Sara Bozich

Weekend roundup 1/8

Hmm, I sort of feel like 2010 is getting off to a pokey little start. I feel I'm about a day behind, and perhaps others are still suffering from an extended time off or still recovering from the holidays themselves. Regardless, things seem quiet, but with the Farm Show kicking off this weekend, know that life is in full swing.

This weekend, my college BFF is visiting, so I'm planning some late night QT at my favorite dive, The Pep Grill. By Sunday, I'm gathering the girls for a trip to my first bridal show at the Radisson Penn Harris to register to win some free stuff. We plan to follow with Bloody Marys at Arooga's.

Today's column has some beyond-the-food-court ideas for the Farm Show, a preview on new happy hours and an art event at Gallery Blu. For the rest, click on through:

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.

Giveaway: 'Spring Awakening' Tix for 2

Broadway's Spring Awakening National Tour will come to Hershey Theatre next week, Jan. 5-10.

Called "extraordinary," "spellbinding," "electrifying" and "a dazzler," Spring Awakening dares to break the musical mold. And with songs like "Bitch of Living" and "Totally F***ed," this isn't your typical theatrical production. 

This is no doubt a "must see," and one lucky reader can win 2 tickets to the Jan. 4, 5 or 6 performance. Simply visit the Spring Awakening website, come back and leave a comment below, answering the following trivia question:

Spring Awakening was based off of a banned 1891 German play by the same name. Who was the author? Leave your comment below. One random winner will be chosen on Sunday, Jan. 3.

Be sure to catch this at Hershey Theatre next week. To purchase tickets, click here.

Mad Elf Gift Pack Winner

I hope everyone is having a fantastic holiday.

There was a great response to the Mad Elf Gift Pack Giveaway, and I'm proud to announce the random winner of the Mad Elf glass and 22 oz Mad Elf is Dan Christ!

As for the trivia question, Who was Troegs Brewing Company's first draft account?, you guys made a lot of really great guesses.

You remembered McGrath's predecessor, The Pub at 202 Locust, paid homage to the recently lost Scott's Grille, gave a hat tip to the old Dewey's - and a few of you even mentioned a bar I wasn't familiar with, The Belmont, which forced me to do a little research on my own. The Belmont was a bar/restaurant located in Harrisburg where Mitaka now sits. First called the Soft Rock Cafe, it was renovated and renamed The Belmont, a steakhouse. However, it didn't last long - just a mere two years - and in fact closed before Troegs unveiled their patented brews in Harrisburg. So, even I learned something in this contest.

However ... no one was able to correctly guess the answer. The venue in question is, in fact, now closed - a piece of the area's nightlife history - but a quite well-known one. Click through for the answer.

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 11/5

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:

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.

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:

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.