I know this is so, like, yesterday but I feel like 2009 truly zoomed by. I'm excited for 2010 and all it may hold, but last year noted some important changes – both personally for me and for the area in terms of nightlife.
My world changed significantly when my boyfriend and I bought a house, moved, rescued a badass dog and got engaged. I also wrote my first book, a Hershey travel guide, and hosted nearly half a dozen book signings throughout the area.
As for the bar, restaurant and lifestyle scene, we saw quite a few changes. These 20 come in no particular order.
- Tara Station closed; Pints opened a few months later in its place.
- Scott's Grille, the legendary politico hangout and see-and-be-seen hot spot, closed its doors for good.
- Lola's Day Spa moved from Third to Second Street and recently was closed. It's slated to reopen this month.
- Pesce became Juliana's, and Juliana's on the Pike closed – and subsequently reopened under the trained tutelage of Donnie Brown as Black N Bleu.
- Cafe Atlantis revamped itself as Brew 22. Look for a review from me later this month.
- Hummelstown favorite, Al Mediterraneano closed. The "Gas Station," an alleged gastropub, is slated to open in the early part of '10.
- Mercado's opened a bar/restaurant location on Second St., where Perks & Bribes once operated, hosting open mic nights and karaoke.
- The Soup Spot opened in Midtown, much to the joys state workers.
- Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center finally opened its doors.
- Midtown Scholar completed its move and renovation and experienced immediate success.
- Cafe di Luna moved to Midtown, creating a "coffeehouse row" effect in Midtown.
- The Hershey Story, the revised version of the former Hershey Museum, opened, including Cafe Zooka and the Chocolate Lab, where you can sign up for chocolate making classes and more.
- Tweet-ups took off throughout the area. A meet'n greet for Tweeters.
- My column, Out with Sara, moved to Fridays as part of The Patriot-News' redesign.
- The Woodside Cottages at The Hotel Hershey opened. My sister and I spent a weekend there, and we can testify to its fabulousness.
- Doc Holliday's revamped its New Cumberland location, splitting into three restaurants: Old Naples, Doc's Saloon & Grill and Carve, which is set to open in the spring.
- The City of Harrisburg got its first gentleman's club when Savannah's on Hanna opened. Read my review here.
- The Grotto Pub opened in West Fairview (Enola-ish). The place for all things Notre Dame, wings and Jell-O shots.
- Hollywood Casino amped up their dining options with Final Cut Steakhouse, a truly upscale (and delicious) steakhouse inside the casino.
- Blackman MMA hosted its first Pennsylvania Fighting Championship, the first MMA event in the area at the Zembo Shrine. Look for the next one on Feb. 6.
