By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey

 

Harrisburg is filled with great cultural and educational institutions, two of which are the National Civil War Museum and the Susquehanna Art Museum. And there’s no better time to become acquainted — or reacquainted — with your choice of one of these two capital city treasures than Saturday, September 25 during the 6th annual Smithsonian Magazine's “Museum Day,” when admission is free.

Simply fill out the on-line application and download a pass that will entitle you and one guest to complimentary entry to one of these two downtown landmarks. On the application, you will be asked to specify which museum you plan to visit. Limit is one pass per address.

If you’re interested in the human side of history, the National Civil War Museum is the largest museum in the world dedicated solely to this country-rending conflict and the only one that portrays the whole story without bias to Union or Confederate sides. A combination of high-resolution digital video, sound and light shows, life-size dioramas and authentic artifacts bring the experiences of both soldiers and civilians to life.

Your pass includes admission to the limited time-exhibits, “War on the Homefront,” which tells the stores of civilians whose towns were occupied during the war and “The Life and Times of General Pickett and His Wife,” which features a discussion with Living Historian, Billie Earnest. And don’t miss the “Meet Mr. Lincoln” interactive exhibit that allows you to interview the 16th president and other important persons of that period. (Usual admission to the National Civil War Museum is usually $9 for adults, $8 for seniors and $7 for students.)

The Susquehanna Art Museum is Harrisburg’s only dedicated art museum, featuring three galleries filled with exhibits by internationally recognized artists and the DŌSHI Gallery for Contemporary Art, a showplace for regional talent. Your complimentary pass also includes admission to the limited-time exhibit, “People, Places and Things: A Celebration of Harrisburg's Artistic Heritage,” an exploration of the city’s people, culture, economy, landscape, architecture, politics and styles through portraits, landscapes and still-lifes. (Admission to the Susquehanna Art Museum is usually $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students, free for children under 12.)

By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey

 

Summer may be coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to come to a stop. In Hershey and Harrisburg, just the opposite is true as a number of attractions gear up to put some summer-worthy sizzle into your September. (Get an early start on Sunday, September 12 because that one day alone is jam-packed with five major events!)

On Friday, September 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Hershey’s ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park will host “Ranger Scratch’s Back-to-School Barbeque,” a Disney-themed dinner and evening of entertainment. (By the way, Ranger Scratch is the zoo’s very cute mascot.) You’ll get a glimpse of Mother Nature’s own “magic kingdom” with after-hours animal encounters, naturalist talks and crafts. A real magic show and drawing for a really big family-size prize package will round out the event. Admission to the Back-to-School Barbeque is free with admission tickets to Hershey Gardens ($9.50 for adults, $8.00 for juniors and seniors, free for children two and under).

Sunday, September 12 is a day the entire region revs up for five super-hot happenings. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the free 22nd Annual Harrisburg Gallery Walk, you can immerse yourself in art at more than 30 locations throughout the city — most of which are within walking distance proximity of one another. Sponsored by the Art Association of Harrisburg (AAH), the walk, of course, includes such stellar city showplaces as the Susquehanna Art Museum, the State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg Midtown Arts Centre and the AAH headquarters building itself. But study the flyer and map that you can pick up at any of the participating galleries and you’ll find exciting exhibitions at some unexpected places such as architectural, insurance and internet solution companies, churches, restaurants and retail stores. The Governor’s Residence will also host a showing. And be sure to take this opportunity to become acquainted with some of the area’s wonderful intimate galleries.
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As part of the Gallery Walk event, the Susquehanna Art Museum (SAM) and the Humane Society of the Harrisburg Area (HSHA) will invite pint-sized Picassos and grown-up Gaugins to decorate tiles that will become part of a permanent public mural, at the same time, benefit these important cultural and animal rescue organizations. During the “Paints and Paws” event, which runs from noon until 4 p.m., each preregistered participant who makes a donation of $55 ($60 if you wait until the day of) will receive two tiles to decorate, one to take home and the other to add to an artistic installation that will adorn the new HSHA community room.

Also on the September 12, Hershey Gardens will offer free admission for its “Gardenfest,” a rain or shine celebration of all things flora, the environment and the community in honor of Chocolate Town U.S.A. founder Milton Hershey’s birthday. Throughout the day (from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), members of local garden clubs, the Hershey Horticultural Society and the Hershey Derry Township Historical Society will be on hand to offer information; the Hershey Area Playhouse, Hershey Community Chorus and Suzuki Strings will be performing and the Girl Scouts will be hosting old-fashioned games such as hula-hoops and badminton. Be sure to visit the Garden’s Butterfly House during the event — it’s the last day this popular attraction will be open for the season.

