Five Cool Things to Do in the Summer
Get out and try something different this summer, Here are five places you need to check out.
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Rochester Pedal Tours
Grab up to 17 friends and propel a people-powered cycle “boat” on the Genesee River. Or book a pedal bike to tour the city with up to 12 to 14 friends (depending on the bike). The megacycles’ retractable awning offers protection so tours go on rain or shine. The company provides a driver to lead each tour and steer the vehicle. Tour participants are welcomed to bring their own food and beverages. Each tour lasts 100 minutes. Tour guides can arrange architecture and history tours, progressive dinners, brewery tours, milestone parties such as retirement and customized bar crawls. Reservations are required.
Bristol Mountain Ziplines and High Ropes
https://bristolmountainadventures.com
This Canandaigua business offers guided Zipline Canopy Tours with seven ziplines measuring more than 5,000 feet and shorter ziplines as well, all with views of the Bristol Valley. The Aerial Adventure Park includes seven courses with a dozen unique challenges in each, like tight rope walks, rope ladders, swings and short ziplines, all while participants wear safety harnesses and helmets. For the very adventuresome, try The Launch, which shoots visitors 63 feet in the air above the forest canopy, experiencing 3.8 G-forces. If you’re bringing along the grandchildren, the Kids Adventure Park is a good fit for children aged 4t hrough 7.
Genesee Country Village & Museum
Located in Mumford , this is the largest living history museum in New York. Walking the 600-acre grounds feels like stepping out of a time machine into 19th century life with 68 replica or reconstructed historic buildings peopled by costumed interpreters engaged in period life: pottery making, barrel-making, blacksmithing, weaving and more. The museum is fun for children as well. The GCV provides games and toys for youngsters and plenty of open spaces for play. Picnicking space is available, but food is also available onsite so you can make a day of it. Stop by the gift shop before you go to find old-time games and educational toys.
G&S Orchards
This Walworth business offers U-pick opportunities starting with strawberries, juneberries (aka saskatoons), blackberries and raspberries in June; blueberries, cherries, currants and gooseberries in July; and apples and pumpkins in September. The farm also operates a farmstand with fruit, local honey and vegetables, along with a community supported agriculture program. Before you go, check the website to ensure that U-pick fruit is in season.
BayCreek Paddling Center
The Rochester based center provides canoe, kayak, and paddleboard sales, rentals and lessons. If you want to try these sports or feel ready to commit, this is the place for you. BayCreek provides paddling activities, events like the Wednesday Night Race Party and guided tours of places like Irondequoit Bay and shuttles to Ellison Park to paddle through the wetlands. If you’re interested in getting in shape, join BayCreek’s paddleboarding or kayaking fitness programs. Classes in canoeing, kayaking or paddleboarding are also available, from beginners to advanced paddlers.