The winters in Rochester are so long, and so harsh, that if you live here, you owe it to yourself to make the most of the summer months. Thankfully, there's no shortage of opportunities for you to do just that. With a festival seemingly every weekend, gorgeous parks, amazing natural settings, hip businesses, and ample opportunities to indulge in some childhood favorites, you really have no excuse but to have a kick-ass summer.

This guide is by no means a definitive list of things to do this summer (for a more comprehensive guide of local events, check out the calendars in this issue). But it's a good place to start. If you check off all, or even most, of these items, you're bound to have a great time between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

1. Sip a frou-frou umbrella drink

Summer's not summer without indulging, at least once, in a fruity drink you'd never dream of ordering at any other time of year. Hang up any insecurities about girly drinks and try one of these (or one of the dozens of variations).

The Mai Tai (made with white rum, dark rum, Curacao, lime juice, and simple syrup) is supposedly the first drink to have an umbrella stuck in it, out at Trader Vic's in San Francisco. Sip it outdoors, maybe on the deck at the Pelican's Nest (566 River St, 663-5910) | A popular pink drink, the Cosmopolitan is vodka and cranberry classed up with Cointreau and lime juice. Try this one in the East End, maybe at ONE Restaurant & Lounge (1 Ryan Alley, 546-1010) | The provocatively named Sex on the Beach, commonly made with vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice, was said to originally have had raspberry and melon liqueur in it, along with pineapple juice. Better stay true to the name and sip this one on the beach. Try Marge's Lakeside (4909 Culver Rd, 323-1020). | Order a pitcher of margaritas, or whip up a batch at home. The ingredients - tequila, triple sec, and lime (or lemon) juice - make it simple enough. Add raspberries, strawberries, or mango, and blend with ice to make an even fruitier, more fun, frozen margarita. Share with friends. | The strawberry daiquiri (white rum, lime juice, simple syrup, strawberries) is a take on the original daiquiri, which is the same thing, minus the fruit. Mix these up at home, too, and sip anywhere in the sun. | Mojitos are one of the most popular summer drinks, probably due to the simple, refreshing ingredients: sugar, mint, lime juice, white rum, and club soda. Head over to Salena's (274 N. Goodman St, 256-5980), and ask Mary for one. Or two. (JG)

2. Watch a movie outdoors

Pack up the kids and the lawn chairs, and head out to the movies. While there are still a few drive-ins left - the Vintage at Route 15 in Avon, Silver Lake on Chapman Avenue in Perry - there are other places to watch movies out-of-doors. Most flicks start at sunset.

- Movies at the Beach at Ontario Beach Park shows free family movies every Tuesday evening starting July 8. Its Highland Park counterpart Movies at the Bowl does the same on Thursday evenings starting July 10. Call 753-PARK for more info.

-Lux Lounge (666 South Avenue) shows B-movies for the 21 and over crowd on Wednesdays.

-Webster shows Movies in the Park at the village's gazebo. Dates to be announced; check websterbid.com

-BASWA and the George Eastman House present five nights of classic films with Cinema at Sunset beginning August 26 at the Highland Park Bowl; visit historichouseparts.com.

-ZuperMovie will show films on portable movie screens at area parks and recreation areas. Go to zupermovies.com for a schedule. (DE)

3. Stroll the Charlotte boardwalk

The boardwalk is charming any day, but to maximize the beachfront vibe head down Wednesday nights during the summer for the Concerts by the Shore series (find the full schedule in the Music section of this publication). Live music plays in the pavilion, Wegmans sells cheap sausages, hots, pop, and chips, and a nice crowd gathers to take in the scene. Take a walk down the pier (it's longer than it looks), watch the sailboats come in, openly mock their twee names, shuffle down the boardwalk, ogle the hotties playing beach volleyball, grab a frozen custard from either of the two nearby Abbott's (one in the erstwhile ferry terminal, one across the street on Lake Avenue), hit the playground swings, and marvel that this is all right in your backyard. (ER)

4. Go to the races

Summer's a great time for sports, especially sports of the spectator variety: you get to sit in your shades and watch everybody else do the sweating. Racing - both cars and horses - takes place semi-locally, at these tracks:

Watkins Glen (1-866-989-RACE, theglen.com)

You probably know the Glen for one of two things: the gorgeous park with its waterfalls, or the race track where international auto races take place. You can buy three-day travel packs that include tickets to these events, too.

