Date Archives: December 2013

The outside of the Sovereign Majestic Theater in Pottsville, Pennsylvania is unassuming as it sits quietly in between several larger buildings on the block. The face of the building has been recently restored to its original 1910 appearance with the removal of the old facade that covered up the original exterior for more than six decades. The cozy lobby of the Sovereign Majestic is a place for visitors to gather and collect their snacks and beverages before heading into the theater.

Walking into the theater itself, visitors are greeted by a surprise. Walking towards the seats, the screen will be at their backs with the projection booth facing the doors. Reverse Theaters, as they are called, were used in the 1910s and 1920s as a way to make one theater more memorable than another, and the Sovereign Majestic is one of only two remaining in Pennsylvania. The 200-seat theater has been completely restored to its original glamour with chandeliers and sidelights adding to the authentic look. The seats have a few modern comforts, however, including richly padded seats and built-in cup holders to make enjoying snacks and drinks during the show more comfortable.

The History of the Sovereign Majestic Theater

Originally called the Majestic Theater, it's opening in 1910 quickly led to the theater becoming the number one destination for westerns, serials, and vaudeville. The residents of Pottsville PA enjoyed visiting the theater often over the next twenty years, however the 1930s proved too much for the locals and the theater and it closed its doors. Nine years later, the building was purchased by the Baker family of Bloomsburg, PA, and reopened as a farmers market. Ownership of the building itself changed hands many times over the next several decades but its purpose as a market remained steady until 1995 when it was targeted for restoration.

In 1998 the Sovereign Majestic Theater Association was formed to head restoration efforts and transform the farmers market back into the original 1910 theater that would serve as a hub for the performing arts in Schuylkill County. Today, the building has all of its old charm restored and provides space for theater, music, and motion picture presentations and the Sovereign Majestic Theater Association remains committed to preserving a quality performing arts facility to support the artistic needs of Pottsville PA and the surrounding community.

Current Shows and Events

Holiday events at the Sovereign Majestic in Pottsville PA include an concert with Broadway's Bradley Dean along with pianist Ron Stabinsky and a showing of "Home For the Holidays". Upcoming events for the beginning of 2014 include presentations from M&T Movies at the Majestic and the scheduled movies are "Planes" and "Monsters University".

The Sovereign Majestic also has availability for your next party, wedding, or corporate event. Along with a movie showing, the theater can provide karaoke, music and more. Consider volunteering at the theater for a unique backstage experience. Help with ticket sales and concessions is always welcome along with distribution of marketing materials. Membership is also available in several tiers and members receive discounted tickets when purchased in advance.

The Sovereign Majestic Theater is located at 209 North Centre Street in Pottsville PA. For more information on upcoming events, hosting an event at the Sovereign Majestic, or for membership and volunteer information, call 570-628-4647.

Owings Mills, Maryland is home to a wide variety of things to do and places to eat. The restaurants span from chain restaurant favorites to American bistros to international cuisine including Japanese, Italian, Chinese and more. If you're having a tough time deciding what kind of food you want to eat, then stop in at the Artful Gourmet Bistro where the diverse food choices – from Mediterranean to American to Latin to Caribbean - are only one of the reasons that the Baltimore Sun named it one of the 50 Best Country Restaurants in 2011.

The Artful Gourmet has several service styles to accommodate every type of diner in Owings Mills MD. During busy workday hours, the restaurant serves its guests casually at the counter. Place your order and take your food with you – either to a table to enjoy or with you to go. As dinner time approaches, the waitstaff is deployed so you may sit and enjoy a full-service meal. Throughout lunch and dinner the bar area also offers full-service dining as well.

The Bistro also has a carefully selected wine list to complement every meal. The staff is knowledgeable and can assist with pairings that will fit both your meal and your budget. There is also a full bar with several beers on tap so a complete experience can be expected.

The Menu

• Appetizers. Varied choices include Shrimp Gorgonzola served in a wine sauce with focaccia and Rivera Tortilla Dip served with avocado, roasted corn, cilantro and tri-color tortilla chips.

• Salads. Meatless options include the Cassatt Salad with spinach, strawberries, and pecans tossed in a champagne dressing and the House Salad with gorgonzola vinaigrette. There are several other choices that include fish and chicken such as the Abstract Salad with blackened salmon, the Romanesque Salad with grilled tuna, and the Santa Fe Miro Salad with chicken.

• Lunch Menu. The lunch menu is geared towards faster service without sacrificing quality or flavor. Entrees include Moroccan-style Tahiri chicken, a classic paella and several pasta choices. Panini and gourmet sandwich choices range from the simple Rousseau with tomato, basil, and fresh mozzarella to the delectable Rembrandt with blackened salmon, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and pesto on foccacia. Several wraps are also available and the locals advise not to leave without an order of the sweet potato fries.

