Sara Bozich

Weekend roundup 7/9

Good morning! We have a big day ahead - in a few hours (hopefully), Jersey will upload our latest Off the Record podcast for your listening pleasure. As for the weekend, there are few plans in sight beyond a fun, luau-themed birthday party. In tomorrow's column, I'll shed some light on open mic nights at HMAC and those Thursday Wine Tasting Happy Hours you've been hearing about at Zia's/Red Door. Until then, let's take a look at the local barcast:

• Tonight: Molly Brannigans has a special with 42 Below vodka. Stop in for a sample.
• Take a few minutes to fill our the HYP Annual Survey.
• The Maennerchor updated its menu, including late night treats (P.S. - Sign the book!)
• Yay! ABC has Dom Blonde Kolsch this month. Why didn't I have that last night?
• Monday is "Cigars Under the Stars" at Flinchy's - another not-to-miss. Smoke, drink and Hot Rocks!
• Check out Tuesday Night Blues on the 14th at Doc Hollidays featuring Jimmy D from 7-10 p.m. - no cover.
• Tuesday is Bastille Day! Confit Bistro has specials from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Enjoy kabobs, crepes and Tour de France coverage.
• Next Wednesday (7/15) is Jazz Night at Level 2 (as is every third Wednesday of the month). Check it out with $5 glasses of wine and sangria all night.
• Troegs has updated with new fermentation tanks and an updated Dreamweaver Wheat label. New website coming soon, too!

Black & White 4th of July Party at Eclipse

Weekend roundup 7/2

I'm sure I'm not alone in thinking "Holy heck, how did it get to be July?" And so that's where we are with that right now. In tomorrow's column, you'll read about some special "invite only" (but not really) events  - a little something different for your (hopefully) holiday weekend. Here's the shakedown:

• It's Musicfest. For newbies, we have 3 street festivals for the 3 summer holidays. This one focuses on  live bands, and you can catch all the details here. But really, at least go for a pulled pork sandwich and a funnel cake.
• Tonight: Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra performs in Negley Park. A scenic view with the sounds of strings ... I hope. Thunderstorms are in the forecast once again. 
• Spice has a special Happy Hour from 6-8 p.m. tonight - enjoy $3 Three Olives Pomegranate Martinis - plus a special half-price menu and draft beer.
• Friday, The Soup Spot is open until 2 p.m. for pick-up/delivery.
• Open auditions are being held for Theatre Harrisburg's rendition of Annie.
• Did you know Privado is open from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Sunday nights?
• The Summer Jazz Series on the Hilton Patio is in high gear. Be sure to check it out.

July 3 is First Friday

Weekend roundup 6/26

It just seems unreal to me that it is already the end of June. My weekend goal is to escape the heat via some serious pool time, along with the continuous spring cleaning projects that are still underway. I have no plans just yet, and I like it. If you're looking to make some, let's check out what's going down:

• Tonight Case 150 performs at HMAC. Starts at 9 p.m.
  
• HYP Kickball deadline closes today
• Art Association of Harrisburg hosts the start of its Summer Soiree tomorrow at the Milestone
• It's a PINK weekend at Senators baseball games - see website for promos
• Tonight Arooga's has Miller Lite Glass Night: 7 p.m. Camp Hill Bypass; 9 p.m. Route 22
• Tomorrow Budweiser Glass Night at Arooga's: 7 p.m. Route 22; 9 p.m. Camp Hill Bypass
• Saturday night Green Eggs & Emily's Toybox hit the stage at the West Shore Hardware Bar
• Monday, Hershey's latest and greatest, Harvest, opens. Harvest focuses on using fresh, local ingredients in all of its dishes.
• Don't forget to check out today's column for other weekend on-goings.

Blogroll updates

There have been some updates to the Restaurants and Local Blogger pages - please check them out. If you are a local restaurant with a website not listed on the Restaurants page, please contact me with your information so I can add you. Same goes for local bloggers. If you write a blog (and it doesn't have to be about the greater Harrisburg area, but you should be writing from here), and you're not listed on my Local Bloggers page, please e-mail me with your website.

Please check out the Links page for other link opportunities.

Also, if your site is listed on the pages above, please consider adding my website to your blogroll as well. Simply link to www.SaraBozich.com.

