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Pennsylvania State Capitol: A Landmark of Power and Beauty

admin — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:18:36 +0000

Combining all the best of classical grandeur and contemporary power, the Pennsylvania State Capitol is a breathtaking building and home to the keystone state's governmental seat. A public destination open to all visitors, it is an architectural gem and a historical symbol of the founding state's storied role in America's evolution. Dedicated in 1906—with none other than president Theodore Roosevelt in attendance—the building has long been an iconic landmark both inside and out. The interior features variously inspired details such as Renaissance designs, stained glass, as well as French, Greek, and Victorian aesthetic influences. Beyond the sprawling rooms and hallways, the central, Michelangelo-inspired 272-foot dome is not to be missed. But no matter what, this is a beautiful place to get a sense of Pennsylvania's political past as well as a glimpse of its future.

Pennsylvania State Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 787-6810
www.pacapitol.com

Cold Weather Blowouts

admin — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:13:47 +0000

This is the time of year when we wind down from the holidays and start into the long haul of deep winter. A simple, low stress party can be just the thing to get us through the cold slog to spring. These party themes should inspire you to spend some time celebrating with friends and family.

Turn up the heat in your house, pick up some tropical and beach-themed decorations, and have a winter beach party. Serve tropical drinks and use a stovetop grill pan to make hamburgers and hot dogs or grilled fish for tacos.
Have a hot drink party – make several flavors of hot cocoa, mulled wine and cider, and hot teas. Accompany the drinks with all the fixings – flavored syrups, marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles. Keep the theme going with sweet and savory fondues.
Celebrate February holidays and events – host a Super Bowl party with a football theme, have a sweetheart party for Valentine’s Day, or hold a movie-themed bash for Oscar night. You could even have a patriotic party for President’s Day.
Of course you can always have a plain old winter themed party. Decorate the house with snowflakes and white twinkle lights, and set out a hearty feast on a snow-white tablecloth. Encourage guests to bring a winter item, anything from a hat and scarf set to a winter mix CD, to swap!

Progress Grill: A Taste of History

admin — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:19:34 +0000

The moniker of Harrisburg’s Progress Grill is a little ironic—in a town that has seen a great deal of gentrification in the last decade, this local institution has stayed firmly stuck in the past. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, mind you, as there’s still plenty of room in this world for old-school quality. The retro formal Progress Grill has been welcoming locals for decades, serving up American classics with skill. Service is some of the best in town—with a tradition of excellence like this place has, that shouldn’t be too surprising. Known for their steak and seafood, regulars rave that the prime rib is some of the best to be had anywhere, the crabcakes are spectacular, and the rack of lamb is a winner as well. One complaint about Progress Grill is that the prices are a touch too high, but you’re paying for history here.

Progress Grill
3526 Walnut Street
Harrisburg, PA 17109
(717) 652-7348
www.progressgrill.com

Five Most Romantic Songs For Valentine’s Day

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:28:02 +0000

Nothing will get you in a Valentine’s Day mood quicker than romantic music. Whether you’re looking for songs to play as background ambiance during a Cupid Day date or just some tunes to enjoy on your own as you pine for your special someone, here are five of the most heart-stirring songs out there:

"The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra

This Sinatra classic offers sweet, passionate lyrics and a timeless message about love. An added benefit: it’s the kind of song that easy and fun to dance along with, so it’s an especially good choice if you’re looking to put something romantic on the sound system and get cheek to cheek with your partner.

"Unchained Melody" by the Righteous Brothers

This song has perhaps become best known as the soundtrack to the sensuous clay-sculpting scene in Ghost, but you don’t have to be sitting at a potter’s wheel to relish the tune’s soaring romantic ambience. "Unchained Melody" captures longing like almost no other piece of music out there.

"Je T’aime…Moi Non Plus" by Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin

This sensuous French song combines breathy vocals, alluring instrumentals, and a tone of passionate longing. It will create the perfect ambience for a candlelit evening with your object of Valentine’s Day amour.

"Fields of Gold" by Sting

This sweet song about love in a rural setting has an otherworldly romantic quality that will make it perfect for your iPod while you take a dreamy Valentine’s Day walk. It’s also ideal tune to play on your iPod dock while you and your sweetheart are enjoying a Cupid Day picnic outdoors.

"I’ll Stand By You" by The Pretenders

This 90’s hit is as fresh today as it was ten years ago. The lyrics capture perfectly what it means to have a close connection with another person, whether it’s a friendship or a romantic relationship. The song is an especially great one to send along to your special someone for a Valentine’s Day listening treat.

Happy Friday!

admin — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:33:04 +0000

We hope everyone enjoys their weekend and stays warm!

