WILey’S
How to maximize weekend getaways
Extended summer vacations may get all of the glory, but individuals and families needn’t feel pressured to go away on weeklong trips to get the rest and relaxation they deserve. There is plenty to be said for weekend getaways as well.
Working oneself ragged is no way to enjoy life. In fact, a person could be doing harm to his or her health by working too much, which may lead to lost productivity and burnout in the long run. Experts agree that getting away could be good for mental health. According to psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert, who is the author of Be Fearless: Change Your Life in 28 Days, a weekend trip can boost mental and emotional health. Alpert says smaller vacations even “pack a bigger punch” than longer ones. Neuroscientists have found that getaways can evoke feelings of calm, banish stress and enable the mind to heal. Furthermore, according to a Gallup study, those who make time for regular trips score higher on the Gallup-Well-Being Index. Weekend getaways simply may be easier to schedule than longer vacations.
The following are some ways to make the most of weekend getaways and why these getaways are so beneficial.
•Plan ahead. Weekend getaways generally do not need extensive planning. The logistics are much easier when there are only one or two nights involved in an overnight stay. Sometimes weekend getaways are only day trips, which makes them even easier to set up.
•Bring pets along. Short stays may mean
tie travelers to a specific destination for the duration of the trip, weekend jaunts are short stops at different spots. Try various cities and towns on for size.
•Avoid boredom. Anyone who has booked an extended trip away has at times had some boredom set in when the initial wow factor of the resort or trip wears off. In some instances, it may seem as if you’ve exhausted the list of things to do. Weekend getaways are anything but boring because you’re packing so many things to do into a short amount of time. •Keep a to-go bag packed. When the mood hits you, you can dart off to a weekend escape. Keep a packed bag with some essentials at the ready so there’s no overthinking the vacation process.
Investigate the loyalty programs of various hotel chains. This way if you find a chain you like and book stays regularly you can earn rewards points. These points may be redeemed for upgrades Weekend getaways are great ways to rest and recharge without the commitment of
Experience summer on the Erie Canal
Buoys are in, water levels are up, and canalside communities are ready for the 2023 canal season. The canal system opened to boaters on Friday, May 19. Celebrate the season by heading to the canal for activities, events, and tours or make the canal your vacation getaway in 2023. Here are some great ways to experience the canal this summer.
Get on the water
Step on board a tour boat, paddle the canals, or cruise in your own boat. Beautiful scenery, lively canal waterfronts, and distinctive New York flavor await around every bend.
Take the Canalway Challenge
Set your personal mileage goal, then walk, run, cycle or paddle to achieve it. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just getting off the couch, the Challenge is free and open to all. Teams and organizations are welcome, too. Sign up at https://eriecanalway.org/ explore/challenge.
Enjoy canal festivals and events
Choose from large canal festivals to bike tours to arts and cultural offerings. Local festivals include Holley June Fest on June 3,
Brockport’s Low Bridge, High Water Festival on June 10, Spencerport Canal Days on July 29 and 30, and the Brockport Arts Festival on August 12 and 13. Go to https://eriecanalway. org/explore/ to learn more about events all along the canalway.
Get On the Canals
Free On the Canals activities – from kayaking, biking, and boating, to birding and painting – are held all year long. Go to https://www. canals.ny.gov/onthecanals/ for information and to register for these free programs.
Experience canal heritage
Visit canal communities, historic sites, and museums for great local food and culture. Be a tourist in your own hometown, take a day trip to explore a nearby community, or venture a bit further. Go to https:// eriecanalway.org/explore/Plan-Visit to see itineraries and plan a visit.
Packed with information and tips for visiting, the Erie Canalway Map & Guide is available at visitor centers and canal museums all along the canals. You can also download it at https://bit.ly/44VY7dz. Provided information
Stamp your NY Beef Passport
May is National Beef month, and to mark the occasion, New York has launched the New York Beef Passport. Spearheaded by the New York Beef Council, the New York Beef Passport gives consumers the opportunity to explore the best beef dishes in New York State, support local businesses and beef producers, and win exciting, themed prizes.