• Dinner Menu. Each dinner at The Bistro is crafted to be a masterpiece. Seafood options include the grilled salmon Mona Lisa, traditional paella Last Supper, grilled salmon Raphael and the jumbo crabcake Maryland Masterpiece. Chicken dishes include Moroccan Tahiri, the Da Vinvi and the Vermeer. For something different, try the lamp chops Masaccio in an orange-balsamic reduction, and vegetarians can enjoy the eggplant Pieta in a vodka sauce with seasonal vegetables.

Catering and Occasions at The Artful Gourmet

No matter what your occasion in Owings Mills MD, the Artful Gourmet has dining options that will meet your needs. The full menu is available for carry out at any time of day, and most of the menu items can be purchased as party trays or heated pans for large groups. Corporate catering is available with delivery within a 5-mile radius, and the Private Dining Room inside the restaurant can seat up to 45 guests and includes a custom menu and dining experience. Don't forget about the outside patio for casual dining with friends and family.

Hours and Location

• 9433 Common Brook Road, Suite 103, Owings Mills, MD
• Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner and Sunday for dinner only.
• Reservations: (410) 356-2606, Carryout: (410) 356-2606, Events Planning: (443) 608-2755

Carlisle, Pennsylvania located in Cumberland County just a short distance from Harrisburg has a long history dating back to the American Revolution.  Now home to Dickinson University, Penn State Dickinson School of Law, and the National War College, Carlisle is best known as Pennsylvania's "car capital".  

Since 1974, Carlisle Events, one of the largest collector car and truck entertainment presenters worldwide, has been producing annual car, truck, and motorcycle events on the 150-acre Carlisle Fairgrounds.

Carlisle Events began because there was no venue for collectors of older vehicles that did not fall into the "antique" class. Carlisle Events has transformed the 150-acre Carlisle Fairgrounds to suit the needs of car show participants and visitors - paved roads, manicured landscaping, and more than 10 permanent buildings. And, to serve the larger crowds, Carlisle Events plugged in consumer-friendly services like on-site bank financing, notary/title service, and a buffet of varied dining options. Centrally located, the fairgrounds are accessible by major highways, provide extensive parking options, and invite trailers and camping with support facilities.

To bring comfort to vendors and attendees, a non-denominational church service is held in the grandstand on Sunday mornings. There are security services and protection, a retail store for souvenirs and promotional items, and a buy/sell corral and auction. Vendors get top level support, and swap meets are well organized and heavily promoted. You can sponsor a midway space, form and compete as a club, or participate in programs such as that for teen hot rodders.

Today, Carlisle Events presents 14 events in their annual schedule with 11 events held at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.  Other locations include the Allentown Fairgrounds in Allentown, Pennsylvania, two shows at Festival Park in Zephyrhills, Florida and one event at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.

 Specialty events include:

• Carlisle Performance & Style, May 10 – 11, 2014, Carlisle, PA
• Carlisle Import & Kit Nationals, May 16 – 18, 2014, Carlisle, PA
• Carlisle Ford Nationals, June 6 – 8, 2014, Carlisle, PA
• Carlisle GM Nationals, June 20 – 22, 2014, Carlisle, PA
• Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, July 11 – 13, 2014, Carlisle, PA
• Carlisle Truck Nationals, August 1 – 3, 2014, Carlisle, PA
• Bloomsburg Nationals, August 8 – 10, 2014, Bloomberg, PA
• Corvettes at Carlisle,  August 22 – 24, 2014, Carlisle, PA
• Carlisle Sports & Outdoor Show, September 5 – 7, 2014, Carlisle, PA

Carlisle Events also hosts five collector car swap meets and corral events with four of the five featuring collector car auctions.

These events are:

• Spring and Fall Carlisle – April 23 – 27, 2014/October 1 – 5, 2014, Carlisle, PA
• Zephyrhills Fall and Winter AutoFest – February 20 – 23, 2014/November 13 – 16, 2014, Zephyrhills, FL
• Allentown Auto Mania – January 17 – 19, 2014, Allentown, PA

The Carlisle-based automotive events generate approximately $98 million per year to the local economy.  More than 500,000 auto enthusiasts converge on the Carlisle area annually.

Towson, Maryland, just an 18-minute drive from downtown Baltimore, is an ideal place to live for those working in the city. A busy community with an active nightlife, there seems to be always something going on. Towson University and Goucher College add an energetic, college town feel to the local area. Here are just a few ways to pass an evening in Towson.

