That sound you hear is the year twenty-ten screaming by. Before we know it, we'll be Black Friday shopping, hanging stockings by the fire with care and toasting the New Year. And yes, I know this stuff is already available in stores.
But it's September, the quintessential start to the fall season (though weather-wise, we're still looking at warm daytime temps for a while). It's using the "back to school" excuse for shopping for new sweaters, denim and boots, even for those of us who haven't seen a classroom in more than a decade (well almost a decade). It's time for pigskin tosses in leaf-filled backyards while our favorite teams tromps all over our rivals on the field.
As we've heard, it's pumpkin time: pumpkin lattes, pumpkin beers – (and in a minute, pumpkin pie).
Is it the cozy feeling that autumn somehow creates – or the new school year "rebirth" that makes September such a hotbed for festivates, dining extravaganzas and more?
Keep reading to see all the copious events this ninth month has to share:
- Musicians and longtime bloggers remember HBGOnline.com – well, they're hosting their relaunch party Thursday, Sept. 2 (tonight) at Dragonfly. My fair colleague, Alexis Dow, has the deets.
- HYP hosts the annual ImPAct Conference in Harrisburg Sept. 10-12. It's a weekend chock full of sessions, speakers and networking opportunities revolving around the theme of leadership. Time is running out – click here to register.
- Dauphin County hosts its 4th annual Jazz Festival at Fort Hunter Park on the weekend of Sept. 11-12.
- The Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival also is Sept. 11-12, featuring live music, food and wine pairings and wine appreciation seminars.
- On Sunday, Sept. 12, the Art Association of Harrisburg hosts the 22nd annual Gallery Walk throughout downtown and midtown Harrisburg. More than 30 local vendors and venues will showcase local artists' works, most within walking distance. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For a list of all participants, click here. For a printable map, click here.
- Starting Sunday, Sept. 12 through Thursday, Sept. 17 is Restaurant Week in Hershey. This event is two-fold. First, Hershey Resorts Restaurants offer 3 dinner courses for $30 or 3 lunch courses for $15 (during appropriate dining hours). Participating restaurants include Devon Seafood Grill, Houlihan's, the new Trevi 5, Harvest, The Bear's Den, The Circular Dining Room, The Forebay, The Hershey Grill and Highlands Grill. Click here for all the Restaurant Week menus. To end the festivities, take in the first Hershey Hotel Food & Wine Festival on Sept. 19 from noon to 4 p.m. ($40).
- Second, Hershey Independent Restaurants (HIRA) also have specials throughout the week at participating restaurants.
- Sept. 13-17th is "Pamper Your Palate," Restaurant Week in downtown Harrisburg. Participating restaurants will offer a special 3-course menu (appetizer, entree and dessert) for just $30 per person. Participating restaurants include Carley's, Bricco, McGrath's, El Sol, Spice, Zia's at Red Door, Raspberries (Hilton) and Stock's on Second (click on each restaurant name for its 'restaurant week' menu).
- WTPA 93.5 FM is celebrating its birthday with a huge bash at the Radisson Penn Harris in Camp Hill, featuring Kix and AC/DC tribute band, Back in Black. You can buy tickets here.
- ABC's 13th annual Capital City Invitational Beer Festival is Saturday, Sept. 18 with two sessions, each including more than 20 craft brewers (local, regional and beyond), German food buffet and live entertainment. Tickets are $35/advance; $40/door. Also available: $15 designated driver tickets – all the fun, none of the booze. Buy 'em here. *Look to win free tickets the week before the event on SaraBozich.com.
- Saturday, Sept. 25 is the New Cumberland Apple Festival – everything apple from cider to strudel.
- Reserve the night of Saturday, Sept. 25 for the 6th annual Harrisburg Oyster Fest at Sawyer's.