And be sure to mark your calendar for the September 12th Dauphin County 3rd Annual Jazz Festival. Stay tuned for more info about this musical extravaganza next week!

By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey

Yes, I know it’s a month away, but I figured I’d give you ample time to put some extra miles on your treadmill to prepare for Hershey and Harrisburg’s third annual Restaurant Week. During these gastronomic extravaganzas, selected area dining spots — from casual to ultra-gourmet — will be offering three-course lunch and dinner menus (excluding beverages and gratuities) at don’t-miss prices.

More than nine restaurants operated by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts (HERCO) will be featuring three-course lunches for $15 and three-course dinners for $30 from Sun., Sept. 12 through Sat., Sept. 18. If you haven’t had the budget to dine in the sumptuous surroundings at the Hotel Hershey’s Circular Dining Room or the chance to try the recently opened, contemporary Italian-inspired Trevi 5, this is the perfect time to do some culinary catch-up.

Other participating HERCO restaurants are the Bears’ Den, The Forebay and Hershey Grill at Hershey Lodge; Harvest at The Hotel Hershey; Highlands Grill at Hershey Links golf course; and Devon Seafood Grill and Houlihan’s, both of which are located in the downtown Hershey Press Building. Capping off the week on Sunday, September 19 will be the Hotel Hershey Food & Wine Festival. Swirl, sniff and sip vintages and beers from more than a dozen international wineries and two local microbreweries while sampling elaborate hors d’oeuvres as you stroll the impeccably landscaped grounds and gardens. Tickets are $40, $20 for designated drivers.

During Harrisburg’s “Pamper Your Palate” week, which runs from Monday, September 13 through Friday, September 17, a number of downtown dining hotspots will offer three-course meals for $30. Participants include Bricco, Carley's Ristorante, McGrath's Pub, Raspberries in the Hilton, El Sol Mexican Restaurant, Spice, Zia's at Red Door and Stock's on 2nd.

It’s not too early to make your reservations. In fact, I would highly recommend it to be sure that you have the best chance of booking the place, date and time you want.

By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey

So you have to be a grown-up for 360 days of the year … but not from Tuesday through Saturday, August 17-21. That’s when the 40th Annual Perry County Fair will turn the tiny town of Newport, about a half hour north of Harrisburg, into not just a place where you can bring the kids, but a place where you can be one again.

After all, how can you feel (and act) like an adult when you’re watching the sun go down from the back of a carousel horse, rooting for your favorite real racing pony or finding yourself up to your eyeballs in milk and whoopie pies? (Lighten up — it’s a contest!) There’s a queen to be crowned, rockets to be launched, carnival rides to be ridden and lots and lots of chili to be taste tested. If you feel like singing and dancing, there’s a contest for that, too.

Where else would you see lumberjacks and stockmen showing off their skills or tractors on parade? And how could you not want to see a musical comedy act that calls itself, “The Outlaws and Crazy Elmer”?

Admission is free; parking is $5. As for the amusements, you can pay as you ride or come any evening from Tuesday through Friday from 6 p.m. until closing or Saturday evening from 4 p.m. until closing and ride yourself silly all night for just $15.

By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey

 

Craving curry? Salivating for a samosa? Longing for a lassi? Then your palate should be very pleased to know there are several options for authentic cuisine from all parts of India available right in downtown Harrisburg.

Although Passage to India is located in a rather odd Place —next to the Comfort Inn — this longtime lunch and dinner landmark has been serving up spicy (but not too spicy if you don’t want to feel the burn) and sweet specialties. Some of these specialties include chicken, lamb or vegetable Xaccutti (pronounced sha-ku-tee) which is a spicy curry with meat or veggies, roasted ground coconut from Goa (India’s West Coast) and veggie charcoal-roasted eggplant, called Baigan Bhurta.

Prices are modest - most veggie entrees are $11.95, chicken entrees are $13.95 and lamb entrees are $15.95. You can try a combination for $17.95 to $18.95. But my absolute favorite is the super-economical and bountiful lunch buffet. It’s only $7.99 on weekdays and $9.99 Saturdays and Sundays.

For a quick meal or snack, you can also visit Passage to India’s Curry in a Hurry in the Broad Street Market. Most items are under $10.

