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 - 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:

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!

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.

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 8/6

Welcome to the west shore edition of the Weekend Roundup! I've relocated, but that won't stop the weekly update of what's going on, where to eat and what to drink. I'm slowly creating some semblance of order in the house. For me this weekend is about more unpacking, convincing the boyfriend to take me to see Julie & Julia, a bachelorette party on Sawyer's Diner rooftop and the final trip to the old apartment. Lots going on everywhere - let's get to it:

• Giotti's has AYCE King crab legs tonight for $21.99
• Damon's (Susquehanna Shoppes) is hosting Bike Night from 6-9 p.m. tonight
• Friday, HYP hosts its Date Auction & Benefit at ABC's Abbey Bar
• Catch local classic cover band, Green Eggs, at West Shore Hardware Bar tomorrow night
• The Impact Band is at Champions
• Pat Cusick (rhymes with music, not muzak) does his solo gig at Stoney Creek Inn for TGIF
• Start the weekend on a positive note with the Wildwood Park Volunteer Work Day at Olewine Nature Center Saturday morning.
• Boyfriend is going to the first UFC fight in Pennsylvania on Saturday - if you weren't lucky enough to score tickets to the match in Philly, watch at Arooga's - NO COVER.
• Our local Williams-Sonoma store will have a free technique class, "Balsamic & Beyond," Sunday afternoon.
• Riviera Day Spa is hosting a "SpaTini" Party on Tuesday - I'll be there with the girls. 'Tinis, shopping, etc.
• Whitaker Center is celebrating its 10th Anniversary with $10 dual admission to the HARSCO Science Center and select IMAX movies now through ...
• I can take my Julie & Julia ticket stub (and so can you) to Confit for $5 off lunch or $10 off dinner.
• Don't forget - Check out my column, Out with Sara, in Friday's Patriot-News, for even more info on local events. This week, I feature the Dauphin County Cultural Festival, a local benefit polo match and the 411 on Zia's latest dining deal.

Weekend roundup 6/26

It just seems unreal to me that it is already the end of June. My weekend goal is to escape the heat via some serious pool time, along with the continuous spring cleaning projects that are still underway. I have no plans just yet, and I like it. If you're looking to make some, let's check out what's going down:

• Tonight Case 150 performs at HMAC. Starts at 9 p.m.
  
• HYP Kickball deadline closes today
• Art Association of Harrisburg hosts the start of its Summer Soiree tomorrow at the Milestone
• It's a PINK weekend at Senators baseball games - see website for promos
• Tonight Arooga's has Miller Lite Glass Night: 7 p.m. Camp Hill Bypass; 9 p.m. Route 22
• Tomorrow Budweiser Glass Night at Arooga's: 7 p.m. Route 22; 9 p.m. Camp Hill Bypass
• Saturday night Green Eggs & Emily's Toybox hit the stage at the West Shore Hardware Bar
• Monday, Hershey's latest and greatest, Harvest, opens. Harvest focuses on using fresh, local ingredients in all of its dishes.
• Don't forget to check out today's column for other weekend on-goings.

Weekend roundup 5/28

By the time you read this, I'll be just hours away from a mini-vacation (probably the only kind I'll get this year - but I'm not complaining - wait 'til you hear what I'm doing next weekend). I'm heading southeast to what we affectionately term, Slower Lower Delaware. A weekend with the girls, in fact. Lots of white wine, mimosas and a heavenly forecast. However, there's plenty to do right here, too:

• Your favorite local - and beach- band, Green Eggs, takes the stage tomorrow night at the West Shore Hardware Bar
• Saturday morning, that team of walkers you see on Front Street and City Island is Highmark's Walk for a Healthy Community, benefiting a variety of local charities.
• It's ABC's anniversary party this Saturday - including a FREE concert featuring Cracker! Food, brew, fun, etc.
• Niko's in Lebanon also celebrates an anniversary - its 2nd - with an 80s prom theme, giveaways, drink specials and DJ Chip.
• Brewhouse Grille has Brews for Boobies from 5-9 p.m. Saturday on the deck, benefiting Breast Cancer 3 Day & the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
• Jewelry, Fashion and Lingerie Show - at Flinchy's? C'mon, are you really surprised? They're always pulling out all the stops. $45 includes cocktails, food and guest speaker. Proceeds benefit Pinnacle Health. Stop in for this afternoon treat from 1-4 p.m.
• Confit French Bistro (now on Twitter) is hosting a wine tasting dinner at 5 p.m. on Sunday. $70. E-mail for info or reservations.
• Yesterday, I announced on Twitter that Doc Holliday's had closed. However, this does not affect the New Cumberland location - the Comedy Zone lives on. In fact, renovations are planned.

