Hilton Garden Inn Awarded Highest Ranking by J.D. Power and Associates

Hilton Garden Inn has been honored with the highest ranking in the Upscale Segment of the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index StudySM!

The study measures overall hotel guest satisfaction across seven different hotel segments. Seven key measures are examined within each segment to determine overall satisfaction: reservations; check-in/check-out; guest room; food and beverage; hotel services; hotel facilities; and costs and fees.

Congratulations to Homewood Suites by Hilton!  Homewood Suites Brand has once again maintained the #1 ranking in the extended stay category for the North American JD Power & Associates annual hotel index survey. As a brand, not only did the Homewood Suites Brand hold on to the coveted top spot for 2012, the brand has now held this position for an impressive 3 years in a row, and an even more impressive 9 out of the 12 years of the category!

The study measures overall hotel guest satisfaction across seven different hotel segments. Seven key measures are examined within each segment to determine overall satisfaction: reservations; check-in/check-out; guest room; food and beverage; hotel services; hotel facilities; and costs and fees.

Congratulations SpringHill Suites by Marriott on achieving a #1 ranking in the 2012 J.D. Power Guest Satisfaction Index Study in the upscale segment.

The study measures overall hotel guest satisfaction across seven different hotel segments. Seven key measures are examined within each segment to determine overall satisfaction: reservations; check-in/check-out; guest room; food and beverage; hotel services; hotel facilities; and costs and fees.

— at SpringHill Suites Hershey Near the Park.

The Dark Knight Rises: The IMAX Experience: July 30 at Whitaker Center – IMAX Theater. Experience the highly anticipated final chapter of the epic Gotham trilogy on Central PA’s largest movie screen, featuring more than an hour of movie footage filmed with IMAX cameras, filling the entire six-story screen with action-packed thrills. 717-214-2787 or www.whitakercenter.org

Guided Covered Bridge Scooter Tour: July 30 at Strasburg Scooters. Enjoy a three hour guided covered bridge scooter tour through the back roads of Amish country. Visit four covered bridges with an experienced guide. Each person will ride a single-seat, Honda Metropolitan. Reservations required and based on availability. 717-344-4428 or www.strasburgscooters.com

Summertime Flavors with Chef Scott Martino: August 1 at The Good Cooking Store. Summer has arrived! Join guest chef Scott Martino, owner of Cortazzo Foods and creator of Cortazzo Sauces, for a demonstration of his culinary techniques. This summertime meal will be prepared by Chef Martino, former executive chef at Donecker’s. Come enjoy this filling four-course menu and learn helpful cooking tips. 717-768-3032 or www.goodcookingstore.com

Lancaster First Friday: August 3 at Downtown Lancaster. Join us in celebrating the arts and the wonderfully diverse arts community in the City of Lancaster each First Friday of the month, 5-9pm. Download a guide with map and get the latest info on exhibitions, performances and more at 60+ venues from www.lancasterarts.com. 717-509-2787 or www.lancasterarts.com

Smoketown Aviation Fair: August 3 at Smoketown Airport. Come out and discover a fun family time at Missions Fest Aviation Fair! Get a ride on a mission plane and helicopter. There will be a flight demo, food and speakers and more! 717-354-3059 or www.smoketownairport.com

Friday Night Adventure: Nature Detective: August 3 at Hands-on House Children’s Museum. Use all your senses and the tools in your backpack to stop…look…listen in our backyard scavenger hunt! Geared to ages 2-10 years old (with adult), this is a drop in event anytime from 5-7 p.m. These outdoor programs may be canceled due to weather. 717-569-5437 or www.handsonhouse.org

“Cathy”: August 3 at Ware Center Millersville University Lancaster. As part of Lancaster First Friday, artist and filmmaker Stephen Barnett will bring his most recent feature-length film, entitled “Cathy,” to The Ware Center. The film champions womanhood and the experience of a young woman living within a metropolitan society. 717-871-2308 or www.millersville.edu/ware-center

The Mavericks: August 4 at American Music Theatre. Fusing traditional country with traditional rock ‘n roll, the Mavericks became one of the most critically acclaimed groups of the early 90’s. The inspiration for their alternative country sound came from great country singers like Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash and Hank Williams. 800-648-4102 or www.amtshows.com