Charles Village Pub

Just like the Phoenix, Charles Village Pub (known as CVP to Towson residents) has risen from a devastating structural fire in January, 2011 better than ever with a revamped menu and ambience to match.  Located in the center of historic Towson at 19 West Pennsylvania Avenue, CVP is a Towson landmark and local favorite famous for its mouth-watering burgers, sky-high sandwiches, and unique drink specials.

A popular nighttime attraction for local college students, Charles Village Pub serves a great meal at reasonable prices, but only serves libations to those 21 years and older with a proper ID to match.

Pho Towson and Bar

Located at 1100 Cromwell Bridge Road, Pho Towson and Bar is a great place to pop into for a quick treat or to start a night out on the town. Serving a variety of Vietnamese dishes complemented by a selection of creative cocktails and quality beers, this is a favorite of Towson residents.

Appetizers include fried mussels with a black bean sauce and a salted shrimp dish. In addition to the famed noodle dishes Vietnamese cuisine has become famous for, Pho Towson's offers rice dishes, such as chicken, shrimp or squid stir-fried with lemon grass, and an assortment of seasonal dishes. The cocktail menu features such drinks as the Wheel Chair, Momotaro, and Hawaiian Margarita.

Bahama Breeze

Custom cocktails and half-price appetizers are just part of the appeal of this East Joppa Rodd establishment. The Bahama Breeze atmosphere is fun and energetic, well complemented by great food showcasing the flavors of the Caribbean. Pulled pork sliders and Skillet Simmered Jerk Shrimp are just a couple of their crowd-pleasing appetizers.

They serve lunch and dinner, with entrees like their special Seafood Paella, Baby Back Ribs and Grilled Chicken with Cilantro-Crema. For something lighter, Bahama Breeze serves great salads and sandwiches.


If you're going to drink, please don't drive.  Jimmy's Cab Co. is a smart and affordable option when out for the night in Towson.  Call their local Towson phone number at  410-296-7200.

Il Basilico Trattoria Italiana

Il Basilico Trattoria Italiana is a taste of Italy located in Lutherville Timonium, MD
 
Anna Di Pierno, owner/manager, and her staff pride themselves in offering customers a true Italian experience from décor to delicacies with their Italian eatery, Il Basilico Trattoria Italiana.  Its understated and welcoming atmosphere encourages guests to stay for a long, family-style meal.  The Trattoria is steeped in Italian tradition with warm Tuscan hues and Italian murals providing the perfect settings for your Italian dining adventure.

Each diner is presented with a meal centered around careful attention to detail evident in every bite. From a simple plate of warm bread served with the highest quality olive oils to carefully planned pasta preparations and the luxurious three-course, Chef For You special, Il Basilico is one of the few restaurants in Maryland to offer such distinct authenticity and quality.

Families are welcome and children can enjoy meals from the children's menu or slices of pizza while the rest of the family enjoys a fine dining experience. Frequent guests describe it as one of the best restaurants in Maryland to bring the entire family because of the quick and friendly service, kid-friendly foods, and spacious dining room with plenty of elbow room.

Every dish is homemade and prepared fresh to order. Most of the ingredients are sourced from local organic farms and markets. This ensures that only the freshest ingredients of the highest quality are served while supporting local sustainable farming. Il Basilico offers a full catering service, carry out menu, and full-service in-house dining.

The Menu

• Pizza. Choose from classic New York style pizza with a thin crust or Sicilian style with a thick crust. Order by the pizza or by the slice. Also choose from one of the many gourmet pizzas including buffalo chicken, seafood, margherita and Bijoux just to name a few.
• Sandwiches. Focaccia paninis with grilled chicken or vegetables, parmigiana subs, cheese steak subs and a variety of cold subs make the sandwich menu at Il Basilico hard to beat.
• Antipasti. Traditional sides include caprese, shrimp dishes, bruschetta and some unexpected treats like the Zuppa Di Cozze (fresh mussels) and the Baltimoreans Bruschetta (toasted bread with Cajun crabmeat) are the perfect way to start a meal.
• Dinner. The list of choices includes all the usual pasta dishes along with several delicious surprises. The pistachio pesto Gnocchi Cristina, or the Tsunami Gnocchi with calamari, little neck clams and jumbo shrimp in a white wine sauce make this one of the most rewarding restaurants in Maryland for the adventurous diner. Add to that a full seafood selection including shellfish, salmon and Tilapia along with chicken and veal dishes for the perfect complement.
• Drinks. The restaurant is BYOB and does not charge for glasses or corking. They also offer a full selection of soft drinks.
  
