Sara Bozich

Weekend roundup 11/5

2009-11-05T18:06:09-05:00

Brr - and into the chilly holiday season we go! This weekend, I'm helping out at the MMA Pennsylvania Fighting Championships fight and then attending the wedding of one of my favorite people on Saturday. Sunday, it's freelance work and relaxing and hopefully some QT with the fiance before he departs for a week in the Ohio wilderness.

Still plenty to do this weekend and beyond as we gear up for the holidays. Here's the word:

Tonight, like every Thursday, is French Quarter Night at Confit French Bistro.
Glenda's Benefit Drag Show keeps things interesting at Stallions tonight.
Grinnin' Grizzly - the November brew - is on tap at ABC, making mouths happy. Their Rebel Yell Rye I.P.A. is also out at all locations.
Starting tonight and running through the next 3 weekends - Theatre Harrisburg presents Annie.
HYP hosts its First Friday Happy Hour at Susquehanna Art Museum tomorrow. $5 cover - a small price to pay for art + networking.
Hollis Brown with opener, Jump The Gun, rocks the house that is HMAC.
I REALLY want to get to my first IMAX movie this year. I'll ask the fiance to take me to see Disney's A Christmas Carol, which opens in 3-D at Whitaker Center's IMAX screen Friday.
Echoburn is hosting a reunion show at the Grotto Pub Friday night.
Richard III opens at Gamut Theatre Friday and runs through Nov. 21.
The lovely Joanna Kirby is performing from 5-8 p.m. tomorrow night for the half-off happy hour at 2wenty-Thre3, the bar the Crown Plaza hotel.
Saturday morning, pair up again with HYP for their Forster Street Clean-up, starting at 10.
The Junior League hosts their annual Harrisburg Bargain Box Rummage Sale from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Get smart with a Concert for Darwin at Midtown Scholar on Saturday at 7 p.m.
Saturday night, the Humane Society kicks off its annual Fur Ball.
Sunday, it's the Toast & Roast of HSO's Stuart Malina.
Wednesday, Green Drinks moves it's environmentally friendly party to HMAC.
For you Whip It fans, H.A.R.D. is holding a recruitment night Wednesday.

Scott's Grille - now closed

2009-11-01T12:48:17-05:00

It is with a heavy heart that I write to confirm that Scott's Grille - true to various rumors, tweets and updates this weekend - has shut its doors for good.

My friends and I enjoyed Scott's for years - as had much of the Harrisburg area - for dinner, happy hour and late night dancing. I have fond memories of chef's tables, countless happy hours, Friday raw bar, Pepka, DJ Ray Rossi, DJ Scottie, Halloween parties, Strawberry-basil martinis - I could go on.

Instead, please enjoy a slideshow of some photos from my personal collection of Scott's Grille throughout the years. Scot G of MODE, no doubt has the most comprehensive photography collection from the years of Scott's - hopefully he'll be able to share those as well.

Click through for the first "Word of Mouth" from Scott's opening in 2002.

WORD OF MOUTH

Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA) - Wednesday, September 16, 1992

Author: CONSTANCE Y. BRAMSON, Patriot News

-- Brothers in business

Brothers Tom and Rick Scott have opened Scott's Bar & Grille in the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Building, 212 Locust St., originally the site of Lombardo's at Locust Court.

Both have worked extensively in the restaurant industry and have run several kitchens for Host International, Marriott and Gilbert/Robertson (the latter of Houilhan's and Darryl's fame) but this is their venture together and their first restaurant.

Food is "American cafe" style with Italian flair; dinner entrees of pasta, seafood, chicken and meat range from $7.25 to $13.95 while lunch entrees are priced from $4.95 to $6.75. Appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, desserts and beverages available at both meals.

Lunch is served 11: 30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; dinner from 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Happy hour with complementary food is 5 to 7 p.m. The lower dining room seats 100 at banquettes and tables; the upper dining room seats 50 to 60, and the bar seats 60.

Banquets, breakfast parties, business meetings, luncheons and group affairs can be accommodated. Telephone is 234-7599.