Pennsylvania Renaissance Fair: August 4-5 at PA Renaissance Fairgrounds. There’s no event more wondrous than Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s annual Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire of Jousting Knights and Royal Delights at Mount Hope Estate and Winery! Excitement, drama and intrigue envelop the Shire as pirates, peasants and princes celebrate the music, arts, literature and grand traditions of 16th Century, Renaissance England. 717-665-7021 or www.parenfaire.com

Long’s Park Summer Music Series: August 5 at Long’s Park Amphitheater. Come out and see Lúnasa, New York Times acclaimed, “Hottest Irish acoustic group on the planet” Showtime is 7:30 pm. Long’s Park Amphitheater. 717-735-8883 or www.longspark.org/music.

Pa Renaissance Faire Opens Next Weekend!

The gates swing wide on Opening Day of the 32nd annual Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire on Saturday, August 4, 2012.

Jousting Knights and Royal Delights
The Shire is filled with our cast of colorfully costumed characters and Her Majesty’s Royal Performers, providing over 90 stage shows daily against the backdrop of our 16th century English village. Don’t miss the heart-pounding Ultimate Joust and Human Chess Match, the History-filled merchant demonstrations, plus the Kid-Friendly Show Lineup in the Children’s Discovery Garden.

Fresh Food and Drink for Every Taste
Over 20 Royal Kitchens will be cooking up something for everyone, from Giant Turkey Legs and Scotch Eggs to Fresh Salads and Desserts! Plus, Swashbuckler Brewing Company microbrewed ales will be on tap all season, along with delicious Mount Hope Wines and Sangria wine punch.

July 23, 2012

An Evening with Mark O’Connor: July 24 at The Ware Center Millersville University Lancaster. Grammy winner Mark O’ Connor will present a hands-on demonstration of his method with area music teachers, followed by a concert of his favorite music with pianist Melissa Tong. Music educators wishing to attend this free event should register at www.AssaiFestival.com or contact Todd Sullivan, Artistic Director. 717-871-2308 or www.muticketsonline.com

American Icons: July 26 at American Music Theatre. Come hear some of the best loved hits of the 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond as we pay tribute to many of America’s all-time greatest entertainers such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and more! 800-648-4102 or www.amtshows.com

Movies in the Park: The Muppets: July 26 at 6th Ward Park, downtown Lancaster. The City and the Mayor’s Office of Special Events are excited the return of its Movies in the Park series. Here residents can enjoy a movie under the stars in their own backyard. Movies are free to the public and begin at 8:30 pm. Rain Date will be Friday, July 27 717-291-4758 or www.lancastercityevents.com

Lancaster County Comedy Show: July 27-28 at Living Waters Theatre. It’s the all new Lancaster County Comedy Show featuring Ryan and Friends! A comedy ventriloquist and his friends perform a hilarious show about Lancaster County! 717-687-4263 or www.lifestreamsproductions.com

Outdoor Movie Night: Hugo: July 27 at Garden Spot Village. Hugo is an orphan who lives inside the Paris train station. Watch this Oscar-winning adventure from your car or bring blankets and lawn chairs. Rain date will be July 28. 717-355-6000 or www.gardenspotvillage.org

Canning 101 Cooking Class: July 28 at The Good Cooking Store. Canning and preserving is easier than you think! Join Valerie Baer, a home cook with many years of canning experience. In this demonstration class, she will share the process of canning peaches and tomato chunks from start to finish. Come ready to learn and to enjoy a mouth-watering sample of these treats. 717-768-3032 or www.goodcookingstore.com

Civil War Days: July 28 at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum. This year, Landis Valley is transformed for an entire weekend into a Civil War-era village. Learn about how the lives of soldiers and civilians sometimes clashed during the Civil War as you mingle with costumed re-enactors. 717-569-0401 or www.landisvalleymuseum.org

Wine & Cheese Train: July 28 at Strasburg Rail Road. Enjoy a train ride at Strasburg Rail Road on the luxurious, First-Class Parlor Car and a selection of wine, cheese and crackers as you travel down the tracks to Paradise, PA and back! Guests must be 21 years or older to enjoy this event. 717-687-7522 or www.strasburgrailroad.com