Taj Palace (tajpalacepa.com), located right next to the Strawberry Square shopping complex, specializes in Northern India tandoori- (clay pot) cooked chicken, lamb, goat, fish or shrimp; saucy shrimp Bagara Jheenga and Basmati rice-based meat, seafood and veggie Biryani. Don’t miss two of the delectably spicy starters- Samosas (spicy potato dumplings) or a bowl of tongue-tingling Coconut Shorba (a South Indian soup). The lunch buffet (available Tuesday through Friday) costs $8.49 for adults and $5.90 for kids. Saturday and Sunday brunch buffet cost $10.95 for adults and $6.95 for children. A la carte entrees begin at $9.95 with the majority under $15.You can download some great coupons from Taj Palace’s web site.

Wherever you choose to dine, be sure to order a side of the leavened, oven-baked flat bread called Naan which is a staple at Indian Meals. (You can get it stuffed with spicy chicken at Passage to India and ground meat at Taj Palace). Don’t forget the traditional lassi, a refreshing yogurt shake sweetened and flavored with fruit (banana rosewater lassi at Passage -- yum!) or savory with salt and herbs (cumin, chopped chili and cilantro at Taj.) And don’t miss dessert! I get cravings for the Galub Jamun (donut-like balls soaked in warm honey and rose syrup) and Kheer (rice pudding with saffron and dried fruits).

By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey

What could be more refreshing on a sweltering summer day than an ice cream sundae or super-cool cocktail? At the newly opened Park Avenue Salon and Spa in downtown Hershey, you can have your body slathered in sherbet-scented sugar, your hands and feet soothed in an ice cream “flavored” soak and your tootsies tricked out in ’tini-inspired tints.

Park Avenue’s Ice Cream Body Exfoliation ($80) begins with a Chocolate (left), Strawberry-Kiwi, Neapolitan, Pomegranate or other delicious-smelling sugar scrub enriched with jojoba oil and Vitamin E, topped off with a same-fragrance frosting of shea and cocoa butter lotion. The Ice Cream Manicure ($40) and Pedicure ($60) start off with similar sweet-smelling soaks.

For the nail painting part of your mani/pedi, you get to be your own beauty bartender by concocting cocktails of colors with polishes from Nailtini. You can take your color (think Mai Tai, Kir Royale, Pina Colada) straight up, customize it with Espresso, Cream or Simple Syrup hues and finish with a top coat of the high-gloss Vodka, shimmery Crushed Ice or multi-colored Sugar Rim.

(All of the Ice Cream treatments feature 100% natural paraben-free products from ME! Bath. You may have seen these products on “The Today Show” as well as in such prestigious national publications as “O,” “Cosmopolitan” and “Self” magazines. The Ice Cream Pedicure was named “one of the most luxurious treatments” by “Allure” magazine.)

Park Avenue also creates group “Ice Cream Socials” for bridal showers, birthday parties or anytime girls-night-out fun.

By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey

For more than four decades, the unassuming little Red Rabbit Drive-In has been a beloved Harrisburg area landmark and destination for some of the best burgers and “Bar-B-Q” around. Although it was first opened in 1964, the family-owned, one- of-a-kind restaurant in Duncannon (about 20 minutes northwest of Harrisburg) has a 50’s vibe complete with made-to-order menu, car hops, hand-spun shakes, creamy floats, big banana splits and hot fudge sundaes.

Chow down in your ’57 Chevy, on a picnic bench or have your feast boxed and ready to go (call ahead and it will be ready for quick pick-up when you get there). There’s no inside seating so the Rabbit is closed in winter. Otherwise, loyal customers might be tempted to trek through the snow and freeze their cottontails off.

Be sure to try the famous hickory-smoked bacon, melted cheese-and “special sauce”-topped “Bunny Burger” ($4.60 or add 35 cents if you want a poppy seed roll) and a side of fries ($2.20). Or go for any of the other bunny-style Bar-B-Q ham or pork sandwiches ($4.10) or a full Perry County Fried Chicken Dinner, complete with fries, cole slaw and buttered roll for $8.10.

Just keep in mind you’ll have to curb your cravings until the weekend — the Red Rabbit is open only on Fridays through Sundays. But if on any of those days you need a nibble, you can get drive on in anytime between 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey

 

For me, comfort food comes in two categories —chocolate and everything else. We already know where to find all things chocolate. But some of my all-time favorites in the “everything else” category are the rich and satisfying braised short ribs with horseradish crust, the house-made sage pappardelle with braised duck, red wine and pancetta ragout, the delicate spinach gnocchi and other rustic Tuscan specialties cooked up by executive chef Jason Viscount at Bricco in downtown Harrisburg.