Weekend roundup 10/29

2009-10-29T08:17:58-04:00

Halloween is upon us! Get into the ghoulish groove with a host of Halloween themed activities all across the area. Check my Halloween Happenings post, as well as tomorrow's column, for more details on where to find the spooktacular "to dos" no matter what you're in the mood for.

My weekend is billed for relaxation, some catching up with girlfriends and some down time. All the details on your non-Halloween event suggestions are after the jump. For Halloween Happenings, click here.

Tonight is Zia's wine tasting happy hour from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
After, stop by ABC for Open Mic night.
Friday, catch Kyle Morgan and Friends, a folk group, at Suba. Or Saturday, stop in for the sounds of Brazil with Batida.
Former Patriot-News reporter and book author David DeKok will sign copies of his book, Fire Underground: The Ongoing Tragedy of the Centralia Mine Fire, at the Camp Hill Barnes & Noble from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
Saturday is the Fall Harvest at Broad Street Market.
Saturday and Sunday are the last days of the season for the PA Renaissance Faire.
It's also the last days to catch Doubt, A Parable at Open Stage.
The Christmas Show at American Music theater opens Sunday.
Catch Jackson Browne, who may or may not be running on empty, at Whitaker Center Sunday night.
Sunday get a Taste of Central PA at Strawberry Square.
Get prepared for Thanksgiving with Williams-Sonoma's complimentary technique class, "Let's Talk Turkey" at 11 a.m.
The Spa at the Hotel Hershey kicks off its Holiday Spa Packages starting Sunday, also known as the first day of November.
Monday night is special at the Midtown Scholar. MoviateSound presents Mt. Eerie, Tara Jane O'Neil and No Kids. $7, doors at 6:30 p.m.
At Stallions, Mondays are Movie Night - check out a feature, plus free popcorn.

Holiday volunteer opportunity

2009-10-25T20:08:33-04:00

The Salvation Army of Harrisburg is seeking volunteers for its annual Christmas Kettle Campaign.

Volunteers are needed to stand at the organization's iconic red kettles outside of 33 locations around the Harrisburg area to raise money for needy families this holiday season.

If you have time to give this season, e-mail or call (717-233-6755) the Salvation Army. Grab a few friends and ring a bell for charity. Churches, businesses, clubs, organizations and scouting troops are encouraged to schedule a group of volunteers for a day or more.

Win a year's worth of pizza

2009-10-25T15:05:10-04:00

Papa John's of Central Pennsylvania is hosting a sweepstakes - Pass the Pie Central PA - for a chance to win a year's worth of Papa John's pizza. The contest is unique because you're not competing nationally - but locally. The contest is open exclusively to residents of Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon and York counties.

Simple visit here to enter, share with friends and to receive BOGO offer.

Also, you can follow the local Papa John's via Twitter, or order pies online here.

Weekend roundup 10/22

2009-10-22T19:06:29-04:00

Another busy weekend is ahead of me - and I'm not even hitting any of the many Halloween Happenings this weekend. I've got the final of this season's bachelorette parties - we're choosing to dine at Garrason's and then hit up Hollywood Casino. I also have a book signing at The Hershey Lodge Saturday morning - stop out and say hello and pick up a copy of my Hershey travel guide - it'll make a great Christmas gift for the chocolate lover on your list.

The list of events is long this weekend. All the action starts after the jump:

Tonight stop into Houlihans for a chance to win tickets to the performance of the Wizard of Oz at Hershey Theatre, which starts its run on Tuesday.
Scott's has its Thursday Night Jazz Dinner tonight.
Tomorrow night is full of naughty fun - Liquid 891 has Drag Jell-O Wrestling, and Savannah's on Hanna hosts Oktoberfest.
Smooth Like Clyde performs at Ceoltas.
Carl "Cee-Jay" Jones entertains at the Comedy Zone all weekend.
It's the "Adult Prom" at Rillo's Friday night.
ABC is closed Friday night for a Private Party. Saturday, they host the Bone Bash and H.A.R.D. "Thrill(s) the World."
It's still Oktoberfest season - Bricco has the International House's festival all day Saturday.
DJ Impulse is at Level 2 Saturday night.
Get into the season with "A Chilling Encounter with Poe" at The Hotel Hershey.
Saturday and Sunday, catch Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra's Pop Series with "Fantasy and Adventure."
Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet presents Peter Pan at the Whitaker Center.
HYP is sponsoring a blood drive on Monday.
McGrath's has open mic night every Monday starting at 9 p.m.
Don't forget Miller Lite pitchers are $6 at Garrason's through the Super Bowl.