Thanks!

Electronic Recycling in Dauphin County

While the state House is poised to vote on legislation this session that would create a statewide electronic recycling program for computer equipment and televisions, Dauphin County is ahead of the curve, having expanded their twice-annual electronic recycling days to a permanent, full-time recycling center.

Dauphin County residents can now drop off old:

• TVs
• computers
• answering machines
• cell phones
• copiers
• pagers
• radios
• CD players
• printers
• print cartridges
• telephones
• typewriters
• compact fluorescent light bulbs

between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the center off of S. Cameron St. near the Steelton-Harrisburg border, by the Harrisburg Incinerator. Confidential paper shredding service also is available for $5/box.

Beginning in August, the center also will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. one Saturday a month - Aug. 1, Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5.

The service is FREE for Dauphin County residents. Out-of-county residents can drop off for a fee. For example, a medium-sized TV can be recycled for $20.

Weekend roundup 6/18

Another long week nearly done - thank goodness. My pursuit towards a spring cleaned apartment will continue, though I'll take some time to get out of the house on Saturday for two events.

First, please stop in to the Waldenbooks at the Colonial Park Mall this Saturday between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. I'll be the doing the second book signing for my Hershey travel guide, Hershey: A Guide to the Town Built on Chocolate.

After, I'll be (weather permitting) heading over to that Sweetest Place on Earth for Hershey Gardens' "A  Day of Wine & Roses." The first time I attended this event, I competed against CBS21's Tom Russell in a grape-stomping contest. He won, but to be fair, he weighs more and has bigger feet. :)

Here's what else the greater Harrisburg area has in store this weekend:

• Under the category of "things I really wish I was doing" - Slow Food Harrisburg is hosting a special 4-course dinner at The Cellar. Preceding dinner is an informal presentation on 'The Future of Food' by renowned food activist and author Gina Mallet.
• Cowboy Junkies are live with Lee Harvey Osmond at CapLive in York tomorrow night.
• Troegs' Harrisburg Brewers' Fest is this Saturday. Here are all the details.
• Saturday is Free Family Fun Day at the National Civil War Museum, meaning free admission all day for everyone.
• This weekend, be sure to check out the return of Karen Gray's one-woman comedy show, "Oh Crap, I Forgot to Have Kids" which is returning to Open Stage tonight through Saturday.
• Suba has free live music from 9-11 p.m. Fri-Sat. The Mark Lomax Band bring reggae & blues Friday; Stacey Dee & the Creekside Combo go indie on Saturday.
• Take Dad to Hersheypark for free this Sunday (Father's Day, btw) by stopping into a CVS and picking up a free voucher (good this June 21 only) - or a free cart at Hershey Links.

Off the Record, Episode 9

After a brief scheduling hiatus, Jersey Mike and I are back again with the ninth episode of Off the Record. We've shortened things up a bit, yapping about Dave's troubles with Metro Bank, and other topical subjects like the new iPhone and decorating your new pad with IKEA.

Catch all the magic here:

Tweet-up at ABC this Wednesday

Once again, it's Tweet-up time. We blogging and Twitter types gather monthly at the Abbey Bar at ABC to chat, tweet and sample a couple handcrafted brews. This month is no exception, in terms of tweeting-up, though it is special. Dave and Jersey Mike, our unofficial leaders, both have more details. Here's the roundup:

• June 2009 Tweetup
• J Roddy and The Tweetup

The basics are:

1. We start at 7, sometimes a wee bit earlier, and go late - often past 11. Come and go as you please.
2. Can't find us? Check the deck. We're probably there with three or more tables pulled together.
3. Everyone's pretty friendly, so get in there and introduce yourself. Let us know if we follow or read you on the interwebs.
4. Don't know what to drink? Start with the Trail Blaze Organic Ale or Water Gap Wheat, an easy pleaser. If the Dom Blonde is out yet (it's the July brew), that's one of my favorites. It's a Kolsch, which will please light beer lovers.

