Thomas I. McElvein, Jr.

Add some adventure to your aquatic recreation by going kayaking. If you're a novice to the sport, you can get the proper gear and guidance from the staff at Buffalo Harbor Kayak. They are located on the wharf next to the Commercial Slip in Buffalo's Inner Harbor.

The Beaver Meadow Audubon Center was designed to offer Buffalo's many city-dwellers a great opportunity to get close to nature. This 324-acre wildlife sanctuary includes a forest, a field and wetland areas that are all just a short drive from downtown. In addition to the natural settings, the trail on site stretches for eight miles and the adjacent beach offers still yet another scene in which to absorb some natural beauty. Even during the winter, the center is still open as it offers more outdoor fun in the form of snowshoeing and cross country skiing.

Browsing through a book store is always an adventure. But that adventurous experience is brought to a higher level when you visit Talking Leaves Books. You'll find everything from paperbacks to vintage versions of your favorite titles, not to mention a generous selection of first editions and lots more. Plus, don't miss the expansive area that features magazines and other reading items. There is also an open, comfortable lounge area for thumbing through your latest find, or you can just sit back for a while and do some people watching.