The New York Beef Passport provides an opportunity for beef lovers to taste some of the best beef dishes from participating restaurants throughout New York State and earn prizes ranging from beef-themed collectible t-shirts to a grand prize $250 Beef Bundle Give-A-Way. The program encourages visitors to travel and explore all regions of New York while supporting local restaurants
and small businesses. Participants will have the opportunity to try new flavors and explore different cooking styles from juicy steaks to mouth-watering burgers.
There are 20 restaurants participating in the New York Beef Passport, including six locations of Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Limp Lizard Lounge Bar & Grill, and both locations of the Woodland Farm Brewery. The New York Beef Passport is free and only takes a few minutes to register for on a digital device. Consumers can collect digital stamps at each participating restaurant through September 1 to be eligible for prizes and receive exclusive digital passport offers. Learn more at https://www.nybeef.org/beef-passport. Provided information
A Village of Brockport Signature Event Brockport
200 Years on the Erie Canal
Friday, June 9, 2023
6-8pm - Hart Gallery 27
27 Market Street
4th Grade Poster Contest ~ all entries on display, Friday & Saturday
Illustrated Talk at 7pm: Bruce Leslie & Margay Blackman
Saturday, June 10, 2023
11am-3pm ~ Brockport Welcome Center
11 Water Street
Welcome & Dedication of Interpretive Panel: Park Ave. Lift Bridge
~ Naming of Brockport’s Mule
~ 4th Grade Poster Awards
~ Dedication of Seneca Chief Free Little Library
Music by Sonni Amoroso ~ Heart Strings ~ GypsyLand
JULY 29-30
10-5pm • Arts & Crafts Vendors
• Food Trucks • Tasting Tent
Live Entertainment • Children’s Activity Tent • Local Unique Restaurants & Stores • Car Show
Saturday, July 29th • Canaligator Race Is Back!!!
Bicycle Skills Rodeo ~ Stetson Club, Brockport Lions Club & Monroe County Office of Traffic Safety will provide helmets for those in need - up to 50 helmets!
Grand Funk Railroad to headline
4th of July celebration in Greece
Grand Funk Railroad, a top selling American rock group of the 1970s will headline the Town of Greece Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration.
Known as “The American Band,” this highenergy, five-piece group will play 45 shows all over the U.S. this year. Grand Funk Railroad includes original founding members Don Brewer (vocals and drums, writer and singer of the multi-million selling hit, “We’re an American Band”) and bassist Mel Schacher, “The God of Thunder.”
Joining Don and Mel are: singer Max Carl, a rock veteran from 38 Special; lead guitarist Bruce Kulick, best known for his 12 years with KISS and has credits with Michael
Bolton, Meatloaf and Billy Squier; and keyboardist Tim Cashion, affectionately called “Dr. Tim,” his credits include stints with Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band.
Seasoned Grand Funk lovers and contemporary rock fans discovering the group for the first time will be able to celebrate the 50th anniversary of “We’re An American Band” with Grand Funk Railroad.
The Town of Greece Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration kicks off with the Freedom Run 5k, Kids Fun Run, games, food trucks, and more. Additional details will be announced in coming weeks. Provided information
Must-have items for summer entertaining in the backyard
Summer entertaining season provides ample opportunities to soak up some sun and have some fun with family and friends. Backyard barbecues and other get-togethers at home are even more fun when hosts ensure they have certain must-have items for summer soirees.
Fire features
The days when summer hosts only needed a few extra lawn chairs and some burgers and hot dogs on the grill for a backyard barbecue are long gone. Though those items still have a place at backyard barbecues, summer parties have taken a step up. Fire features, whether it’s a standalone fire pit, one built into a patio or a gas-powered fire table, are now wildly popular. Fire features provide a welcome place to relax and converse with guests after the sun goes down. And much to kids’ delight, a fire feature also paves the way for some post-meal s’mores.
Insulated wine cooler
Coolers are great places to store water, soda, beer, seltzers, and other popular beverages. But what about wine? An insulated wine cooler ensures wine stays properly cooled but doesn’t get too cold, which can happen when wine is stored in a more traditional cooler filled with ice. Bottles are simply placed in the insulated cooler (much like canned beverages slide easily into can koozies), and the bottle can be kept on the table much like you would for formal dinners indoors. Hosts can go the extra mile by pairing insulated wine tumblers with their wine cooler.
