This frigid city practically dares you to leave the house in winter. But sometimes all it takes is a good nudge (and maybe the prospect of a drink or two) to get you out and about. The City Walk gives you a reason, no matter the weather, on the first Thursday of every month.

It works like an underground members-only club, but without the code words and secret handshakes. You call a number, get the name of the meeting place, and show up. Then the City Walk group takes to the streets like a bunch of old friends, when they may have met just a few minutes earlier.

Dawn Nicole Johnson, president of the organization, moved here from California five years ago. She happened upon a story about the group, went to a walk, and began volunteering.

"It's really just a fun group," Johnson says. "It's ages 6 months on up," she continues, recalling the kids that have tagged along with their parents, a 60-year-old woman who referred to herself as the grandma of City Walk, and the 21- to 45-year-olds that form the group's core. Everyone's welcome, and it's not just a singles thing.

"We like to call it social networking," Johnson says, adding that she tells women it's not your typical out-to-the-bar-to-get-hit-on night. The group - usually numbering somewhere between 50 to 100 people - talks and mixes so well, that even if you show up alone, the comfortable atmosphere will nurture fast friendships.

For this reason, The City Walk seems ideal for Rochester newcomers - check out the area scene with a group, gain some instant friends - but it's really aimed towards locals. Fellow organizers Andrew and Cindy Battisti, a husband and wife team, run signature City Walk events of their own, including a guided tour of lilacs during the Lilac Festival and an art walk night in the fall. Andrew says City Walk gives people on the fringes of the city the chance to see the heart of Rochester.

"It's not just bars and clubs," says Johnson. The group goes to art galleries, coffee shops, museums, and more. Hipster clothing store Thread was a recent stop, and the Downtown Fitness Club with its juice bar has made the list in the past. New bars and places the group hasn't visited in a while make the list, too; for the group's sixth birthday in December, it went to Lux and the Tap & Mallet.

The organizers thrive on supporting local business, and in return the business owners support City Walk. If you find yourself wearing one of the group's stickers, you'll get bonuses like free food, drink specials, discounts, and no cover charge at certain clubs. On a recent trip to the Eastman House, the museum gave everyone free admission.

"Supporting businesses and events in the city of Rochester is very important," says Battisti, and Johnson points out that it's a two-way street. People on the Walk remember the places they go, and often return. "There's never been a bad experience," she adds.

Most of the original founders have retired for family or business reasons. Soon, Johnson says, they'll be electing a new board, and there's always room for new faces and volunteers.

It's the first Thursday of the year tomorrow, January 3, and The City Walk is headed to the East End. Call the hotline (234-9025) to get the rundown, or visit the website at thecitywalk.net for more information.