Book signing this Saturday, Oct. 24

2009-10-20T18:28:52-04:00

I'll be signing copies of my book, Hershey: A Guide to the Town Built on Chocolate, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. this Saturday, Oct. 24 at The Hershey Lodge.

Please stop by to say hello, buy the book and/or get it signed! Remember, my book makes a great gift for out of town friends and relatives as well as anyone who's a big fan of everything Hershey.

I'll be set up right outside the gift shop - can't miss me!

To learn more about the book, visit Tourist Town Guides.

The book also is available for small volume discounts. Contact me for more information.

Pink Party at Level 2 Oct. 21

2009-10-17T08:29:05-04:00

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and you can do your part simply by visiting Level 2 for the PINK PARTY this Wednesday, Oct. 21. Doors open at 4 p.m.; event starts at 7 p.m.

Enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres from 7-9 p.m. and a complimentary glass of Nuvo. Cruise Control performs from 7-10 p.m. A silent auction will be held throughout the night.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased in advance or at the door. Proceeds from ticket sales and the silent auction all go to benefit Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

Weekend roundup 10/16

2009-10-16T19:53:08-04:00

... The Better Late than Never Edition.

With snow potentially in the forecast for this weekend, I'm planning to stick close to home. Unfortunately, my plans - which included the first night of Hersheypark in the Dark - were canceled due to inclement weather. I'm bunkering down to catch up on Tivo and maybe do some shopping tomorrow. However, don't let the weather deter you. Let's get right down to it.

It's not too late tonight to head to ABC for Puffer Fish, Red Sea Radio and The Sketties. NO COVER.
Egypt (formerly Mars, c'mon people, get with it) is now on Twitter. Follow them for updates on ongoings at this tiny corner club.
Or if Hershey is closer to your corner of the world, check out Pat Cusick at Fenicci's tonight. Rhymes with music. No seriously.
DJ Don is at the deck at the Brewhouse tonight, starting at 9 p.m.
Breads 'n Spreads has a new website.
Tomorrow, Central Pennsylvania Symphony Orchestra's 20th season kicks off with Phantoms and Fantasy.
Flinchy's hosts the Dane Paul Russel Band.
Fenicci's is offering their "Restaurant Week" deal - 1 appetizer, 2 salads and 2 parms for $25, Monday through Thursday through the rest of 2009.
Sunday, check out the open house at the Radius Gallery @ HACC.
As always, don't forget to read my weekly column for more details about what's going on downtown and around.

Halloween Happenings 2009

2009-10-13T21:21:04-04:00

**UPDATED** Now with more Halloween events!

Halloween is extra special delicious this year, not just because I'm going to not one, but two Halloween parties that require special attire. It's special because Halloween falls on a Saturday. Unlike our other major holidays, which suck up not just a night or a weekend, but for weeks or even a "season," Halloween is pretty much a one-shot deal. Not that that stops anyone - just sayin'. But this year, there's the chance for authenticity.

And I don't really know how you're going to choose your "authentic" Halloween activity. There are just too many options.

Grab your calendar and make your selections. All the goodies are after the jump.