July 4-6: Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen

July 12-13: Glen Nationals

July 18-20: Centurion Boats at The Glen

September 5-7: US Vintage Grand Prix

My experience with horse racing (and betting) is limited to Charles Bukowski's stories. To get a firsthand taste, head to one of these tracks:

-Batavia Downs (8315 Park Rd, Batavia, Batavia-downs.com). Live Harness racing starts July 28.

-Finger Lakes Racetrack (5857 Route 96, Farmington, fingerlakesracetrack.com, 924-3232) Open year-round for thoroughbred racing.

-Saratoga Racetrack (saratogaracetrack.com, 518-584-6200). July 23 is opening day. (JG)

5. Brunch on the water

Sunday brunch is a wonderful indulgence in decadence. To up the ante, try Crescent Beach's Sunday Champagne Brunch (1372 Edgemere Dr). While the buffet and made-to-order menu goes on and on - including many seafood options and a chocolate fountain - the real draw is the location. Get a table on the lakeside patio, and let the sun caress your cares away while the soft lapping of the waves soothes your spirit. Add a glass of champagne or a Bloody Mary and you're really living it up. For one hour (or two, or three...) it's like being on holiday. If you have to bring the kids, there are clowns to keep them from under your feet and getting on your nerves. Relax, you're on vacation! (DE)

6. Go mini-golfing

Mini-golf offers the opportunity to work on your short game, go on a memorable second or third date, or embarrass yourself in front of your friends and family. In short, it is quintessentially American. Here are several area mini-golf courses awaiting your putts and curses:

-Adventure Landing (3340 W Ridge Rd, Greece, 225-5092) features 18 holes, some of them bearing tunnels, mountains, and waterfalls. It also boasts an arcade, batting cages, and a ball factory play area.

-ClubhouseFunCenter(70 Jay Scutti Blvd, 272-7888) has 18 holes spread over two courses, and the scenery includes waterfalls, bridges, and castles. Adjoining arcade and go-kart area.

-Eagle Ridge Mini Golf (4794 State Route 104, Williamson, 315-589-4015) includes 18 holes with traditional sand and water traps, a putting green, driving range, giant sandbox, and go-karts.

-The Golf Tee (1390 W Ridge Rd, Webster, 872-1390) offers 18 holes, with obstacles including a windmill and a working stop light. Also includes a driving range with professional lessons, batting cages, and Bruster's ice cream.

-Wickham Farms (1821 Fairport Nine Mile Point Rd, Penfield, 377-3276) includes a course with 18 holes, including windmills, bumps, and turns, plus a Hershey's ice cream stand, tractor rides, produce for sale, and more. (ER)

7. Score some free air-conditioning

When your living space lacks air conditioning, an occasional cool blast to the face is practically necessary. Sometimes I escape to my parent's house, where I become an icicle in front of their chilly window-units. Around town, though, get cooled off at one of these places, which will either cost you a couple of bucks, or zilch.

It's obvious, but smart: take refuge at the library on the hottest of days. Opening hours start at 10 a.m. and go to 9 p.m., depending on the branch. You can spend some time on the computer, wander the stacks, sit in a corner and read, stock up on movies, or peek out the windows at the sorry souls sweating it out on the sidewalks. Go to libraryweb.org for hours and a listing of branch locations.

If you have washing to do anyway - or maybe even if you don't - cool off at an area laundry while socializing and getting some clothes cleaned. You can commiserate with other locals over the heat, and remind each other why you shouldn't be complaining (yes, because of those cold, cold winters).

If you have $5-$10, go to a local movie theater to catch up on cinematic offerings while relaxing in the cool, welcoming darkness. Try The Cinema (957 S Clinton Ave, 271-1785), the Dryden Theatre (at the George Eastman House, 900 East Ave, 271-4090), The Little (240 East Ave, 232-3906), Movies 10 (2613 W Henrietta Rd, 292-5840), or the Pittsford Cinema (3349 Monroe Ave, 383-1310), where the movies (and snacks) are cheaper (and usually better) than at the larger chains.

You've probably been meaning to check out one or more of the local art galleries anyway, so take the opportunity to escape the heat while browsing some art at one of the dozens of local galleries. Think Rochester Contemporary Art Center (137 East Ave, 461-2222), the Memorial Art Gallery (mag.rochester.edu, 276-8900), Gallery r (775 Park Ave, 242-9470), Anderson Alley (250 N. Goodman St, andersonalleyartists.com), or Artisan Works (565 Blossom Rd, 288-7170).

Head toward Monroe Avenue and find some cool shops to meander through. Hit Greenwood Books, Archimage, Aaron's Alley, or the poster shops. Grab some food. Trudge back to your place and peel your clothes off.

Or, if all else fails, do what I do: store your lotion in the fridge, and apply as necessary for a few moments of cool relief. And eat lots of popsicles. (JG)

8. Grab a slice of pizza

With almost a pizza shop on every block, it's commonplace in Manhattan to see people walking while munching on a slice. While Rochester isn't as saturated with pizza parlors, there are still quite a few that serve up the single slice. Rather than taking it back to work, or home, take a stroll around the neighborhood, and feel a bit of the big city life.

If parading the Park Avenue area pleases you, Chester Cab (707 Park Ave) and Cobb's Hill Pizza (630 Park Ave) both offer wide slices. These are the kind that are easy to fold in half and eat, just like a real New Yorker. The slices at Piatza's Pizza Gourmet (365 Park Ave) are even larger; good luck polishing one off.

The Corner Store (655 University Ave) offers a great veggie slice. The veggies, chopped into small bits, are on a thin crust with cheese and spiced oil. It also has the regular red sauce pizzas, with or without toppings. Take one to stroll around the Neighborhood of the Arts.

If you're stuck downtown during the week, grab a slice from The Pizza Stop (123 State St). Many say this is the best NYC-style pizza in town. Take it along the water walk.

The Monroe Avenue area has Mark's Pizzeria, which just moved down the street next door to the Exxon station. With all the little shops lining the street, it's a great diversion while window shopping. (DE)

9. Stroll the Eastman House gardens

That George Eastman was a classy guy, and the impeccable gardens that grace his one-time home continue that tradition. If you're searching for an urban oasis, you could do worse than the George Eastman House's multiple gardens, several of which are open 24 hours, free of charge. They make for an invigorating private walk, or act like human catnip at the end of a particularly romantic date.

Of the six gardens, the TerraceGarden is the most awe inspiring. This space - open only during regular museum hours - features 90 varieties of perennials in 23 flower beds, a sunken oval lily pool (with goldfish!), two 17th century Venetian wallheads, a stone pergola draped with wisteria, and a grove of Japanese maples. It is, in a word, fabulous.

The West Garden is similarly impressive, with more than 48 kinds of shrubs, three types of perennials, wisteria vines climbing the stone garden house, a lion-head fountain (primo spot to make your move, Romeo), and a sundial in the shape of celestial spheres. Best part: this one's open 24 hours, totally gratis.

The NortheastGarden is also unrestricted, and offers plenty of shade from the mature trees. Impress your companion with this bit of knowledge: the bench on the path is made from the cypress wood of Eastman's original University Avenue fence.

To check out the gardens in a more festive atmosphere, attend a concert in the Garden Vibes series. A full schedule can be found in the Music section of this issue. (ER)

10. Party under the stars

You might not be able to see the stars from all points in Rochester, but these area bars offer unique opportunities to enjoy an evening outdoors in other ways.

To feel hidden away while still in the middle of everything, check out Abilene Bar and Lounge (153 Liberty Pole Way, 232-3230, abilenebarandlounge.com). The big backyard has a cute little garden, lounge chairs, tables, and occasional live music (check the online schedule). The bar staff is nice and accommodating; on a recent visit, they turned up the outdoor speakers so we could hear our jukebox selections outside.

It's no backyard, but the rooftop patio at Artisan Works (565 Blossom Rd) is still a fun, unexpected place to hang out. It contains a garden and a boardwalk, offers great views, and is full of quirky sculptures and structures. Wander around up here during regular hours (Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday noon-5 p.m.; $8-$12, free for members), or rent the space and throw a private party for up to 100 people. Call 288-7170, or visit artisanworks.net for more info.

Stop by Lux Lounge (666 South Ave, 232-9030) for the backyard you wish you had: tons of picnic tables, a hammock, a fire pit, and outdoor movies. And cheap drinks.

Marge's Lakeside Inn (323-1020, 4909 Culver Rd) is an obvious summer hangout; you can sink your toes into the sand, or simply enjoy the back patio - even show up on your boat, dock it, and hang out for awhile.

Hang out on the rooftop patio at Richmond's (21 Richmond St, 454-4612). Here you'll find another view across the city, and drinks to boot; the second floor also has pool tables and extra lounge space, separate from the downstairs bar and stage.

At Tapas 177 (177 St. Paul St., 262-2090, tapas177.com) you can grab a drink at the downstairs bar and continue to the back, where the bands play until 2 a.m., and you almost don't realize you're dancing outdoors ‘til you look up. Last summer, we showed up there close to 2 a.m., and the band had just started another set. Dancing was still going on when we left. (JG)

11. Go for a swing

It doesn't matter if you're a kid, an adult, or somewhere in between: there is nothing like the feeling in the pit of your stomach as you whoosh to and fro on a good swing. The defining factor is the length of the chains. Too short and you just bob back and forth; too long and you feel dangerously close to the edge. For swings with a wider arc, try the playground at the corner of Meigs Street and Linden Avenue, IndianLandingElementary School (702 North Landing Road), and School No. 1 on Cobbs Hill Drive. All have long chains - although not as long as I remember - and rubber sling seats. (DE)

12. Go hog wild on festival foods

Be honest: how many of you attend any number of our countless local festivals solely to grab a bag of kettle corn? Or to chomp your way through a caramel apple? It's OK; you have nothing to be ashamed of. Carnivals and festivals are just about the only places you can find most of these amazing, carbolicious treats, and it wouldn't be summer if you didn't work your way through at least half of the following festival foods.

-Kettle corn: What is it about kettle corn that drives Rochesterians wild? At the Corn Hill Arts Festival there's a kettle corn booth just about every 10 paces, and yet every single one of them has lines out the wazoo. Sugary, savory, and stuffed into a plastic tube - come to think of it, there's no mystery to its success at all.

-Cotton candy: Seemingly not as popular as in days of yore, the spun sugar treat rarely comes on the paper stick anymore. Instead it's sold in multi-colored balls and stuffed into a bag.

-Candied/caramel apples: Whoever designed this snack is an evil genius. He or she took arguably one of the healthiest foods out there (I mean, they allegedly keep the doctor at bay, right?) and destroyed that nutritional content by coating it in either a crispy, sticky sugar shell or dunking it in a vat of gooey caramel. We owe that person our gratitude.

-Fried dough/funnel cakes: At this year's Lilac Festival, the funnel cake/fried dough booth I went to literally could not keep up with the demand for these deep fried gut-busters. They're best with a dash of powdered sugar and a ton of cinnamon.

-Roasted nuts: Not my bag, but there's nary a festival in town that doesn't sell these fragrant treats daintily wrapped in colored cellophane.

-Cheesecake on a stick: Hard to find, harder to eat. It sounds perfect: velvety cheesecake, now available for consumption without the restrictive plate and fork. Alas, due to the blazing sun that accompanies most of our festivals, it typically turns into a runny mess in minutes. Just an excuse to eat it fast - and then go back for another. (ER)

13. Take a dip in the pool

If your backyard doesn't come with a pool, or if you don't have a backyard, cool off at the public version nearest you.

-AdamsStreetCommunity Center (85 Adams St, 428-7456) Heated indoor pool open year-round. Open swim and lessons for youth and adults.

-Clinton-BadenCommunity Center (485 N. Clinton Ave) Indoor pool.

-Dr. Freddie Thomas High School Pool (630 Scio St, 428-6755) Indoor pool with lessons through summer.

-EastHighRecreationCenter (1801 E Main St, 428-7832) Indoor swimming.

-GeneseeValleyPark Complex (131 Elmwood Ave, 428-7889) Outdoor Olympic-sized pool. Lessons offered.

-JamesMonroeHigh School Pool (164 Alexander St, 428-6755) Indoor swimming with lessons in summer.

-JohnMarshallHigh School Pool (180 Ridgeway Ave, 428-6755) Indoor pool with swim lessons in summer.

-SouthwestCommunity Center (275 Bronson Ave, 436-8201) Indoor swimming.

-ThomasJeffersonHigh School Pool (1 Edgerton Park, 428-6769) Indoor pool with lessons through summer.

-WebsterAquaticCenter(875 Ridge Rd, 670-1082, webstercommunitypartnership.org/aquaticcenter.cfm) Indoor pool with open swims and classes. $2-$5, kids 5 and under free.

For kids who haven't yet earned their floaties, check out these waterplay areas:

-CarterStreetCommunity Center(500 Carter St, 428-7890)

-HumboldtRecreationCenter (1045 Atlantic Ave, 428-7294)

-Fourth & Peck Playground (Corner of 4th & Peck streets)

And if you're from out of town and happen to stay at the Clarion Riverside Hotel (120 E Main St, 546-6400, clarionriversidehotel.com), check out the rooftop pool. It's heated, and offers great views of the city. (JG)

14. Watch the stars

"Twinkle, twinkle, little star..." Take a tour of the Mees Observatory (6604 South Gannett Hill Rd, Naples) on Friday and Saturday nights during the months of June, July, and August, and you just might find out what a star is made of. These star-watching events are free, but reservations are required (275-4385); you can also take in views through a telescope.

On Saturday nights you can climb the 60 steps at the back of Strasenburgh Planetarium (657 East Ave, 271-1880) to take a free peek at the heavens through its massive telescope.

Just south of Rochester in the town of Ionia sits the Max and Marion Farash Center for Observational Astronomy. Away from the city lights, this Rochester Astronomy Club facility offers spectacular views. The club also hosts public star parties at area parks, where you can view through a number of members' telescopes. Grab a blanket and stargaze. For more information visit rochesterastronomy.org. (DE)

15. Grab an ice-cream cone

The Greater Rochester area has an abundance of truly awesome ice cream parlors waiting to satisfy your sweet tooth. If you're in the city and want a fantastic view to go with your cone, consider Corn Hill Creamery (290 Exchange Blvd, 454-5110), which is located right alongside the Corn Hill river walk. If you're out in the county, there's Bill Wahl's Microcreamery (45 Schoen Place, 248-2080) for a walk along the canal. If you want to test the limits of your gluttony, brave Lugia's Ice Cream and Charbroil (4719 Lyell Rd, Spencerport, 352-6795). A medium at this stand is big enough to make grown men (read: your humble author) cower in fear. And if you want to try your luck, keep your ears open for the happy jingle of one of our fair city's ice cream trucks. They keep somewhat irregular hours and territories, so it's tough to plan a visit. But remember, ice cream tastes better when it comes to you.

For a comprehensive list of local ice cream parlors visit City's online Dining Guide at rochestercitynewspaper.com/dining. (ER)

16. Hit up a flea market

The Public Market (280 N Union St, cityofrochester.gov/PRHS/PublicMarket) is the place to go every Sunday from April through September, when it holds its super fleas. From antiques to clothes, tools, kitchen wares, and other treasures, chances are you'll find something you didn't know you needed. For further finds, head out of the city.

The East Avon Flea Market (1520 W. Henrietta Rd, just north of 5 & 20, 226-8320, eastavonfleamarket.com) is a 30-minute drive south of Rochester, but everything about this place is worth it. You can wander around, sip a coffee, and sift through people's wares while live blues and country music fills the air. Last time, I left with two typewriters and an armload of 25-cent records, and still had money to burn on burgers. The flea market is outdoors, so if it's been raining, there's mud to contend with. However, the organizers have started plans for an onsite building that will soon house the vendors. The grounds also serve as the town's drive-in movie theater by night (hence the large outdoor movie screens). The East Avon Flea Market is open Saturdays and Sundays.

If you didn't find what you were looking for at the East Avon flea - or if you're raring for more - drive a couple miles (maybe 10 minutes) farther south on Route 15, where you'll find another flea market, this one in a barn on Agar Road. The clues you've found it? The sign: "Flea market open every Sunday," and the obvious cluster of parked cars. You can grab coffee, breakfast, or lunch here, and by 10 or 11 a.m., most people are seated at the counter, eating and talking, leaving you plenty of room to browse. This is a great spot for cheap records (I found Ventures, Johnny Cash, and Loretta Lynn albums here for a dollar or two), collectibles, furniture, tools, and the usual assortment of knickknacks and odds-and-ends.

Don't forget, if you're cute - or if you're savvy - haggling is always an option. (JG)

17. Take a boat tour

If your idea of relaxation is lounging, travel down a lazy river, lake, or canal. Let the captain man the ship as you loaf in a chair sipping frou-frou drinks while nibbling on treats.

The Mary Jemison launches from Corn Hill, and its sister ship the Sam Patch launches from Schoen Place. These river boats offer different lunch and dinner cruises, along with specific history lecture trips. Call 262-5661 or visit the website at samandmary.org.

-The Colonial Belle (400 Packett's Landing, Fairport) provides Erie Canal cruises. Call 223-9470 or visit colonialbelle.com.

-The Harbor Town Belle (Port of Rochester) is an 80' paddle-wheeler that offers cruises on the Genesee River, in Irondequoit Bay, and on Lake Ontario. The Mark Twain Cruise is reminiscent of the past, and the fall foliage tour up the Genesee River Gorge is breathtaking. Call 800-836-8930, or visit harbortownbelle.com.

-If you're in Canandaigua, call Captain Gray's Boat Tours (2 City Pier) at 394-5270 or the Canandaigua Lady (169 Lakeshore Drive) at 394-5365.

-If you don't mind doing the work yourself, BayCreekPaddlingCenter (1099 Empire Boulevard) offers kayak tours. 288-2830 or baycreek.com.

-Mid-Lakes Erie Macedon Landing (1865 Canandaigua Rd, Macedon) offers one-, two-, and three-day cruises on the Erie Canal aboard its fleet of canal boats. Call 800-808-4511 or visit macedonlanding.midlakesnav.com. (DE)

18. Make s'mores

The s'more is the undisputed king of campfire cuisine. It's possible to go camping without making them, but why would you want to? That perfect mixture of crunchy graham cracker, gooey toasted marshmallow, and sweet melted chocolate is so much more than the sum of its parts. Nobody really knows when the s'more was invented (it reportedly first appeared in the 1927 Girl Scout Handbook), or how it came to be named. All that matters is that it's simple enough for kids to make, and delicious enough for everybody to enjoy. Just break a graham cracker in half (honey grahams are most commonly used, but for an added zing use the cinnamon variety), toast a marshmallow to your liking (dare you go for the full-on flambé?), place a chunk of chocolate on the cracker, top with the marshmallow, cap it with the second cracker half, and dig in. There are more complicated versions - the "Belgian s'more" adds in a strip of red licorice between the marshmallow and the cracker top - but that's kind of like gilding the lily.

In case you're not going camping, you can still s'more it. Either use your backyard grill to toast up some ‘mallows, use marshmallow fluff, or put them fully assembled into the microwave for 15 to 30 seconds. It lacks the rustic charm of the camping experience, but tastes just as good. Some more, please! (ER)

19. Go to an amusement park

Though they can turn into an exercise in patience (testing your line-waiting endurance, for instance), amusement parks are practically summer must-stops, with their old roller-coasters, gleaming new ones, water slides, and games of chance. Here's a few close by:

-DarienLake (9993 Allegheny Rd, Darien Center, 599-2211, godarienlake.com) The region's largest amusement park is also a water park, concert venue, and center for games and food. There's a flashy new roller coaster addition practically every year; for 2008, it's the Orange County Choppers Motocoaster, which runs on magnetic motors and is equipped with motorcycle-type seats. Season passes to the park are available, and admission is free for guests of the onsite campgrounds and hotel.

-SeaBreeze (4600 Culver Rd, 323-1900, seabreeze.com) Here you'll find the ancient Jack Rabbit and the brand-new Music Express, a train that takes you in just about every direction imaginable (in circles, up and down, and backward and forward). Passes range from a ride-and-slide pass (giving you access to all slides and rides), to a night-rider pass (unlimited rides and slides after 5 p.m.), a spectator pass (gets you on the ground for $10), and single-ride tickets for $2.

-Roseland Water Park (250 Eastern Blvd, Canandaigua, 396-2000, roselandwaterpark.com) This park features a wave pool with ocean simulator, a splash factory, a mammoth raft ride, speed slides, an "adventure river" (long river with wave maker, jumping falls, water trellises, and more), and tube slides (including the ominously named Hurricane, Screamer, and Tornado). Other attractions include a water war zone where you can have water balloon fights, and an area for beach volleyball games. Season passes are available, and special arrangements can be made for large groups and private parties.

20. Ride the carousel

We're fortunate to have a classic wood Dentzel carousel in our midst, at Ontario Beach Park in Charlotte. It's especially special, as it remains at its original lakeside setting, is a "menagerie" carousel (meaning a rider can choose from a variety of animals, like ostriches, cats, pigs, and lions, not just horses), and is more than 100 years old. You're certain to have a sensational spin. Go at twilight as the lights reflect off the water. It's magical, and at $1 a ride, it's a steal. (DE)

21. Go camping

Whether your idea of camping is roughing it in a tent, pulling up the family RV, or living it up in a rented cabin, area camp sites can hook you up.

-BristolWoodland Campgrounds (4835 S Hill Rd, Canandaigua, 229-2290) Offers tent camping, RV hook-ups, and rental cabins, plus hiking, fishing, playground, a campfire area, antique shops, and is nearby to Roseland Waterpark.

