Sara Bozich

Weekend roundup 3/11

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: 

Giveaway: Friendly Sons of St. Patrick

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

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.!

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?

Weekend roundup 3/5

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:

Giveaway: Appalachian Brewing Company

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.

Weekdend roundup 2/26

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:

Neato winner!

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

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.

Giveaway: Neato Burrito

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

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

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:

Giveaway: Derry Church Artisan Chocolates

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

**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

**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

*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:

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

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

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.

Weekend roundup 1/28

Back on schedule! This weekend has a lot of promise. I'm going to clean the house, grocery shop, do much-needed laundry. Wow. Aside from that, I've got late night drinks with one of my BFFs on Friday and a long-awaited Sunday brunch at Devon with my best work girls ($3 Mimosas! $4 Bloodies!)

Stop right now and click here and leave a comment to win 2 tickets to the Pennsylvania Fighting Championship II, presented by Blackman MMA on Saturday, Feb. 6. In addition to the tickets, you'll get a Steve Blackman action figure!

There's lots to do, so let's get right to it: