for this Saturday, after being snowed out the first time around.

Please stay safe, but should conditions permit, here's what else is going down:

Okay, if the snowicane does hit, check out my piece on Harrisburg bars that always brave the storm.
Slow Food has an event at the China Tea House on Friday.
Joanna Kirby and Edwin Tichenor perform over tapas and cocktails at Suba.
Get "Lost" at ABC's Abbey Bar Friday night.Postponed.
Former Pittsburgh Steeler Andy Russell will be at Garrason's Tavern tonight night, signing copies of his book, Beyond the Goalpost.
Hauser Estate Winery releases their Pinot Noir today just in time for Hauser After Hours.
Arooga's 15 has Smooth Like Clyde.
At Dragonfly, check out Digital Elvis.
On Saturday night, HMAC hosts a fundraiser for The Susan Giblin Foundation for Animal Welfare & Wellness, featuring 8 live bands. $15 cover.
This weekend, you can prep for The Oscars at Midtown Cinema with Digital Shorts and Live-Action Shorts.
Open Stage has its final performances of Curse of the Starving Class tonight and tomorrow. Tickets are just $20.10.
Saturday night, Flinchy's is hosting a "Best Hawaiian Shirt Contest" with dinner specials to match. Break away from winter with some tropical flair.
It's the last weekend for Chocolate-Covered February in Hershey.

Neato winner!

2010-02-22T20:18:27-05:00

Well, this area loves their Neato Burrito. That is for sure. We had a record number of comments for this giveaway for 10 free Neato Burritos.

In the giveaway, I asked you to tell me the unusual way that one early Neato deliveryman chose to deliver local burrito orders. I loved the creativity from everyone, and there were a lot of fun, off-the-wall guesses and a lot of good guesses (it's easy to picture delivery by skateboard from these fun guys).

But only one person got it right. Congrats, Alicia. And because of your burrito smarts, you'll also get 2 free burritos!

The Third Street Neato deliveryman used to deliver his burritos in an empty guitar case, a la El Mariachi.

And ... what you've finally been waiting for. The lucky winner of the 10 free burritos from Neato Burrito is ... Paul, who answered "Paper Airplane." Paul used to be a Harrisburger. He briefly operated HarrisburgOnTap.com until moving to the Left Coast. That's one 10 long distance burrito(s)!

Thanks to everyone who participated, and a big thank you to Neato Burrito. Look for another giveaway from Neato in the coming months!

Weekend roundup 2/19

2010-02-19T10:51:04-05:00

The fiance and I were suckered into a timeshare getaway this weekend, so we're heading to (slightly) balmy Williamsburg, Va., for a quick rendezvous kept on the cheap (hopefully). If you have any suggestions for fun/free/cheap stuff to do in Williamsburg, Va. (we're already planning on the winery and the brewery), please leave a comment below.

We return in time for Sunday's Timeless Elegance Wedding Show at the Holiday Inn Harrisburg West on Sunday. If you're recently engaged and looking for vendors, all the info is right here. It's guaranteed to be a bit different than the typical bridal show.

It's also Millennium Music Conference weekend in the Harrisburg area! Check here for a schedule of live music at your local haunt.

Finally - today is your last chance to enter to win 10 free Neato Burritos!

The rest of the weekend's news - and there's a lot - is after the jump.

As of yesterday, ABC is serving Cornerstone Espresso Stout at all of its locations. Get it while it lasts.
Tonight, catch the White Bread Band at the new Gas Station Pub.
Check out the "Summer in Winter" exhibit at the Yellow Wall Gallery at Midtown Scholar.
Tonight also is Harrisburg's 3rd in the Burg. Experience a variety of art throughout the city.
Level 2's Go Red In Style event has been rescheduled for tonight.
Put on your dancing shoes and head to Champions for Full Effect.
Tomorrow morning from 9 a.m. to noon, Ski Roundtop is hosting a half-pipe competition.
Birdie for Books at the Fredricksen Library in Camp Hill tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, Motorama calls the Farm Show Complex home. Check out the events here.
Sad to be missing Lewis Black at Hershey Theatre this time around - sorry, Dad.
By Sunday, join the HYPers for some bowling action.
Reminder: You have until the end of the month to renew your Maennerchor membership.
Stop into Historic Harrisburg Association's Happy Hour Social Event at HMAC on Monday.
On Tuesday, see what people have been talking about at the mixer at the Lofts at 909.
Wednesday is HYP's annual meeting at HU.
Check out my piece on Brass Rail Deli & Beverage.