-Conesus Lake Campgrounds (5609 E Lake Rd, Conesus, 346-2267) Offers 120 total camping sites, including tent sites, RV hookups, and rental cabins and cottages. Also features heated indoor pool, boat dock and rowboat rentals, free wifi, a game room, Laundromat, playgrounds, and more.

-Darien Lake State Park (10289 Harlow Rd, Darien Center, 547-9242) Primarily for RVs, feature 158 campsites, as well as a beach, boat rentals, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, a playground, and more.

-GeneseeCounty Campground (40 Flint Hill Rd, Caledonia, 538-4200) Offers tent camping, RV hook-ups, and rental cabins, plus a playground, rec room with arcade games and pool table, fishing, hiking, and nine-hole golf course.

-LetchworthState Park(1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, 493-3600) Offers tent spaces, rental cabins, and RV hook-ups. Amenities include hiking, biking, and fishing, swimming pools, waterfalls, playgrounds, white-water rafting, horseback riding, and hot-air ballooning. (ER)

22. Take in fireworks/laser light shows

Watch the summer skies light up at one of the many area fireworks shows. Besides the gazillion Fourth of July displays, laser shows (indoors and out) also happen regularly around town.

The River of Light Laser and Light Shows take place every Friday and Saturday at 9:30 p.m., through August 30 at High Falls. Look for special shows Labor Day weekend on Sunday and Monday, August 31-September 1. Parking is available at the High Falls Garage, and the show is best viewed from the Pont de Rennes Bridge on Platt Street (off State). Go to cityofrochester.gov for more info.

The Rochester Museum & Science Center's Strasenburgh Planetarium offers laser shows that are just under an hour long, and are music-themed: in June, the program is 70's laser; in July, it's Genesis with Phil Collins, and in August, it's the Beatles in laser light. Check rmsc.org or call 271-4320 for show times. (JG)

23. Hit up a farmers market

Perusing a farmers market is like going window shopping without the windows. Everything is right out there for you to see, touch, smell, and taste, accompanied by the chorus of hocking vendors, chatting patrons, and squealing kids. Sometimes there's even added musical entertainment.

The Rochester Public Market (280 N Union St) is the city's largest and longest-running farm market. Open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, there are hundreds of vendor stalls surrounded by permanent stores. Most Sundays during the summer offer special events, like Flower City Days.

Also around the city, look for the Westside Farmers Market (34 Monica St) on Tuesdays; Foodlink Farmers Market (Washington Square Park) and Monroe Village Farmers Market (700 Monroe Ave) on Wednesdays; South Wedge Farmers Market (100 Alexander St) on Thursdays; and the Rochester Main Street Farmers Market (220 E Main St) on the first floor atrium of the Sibley Building.

Many of the surrounding towns have their own farmers markets. Pittsford's is held at Pittsford Colony Plaza (3349 Monroe Ave) on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Irondequoit's is at 1280 Titus Avenue, and Rush at 6200 Rush-Lima Road, on Thursdays. Greece Ridge Mall (Ridge Road West and Long Pond Road) hosts one Thursdays and Saturdays. Chili (220 Westside Drive), Fairport (South Main Street), and Webster (routes 250 and 404) markets take place on Saturdays. Brockport (Market Street between Main and Water Streets), East Rochester (Techniplex Plaza, Commercial Street), and Scottsville (1800 Scottsville-Chili Road) offer up the goods on Sundays.

For more market details, including hours of operation, check out the calendar at the back of this publication. (DE)

24. Have a picnic

There's no wrong place or time to have a picnic. (Well, I wouldn't recommend throwing one directly underneath the Can of Worms. Or at the intersection of Avenue D and Conkey. Or pretty much anywhere after midnight.) Our local parks offer a plethora of gorgeous spots just begging for a gingham blanket, a wicker basket, and a bottle of wine. One particularly well suited spot is the Rose Meadow at Highland Park. Park designer Frederick Law Olmstead preferred to create pastoral settings in the middle of his parks, and this is a perfect example. Located between the weigelas and honeysuckles, just down the path from the azalea-rhododendron area, this gently sloping open lawn is surrounded by shrubs, bushes, and, yes, a few roses in the flower beds. (ER)

25. Go horseback riding

Rent a horse for the afternoon at one of these area stables, and enjoy the scenery - and that faint air of superiority that only comes from sitting in the saddle.