Midtown Scholar Bookstore: Read And Learn

admin — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:16:06 +0000

The independent bookstore is a dying breed, but stalwarts like Harrisburg’s Midtown Scholar are bucking the tide. There are things you can get at a locally-owned business that you can’t from Amazon or Barnes & Noble – most importantly, customer service. The employees here know their literature, and are happy to offer recommendations that usually hit the mark. This is the largest academic used bookstore between New York and Chicago, with an unreal selection of over 100,000 volumes! The space is incredibly beautiful, illuminated with tons of light, and it’s easy to lose many hours browsing the stacks, finding rare treasures at great prices. A kids play area gives the little ones a place of their own to enjoy. The bookstore also hosts a café that serves up delicious free trade coffees and teas. Friday and Saturday night the Midtown Scholar Bookstore uses some space for free concerts by local musical acts.

Midtown Scholar Bookstore
1302 North Third Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
(717) 236-1680
www.midtownscholar.com

Five ID-Theft Protection Tips

admin — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:22:22 +0000

During the holidays, when we’re busy, distracted, and spending more money than we do at other times throughout the year, it’s especially important to be wary of identity theft. Here are some tips to help you stay protected this season:

Keep an Eye on Your Statements

Identity thieves know that you’ll be wracking up a higher number of purchases around the holidays – and they’re banking on their fraudulent charges going unnoticed. The way to avoid this is to regularly monitor your checking, credit card, and debit accounts.

No Purse Needed

A large percentage of identity thefts happen when you’re out shopping. It’s easy for someone to grab your purse when you’re distracted in busy crowd. So, carry only the essentials with you.

Look Over Your Shoulder

Make sure you’re aware of people standing too close behind you while you’re using your card; be especially wary of someone pointing a cell phone toward you (cell-phone cameras are increasingly popular with identity thieves).

Breads n’ Spreads: Cut A Slice

admin — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:16:02 +0000

Sometimes the best foods are the simplest. In the case of Harrisburg’s Breads n’ Spreads, that adage holds true. This excellent luncheonette has been drawing raves from locals since opening in Midtown, with great homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches. The roast beef with curry spread on their house-baked grilled bread is spectacular, as is the excellent egg salad with bacon and tomato. Breads n' Spreads's sweets are also incredible, with toffee brownies winning raves from dessert customers. They also serve a popular Sunday brunch that lets the cooks try their hands at some well-received breakfast staples. The baked oatmeal with peaches is absolutely spectacular, as is the French toast. Their coffee is some of the best in the city, brewed fresh by espresso artisans. On nice days, sit outside in their charming courtyard and enjoy the sun. If you’re looking to get some work done, Breads n’ Spreads also offers free wireless Internet for customers.

Breads n’ Spreads
1419 North 3rd Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
(717) 695-7713
www.breadsnspreadsmidtown.com

Holiday Shopping: Top New Toys for Kids

admin — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:50:15 +0000

There are so many toys on the store shelves today that shopping for little ones can be a daunting task. Here are five of the best new toys on the market, sure to entertain and educate the kids on your gift list this year:

LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer Tablet
LeapFrog has long been a leader in technology-based learning toys for kids, and this latest product from them is truly outstanding. It contains games, digital books, videos, flash cards, and a built-in camera and camcorder. Perfect for kids aged 4 to 9 years old.

Fijit Friends Interactive Toys
These miniature interactive robots feature lifelike movements and voice recognition with over 100 different responses built in. They can also dance to music and play their own songs. Ideal for kids aged 6 and older.

Power Wheels Dune Racer Ride On
This is the ultimate in battery powered ride-on cars for those boys and girls who like to get behind the wheel. The large wheels give the car excellent traction and the seating area has more room than other similar brands. A good choice for little drivers between 3 and 7 years of age.

LEGO Ninjago Limited Edition Lightning Dragon
This is a brain-stretching building and adventure game in which kids have to set up and execute the rescue of a character while avoiding danger from enemy forces. A good choice for kids 8 years of age and older.

Magnetic Thinking Putty
All kids love playing with ordinary silly putty, but this product takes putty-play to a whole new level! The mesmerizing magnetic properties make the putty take on a life of its own when played with in proximity to magnetic items. A great gift for kids aged 5 and older.

Oyster Mill Playhouse: Curtain’s Up

admin — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:10:11 +0000

Live theater can add an important facet to a city’s cultural life, and Harrisburg locals are lucky to have the Oyster Mill Playhouse in their town. Nestled in a gorgeous converted oyster mill on the banks of the Conodoguinet Creek, the space was converted in 1988 and has hosted a robust variety of theatrical performances since. A completely volunteer-run non-profit theatre company is the space's exclusive tenant, putting on eight shows a year that run the gamut from comedy to drama. The playhouse is quite small, which means that you’re guaranteed an intimate evening with the actors. On the flip side, that also means that shows sell out quickly, too. In addition to the scheduled performance, the troupe raises funds by conducting entertaining murder mystery parties at your location, with clever improvisation bringing your guests into a hilarious and suspenseful world of deduction. The Playhouse’s lobby features a rotating gallery of work from local visual artists as well.

Oyster Mill Playhouse
1001 Oyster Mill Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
(717) 737-6768
www.oystermill.com