D.I.D. You Know....

When you drive through downtown each morning on your way to work, you're probably more concerned with keeping your eyes on the traffic around you, the song on the radio and maybe checking your hair to ensure you look good before you head into the office.  But if you've ever looked up, you will notice the light poles are full of vibrant banners displaying the Downtown Improvement District's motto... Live Work Shop Dine Play. The banners have become one of the most recognizable projects that the Downtown Improvement District has done over the last several years, includint the Hometown Heroes Banners, the Susquecentennial Banners and most recently the Live Work Shop Dine Play banners.  So as your drive or walk through downtown, look up and admire the great banners highlighting some of downtown's best qualities.

Friday Night Downtown - January 18

Stepping out on a Friday night in Downtown Harrisburg is always an adventure.  Friday the 18^th was no exception.  I headed to Federal Taphouse, Restaurant Row’s latest addition, with my roommate. It was packed, which I didn’t mind because I always like to see downtown businesses busy. The atmosphere was one that I didn’t expect to see in the city. It’s casual and comfortable and there is lots of space inside the Taphouse.  After about a 10 minute wait, we were seated and I had a perfect view of the kitchen as well as plenty of full tables – couples and families, friends and coworkers. With a large chalkboard wall listing all the beers on tap, it was time to make a selection.  I’m not a big beer drinker, so I tried the WoodChuck Pear. Yummy! Both my roommate and I decided to go with Brick Oven Pizzas.  I tried the Margherita pizza while roomie tried the 4 cheese pizza.  Both were delicious and came out rather quickly. For as busy as it was, our service was quite good and our waiter was friendly and entertaining.  I’ll definitely be visiting Federal Taphouse again!

Roomie & I with Caroline Rhea

Caroline Rhea on Stage

Margherita Pizza from Taphouse

Following dinner, we strolled right next door to 2^nd Street Comedy Club.  We had tickets to see Sabrina’s Aunt Hilda… for those of you who don’t remember the show Sabrina the Teenage Witch, I’m referring to Caroline Rhea.  We arrived around 8:30 pm for the 9 pm show. Thank goodness, because the room was already packed and seating was limited.  I think they oversold the show because several people had to stand the entire time.  The room is small and simple and while I appreciate that you need to have a bar close by, it did become quite a disturbance throughout the show while you’re trying to listen and all you hear is bartenders shaking up ice in drinks.  Caroline even pointed it out multiple times which was a funny addition to her performance. The show lasted right up until her next performance at 10:30 pm, maybe even a little longer.  For my first time at the club, I’m so happy I got to see her perform. She was great.  Will I go back? Of course. It was a neat experience and definitely something new and different.

Save Sports for Harrisburg's Youth

Join the Harrisburg Young Professionals this Saturday as they raise funds to 'Save Sports for Harrisburg's Youth'.  Due to state budget cuts, Harrisburg School District children will be required to pay to participate in school sports, so all of the proceeds from this event will benefit the Harrisburg School Foundation to save sports in Harrisburg this coming year.  HYP will host a block party from 7 to 10 pm on Saturday, July 14th.  Tickets are $20.  There will be plenty of hot dogs for all and HYP will be providing draft beers.  The event will take place on Walnut Street between Front & Second Streets.  Show your support for the youth of Harrisburg!  http://www.hyp.org/