Evergreen Stables (212 Sheffer Road South, Scottsville, 889-1200, evergreenstables.us) Though Evergreen doesn't exactly offer trail rides, it has its version: ride a horse of varying size (they don't actually have ponies) for 15 minutes at its farm in Scottsville. The rides are for ages 3 and up, and there's no cap on that, so even if you're older, you can trot one of the horses around. Bring your own sneakers and boots, and call ahead to make reservations. $5/person.

The staff at Heberle Stables (482-1290, heberlestables.com) takes riders of all levels on 45-minute trail rides at Ellison Park. The groups leave every hour on the hour 10 a.m.-5 p.m., but make sure you meet the requirements: all riders must be at least 10 years old, and anyone under 14 needs adult accompaniment; you have to be 58 inches or taller; and sandals aren't allowed, so be sure to wear your boot or sneakers. Also, it's best to wear long pants, not shorts. Call ahead, and if you have a group of eight or more there's a different number (654-9027) to call to make arrangements. Helmets are provided. $25/person. Pony rides and hay rides also available.

Wolcott Farms (786-3504, wolcottfarms.com) offers instructional and guided horseback rides at Letchworth State Park. Meet at the Trailside Lodge (near the Castile entrance) for trail rides that range in time from 25 minutes to two hours. Pony rides for kids are available too, as well as a cowboy ride and cookout. Reservations are required, and can be made by calling 786-3504. $35-$60/person. (JG)

26. Catch some fireflies

"Shine little glow-worm, glimmer, glimmer." Fireflies, also know as lightning bugs, are neither flies nor bugs. They are beetles, and there are about 136 different species of them. Summer's natural night lights can be found around rotting wood, or by streams and ponds, especially after a good rain. They are easy to catch. Get a clear glass jar and poke some holes in the top so that they will be able to breathe. Place the jars in different rooms in your house, or around the porch to create a natural string of light. Don't forget to set them free the next morning! (DE)

27. Make homemade popsicles

When I was a kid, every ice cube tray at the Rezsnyak compound was filled with Sharkleberry Fin Kool-Aid. I don't think they make that flavor anymore due to my generation's tragic over-harvesting of the elusive sharkleberry, but just about any juice, tea, or soda can be turned into tasty, chilly snacks. You can go blow a couple bucks on plastic popsicle molds that come complete with handles, or you could break out the blender and use fruit or gelatin to create a thicker concoction that will hold up a stick. But if you want to go old school, take some ice cube trays, fill them with the liquid of your choice (sorry, alcohol won't work - doesn't freeze), cover tightly with plastic wrap, and then poke toothpicks into each individual cube mold. Let freeze for a couple hours and voila, instant, bite-sized pops. (ER)

28. Take a walking tour

You think you know this city? To really explore a place, take a walk in your own shoes. While simply wandering can provide surprises, there are many tours - both guided and unguided - that offer a particular spin, or simply some history on what you're looking at.

-At Tourtheloop.com you can view some sample walks around downtown.

-Inforochester.com/rochwalk has a list of walks, including Cobbs Hill, Mendon Ponds Park, and Thousand Acre Swamp.

There are a few different Historical Rochester Tours, including downtown and the Neighborhood of the Arts. Call 442-8299 for a complete schedule.

MountHopeCemetery (791 Mount Hope Avenue) offers guided walking tours, many with themes. Check fomh.org for details.

The Landmark Society of Western New York offers coffee and architectural walks, specific neighborhood tours, and Inside Downtown tours. They also offer self-guided cellphone tours (once you purchase the tour you have 48 hours to access it; ain't technology grand?). Visit the website at landmarksociety.org for a full listing. (DE)

29. Light a sparkler

Sparklers can turn any night into a celebration - or a freaky-ass rave, if that's your thing. Light one and run around the yard making "trails." Put them on elaborate cakes. No need to wait until the Fourth of July! Available at party stores. (DE)

30. Hit up a carnival

For sugar-spun cotton candy, tasty kettle corn, games, prizes, food, and music, head to a down-home fireman's carnival. Here are two happening locally:

I grew up with the Rush Firemen's Carnival, which takes place this year July 17-19. Though I have bad memories of going down that mammoth slide thing without the potato sack, it's balanced out by good memories of the scaled-down Ferris wheel and the car ride. There's a parade on Friday. For more, go to rushfd.org.

The Webster Volunteer Fire Department Carnival also takes place in July. This one runs July 9-12, and has food, games, rides, and more. Check out nejfd.org/content/events.

For a comprehensive list of area fairs and carnivals, check out the Festival Guide located in this publication. (JG)

-Additional reporting by Kathy Laluk