  

Lunch Specials

Available Monday through Friday for lunch, the lunch menu offers six choices each day for a complete lunch under $10. Choices include half salad with two pizza slices, Panini with fries, Caesar salad with fresh mozzarella and more.

Location and Hours

Il Basilico Trattoria is located at 49 W. Aylesbury Road in Lutherville Timonium, Maryland. Place an order for pickup or make reservations for dinner by calling 410-453-6603.

Open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from noon until 10 p.m.

Hanover, PA is known as the Snack Food Capital of the World--and for good reason. It is home to two of the most delicious names in the industry including Utz Quality Foods and Snyder's of Hanover. Besides providing tasty treats, these businesses have been a part of Hanover's history from the very beginning by attracting new residents, providing jobs, and giving back to the community to make Hanover a great place to live.

Where It All Began
With access to vast amounts of fresh produce from the fertile Susquehanna River Valley and a stash of German pretzel and dessert recipes from the Pennsylvania Dutch, opening a snack food company was relatively easy and affordable in the Hanover area in the early 1900s. Several companies started up, many merged, and some closed down. Snyder's and Utz are two of the biggest that are still in operation today.

Snyder's of Hanover
Founded in 1909, Snyder's of Hanover was originally called Hanover Canning Company.  The company became Snyder's Bakery in the 1920s and produced a variety of items from snacks to cakes to pasta. It wasn't until the 1960s, after the company had experienced a few tragedies and had changed hands several times, that the recipe for the Sourdough Hard Pretzel was developed. In the 1980s, the company branched out its operations and the Snyder's of Hanover snack operation as we know it today was born. Snyder's merged with Lance, Inc. in 2010 to become one of the biggest snack food companies in the U.S.

Utz Quality Foods
Right alongside the Snyder family, in the 1920s, William and Salie Utz were producing potato chips in kitchen of their summer home under the name "Hanover Home Brand". In the 1930s, the facilities were expanded when they built on to the back of their home to include a factory. A few years later a modern manufacturing facility was built across town. The brand was changed to "Utz" in the late forties, and the Carlisle Street plant was purchased.  The Broadway plant and the High Street plant were both added in the 1970s and in the 1980s production expanded to include popcorn, corn chips and cheese curls. The latest facility, the Kindig Lane plant, was opened in 2003. Today, Utz is the largest independently held snack company in the U.S.


Things to Do in Hanover PA: Factory Tours
Both companies offer free tours for anyone looking for things to do in Hanover PA. Snyder's of Hanover gives a history of their fast-paced facility at the 1350 York Street building. The guided tour begins in the warehouse of raw foods, travels through the finished goods warehouse, and then on to the oven room where the smells can be intoxicating. The Utz factory has a special observation gallery that walks through the process from beginning to end. The tour is unguided, so feel free to take your time. Of the many things to do in Hanover PA, these tours are family favorites and are revisited often by Hanover residents.

Snyder's of Hanover and Utz have been supporting the community of Hanover for more than a century. In the very beginning, each company kept local farmers and tradesmen in business. Today, close to 5,000 local, full-time jobs are provided along with many more from shipping and distribution, and the boost to the local economy from the employees earning good wages. Both companies also contribute to local charities to keep the community strong making Hanover a great place to call home.

The Christmas season is an exciting time in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Best known for its role in the Civil War, Gettysburg attracts visitors year round; however, during the holidays, Gettysburg comes alive with Christmas splendor and holiday activities only found in this city.

Gettysburg's holiday season begins with the Annual Gettysburg Christmas Parade and continues with concerts, shopping, holiday displays and decorations, and open houses throughout its New Year's Eve celebration in Lincoln Square.

Whether you are ringing in the holidays with Christmas performances at the Majestic Theater or crossing names off your shopping list at the Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg, the city attracts visitors young and old.

Gettysburg December Holiday Events include:

Candlelight Christmas Tours at the Shriver House Museum is a history lesson and Christmas display wrapped into one.  See how Christmas was celebrated in the 1800s while loved ones fought during the Civil War.  Saturdays through December 21, 2013.

An Eisenhower Christmas is a tour of the home and farm of President and Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower.  Mrs. Eisenhower was well known for her love of the holidays.  Tour the Eisenhower home re-created with Christmas decorations reminiscent of the 1950s.  This is an annual event sponsored by the Eisenhower National Historic Site occurring now through December 31, 2013.

