It’s kinda sad to admit it, but the holidays are definitely over (despite the fact that many of my neighbors still have their Christmas trees and outdoor lights up). And you know what that means – the wintertime blahs are s-l-o-w-l-y starting to creep in. If you ask me, there just aren’t enough “distractions” this time of year. But fortunately, there are still opportunities to hear upbeat Celtic music and indulge in crispy fish and chips, right here in the Susquehanna River Valley.

First up: the Community Arts Center in Williamsport. My family and I started this fabulous new holiday tradition of going out together for dinner and a show, instead of buying one another gifts that we don’t need and spending money that we don’t have. This year, we saw an amazing Celtic show at the CAC, with dinner beforehand at the Bullfrog Brewery. What a night! The NY Times couldn’t have been more accurate when they described Eileen Ivers as the “Jimi Hendrix of the violin”. She had the crowd on its feet and completely entranced in her Celtic song and dance for the entire 2 hour show. But in all honestly, it wasn’t JUST the performance that had me in awe –the venue had a little something to do with it too! Opulent and spacious yet cozy at the same time, the CAC really is a jewel in downtown Williamsport. It’s amazing what a $13.5 million renovation can do for an old theatre! While they don’t have Celtic music on the bill over the next few months, they will have a violinist joining the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra in March, as well as saxophonist Tim Ries will breathe jazz life into Rolling Stones rock tunes in April.

Another venue for great music, albeit a bit smaller, is Puirsel’s Irish Pub, nestled behind the Bull Run Inn in downtown Lewisburg. This is a perfect choice for an inexpensive comfort-filled meal paired with live Celtic or traditional Appalachian music. Their cozy dining room is centered around a huge stone fireplace and features live performances almost every night that they’re open (Wednesday-Saturday). Their menu has Irish favorites like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and Guinness beef stew.

After dining at Puirseil’s check out Lewisburg’s own Celtic shop – the Celtic Exchange. They feature unique and authentic jewelry from Ireland, as well.

Can’t get enough of all-things-Irish? Plan to attend Lewisburg’s Celtic Days, March 5-6. The Lewisburg Arts Council hosts workshops, live Celtic music, food, and the Lewisburg premiere of WVIA’s three-part documentary on the Irish in Pennsylvania! Friday night Lux Bridge will perform at Puirseil’s and Saturday night Celtica and Callanish will perform at the Parkview Room, with a full Irish buffet.

Before you visit, check out VisitCentralPA.org for free brochures, maps, and expert advice on shopping, dining, and sleeping in the Susquehanna River Valley.