Oct. 14 - Ladies Night Out Halloween Party at Rillo's in Carlisle, including a Celebrity Look-Alike Contest.
Oct. 16-Nov. 1 (weekends) - Hersheypark in the Dark! I'll be there. Can't wait.
Oct. 17 - Jack-O-Lantern Jamboree at Hershey Gardens.
Oct. 17-Nov. 1 - Trick-or-Treat Time Machine at The Hershey Story.
Oct. 17-Nov. 1 (weekends) - Halloween Daze and Spooky Knights at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.
Oct. 23-Nov. 1 (weekends) Whitaker Center's IMAX theater has Haunted Castle 3-D.
Oct. 24 - First Annual Harrisburg Zombie Walk.
Oct. 24 - Bone Bash at ABC benefiting the Arthritis Foundation.
Oct. 24 - A Chilling Encounter with Edgar Allen Poe at The Hotel Hershey.
Oct. 24 - Pinchotween at Pinchot Park.
Oct. 24 - The Rocky Horror Picture Show viewing at Hershey Theatre. Go in costume!
Oct. 25 - Halloween Radio Theater at ABC.
Oct. 27 - Hershey Halloween Parade.
Oct. 28 - The original 1980 Halloween classic, Friday the 13th, showing in 16mm at the Abbey Bar Gallery Room.
Oct. 29 - Halloween party at Savannah's on Hanna.
Oct. 29-31 The Rocky Horror Picture Show viewing at HMAC.
Oct. 30 - Hauser Estate Winery Hall-O-Wine event (I'll be here, too.)
Oct. 30 - Garrason's DJ Luv Rubb hosts the "costume required" Halloween party at 10 p.m.
Oct. 30 - Downtown After Dark Halloween Eve Bar Tour from 8-11 p.m.
Oct. 30 - Punk Rock Horror Helloween Show at G-Man downtown.
Oct. 30 - 717 Tattoo 3rd Annual Halloween Party - To Die For - at the Abbey Bar at ABC.
Oct. 30-31 - Bube's Brewery Halloween parties.
Oct. 30-31 - Pride of the Susquehanna Halloween Murder Mystery Cruises.
Oct. 31 - Trunk or Treat at the Antique Auto Museum.
Oct. 31 - Level 2 hosts "Halloween Redefined".
Oct. 31 - Official Girls Gone Wild Party Filming at Sawyer's. $500 Naughty Schoolgirl Contest.
Oct. 31 - Harrisburg Hardware Bar has $500 Costume Contest and Green Eggs live on stage.
Oct. 31 - Bourbon Street has $500 Sexy Costume Contest.
Oct. 31 - Sam Bucca's hosts the $500 Vampire and Vixen Costume Contest.
Oct. 31 - The People's Halloween Party is at West Shore Hardware Bar. $500 Costume Contest and Lucky You live on stage.
Oct. 31 - Halloween Owls at the Ned Smith Center.
Oct. 31 - Night of the Great Pumpkin at The State Museum - for kids and adults.
Oct. 31 - Pep Grill hosts a costume party with music from The Greatest Funeral Ever.
Oct. 31 - Halloween Masquerade Party at Niko's in Lebanon.
Oct. 31 - PAWS "Raise Your Paws" Masquerade Ball - good party, great cause.
Oct. 31 - "Flinchy's Kind of Night" Halloween Party. Okay, they're actually calling it "Famous Dead People & Friends."
Oct. 31 - MODE hosts its annual Halloween party at Scott's Grille, featuring a $500 costumer contest.
Oct. 31 - Fenicci's Halloween Bash.
Oct. 31 - Arooga's Halloween Party - all locations.
Oct. 31 - Privado Costume party includes $5 keep-the-cup Witches Brews.
Oct. 31 - Paxtang Grill Halloween party with food and drink specials, costume contest, prizes & giveaways.
Oct. 31 - Zia's hosts its Halloween Cocktail Party, starting at 7 p.m. Come dressed as your favorite celebrity or movie character.
Oct. 31 - Boo Bash at Maennerchor's Cathedral Room from 8 p.m. to midnight. Tix are $10.
Oct. 31 - St. Mortiz Masquerade Ball with a free dinner buffet plus $100 costume contest.
Nov. 1 - Halloween Radio Theater at ABC.

Harrisburg-Hershey Photo Contest

2009-10-13T20:13:34-04:00

The Harrisburg-Hershey Visitors Bureau has launched its "Snapshots Hotshots" photo contest. Photographers of all skill levels are encouraged to participate in the contest, which can land your photo in the 2010 Visitors Guide.

The grand prize winner will receive a "Luxury Getaway Package" to Felicita Garden Spa & Resort, which is enough for me to try to enter.

All of the details are available online here.

The deadline to entire is Saturday, Oct. 31.