Spotlighting Downtown Businesses

Over the next few weeks we will be highlighting one restaurant and one business in our weekly e-newsletter. Two weeks ago we featured: Muncheese and Bogey's Corner. This past week we featured: Arooga's and Downtown News.
If you didn't get a chance to read either of the newsletters, here is what you missed...
Muncheese, located at the corner of 2nd and Locust Street, has been making quite a name for itself. What is Muncheese, you ask? It's a souped up Grilled Cheese hot spot! They offer a wide array of grilled cheese sandwich combinations along with soup, chips and fries. They even stay open late on Friday and Saturday night to accomadate the late night "muncheese".
Muncheese, 200 N. 2nd Street, 717.233.1344
Mon, Tues, Wed : 10 am to 5 pm
Thurs, Fri, Sat : 10 am to 3 am
pamuncheese.com
As Gayle and I were walking through the district, we stopped by Bogey's Corner Unique Pup-tique and had a great shopping experience. We were greated by Martini and Bogey (the yorkie pups that help their mom run the store) at the door. We walked back through The Gallery at Walnut Place to a back room filled with dog "stuff". From toys to pea coats and rain coats to treats and sundresses and jerseys, Bogey's has everything to help your dog look stylin'. Jan (the store owner) will help you find something perfect for your furry friends. I left with treats, green St. Patrick's day bows for my baby girl, Morgan (my shitzu) and two Steelers jerseys for Morgan and Molson (my lhasa apso). Martini and Bogey loved the company and were thankful for our visit. Stop by and see Jan and "the kids".
Bogey's Corner Unique Pup-tique, 413 Walnut Street, 717.233.0487
bogeyscorner.com
This past week we featured our new kid on the block, Arooga's!
Arooga's Draft House and Sports Bar is now open (at the corner of 2nd and Locust where Spice used to be and across the street from Muncheese). The draft house is part of the Arooga's family that became an overnight sensation in the Central PA region with locations on 22, 11-15, 39 and now downtown. Arooga's is a sports fan's heaven with tv's everywhere and great drink specials. As March Madness continues, you will definitely want to stop by and catch a game at here.
Arooga's Draft House & Sports Bar, 201 N. 2nd Street, 717.901.TAPS
aroogas.com
Downtown News was our retail focus of last week's newsletter. Downtown News is a unique fix on Second Street. They offer everyting and anything from chips & cookies to magazines and cigarettes and gum. They're also open late night. If you need a pack of gum or a quick snack, Downtown News is the place to stop. Stop by and say Hello!
Downtown News, 29 N. 2nd Street, 717.232.1100

Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter and you'll be up to date on downtown events, shopping and dining. Visit our website at http://www.harrisburghello.com/!

Happy Monday!

Yummy in my Tummy

Yesterday the DID staff strolled over to Locust Street to McGrath's Pub for lunch. We arrived around 11:45 because they get pretty packed at lunch, which is definitely a good thing, but we wanted to be sure we got a table rather than sitting at the bar so it was easier to converse. We all got salads... I got the 'Mahoney's Steak Salad' which was great. It was quite big so I ate about half and took the rest to go. McGrath's has a great atmosphere anytime of the day, but lunch was definitely enjoyable. I was able to watch a little hoop and catch up on some of the Whitney Houston scoop while talking shop with Todd and Gayle. Our meal came rather quick too considering it was pretty crowded. Definitely left with my tummy full and a smile on my face...

Check out McGrath's Pub at 202 Locust Street.
http://www.mcgrathspub.net/

NYE in the City

Celebrate your New Year's Eve in Downtown Harrisburg. The City of Harrisburg in partnership with the Hilton Harrisburg, Crowne Plaza, Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau, Harrisburg Young Professionals, abc27 and the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District invite you to spend December 31st downtown.

Enjoy the countdown to noon presented by the Popcorn Hat Players at Whitaker Center. Children of all ages can enjoy a unique show designed to help them ring-in the new year! Doors open at 10:30 a.m. and the show begins at 11:00 a.m. Tickets are only available at the theatre or by calling 238-4111! Tickets are $12 each. Your ticket includes admission to the show, noisemakers, party hats, and a Hawaiian lei! Autographed photos of the Popcorn Hat Players themselves also available at the event!

The Crowne Plaza will host a Teen Party for ages 13 to 18. The Dance entitled "Teen Flash Mob" will jump start the New Year's Eve celebration. The first 150 registrants, teens ages 13 to 18, will be "A-listed" into a party at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at 6pm on New Year's Eve. The Teen Party begins with Flash Mob Dance choreography at 6:30pm while enjoying complimentary food & drink. At 8:30pm, the party moves to Market Square for a spectacular Flash Mob performance at 9pm. Come on out and DANCE this New Year's Eve!

At 9 pm the Urban Guerrilla Orchestra from Philadelphia will begin performing in front of the Hilton at Market Square. Arts and Crafts for children will also be available during this time in the Atrium of the MLK City Government Center right across the street from the Hilton. UGO will conclude around midnight as the Strawberry Drops.

Don't miss out on a great day full of activities and fun for all ages.

Happy New Year!

From the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement Distict: Todd, Gayle & Leigh Ann

It's Almost Parade Day...

Each year thousands of people bundle up and head downtown for the Annual City of Harrisburg Holiday Parade. This year's parade will take place on Saturday, November 19th, kicking off at a new time... Noon. 2011 marks the 25th Anniversary of the Holiday Parade. The theme of the parade is Unwrap the Joy. Local marching bands, military vehicles, giant helium balloons and lots of floats will fill the streets and entertain the community. Don't miss out on this great tradition!

Harrisburg Holiday Parade presented by Direct Energy - 11.19.11 - 12 pm

Downtown Harrisburg