The Genesee is often prettier than we allow, and especially when the weather's just right. It's the perfect time to appreciate the river now, while the leaves are changing, before the weather turns bone cold. This weekend, the city sponsors Rochester River Romance, with more than 45 events taking place in and around the river corridor. That's too many to list here, but for a taste, consider that you can renew your vows at the Pont de Rennes, go on an arboretum tour, catch a sword swallowing and sideshow act, skate by moonlight at the Genesee Valley ice rink, attend Pirates Day (prizes for best black beard, best wench, etc.) at Ontario Beach Park, go on a geocaching scavenger hunt, check out the Head of the Genesee Regatta, take a historic aqueduct tour, a guided canoe tour, and much more.

It all happens Friday, October 10, through Sunday, October 12. Most events are free. For complete listings, and for more information, go to cityofrochester.gov, or grab a guide at area merchants like the Genesee Valley Ice Arena, The Centers at High Falls, Corn Hill Landing, Genesee/Charlotte Lighthouse, or the Port Terminal.