Weekend Roundup 10/8

2009-10-08T06:43:00-04:00

Wedding three of five (yes, that number has increased) of this season is slated for Friday at the Peter Allen House. I better bring a sweater! I'm hoping the rest of the weekend will revolve around housework and catching up with my dear old Tivo, but one never knows.

There is a ton going on - a lot of really quality events, in fact. Be sure to check tomorrow's column for info on Tres Bonne Annee and the Wild Mushroom and Game Dinners in Hershey.

The lowdown on all the fun is after the jump.

Nonna's in Midtown celebrates 2 years with the addition of two new sammies - The Midtown and The Michaelangelo. Stop in and check them out.
All week, catch the AACA Fall Meet (read: Antique Car Show) in Hershey.
Friday night, catch Green Eggs at West Shore Hardware Bar.
Stallions has no cover until 11 p.m. Fridays
The Midtown Scholar hosts Pittsburgh's Brad Yoder from 7-9 p.m.
Stitches in Lancaster has "Comic Hypnotist" Rich Guzzi Friday and Saturday night.
Join Friends of Midtown for their Autumn Clean-up at 9 a.m. Saturday morning.
Harvest of the Arts and Oc tuba fest tunes up downtown Carlisle.
HIA (yes, the airport) is hosting its first Harrisburg-area Tweet-up Saturday.
By night, check Smoke the Groove at Suba. And have a basil martini for me, please.
The Punch Bros. rock the Strand Capital in York Saturday night.
Did you see Whip It? You should. I love it. Looooooved it. Then, go check out our local roller derby team take on the Dutchland Rollers in Lancaster Saturday night.
Stock's on Second wakes up Second St. with the Dane Paul Russel Band from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Does someone look familiar? That's Jeff from The Impact Band.
Sign-up for one of four classes at The Chocolate Lab at The Hershey Story on Sunday. (And buy my book at the gift shop while you're there!)
The Hershey Bears play at home Sunday night. It's also Labatt Blue and Labatt Blue poster night. Because you need a poster of beer.
I have one more for you. In case you forgot, Hershey has a zoo! ZooAmerica is hosting a special event in celebration of the release of major motion picture Where the Wild Things Are. Win prizes, like park tickets, movie tickets and more. Check out the animals, and learn more about the zoo's own "wild things."

Weekend roundup - 10/1

2009-10-01T07:33:41-04:00

The days keep rolling by. I don't know where the time goes. Tonight the fiance (yes, that's new) and I will have a mini-date night with dinner at Flinchy's (Thanks again for the shout-out, Dawson!) and head home to watch our Thursday night TV shows.

This weekend was meant to be spent with my future in-laws, but instead it appears that work beckons. So, if able, I'll stalk The Impact Band at Champions Friday night, plus judge the Cupcake Cup on Sunday.

Here's the lowdown on the rest of the weekend:

Yesterday, Sue Gleiter provided a roundup of Happy Hour specials in the greater Harrisburg area.
The PA Dutch Country Blog has a great post on Halloween activities in and near Lancaster County (I'm a huge scaredy cat, but I swear I'm going to do one of those haunted hayrides eventually).
Stop into Wegmans today after work (5-7 p.m.) for a sample of their Harvest Whole Wheat Pasta with Escarole and Butternut Squash.
Tonight, it's the 90s all over again at Whitaker Center with The Indigo Girls.
The HodgePodgery celebrates their new midtown shop with a ribbon cutting tomorrow at 2 4 p.m. Highlights include a taco bar! Plus, of course, all the darling wares they have to sell. Check out their master class list, too.
Friday night, Suba hosts a Flamenco Ensemble.
Starting tomorrow, Michael Moore's "Capitalism: A Love Story" is playing at Midtown Cinema.
The Smirnoff Girls are at Scott's Grille from 9:30-11:30 p.m. Friday night.
HYP's First Friday HH is at Sam Bucca's starting right after work.
Saturday is Maennerchor's annual Oktoberfest. Tickets may still be available.
Join the Walk for Wildwood Saturday morning.
Ceoltas has Customer Appreciation Day Saturday starting at noon.
Fort Hunter Park has the Pennsylvania Indian Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Sunday, of course is the first (hopefully to become annual) Harrisburg Cupcake Cup at Midtown Scholar.
Tomorrow's column also has highlights on Oysterfest (rescheduled for this weekend), ABC's Oktoberfest and Harrisburg's First Friday.