Weekend roundup 6/11

Was this not the longest week ever? No? So far, there isn't a lot on my plate this weekend, so I'm looking forward to some (somewhat late) spring cleaning, a meal or two with family and catching up with friends. The Harrisburg area has more planned than that, though. Check 'er out:

• If you're checking out the locally filmed movie, Home, this weekend at Midtown Cinema, be sure to stop by at 7 p.m. Sat. and Sun. to speak with producer, Michele Mercure, who will answer your questions.
• It's sandals season, people! Stop over to Lola's (now on Second) for a margarita pedi, complete with Key Lime sugar scrub and real margarita.
• Friday night DJ Don is on the Brewhouse deck starting at 9 p.m. Will the rain stop by then? We hope!
• Saturday morning, become one with your community and join HYP and other local organizations for a Block Clean-up from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. - with a celebratory BBQ to follow. E-mail Matthew Crocker for more information.  
• Can only afford to vacation for one day? Make it a good one. Check out The Spa at The Hotel Hershey's new "Vacation for a Day" special - well worth the visit to ChocolateTown.
• For the whole family: Sea Monsters 3D opens Saturday at Whitaker Center's IMAX. Can you believe I still haven't been to an IMAX movie? This one would be a great first.
• The Impact Band is at Hollywood Casino Saturday night.

Hershey Travel Guide now available for small volume discounts

I'm pleased to announce that my book, Hershey: A Guide to the Town Built on Chocolate, is now available for small volume discounts for businesses and re-sale opportunities.

This is the perfect opportunity to buy a small volume of the travel guide (five or 10 copies) at a discount for re-sale in your venue - whether hotel, restaurant or other attraction. For a special order form, e-mail me.

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.

The travel guide is slated to be in local bookstores like Barnes & Noble and Borders very soon, as well for sale via Amazom.com (at a 20 percent discount) - but for small quantity orders for businesses or re-sale, the best deal is to contact me for a special order form. Note: A minimum of 5 copies must be purchased at once to receive the available discount.

Today: Hershey travel guide book signing at B&N

Please join me from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at the Camp Hill Barnes & Noble for the first signing of  my new Hershey travel guide, Hershey: A Guide to the Town Built on Chocolate. It makes a great gift for Hershey lovers or out-of-town relatives or friends.

Hershey makes a great destination, not just for families (though it is surprisingly kid-friendly for its upscale digs), but for couples, girls' getaways, golf excursions and more. And I'm not just saying that because I'm typing this from The Cottages right now.

Note: Copies of the book will be on sale today at B&N. Supplies are limited, but the book will be stocked at local stores as well as Amazon.com by early next week.

Weekend roundup 6/5

I can hardly believe it's June already. I'm in a big rush today getting ready for my "Media Slumber Party" at the new Cottages at The Hotel Hershey. My sister is serving as my date for the weekend, and we're excited to see the new expansion of the hotel, plus sample Hershey's everyday decadence. I'll try to tweet about it as we go. In the meantime, it's another full weekend in the Harrisburg area. Let's take a look:

• Tonight is First Friday! 
• Check out Hot Harley Nights today through Saturday at Susquehanna Valley Harley-Davidson
• From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow, head to Wegmans for their Summer Menu Kick-off Event, featuring tons of samples and giveaways
• Rillo's offers free comedy Saturday night - ask to be seated in the showroom
• ABC's June brew is the Hinterland Hefe Weizen. Try it German-style this weekend only with a special breakfast buffet from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• HarrisburgHello's Downtown Discount Days starts this Sunday, June 7 and runs through Thursday, June 11. Eat at these restaurants for a bargain.
• Sunday, meet members of the Harrisburg Senators baseball team at Legends at 6 p.m.
• Williams-Sonoma has free tech classes "All About Ice Cream" this Sunday.
• Also on Sunday, the annual Capital Area Greenbelt Association Tour de Belt
• Signups are starting HYP's Kickball League. To register, click here.

Pints Bar & Grill

In the revolving world of Harrisburg bar names, another old, then new, now new again bar reopened its door this week. Pints Bar & Grill, a Pittsburgh Steelers-themed sports bar, opened up shop at what was Tara Station (which was Tara Station, nee Epic).

Pints is open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday, adding from noon to 2 a.m. Sundays during football season.

The menu offers typical sports pub fare, like wings, burgers, etc. The specialty is a 16 oz. NY Strip for $11.95.