Giveaway: Neato Burrito

2010-02-16T07:35:17-05:00

All that talk of Neato Burrito in the news recently sure did make you hungry for a Cowboy Crunch, didn't it?

Well, lucky you - You've stumbled to just the right place.

Neato Burrito owner Shayne Edmunds has graciously provided a reader of my site with 10 Neato Burrito coupons - that's 10 free burritos (about a $60 value)!

To win, leave a comment in the form below, answering this trivia question:

Neato Burrito began with a tiny 300 square foot storefront on Third Street in Harrisburg. One of their delivery men had a very unique way of delivering burritos to customers - what was it?

You don't need to be right to win; I'll select a winner at random. However, you must answer the question in your comment.

As usual, you can ReTweet this giveaway and leave a second comment saying you've done so for an additional entry.

Chocolate giveaway winner

2010-02-13T17:18:58-05:00

Melanie of The Sales Tax Connection is the winner of the Derry Church Artisan Chocolates!

Thanks to everyone who participated - highest number of comments yet!

Remember, if you still need a Valentine's Day idea, you can learn more about Derry Church Artisan Chocolates, complete with a wine pairing tonight and tomorrow at Zia's at Red Door. Call 920-0330 for reservations.

Weekend roundup 2/11

2010-02-11T08:57:37-05:00

Hopefully by now you've shoveled or plowed your way out of the Snowpacalypse. In some ways I miss my days of walking to the smattering of bars that open during blizzards no matter what, but I must admit there's some comfort in being snowed in your own home, cooking and catching up with the Tivo.

This weekend is Valentine's Day and of course there are tons of specials and event. We're opting for the 4-course dinner and chocolate and wine pairing at Zia's at Red Door (with Derry Church Artisan Chocolates).

Don't miss your opportunity to win free chocolates - simply comment on this post and re-tweet it for a second entry.

On Saturday, stop by The Hershey Story between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and purchase a copy of my book, Hershey: A Guide to the Town Built on Chocolate. I'll be signing copies in front of the gift shop.

There's aplenty going on this weekend, so let's get to it:

Head to Troegs today at 2 p.m. for their Firkin Kick-Off event.
It's Songwriter Duo Night at HMAC.
The HodgePodgery has Knitting 101 tonight at 8:30 p.m.
DJ Sizzors gets things moving at Ceoltas tonight.
Tomorrow, check out the Salvation Army 100 for $100 art show and silent auction at Gallery Blu.
Midtown Scholar presents Stand with Haiti, a fundraiser, on Friday night.
By Saturday, check out Nate Myers & the Aces at ABC for no cover charge.
The Hackensaw Boys show up at the Chameleon Club on Saturday.
Ceoltas features - not rye, not pumpernickel - but the White Bread Band on Saturday night.
Cruise Control gets 'em dancing at Stock's on Second.
Savannah's on Hanna is offering free cover charge for couples on Valentine's Day.
Check out the Valentine's Day specials at Doc's and the new Old Naples.
Hershey Theatre is showing An Affair to Remember on Valentine's Day. Swoon.
XPN presents Cheryl Wheeler at Midtown Scholar on Sunday.
McGrath's Pub hosts open mic night on Mondays.
Mimi Brodeur checked out Sweets at The Hotel Hershey. Read it here.

