Sara Bozich

Talking Turkey: Thanksgiving Facts & Figures

Happy Thanksgiving! I wish you all safe and happy travels, overstuffed dinners and gratuitous football coverage.

Enjoy these fun numbers and notes from financial blog, mint.com.

Personal Finance – Mint.com

Weekend roundup - Thanksgiving Edition

Happy Turkey Day! I wish you all a safe, happy and well-fed holiday. I'll be daytripping to family in Pittsburgh, then back in town to relax, Christmas shop and check out the new club, Reflex (neé Eclipse).

If you're skipping the hassle and drama of cooking - or just looking for some supplemental dishes (made by someone else), read Sue Gleiter's article on where to go.

For those of you who aren't going home - or who would just rather go out for the big meal, be sure to check out local hotels for special Thanksgiving buffets. Holiday Inn Mechanicsburg, Hershey Lodge and The Hotel Hershey, Four Points Sheraton, Felicita Garden Resort and Spa and non-hotel Liberty Forge all have options.

All said, there is a ton going on this weekend. Here's a rundown:

Weekend roundup 11/19

It's Beaujolais Day! Don't miss tasting events at the Hilton, local liquor stores, Hollywood Casino, Flinchy's and more. And be sure to read my column tomorrow for more Beaujolais-related events that go through the weekend. It's a wine-extravaganza.

Tonight, in fact, I'll be hitting up Flinchy's for its special Beaujolais Day menu - then tomorrow, anything goes (but probably a movie at home ...). Saturday, the fiance and I will finally start some pre-wedding preparations as we meet with our first potential reception venue. By night, we'll dine at the relatively new Final Cut Steakhouse at HCPN - can't wait. Sunday, we'll travel to meet friends for a day of football watching and eating.

Here's the scoop on what else:

Troegs Brothers' Bash

This Friday, run - do not walk - to HMAC for The Brothers' Bash: A Night of Troegs Beer and Troegs Music. This can't-miss event features Pale Ale, Mad Elf and Dreamweaver Wheat on tap, plus a firkin of Hopback Amber Ale on the bar.

All music provided by bands featuring Troegs employees - Eli Charleston, Colebrook Road, Up Pops the Devil -- plus Starsan, the all-star supergroup built for a Battle of the Bands beer festival held at Stoudt's the last two years, features 10 Troegs employees. Starsan won Stoudt's Battle of the Bands both years!

Doors at 7 p.m.; Music at 8 p.m. $5 cover.

Also: guest bartenders, Troegs trivia and free glassware to the first 50 people to purchase a pint.

Weekend roundup 11/12

I don't know what it is, but I've been swamped lately. This entire week included nary a social event (okay, I'm still going to watch Grey's tonight at my girlfriend's house), but instead has been wrought with responsibility and duty. I'm not complaining - but I am looking forward to spending the weekend on the couch with the dog. I may even treat myself to a movie - if you have a recommendation, leave it in the comments.

Around town, things are a bit more active. Here's the rundown:

Weekend roundup 11/5

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:

Scott's Grille - now closed

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.

Weekend roundup 10/29

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.

Holiday volunteer opportunity

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

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

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:

Book signing this Saturday, Oct. 24

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

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

... 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.

Halloween Happenings 2009

**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.

Harrisburg-Hershey Photo Contest

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

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.

Weekend roundup - 10/1

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:

Doc Holliday's becomes 3

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

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.