Entertainment goes beyond sports on TV:

• Monday is blues night with Blues Society of Central PA
• Wednesday is karaoke night
• Friday night, Pints will host DJs
• Saturday catch live acoustic bands

Check my column this Friday for details about Pints' first Mini-Golf Tournament.

The Soup Spot - now with breakfast

This just in: Starting Wednesday, June 3, The Soup Spot will serve breakfast, in addition to its current lunch and early dinner service hours. And yes, folks, apparently you can have soup for breakfast.

Also on the early morn menu are breakfast sandwiches, muffins, danishes - plus juice and coffee, of course.

Breakfast is served from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., meaning you can get some on your way to work. Plus, they deliver, so order for the whole office.

E-mail them to join their mailing list.

Weekend roundup 5/28

By the time you read this, I'll be just hours away from a mini-vacation (probably the only kind I'll get this year - but I'm not complaining - wait 'til you hear what I'm doing next weekend). I'm heading southeast to what we affectionately term, Slower Lower Delaware. A weekend with the girls, in fact. Lots of white wine, mimosas and a heavenly forecast. However, there's plenty to do right here, too:

• Your favorite local - and beach- band, Green Eggs, takes the stage tomorrow night at the West Shore Hardware Bar
• Saturday morning, that team of walkers you see on Front Street and City Island is Highmark's Walk for a Healthy Community, benefiting a variety of local charities.
• It's ABC's anniversary party this Saturday - including a FREE concert featuring Cracker! Food, brew, fun, etc.
• Niko's in Lebanon also celebrates an anniversary - its 2nd - with an 80s prom theme, giveaways, drink specials and DJ Chip.
• Brewhouse Grille has Brews for Boobies from 5-9 p.m. Saturday on the deck, benefiting Breast Cancer 3 Day & the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
• Jewelry, Fashion and Lingerie Show - at Flinchy's? C'mon, are you really surprised? They're always pulling out all the stops. $45 includes cocktails, food and guest speaker. Proceeds benefit Pinnacle Health. Stop in for this afternoon treat from 1-4 p.m.
• Confit French Bistro (now on Twitter) is hosting a wine tasting dinner at 5 p.m. on Sunday. $70. E-mail for info or reservations.
• Yesterday, I announced on Twitter that Doc Holliday's had closed. However, this does not affect the New Cumberland location - the Comedy Zone lives on. In fact, renovations are planned.

Weekend roundup 5/22

Can you believe it's Memorial Day weekend already? I'm heading out of town for some R&R (and some dirt track racing, but that's another story), but with ArtsFest serving as the weekend headliner, there's a ton to do this weekend.

• Must do: Troegs kicks off Artsfest tonight with a special outdoor showing of the cult classic, Strange Brew, outside of the brewery. BYOC (chair). Seating starts around 6 p.m. until dusk (8:15ish) and concessions (popcorn, beer, etc.) will be sold throughout the night.
• If you haven't heard, Jersey Mike is slinging 'dogs at Nonna's over lunch during the week. Stop and see him, grab a dog and an opinion or two.
• Get down to York on Saturday for the York Jaycees' Annual Chili Cook-off. AYCE chili for $10!
• Boiling Springs Pool opens this weekend - stay tuned to SaraBozich.com for your chance to win free passes! In the meantime, follow them on Twitter.
• Print out this email and take it to a Senators' game this weekend to buy one game ticket, get one free.
• Moon Dancer Winery in Wrightsville has its 5th annual Jazz Fest this weekend
• City Island Beach opens this weekend.
• Brewhouse Grille has AYCE crab legs for $15.95

Mercado's Pizza Grill - now open

As seen at 225 N. Second St., Harrisburg. Mercado's Pizza Grill - same great pizza, now with a bar, beer to go, nonsmoking. OPEN as of tonight, Wednesday, May 20.

Open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday. (Don't have a confirmation on Saturday hours yet.)

More info soon!

Mercado's Pizza Grill

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Off the Record, Episode 7

When Jersey and I started this podcast last night, we never expected the results of yesterday's election to turn out quite the way they did ... Give a listen as we discuss who we voted for (kind of), plus - Mike's slinging 'dogs in Midtown, we share reader e-mail, dole out advice, rant, rave and the like.

Don't forget to give us a shout at offtherecordhbg@gmail.com.