Giveaway: Derry Church Artisan Chocolates

2010-02-07T07:23:00-05:00

It was only recently that I was lucky enough to discover the local treasure that is Derry Church Artisan Chocolates. Gorgeous, delicate and intricately created chocolates look more like art than food.

Petite and delicious, Chef Eric Cayton goes beyond the norm when creating his blends of sweetness - highlights feature such flavors as the Oaxaca, a combination of chilis and white chocolate, or the Cairo, which features Medjool dates and balsamic vinegar with a chocolate ganache.

Caramel lovers will swoon over the Derry Church Bon-Bon while toffee freaks will be in heaven with the London. The San Fran features Black Mission Figs with a bittersweet chocolate - a mouthwatering combination.

Lucky for you - and just in time for Valentine's Day - Chef Cayton has generously donated one 15-piece set of his delectable sweets ($29 retail value) to a reader of this very blog.

To win:

Visit the Derry Church Artisan Chocolate website;
Leave a comment in the proper field below and tell me which bon bon you most want to try;
For an additional entry, ReTweet this contest. You must leave a second comment saying you've RTed.

I will select the winner at random on Thursday.

You have another opportunity to sample Derry Church Artisan Chocolates this month. On Saturday, Feb. 13 and Sunday, Feb. 14, in conjunction with Zia's at Red Door's Valentine's Day 4-Course Dinner, you can also experience a wine and chocolate pairing, led by Chef Cayton. $50/person or $30/person for just the wine and chocolate pairing. Call 717-920-0330 for reservations.

POSTPONED: Blackman MMA's PFC II

2010-02-06T12:38:13-05:00

**UPDATE**

The Pennsylvania Fighting Championship II, presented by Steve Blackman MMA, scheduled for tonight has been POSTPONED until tomorrow, Sunday, Feb. 7 at 1 p.m. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.

Correction: Mizik for Haiti is POSTPONED

2010-02-05T10:44:32-05:00

**UPDATE** This event has been postponed due to inclement weather.

Contrary to what you may have read in my column this morning, Mizik for Haiti, the fantastic fundraiser happening at the Maennerchor's Cathedral Room is going on from noon to midnight tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 6.

All other pertinent info about the event is correct in my write-up. That said, with no Super Bowl to contend with and snow on the way, put on your snow boots and snow shoes and trek down to the Maennerchor and get snowed in for a great cause!

Weekend roundup 2/5

2010-02-05T07:22:12-05:00

*Note: All events are subject to change due to inclement weather.

Pending another possible "Storm of the Century," this weekend is full of fun-bearing promise. For instance, Saturday night (omgshe'sgoingtopromotethisBlackmanMMAfightagain), Steve Blackman MMA presents the second Pennsylvania Fighting Championship at the Zembo Shrine. Buy your tickets here.

Sunday, of course, is the Super Bowl. It's obviously all about the commercials since the Steelers aren't in it, and I can't make you any promises I'll even remember to watch. However, regardless, many local pubs and taverns will feature drink specials and more wings than you'd care to remember the next day.

What am I up to? If it snows, it's a movie marathon - popcorn required. I'll be checking out the new Gas Station Pub while the fiance is at the Eastern Sports & Outdoors Show, and pretending I'm at the Chocolate Dinner Extraordinaire to kick off Chocolate-Covered February.

There's plenty more to talk about after the jump:

Red Rabbit is supposed to be celebrating its season opening this weekend ... not sure if that will still happen if it snows like a mother.
Drake - improvisational jazz and hip hop fusion - is at Suba tonight.
The Go Red In Style party at Level 2 has been postponed until Feb. 19.
Pints features Mark Santanna and Edwin Tichenor for an unofficial birthday party starting at 9:30 p.m. tonight.
Tomorrow night, catch Hot Wing Jones at the Brewhouse.
Ski Roundtop is ready for the snow: join their "Rockstar Half Pipe Event" from 9 a.m. to noon tomorrow.
Bal Masque brings ABC to "Funkytown" Saturday night.
The Gas Station Kitchen & Pub is also slated to open Saturday night. Read Sue's piece here.
On Super Bowl Sunday, Fenicci's has 1/2 price pizzas and 35 cent wings at the bar from noon to 5 p.m., then a special half-time buffet during the game.
Legends boasts 10 cent wings for the Super Bowl.
ABC, your atypical choice for sports, features a Build-Your-Own Nacho bar.
The Friendly Sons are rocking things at the Maennerchor's Cathedral Room, complete with 20-foot projection screen.
Flinchy's promises "prizes and surprises" during the Super Bowl.
Read today's column for more information about a special fundraiser for Haiti on Super Bowl Sunday and restaurant specials during Chocolate-Covered February.