Restaurants (and bars) open for Christmas

**2009 UPDATE: If you landed here looking for what bars/restaurants are open for Christmas 2009, please CLICK HERE for a current list. **

It's one of the most asked questions of the year - who will be open for Christmas? Christmas Eve can be a big bar night, but most bars, restaurants and businesses close up shop on Christmas Day. I've tried to compile a list of the bars/restaurants that will be open these two days in the Harrisburg area. I'll update as I know more. If you know of any others, please e-mail me or add them in the comments. Happy Holidays!

• Arooga's (West Hanover & Camp Hill locations) - open until 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve; open AT 5 p.m. on Christmas Day
• All DowntownAfterDark properties (Bourbon Street, Hardware, etc.) - closed Christmas Eve; open at 8 p.m. Christmas Day
• Brick Haus - 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Christmas Eve; 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Christmas Day
• Flinchy's - open all night Christmas Eve (kitchen closes at 5 p.m.); open Christmas Day in time for the first football game!
• Fenicci's (Hershey) - open from noon to 11 p.m. Christmas Eve; bar opens at 6 p.m. on Christmas Day
• The Hotel Hershey
  • The Fountain Cafe - 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. both Christmas Eve and Day
  • The Circular Dining Room - dinner served from 6-9 p.m. both days - all booked
  • The Iberian Lounge - 4 p.m. to midnight both Christmas Eve and Day
• The Hershey Lodge
  • Hershey Grill - 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Christmas Eve; 1-9 p.m. Christmas Day
  • Lebbie Lebkicker's  - breakfast 7-11 a.m. both days; Christmas Day buffet noon to 5 p.m.
  • The Forebay - 5-11 p.m. Christmas Eve; noon to 8 p.m. Christmas Day
  • The Bear's Den - 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. both days
• Garrason's Tavern - 11:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m., reopening at 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Christmas Eve; closed Christmas Day
• Brewhouse Grille - regular hours Christmas Eve; open at 4 p.m Christmas Day
• The Coliseum - opens at 5 p.m. on Christmas Day

Who is open for Christmas?

**2009 UPDATE: If you landed here looking for what bars/restaurants are open for Christmas 2009, please CLICK HERE for a current list. **

**2008 UPDATE: If you landed here looking for what bars/restaurants are open for Christmas 2008, please CLICK HERE for a current list. **

A friend wrote to inquire about which bars may or may not be open late on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Here is what I found out:

Appalachian Brewing Company - open until 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve (get your growlers!); closed Christmas Day
Bourbon Street Saloon - closed Christmas Eve; open Christmas Day
Brick Haus - open until 2 a.m. both days
Carley's Ristorante & Piano Bar - closed both days
Carmella's Trattoria - open until the bar is empty on Christmas Eve; closed Christmas Day
Coliseum - closing at 5 p.m. Christmas Eve; open at 5 p.m. Christmas Day
Fire Alley - open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve for gift certificate sales only; closed Christmas Day
Flinchy's - open until 2 a.m. on Christmas Eve (kitchen closes at 6 p.m.); open at 8 p.m. Christmas Day
Harrisburg Hardware/Eclipse - closed Christmas Eve; open Christmas Day
Garrason's Tavern - Christmas Eve 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.; closed Christmas Day
Mangia Qui/Suba - closed both days
Molly Brannigans - closing at 5 p.m. Christmas Eve; open at 6 p.m. Christmas Day
Pep Grill - closing early Christmas Eve; closed Christmas Day
Sawyer's Cantina - closed both days
Scott's Grille - open from 4-10 p.m. Christmas Eve; closed Christmas Day
Scott's Olde Towne - closed both days
Stock's on Second - closed both days
Troegs Brewing Company - open until 3 p.m. Christmas Eve; closed Christmas Day
West Shore Hardware Bar - closed Christmas Eve; Christmas Day 18 to party, 21 to drink

If you know of other bar/restaurant holiday hours, please e-mail me!