Helping you through the coolest time of the year

Yes, it gets sticky here in August. And yes, on occasion, it actually seems like there are way too many people crowding the streets — wheeling baby carriages into your shins, flaunting love connections or punching motorcycle engines enough to jump-start a heart attack.

But summer in this town’s got some fine moments. Warm weather means nasty, gnarled, wind-whipped hair from a boat ride. It’s the smell (and taste) of bug spray at an adventurous riverfront night or a backwoods campfire. At restaurants, it’s pleasantries such as "Do you want to sit inside or outside?" graciously offered from sundress-wearing hostesses. And at any local lounge, there’s sure to be a propped-open door with a breeze blowing in to tickle your bare skin. If you can make the time, spend a few days up North recalling (or creating) your memories as a Stand By Me kid out by the railroad tracks. This guide clues you in to a bunch of things to do this summer in the metropolitan area. Winter gave us a polar bear-hug so go get your toes grass-green again.