2010-02-03T06:57:55-05:00

Brent Colflesh was the winner of the Pennsylvania Fighting Championship II tickets for this Saturday, Feb. 6 - plus a Steve Blackman action figure.

To buy tickets to the PFC II, visit http://www.blackmanmma.com/

Groundhog Day: 6 More Weeks of Winter

2010-02-02T07:13:55-05:00

Happy Groundhog Day!

Hope Punxsutawney Phil doesn't see his shadow and springs us toward spring. In the meantime, click below for a piece I did for my college paper after I visited Punxsutawney in 2001.

You can check out coverage of Groundhog Day throughout the day at PCN.

Update: The prognosticator of all prognosticators, Punxsutawney Phil, saw his shadow this morning. Six more weeks of winter! Boo!

Did you get a text from Phil?

Also, check out my post on Hershey's Chocolate-Covered February.

Groundhog Day 2001

Chocolate-Covered February

2010-01-31T18:19:00-05:00

Tomorrow, we welcome in February. Historically, it's a bitterly cold month, with small highlights dotting its always-short calendar: Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day, President's Day. However, if you're anywhere near Hershey, Pa. (and we are!), it's also known as "Chocolate-Covered February," with more chocolate-related events, dinners and treats than you can shake a stick at.

Hershey's Chocolate-Covered February has a variety of events, from tastings and tours, both family-friendly and adult-appropriate activities, starting tomorrow. But the month-long celebration is truly rung in on Friday, Feb. 5 with the Chocolate Dinner Extraordinaire. I dare you to read this mouth-watering menu. It breaks my heart I will not attend this year.

Here is the link to the 2010 Chocolate-Covered February events. If you haven't been to Hershey in a while or haven't tried any of these special events, I highly recommend this opportunity to splurge and learn more about the area. My personal recommendations are after the jump.

Also, as part of the month's festivities, I will be hosting a signing for my book, Hershey: A Guide to the Town Built on Chocolate, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13 at The Hershey Story. Stop by and pick up a copy! Makes a great Valentine's Day gift for the chocolate lover on your list.

Sara's CCF recommendations:

The Hershey Quest: New this year, this is a convenient way to see a little bit of everything. For $19.95, get a pass good for admission to The Hershey Story, plus 3 tasting chocolates; ZooAmerica admission and a commemorative water bottle; 1 hot cocoa at ChocolateWorld (which already has free admission); and one cupcake at The Hotel Hershey's Sweets Cupcake shop. Do it all and return your passport to win an "Ultimate Chocolate Giveaway."
Cuban-Inspired Dinner: I've been to this a few times in the past. It's different every year and always divine. I'll have more details in an upcoming column, but here's a link to this year's menu and wine pairing.
Chocolate Spa Sampler: The ultimate in cocoa-infused relaxation from The Spa at The Hotel Hershey. If you can, splurge on the Cocoa Facial Experience - one of the best treatments I've ever had.
Chocolate Martini Mixology Class: Covet those scrumptious chocolate martinis? Learn to make them yourself in this hands-on class (you get to drink 'em too - but just sip or you'll get yourself in trouble!). Always a great time.
Restaurant Specials: Click here for details for specials at Houlihan's, Highlands Grill, Cafe Zooka, The Bear's Den, The Hershey Grill and the always underrated but fantastic The Forebay.