Doc Holliday's becomes 3

2009-09-25T11:10:36-04:00

As of October, Doc Holliday's in New Cumberland will split into three new restaurants.

Old Naples will be a warm, casual restaurant serving your favorite pasta dishes and other Italian cuisine created with a commitment to fresh ingredients.

Doc's Saloon & Grill will maintain many Doc Holliday's customer favorites. The menu will boast prime rib, steaks, ribs, sandwiches, specialty burgers, crabcakes and more.

Carve (coming this spring), will be a Friday and Saturday grand buffet addition featuring carving stations (think slow-roasted prime rib, maple glazed ham, roast beef, pork loin, turkey and leg of lamb) and all the appropriate accompaniments like salads, freshly baked breads and a variety of vegetables, pastas, seafood and sauces - plus a wide selection of desserts.

These additions will not affect the adjoining Harrisburg Comedy Zone.

Weekend roundup 9/24

2009-09-24T10:16:37-04:00

What is with this humidity in late September? Ugh.

Tonight I will be completely preoccupied with the 2-hour season premiere of Grey's Anatomy - that doesn't allow for any other extracurricular activities beyond walking the dog. Tomorrow night, the Hilton hosts a Greek-themed wine dinner. By Saturday, I'm looking at bachelorette party numero tres of the season, and come Sunday, I'll be hoping my team performs better than last week.

If you have a free hour this a.m., pop in those earbuds and check out the latest Off the Record with Jersey Mike and Sara Bozich - we now have our own webpage, so add it to your RSS reader.

As usual, there is no shortage of "to dos" in the greater Harrisburg area this weekend. Click through for the info.

Tonight Level 2 has 80s trivia - be the most nostalgic, win free bottle service!
Get your tickets now for Oktoberfest at the Maennerchor Oct. 3. Tix are $20 and include German food, beer, wine, and Oompah band and more. Closed event, need not be a member (but you'll need that ticket).
Savannah's on Hanna has its grand opening party this weekend with some famous "starlet" plus a complimentary dinner buffet. Yes, that is correct.
Let's class it back up a bit - Theatre Harrisburg presents Mister Roberts this weekend.
For the actor in you, Open Stage of Harrisburg has announced their series of adult acting classes. Sign up now!
Zia's has extended it's Endless Summer special (shared app, 2 entrees, desserts, bottle of wine for $69) through the end of October. Get in for this great dinner special.
Tomorrow night, Privado hosts a $500 "Diva Pageant."
You can order your wings, etc. online for all Arooga's locations. Plus, if you want free glassware, visit the 15 and 22 locations this weekend.
Saturday is the last day of Hersheypark's regular season. Get there while you can or keep on the lookout for Hersheypark in the Dark, coming next month.
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, stop into the New Cumberland Apple Festival at New Cumberland Borough Park.
Saturday night, HotWingJones is at the Fieldhouse in Etters, starting at 9.
The Pride of the Susquehanna has 11 dinner cruises left in their '09 season - including this Saturday's Pirate Ball.
Don't forget to read more about this weekend's ongoing in tomorrow's "Out with Sara" - including notes on the first ever Punkin Chunkin, Hodgepodgery, Boomtown Media at Midtown Cinema and the Brick Haus.

Weekend roundup 9/17

2009-09-17T08:36:16-04:00

There are just 99 days until Christmas. Wow. Instead of starting my Christmas shopping so soon (I'm close, though), I plan to spend the weekend enjoying my new kitchen, hosting an out of town guest (mi hermana), a backyard BBQ and otherwise cleaning/organizing. Sunday, I'll be one of several judges for the CPAA Woofstock (see below) Pet Costume Contest. Then, I'll rush off to catch the Steelers v. Bears game as it's not being televised. Boo Ravens!