Games
Summer entertaining season might be all about relaxation, but games can up the fun factor at backyard gatherings. Cornhole is a wildly popular game, and customized cornhole boards can help hosts come across as party professionals. Ladder toss, bocce and wiffle ball are some additional games that can make the festivities more fun. Hosts
who don’t have a pool also can invest in an inflatable pool big enough to fit all the kids who will be coming to the party.
Outdoor storage cabinet
Hosts can save themselves the stress and effort of walking in and out for dinnerware and other table accessories by investing in a sturdy outdoor storage cabinet. As meal time draws near, hosts will appreciate that all the plates, napkins, utensils, and placemats are already outside. The top of the storage cabinet can double as a small but convenient buffet station for sides that aren’t being cooked over an open flame.
Projector and screen
A projector and screen can really up the ante on summer entertaining, turning a backyard barbecue into a great place to watch a game or cuddle up after dinner for a movie night under the stars. Projectors and screens won’t bust the budget, but those who have more to spend may want to consider an outdoor television. Outdoor televisions are built to handle the glare of the summer sun, but a retractable awning may be a good safety net for hosts who plan to spend many a weekend afternoon outside watching games or movies with family and friends.
These are just a handful of items that can up the ante on traditional backyard barbecues. Homeowners should know that there’s no limit to the number of items that can make summer entertaining season more special. (Metro)
Peak season gets underway at Letchworth State Park
The biggest attractions and activities begin in May at Letchworth State Park. Balloon flights, the Glen Iris Inn, tours of the Mount Morris Dam, activity stations on the Autism Nature Trail, the William Pryor Letchworth Museum, playgrounds, daily hours at the Humphrey Nature Center, and almost daily guided outings get underway in May.
“This is when you will see the full spectrum of things to do in and around the park all summer long, and through the end of fall foliage season in October,” said Conrad Baker, an environmental educator for the Genesee Region of New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. “What makes this place so special is not only the 100 waterfalls, not only the nationally significant history, not only the globally rare balloon flights and rafting through the Grand Canyon of the East…it’s the accessibility of all these adventures. You don’t have to hike all day to get to big canyon views like the Hogsback or our 106-foot waterfall, you can drive right up to them. That said, you can chain these overlooks together and make it quite a rustic day-hike or explore forest trails and almost have the place to yourself.”
Some events are already underway. Whitewater rafting tours with Adventure Calls Outfitters (adventure-calls.com) run from the first week of April through October 31. Group Camping (available only for nonprofit groups like scouting troops) is available from April 22 to October 8, 2023. Year-round accommodations in historic houses onsite are always available at GlenIrisInn.com.
This year, due to an improvement project in the Lower Falls area, vehicle entry to Lower Falls Road will be limited to weekends only until later in the season. Hikers can still enter the area on foot to see Lower Falls from the winter overlook on Trail 1 (Gorge Trail) but not Trail 6 or Trail 6A to the stone foot-
Snack stands and gift shops are open Saturdays and Sundays only until later in the season.
As always, Trail 6 and Trail 6A, which lead to the stone footbridge near Lower Falls, will remain closed until scaling teams can inspect and clean gorge walls in that area, typically later in the spring.
The swimming pool will be open from late June until Labor Day, September 4, 2023. There is no swimming allowed in the Genesee River in Letchworth State Park.
The Mount Morris, Perry, Castile, and Portageville park entrances will charge a $10 vehicle use fee per vehicle from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., which allows vehicle use in any New York State park for the day. The Parade Grounds entrance is always free. The vehicle use fee for non-commercial buses is $35 with a NYS Tax Exempt Form and $75 for commercial buses. On non-holiday weekdays, vehicle use fees are waived for vehicles with at least one passenger who is a NYS resident over age 62 (made possible by the NYS Golden Parks Program).
“There’s a reason Letchworth State Park routinely ranks as one of the most popular state parks in America, there’s so much to see and do in and around this beautiful, peaceful place,” said Baker.