Music In the Vineyards: July 28 at Nissley Vineyards. The Blue Moon Big Band will perform big band swing while visitors picnic on the lawn, enjoy a bottle of chilled Nissley wine and dance on the shaded patios next to the band. Bring a picnic supper if you wish, but no carry-in alcoholic beverages. Bring a lawn chair, and, if it looks like rain, bring an umbrella. The wine and food bars are open 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. www.lancasteronline.com/foodandspirit

Long’s Park Summer Music Series: July 29 at Long’s Park Amphitheater. MarchFourth Marching Band, the wackiest band of costumed musicians and pulsing percussion and brass ever seen will be performing. Also enjoy fire eaters and stilt walkers! 717-735-8883 or www.longspark.org/music.html

July 16, 2012

2012 Summer Rec Day: July 17 at Clipper Magazine Stadium. Calling all youth camps, day care centers, senior centers and any other group looking for a fun summer daytime activity! Come have some fun in the sun with the Lancaster Barnstormers at Clipper Magazine Stadium! Our 2012 Summer Rec Day features a special 11am start time. Group tickets are discounted and boxed lunches are available. 717-509-4487 or www.lancasterbarnstormers.com

Museum Explorer Mornings: July 19 at Brandywine River Museum. Introduce children to art through this exciting program. Participate in one or all of these workshops designed for children ages 3 to 10 accompanied by an adult. Each program includes a thematic guided tour followed by a hands-on art project. 610-388-2700 or www.brandywinemuseum.org

Ware Center Concert: The Parker Quartet: July 19 at The Ware Center Millersville University Lancaster. Hailed by The New York Times as “something extraordinary,” the Parker Quartet has rapidly distinguished itself as one of the preeminent ensembles of its generation. Recent appearances with pianist Shai Wosner at Amherst College and Carnegie Hall, the quartet members hold master’s degrees in performance and chamber music from the New England Conservatory of Music. At 3:00 p.m. prior to their concert, The Parker Quartet will hold a Master Class that is free and open to public. 717-871-2308 or www.millersville.edu/ware-center

Merlin & Friends Breakfast: July 20 at Dutch Wonderland. Merlin and friends host a magical buffet-style breakfast inside the Dutch Wonderland Castle. Meet Princess Brooke, the Dutch Wonderland Knight, Duke and of course, Merlin as you enjoy a yummy breakfast fit for royalty! 717-291-1888 or www.dutchwonderland.com

Music Friday: July 20 at Lancaster Square. Come out to Lancaster Square the third Friday of the month to enjoy free live music! Gates open at 6:00 pm. Experience great food and great music from North Steel Band and B-Tropical. 717-735-0823 or www.lancastercityevents.com

Blues & Brews: July 21 at Pennsylvania Renaissance Fairgrounds. Enjoy the taste of Maryland with an all-you-can-eat menu featuring crabs, brisket and more at Mount Hope’s annual Blues and Brews! This summer staple welcomes guests to enjoy fresh seafood, Swashbuckler Ale, the Brewer’s Special Ale, Sangria Punch and other favorites, while live music from award-winning songwriter and blues musician, Angelo M. 717-665-7021 or www.parenfaire.com

Lancaster Long Rifle: Lock, Stock and Barrel July 20 at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum. Come learn how the Lancaster Long Rifle was built and how it fits into history through demonstrations, seminars, panel discussions and a blank-firing demonstration. 717-569-0401 or www.landisvalleymuseum.org

The Rolling Antique Auto Show & Run: July 21 at Strasburg Rail Road. Be part of reliving automotive history! We’re transforming the railroad into an interactive antique auto show, featuring cars on display and in action, as they race alongside the mighty steam train. 717-687-7522 or www.strasburgrailroad.com

Food & Spirits Festival: July 22 at Lancaster County Convention Center. The Food & Spirits Festival is a gathering of over 75 local restaurants, non-restaurant food vendors, breweries, wineries, distilleries and retail vendors on Sunday, July 22, from 2-6 PM at the Lancaster County Convention Center. This festival is intended for those who enjoy good food, fine wine, craft beer and lively music. 717-291-8800 or www.lancasteronline.com/foodandspirit

Amish Adventure Tour: at Amish Experience at Plain and Fancy Farm. Prepare yourself for a fascinating look at the Amish that will absolutely and amaze you! Enjoy a different Amish tour each night! 717-768-8400 or www.amishexperience.com