Red wine is quickly being replaced by white, followed by rum and salt-rimmed margaritas. Spring is in the air and summer on our taste buds. Outside it has hit 60 degrees, and there's no better reason to party in Rochester. And a great place to do so is Hedges, located on Lake Ontario in Webster, which reopened for the spring season on March 16.

Every parking spot was filled, every seat in the house taken. The place buzzed with chatter and I saddled up to the grand, old bar while a piano player sang tunes from long ago. History poured out of his fingers, a crowd gathered around him, and I only wish I had asked his name. That's the thing about Hedges: this place isn't modern, nor hip; it has a constant cool. Hedges9 Mile Point was part of a family restaurant legacy --- the Nowrocki-Swift family, specifically. The family bought the renovated hotel in 1954, and added manicured lawns, gardens, patios, a gazebo, and a first-rate restaurant that has passed the test of time.

It's a classy joint. And thankfully it hasn't changed much. Pictures from generations past line the walls, featuring patrons partying like us, but in clothes of the era. Today you can jet ski or tie up your boat and enjoy one of the best meals in town, including top-notch steaks and seafood.

I came for the bar and want to share with you a little secret: Hedges has the strongest drinks in Rochester. With my impeccable experience in the bar scene I've learned that most places serve up drinks that are essentially glorified water. If you want the real thing, head to a place that knows how to make it.

So now that spring has sprung it's time to show a little leg and head to your nearest watering hole. You know the drill: Northfield will definitely be sporting its outdoor patio as the temperatures rise, and it will continue to rule the happy hour for the over-30 crowd. Twentysomethings will be outside at Mex. And in no time, a new bar will own the 5 o' clock scene. Me? I'll be at Hedges.