Sara Bozich

Weekend roundup - NYE Edition

Happy New Year! I hope that Santa was good to you and maybe, if you planned as I did, you spent this last week at home and not at the office. It wasn't a particularly productive week for me, but it was nice to be off.

My New Year's plans consist of a low key evening with fewer than a dozen close friends. We'll have champagne, and I'm bringing guacamole, so things look good. Rumor has it someone's bringing the Super Mario Bros for Wii, so moments may get a little competitive.

After tomorrow we'll be in 2010, and don't you worry - there will be plenty of year-ringing events that carry on into the next decade. Check 'em out after the jump.

Open for Christmas

Wondering what bars and restaurants are open on Christmas Eve and Day in the greater Harrisburg area? Well, you've come to the right place.

As in recent years, you'll find there are a variety of options for eating and drinking on both nights.

Below is a round-up of some local taverns and eateries that are planning to have some holiday hours this year, and I'll continue to update as I know more. If you know of any additions, please e-mail me or add them in the comments. Happy Holidays!

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 3/13

Hit: fantastic, fun birthday party and the best, most fabulous friends
Miss: waking up with pink eye; continuing to lose voice

Ugh, still trying to get over this virus, and today I'm quietly relaxing at home. I may run a few errands, but mostly this is a laying low kind of day and night. Tomorrow is the annual shopping trip with my mom for my birthday, and then she's cooking me a delicious dinner on Sunday night. While I'm making the most of my 30th, here's what's happening around town:

• Friendly Sons host their annual St. Patty's Day bash tonight at Dragonfly. $25 ticket includes beer, wine and food from Zia's. Live bands to boot. E-mail to buy tickets. 
• Antique Auto Museum in Hershey is hosting a community weekend - admission is just $5. 
• Animal lovers will enjoy PawsAbilities at the Farm Show Sat & Sun.
• Saturday, Impact Band is at Hollywood Casino
• Open Stage celebrates its 10th year anniversary performance of Anne Frank on Saturday.
• HMAC's newly opened Stage on Herr hosts The Black Twigs and Jack Rose for a fundraiser on Saturday. Tix are $10 and benefit the Greater Harrisburg Arts Council.
• Troegs has released its award-winning scratch beer, Flying Mouflan. Available in the Troegs Gift Shoppe starting today. 
• And how could I neglect this - it's March Madness time. Check your favorite sports bars for beer and food specials.

Weekend Roundup 12/11

My weekend plans involve cleaning, laundry, shopping and gift-wrapping (glamorous, no?). Before all that, however, it's the big date night with my dad - we're off to see The Rat Pack is Back at Hershey Theatre. I was sort of hoping this was a holiday-themed show, since The Rat Pack Christmas has been cycling on my iPod, but it looks like the classics - which is still excellent. We went last year and had a great time.

Here's some highlights of other weekend goings-on:

• Tomorrow, catch Holly Jolly Film Shorts from 8-10 p.m. at Mantis
• Make an early New Year's resolution to be "athletic" and sign up for HYP's Dodgeball League
• Stop by the Breads 'n Spreads grand opening on Saturday in Midtown
• Arooga's 15 is kicking off its "We're open" celebration with eating contests all weekend long
• Cocoa Perk in Hershey is offering all kinds of Christmas-themed coffee blends
• It's a rocking good time at the Christmas Show at Dragonfly with the Dead 50s and more