Upcoming festivals include: William Pryor Letchworth’s 200th Birthday on May 27; the Red, White, and Blue Balloon Rally on May 27 and May 28; and Outdoor Rec Fest on July 1. Learn more about events at Letchworth State Park at https://parks.ny.gov/events/ event-results.aspx?pk=79.
Check Letchworth State Park’s official Facebook and Instagram pages, both “@letchworthstatepark,” for year-round scenery, educational videos, alerts, and updates. General information, many frequently asked questions, maps, and a schedule of festivals and guided outings are on the park’s official website, parks.ny.gov/parks/letchworth. Year-round information, maps, alerts, and updates are on the free NYS Parks Explorer app under “Letchworth State Park.”
Call the Visitor Center at 585-493-3600
Provided information
Camp Invention’s summer STEM program coming to Churchville-Chili’s CRS
Camp Invention®, a nationally recognized, nonprofit summer enrichment program, is coming to Churchville-Chili’s Chestnut Ridge Elementary School the week of July 17 to July 21, 2023.
A program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame®, in partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Camp Invention challenges children in grades K-6 to tap into their natural curiosity and use their creativity to solve problems. Through hands-on activities, Camp Invention promotes STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning; builds confidence, leadership, perseverance and resourcefulness; and encourages entrepreneurship - all in a fun and engaging environment.
Each year, the program features a new curriculum inspired by some of the nation’s most world-changing inventors – the National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees. This year’s
Wonder program encourages children to be confident in their ideas and explore their innovativeness though hands-on activities including:
•Catching Air™ – Taking a confidence-building ride through physics, engineering and art, children design and build their own skate park.
•Invention Celebration – Campers take on the role of event planners as they throw a party celebrating creativity and innovation.
•MimicBot™ – Children show their unique style when they transform a robot that mimics sounds into a one-of-a-kind animatronic stuffie.
•Pop-Up Venture™ – Big ideas come to life as campers design their own mini pop-up business.
“Both of my kids loved Camp Invention! They loved having the opportunity to create, innovate and iterate what they had learned,” said the parent of 2022 Camp Invention campers. “They were intensely proud to tell of their work each day and to showcase their projects at the end of the week.”
All local Camp Invention programs are facilitated and taught by qualified educators who reside and teach in the community. Camp Invention serves 118,000 students every year and partners with more than 2,200 schools and districts across the nation. For more information or to register, visit invent. org/camp.
Provided information
Fire up the grill for fish
Grilling season presents ample opportunities to explore new culinary horizons. Just about anything that can be cooked indoors also can be prepared outdoors over an open flame. And many foodies insist that grilling produces unique flavors that simply cannot be replicated when cooking via other means.
Individuals looking to stray from grilling season staples like hot dogs and hamburgers can try this recipe for “Mojito Fish Steaks” courtesy of Andrew Schloss’ Cooking Slow: Recipes for Slowing Down and Cooking More (Chronicle Books).
Mojito Fish Steaks
Makes 4 servings
4 firm-fleshed
fish steaks, such as salmon, swordfish, kingfish, or sable, each 6 to 8 ounces, about 3⁄4-inch thick
2 tablespoons olive oil & more for brushing
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
For the Mojito Mop:
3 tablespoons light rum
Juice and finely grated zest of 1 large lime
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 teaspoon hot-pepper sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
4 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
Light a grill for indirect low heat, about 200° F. If using a charcoal grill, build a small charcoal fire at one end of the grill. If using a gas grill, set a burner at one end of the grill to medium-low. Put the grill grate on the grill and clean the grill grate with a wire brush.
Coat the fish steaks with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Set aside for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the mop: In a small bowl, stir together the rum, lime juice, canola oil, hot-pepper sauce, sugar, and 3 tablespoons of the mint leaves.
Brush the grill grate with olive oil. Put the fish on the grill away from the heat, spoon 1 tablespoon of the mop over each fish steak, cover the grill, and cook until the fish steaks flake to gentle pressure, about 1 hour, basting with mop about every 5 minutes.
Serve each fish steak scattered with the remaining chopped mint and the lime zest.
(Metro)
