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Friday 5

A weekly blog where we give five ideas for places to go, good eats, and things to do; all in a weekend’s time.

1. Shop

Old Scrolls Book Shop || Stanley

 

Do you love the smell of an old book? (And by ‘love,’ I mean, do you sneak to the oldest section of the library purely for the olfactory sensation?)

Here’s a weekend idea to satisfy that nasal craving. Old Scrolls book shop is located in Stanley, near Canandaigua. This farmhouse-turned-bookstore is a nook of nostalgia and haven of history for collectors and readers alike. (It reminds me of the beginning of a children’s fantasy movie, where a young boy goes into an old book store, opens an absurdly large, leather bound volume, and is sucked into the book in a whirlwind of light and fairy dust. He then goes on a fabulous adventure featuring dragons, trolls, and a wayward unicorn, before returning home in time for dinner. You may or may not have a similar experience.)

Owners Ron Sollome and Catherine Petruccione specialize in used, rare, and out-of-print books. They’re often away on book buying trips, so it’s a good idea to call ahead before you visit. I can’t promise you’ll find actual scrolls, but be on the lookout for magic portals.

 

2. Food

LuGia’s Ice Cream || Spencerport

 

Some people say you can have too much of a good thing. I don’t who those people are, but I don’t think they were talking about ice cream, and they definitely weren’t talking about LuGia’s.

This ice cream stand is known for big portions and big flavor. Open since 1995, they offer more than fifty flavors, all of which can be combined to craft the quintessential ice cream cone. I’m telling you, this is the ice cream cone of your childhood dreams: scoop upon scoop of different flavored ice cream, towering above your head and swaying in the wind like a pillar of freedom. It will probably melt down the side of your arm as you inhale every delicious bite, so have a napkin on hand. Some of their flavors include blue moon, oh my cherry pie, Oregon blackberry,* caribbean coconut, and sponge candy—not to mention the popular classics chocolate, vanilla, vanilla chocolate chip, and vanilla peanut butter. Oh, and strawberry.

Don’t waste another moment. Your ice cream is waiting.

*Also known as Marionberry. Pancakes, anyone?

 

3. Culture

Rochester Lilac Festival || Highland Park

 

Today is opening day of the Rochester Lilac Festival in Highland Park. It’s a festival that needs no introduction, as it’s been a mainstay of the city for more than 100 years. Here’s a sneak peak at this weekend’s happenings among the lilacs:

This morning, thousands of people in plastic pink and purple ponchos gathered in the park to form a Guinness World Record-breaking human lilac formation, complete with an aerial photographer to capture the moment. Woohoo! The Lilac parade is happening on Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m., and the arts and crafts show will be going on until 6 p.m. There’s also an impressive line-up of musicians throughout the weekend, including Duke Jupiter, The Skycoasters, and Rubblebucket, an indie-esque ensemble from Brooklyn. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a proper festival without certain libations. (Ahem, craft beer garden.) Make time for a glass of Lilac Hill, the official wine of this year’s festival, brought to you by Casa Larga Vineyards.

In the hubbub of music, shopping, and enjoyment of beverages, make sure you take time to stop and smell the lilacs.

 

4. Indulge

Sangria || Salena’s Mexican and Napa Wood Fired Pizzeria

 

If the person who invented sangria was trying to improve their wine, I can’t imagine a better method than to add fresh fruit and fruit juices. Good on you, sangria inventor. Thankfully, it finally feels like summer here, and the warm weather is a perfect match for the wine and fruit beverage.

A number of places in the ROC offer a satisfying glass of this summer nectar. Salena’s Mexican Restaurant has both a red and white offering, with a brisk splash of fresh fruit and juice. Located on Goodman Street in the Neighborhood of the Arts, the eatery is a great place to unwind from the week. And if you’re not in the mood for Mexican, visit Napa Wood Fired Pizzeria, either in the South Wedge or Perinton Hills in Fairport. They also have both red and white varieties. Napa serves sangria in a carafe, so no one in your party has to miss out.

Isn’t summer wonderful?

 

5. Watercooler

Last minute gifts (that are still awesome) || Mother’s Day

 

Most of us have found ourselves in this situation before: It’s the Friday before Mother’s Day, and we have yet to find our mothers a gift. We’re only human, it happens. To help you out, we’ve put together some gift ideas that are both easy and doable before Sunday.

First of all, does your mom enjoy candles? If so, get some vintage teacups and make her a set of homemade teacup candles (not to be confused with teacup piggies—equally cute and substantially more difficult). We found a step-by-step guide with everything you need to know to make your own set.

Does she enjoy dancing, or perhaps need a push to bring out her spontaneous side? Give her a certificate for dance classes to learn the Lindy Hop at Tango Cafe. And if you’re musically gifted, you can prepare a song especially for her and perform it in front of friends and family. Donate to her favorite charity in her name, or customize a new journal for her. If all else fails, just make time to spend with the day with her.

Also, a large bouquet of flowers never hurt. 

 

Lindsey O’Laughlin is a senior communication major at Roberts Wesleyan College. She enjoys writing about food and popular culture. 

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