 

So I was excited to find out chef Jason, who was the winner of the 2010 Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Culinary Arts, is offering two-hour, small-group cooking classes on three Saturday afternoons in July, August and September. First up this month on Saturday, July 24 is an adults-only journey through California’s Napa Valley through wine and food pairings ($85). On August 21, you’ll learn how to transform classic Greek ingredients such as olive oil, yogurt, honey, fresh fruits and veggies, lamb and fish into a wide variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes that are both healthy and yummy ($65). Then it’s on to Spain on September 25 for tapas, the creative and tasty mix and match little plates that have become so popular on the menus of cool restaurants ($65). Each class will have a maximum of eight participants, so you’ll have plenty of one-on-one time with the chef. Classes begin at noon.

Aside from the great food, I am particularly fond of Bricco because chef Jason is a major proponent of the “PA Preferred” program dedicated to supporting local farmers, food processors and distributors. Bricco is also a fertile training ground for the future chefs and restaurateurs attending the Olewine School of Culinary Arts at Harrisburg Area Community College.

By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey

If you could create your own chocolate bar, what would you put in it? Chocolate cookie bits … rainbow jimmies … graham cracker crumbs … bits of blueberry? Now you can go crazy concocting a one-of-a-kind creation that will be produced right before your eyes on authentic factory equipment at Hershey’s Chocolate World’s newest attraction: Create Your Own Candy Bar.

To begin your hands-on experience, you’ll don an apron and hairnet, as they do at the real Hershey chocolate factory. Then step up to a touch-screen kiosk to select up to three different mix-ins (“inclusions” in the candy-making business) and decide if you’d like to top off your treat with Hershey Kiss-shaped sprinkles. Talk about feeling like a kid in a candy store! Try not to drool after you pull the lever to release the deluge of Hershey’s milk chocolate that will turn your brainstorm into a bar. Your custom-designed candy will be waiting for you at the end of the production line.

But before you get to take your first bite, you’ll want to put your own brand on it at the package personalization kiosk. If you can’t resist the temptation to tear into your treat, be sure to bring a camera to capture your moment of confectionery greatness.

$14.95 per person (take-home bar included). Hershey Chocolate World: 251 Park Blvd., Hershey, PA 17033. 717-534-4900. www.hersheys.com/chocolateworld.

By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey

Like any major conflict, the Civil War was about more than battlefields and bullets. It was about people — Northern and Southern, soldier and civilian, some famous (including President Abraham Lincoln and General Robert E. Lee) and many names that might well have lost in history — literally and figuratively fighting to survive. All year round, the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg focuses on the human experiences during these turbulent times through thousands of military, household, slavery and medical artifacts and archival documents. But throughout the month of July, costumed re-enactors will dramatize the lives of the Civil War soldiers and civilians, both free and enslaved.

During selected July weekends, the museum will host a series of two-day Living History Encampments, portraying daily life among the Confederate and Union rank and file. Among the aspects of military life you’ll experience will be drilling, boot camp, musket and pistol loading, and firing demonstrations. Weaving and cooking demonstrations will give you a glimpse of how ordinary folk did their best to carry on their daily routines despite living their lives on the fringes (and sometimes in the middle) of the fighting.

On July 17 and 18, you can actually enlist in the 142nd PA Volunteer Infantry. As a “recruit,” you’ll be issued an actual uniform and gear so you can get a real feel of the enlistee experience.

Before the days of surgical sterility standards and infection-fighting antibiotics, minor wounds and illnesses often proved fatal. During a 19th Century Medicine presentation, a Civil War-era doctor will discuss patient treatment procedures of the period and breakthroughs that came out of the conflict. Among the new developments was the inclusion of female nurses on the medical team. On a separate weekend, pioneer nurse and founder of the American Red Cross “Clara Barton” will describe how women had to fight for their professional status in the Civil War straight-laced society.

Other presentations will explore the life of and highly controversial U.S. Supreme Court Battle involving slave Dred Scott, the role of Northern churches in encouraging enlistment and homefront activities including daily chores, child rearing and Victorian-era etiquette.

All of these special events are included in the National Civil War Museum’s general admission prices: $9 for adults, $7 for students, $8 for seniors, $35 for a family pass.

 

National Civil War Museum: One Lincoln Circle at Reservoir Park, Harrisburg, PA 17103. 717-260-1861. www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org.