It's another events-filled weekend in this crisp month of September. Take a look:

Susquehanna Art Museum (Sqart) reopens tonight with its latest exhibition, Transition by Miles Halpern.
Open Mic Night is back at ABC's Abbey Bar; Also, ABC release its latest brew, Rauchbach.
Big Band Swing Extravaganza, a production of the Hershey Symphony Orchestra, happens Friday night at Hershey Theatre. Catch dinner at Fenicci's before the show!
HYP is hosting a social at the newly renovated/converted Riverview Manor. This is on my "must-see" list. I used to live in this building and thought it was cool before the renovation. Now - wow.
More ABC pimpage: It's the 90s all over again. The Jellybricks and The April Skies kick off the weekend at ABC for NO COVER.
Go back another decade: Friday is 80s night at Garrason's. Prizes for best 80s wear.
Saturday morning, get over to Lower Allen Community Park for the Community of Heroes Softball Challenge benefiting the Children's Miracle Network Penn State Children's Hospital. Games start bright and early at 8 a.m. Cheer on local teams for a great cause.
It's the 12th annual Capital City Invitational Beer Festival at ABC (last promo, I promise). You can still snag tickets here.
Stop into Wegmans for their Come Home to Dinner event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in store on Saturday.
Niko's in Lebanon hosts a Saturday night dance party with DJ Stan.
Sunday is Woofstock! Bring your pooch to Riverfront Park for a dog walk, music, entertainment, a pet costume contest, pet vendors and more.
Sunday night at Arooga's 15, play in the Miller Lite Wii Football Game Challenge - light beer and prizes!
The last Flinchy's Cigars Under the Stars dinner is Monday night.
Also of new: Maennerchor updated their kitchen hours, extending Sunday hours for football season.
Plus, don't miss tomorrow's "Out with Sara" column with details on The Grotto Pub and Char's Bella Mundo's new fall specials.

Weekend roundup 9/11

2009-09-11T07:34:31-04:00

Well, this is it - the weekend of dual weddings. Dueling weddings, perhaps? Anyhow, there are two. On the same day. Many congratulations to my beautiful friends.

Friday night we're kicking it old school with a birthday bowling party, then heading downtown for a fresh libation. Saturday is the wedding extravaganza, and while I have planned to attend Gallery Walk on Sunday, something tells me I may be recuperating.

But the city! It's another busy weekend in the greater Harrisburg area. Check it out after the jump:

XPN's Funky Friday is at Whitaker Center tonight in conjunction with the venue's 10th birthday celebration.
Blue Elephant, the unique sounds hosted by Jeff Lynch and Ray Santanna, are at Suba tonight.
The Comedy Zone in New Cumberland has Tim Kidd.
Check out The Swaines at HMAC Friday.
Saturday, clean up Uptown Harrisburg with HYP.
The Fletcher Lane play Gullifty's Saturday - $5 cover benefits Canine Corp of Perry County
Slow Food hosts a Lebanon County Producer Tour. Next week, attend the Farm to Table Dinner at The Cellar in Camp Hill. Buy tickets by 9/15.
On Sunday, Hershey Gardens hosts its Free Hershey Community Gardenfest. Admission is from from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Restaurant Week kicks off Sunday in Hershey. 3 courses for $30 at all Hershey Resorts restaurants.
Dauphin County hosts a two-day Jazz Festival Sat-Sun at Fort Hunter Park.
Get the latest Out with Sara here - featuring McGrath's Half Way to St. Patty's Day block party (Saturday), Bricco's new PA-proud HH and some notes on where to stop in Midtown during Gallery Walk.

Weekend roundup 9/4

2009-09-04T07:16:43-04:00

For a preview of some of the month's hottest events, see my September Preview post, or check today's "Out with Sara" column.

Also, take just a minute to answer my Fall Football Survey.

This weekend, I'm dining and barhopping in Hershey, judging salsa at the annual Chili Cookoff (a part of Kipona), and - um - painting my kitchen. Woo. Wish me luck on the last endeavor. Here's the skinny on the long weekend.

