Sara Bozich

Weekend roundup - 12/17

Christmas is very quickly sneaking up on us. This weekend's activities have a hint of the holidays and just some plain old good stuff. I was hoping to finally have a weekend with the fiance in town now that hunting season is over, but it seems it's just not to be. Guess that will be my Christmas present.

Tomorrow's column previews events at Midtown Scholar and Midtown Cinema, plus the Santa Stumble.

I'll be wrapping up my Christmas shopping (just a few small things yet to get!) and assorted other pre-Christmas duties - and in potential blizzard, no less! Here's the scoop on what else is going down:

Weekend roundup 12/10

Good morning, and welcome to the Weekend Roundup. I'm busy downloading all of Amazon.com's free Christmas MP3s and figuring out the few things left on my Christmas shopping list.

This weekend, I'm attending a friend's Christmas Threw-Up Party, an annual girl-fest with too much food, wine and lots of cheer (plus a fun gift exchange). It's become a highlight of the season we all look forward to. Can't wait! Aside from that - it's the final gift purchases, Christmas cards and, of course, housecleaning. Ah, the glamorous life.

Tons going on in the area as we approach the holidays. Fear not - it's all listed below:

Weekend roundup 12/3

Good morning, and welcome to December! I am nominating 2009 for the fastest year ever.

Start your weekend by visiting me at The Hotel Hershey this Friday, Dec. 4 from 3-5 p.m. for a special book signing opportunity of my Hershey travel guide - it makes a great holiday gift for out of town guests or the Hershey lover on your list.

Saturday, I'm hoping we'll find time to look at a wedding venue or two (quick poll: would a blog on my wedding planning interest anyone, or is that market saturated?), plus wrap up my Christmas shopping and maybe even decorate a bit.

Tomorrow's column takes a quick review of Donnie Brown's new Black N Bleu restaurant, located at the former Juliana's on the Pike, the details on Tuesday's annual Friendly Sons' Toys for Tots party - plus info on a special winemaker's dinner in Gettysburg.

Here's what else is shaking:

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.