Holiday Wreaths at the Soldier's National Cemetery – 500 wreaths will be placed on gravesites in the Soldier's National Cemetery at Gettysburg National Military Park.  Friday, December 6, 2013

A Rocky Mountain Christmas at the Majestic Theater pays tribute to folk artist, John Denver, with a blend of traditional Christmas favorites along with John Denver's songs of the season.

Old Getty Place Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting held in downtown Gettysburg welcomes the holiday season with its annual parade.  Join carolers on Lincoln Square as they gather to light city's Christmas tree.  Enjoy bands, floats, dancers, and Santa! Saturday, December 7, 2013

The Inns of Gettysburg Area Holiday House Tour commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg.  This year's tour includes 12 Gettysburg homes, building, and inns decorated for the season.  Saturday, December 14, noon to 5 PM.

Celebrate New Year's Eve in downtown Gettysburg's Lincoln Square with music, free entertainment for the entire family activities for the children, and a fireworks display at midnight sponsored by the Adams County Arts Council in partnership with the Borough of Gettysburg, ACNB Bank, Gettysburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, and Fraternal Order of Eagles 1562. Tuesday, December 31, 2013.

Visit Gettysburg Convention and Visitors Bureau website for a complete list of local holiday events to experience this season.

Celebrate the 2013 holiday season at Fells Point, Maryland's Old Tyme Christmas Festival.   The 10th Annual Old Tyme Christmas Festival will be held December 6 – December 8 on "The Square" located between Thames and Lancaster Streets.

Perhaps the best way to describe the neighborhood's Old Tyme Christmas Festival is a seasonal combination of old-fashioned traditions and 21st century celebrations. Welcome Santa as he arrives by tugboat.  See the parade of lighted boats on Broadway Pier.  Vote for the Best Wreath in the neighborhood.  Hear carolers and musicians perform.  Cross names off your Christmas list as you shop from local merchants.  Watch the lighting of the Christmas tree. Taste test eggnog at the Annual Eggnog Contest and get ready for Reindeer Pub Run.

Each year the Old Tyme Christmas Festival is held to benefit Fells Point Main Street, an organization that supports the Fells Point community, local businesses, and people.

This year's schedule of events includes:

Friday, December 6

• Visit the Holiday Market and Tasting Room on Broadway Square – beginning at 4:00 PM
• Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides in historic Fells Point presented by The Horse You Came In On!
• Cast your vote for the Best Wreath in Fells Point as you tour the historic neighborhood.

Saturday, December 7

• The Holiday Market opens along with live music and entertainment – 8:00 AM
• Dash through the snow on a Horse Drawn Sleigh Ride in historic Fells Point presented The Horse You Came In On!
• Welcome Santa as he arrives by tugboat on Broadway Pier at 9:00 AM with a welcome back to Fells Point breakfast and pictures at the Dogwatch Tavern.
• Visit the Tasting Room on Broadway Square for the start of this year's Eggnog Contest.  Sample eggnog before voting ends at 5:00 PM. Some of this year's contestants include: Alexander's Tavern, Bertha's Mussels, Bond Street Social, Brightside Boutique, Dogwatch Tavern, Max's Taphouse, Natty Boh Gear, One Eyed Mike's, Party Dress, Pitango Gelato, Riptide by the Bay, Sofi's Crepes, Tavern at the Admiral, The Green Turtle, The Horse You Came In On, The Point in Fells, Todd Conner's, Vale Tudo, and Woody's Rum Bar.
• Build a gingerbread house at the Gingerbread House Workshop at the Fells Point Preservation Society Visitor Center – 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
• See the Fells Point Lighting Ceremony of the Tree and traditional holiday carols at The Square – 5:00 PM
• Watch the Parade of Light Boats at Broadway Pier, presented by Sail Baltimore - 6:00 PM.
• Don your favorite ugly Christmas sweater and reindeer antlers at the Fells Point Reindeer Pub Run beginning at 9:00 PM.   Participating Fells Point merchants include: Alexander's Tavern, Bertha's Mussels, Bond Street Social, Dogwatch Tavern, John Stevens Ltd., Kooper's Tavern, One Eyed Mike's, Riptide by the Bay, Slainte Irish Pub and Restaurant, Sticky Rice, The Greene Turtle, The Point in Fells, Todd Conners, and Woody's Rum Bar.

Sunday, December 8th

• Don't miss the final day of this year's Old Tyme Christmas Festival at The Holiday Market on Broadway Square with Live music and entertainment at 8:00 AM.
• Vote for your favorite wreath at the for the Best Wreath Contest
• Decorate Christmas cookies at Celie's Waterfront Inn Open House beginning at 12:00 PM

Bring your family and friends to Fell's Point for a one-of-a-kind Christmas celebration certain to charm and delight you.