HYP hosts its First Friday HH at Shady McGrady's.
In the arts world, it's also First Friday.
Check out Smoke the Groove tonight at Suba.
Flinchy's hosts a new band - stop out to the Train Wreck Deck tonight for the Valerie Nicole Band.
If that's not enough, The April Skies are at ABC.
Confit chef Matt Black hosts a cooking demo at Cinema Center at 6 p.m., before Julie & Julia (drool). Also, Confit now has 75 cent oysters every Tuesday.
In the nature world, Wildwood Park has a class on Edible Plants on Saturday - and Hawks of Pennsylvania on Sunday
Molly Brannigans now features 1/2 price Sundays - all food is 1/2 price; drinks are 1/2 price from 4-6 p.m.
Holy crap it's a three-day weekend! If you haven't yet, check out the new Grotto Pub Sports & Raw Bar at the former Village Inn in West Fairview. Get fresh steamed shrimp and clams, Wing Co. wings, plus they boast $1 Jell-O shots and $3.50 Jagermeister shots every day, all day (barf). Add to that a separate take-out entrance for beer and wings on the fly - and 9 big screen TVs for all your NFL and college football action. Full review coming next week.

Don't forget it's Kipona weekend - the best part is the Chili Cookoff happening Saturday. Be sure to plan for downtown Harrisburg traffic, and of course, please travel responsibly.

September preview

2009-09-01T17:01:47-04:00

What a perfect day to start the month of September. It's that perfect, crisp, jeans-and-t-shirt weather. Thoughts and tweets are ripe with daydreams of football and changing leaves. (We are one of few lucky states to truly experience all four seasons - even if spring is fading into oblivion.)

It's a big month - plenty going on. Festivals, dining specials, football bonanzas! Here's a preview of some of what the month holds. Click through and mark your calendar now!

Starting this Sunday, Sept. 6 through Thursday, Sept. 10, "Pamper Your Palate" in downtown Harrisburg. Enjoy a special three-course meal for just $30 at any or all of the following locations (click on the name for their special menu): Raspberries, Cafe Fresco, Carley's, Bricco, El Sol, Stock's on 2nd, Zia's @ Red Door, McGrath's, Spice.
And the following week, Sunday, Sept. 13 through Thursday, Sept. 17, enjoy "Restaurant Week" in Hershey!Same deal: 3 courses for $30. Enjoy a meal and any or all of the following: The Bear's Den, Circular Dining Room, Harvest, Hershey Grill, Devon Seafood Grill, Highlands Grill, The Forebay, Hogan Grill, The Fountain Cafe, Houlihans.
Whitaker Center for Science & the Arts celebrates its 10th anniversary on Sept. 9. The party starts at 6 p.m. with food, entertainment and prizes. Tickets are $75 each. Also, now through the end of the month, take in an IMAX movie and the science center for $10 total.
Gallery Walk is Sunday, Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stroll downtown and midtown Harrisburg to take in local art and meet local artists. Also - be sure to stop by the recently renovated new location for the Midtown Scholar and its new coffeeshop, Famous Reading Cafe. Plus, see newbie SPRAMA.design.
Savannah's on Hanna - the latest and potentially greatest in the area's "gentleman's club" opens this month. A soft opening happens Sept. 12, and the grand opening party is Sept. 24-25.
ABC's 12th annual Capital City Invitational Beer Festival is Saturday, Sept. 19 with three sessions, each including more than 20 craft brewers (local, regional and beyond), food buffet and live entertainment. Tickets are $30/advance; $35/door. Also available: $20 designated driver tickets - all the fun, none of the booze. Buy 'em here.
Saturday, Sept. 26 is the New Cumberland Apple Festival - get apples, apple pie, apple strudel, applesauce, more.
Reserve the night of Saturday, Sept. 26 for the 5th annual (really?) Harrisburg Oyster Fest at Sawyer's - 10,000 oysters, 100 kegs, 5 bands. Fun starts at 3 p.m.

There's much more happening this month, so tuned for the Weekend Roundup, posted each Thursday.

Also, take a few minutes to complete my very short Fall Football Survey.

Fall Football Survey

2009-09-01T08:02:24-04:00

Welcome to September! Crisp air, colorful leaves, apples and pigskins are just around the corner.

If you're amped up for college, professional or even high school football season, please take a few minutes to take my Fall Football Survey.

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