Most people would probably agree that each day of the week has a distinct feel. Mondays are for fresh starts and to-do lists; Thursdays often involve rain and realism. And Fridays bring an incongruous mix of weariness and adrenaline.

Then there are Sunday mornings: those few first peaceful hours that make for slow starts and languid showers (should one choose to shower at all). Some folks celebrate by pulling the blankets back over their heads. Others spread out the newspaper and sift to their hearts content. Then there are the browsers. For them, poking through tents and tables in search of a bargain is a form of seventh-day therapy.

It’s for this latter group that the East Avon Flea Market exists. Every Sunday, merchants set up tables on the grounds of the East Avon Vintage Drive-In. Some stalls are filled with antiques and collectibles; others with lots of inexpensive new goods. Bulk sponges? Check. Bamboo scratchers? You know it. Hippie sundresses and kid’s toys? Yepper.

The Market is open from April through October, making it the perfect destination for a lazy country drive. Some folks roll in after church; others roll right out of bed. And still others time their treasure hunt to correspond with a lunchtime visit to nearby Tom Wahl’s.

It’s true that “one person’s trash is another’s treasure”—but pretty much everyone prizes Sunday morning. Check out the East Avon Flea Market to see just how long you can make the feeling last.

Admission: free

Food available: yes

East Avon Flea Market
1520 W Henrietta Rd
Avon, NY 14414
(585) 226-8320

eastavonfleamarket.com
Directions

It’s 8:40 p.m. on an outrageously humid night. The last light is draining from the sky, and the shaggy silhouettes of tall trees hem the field. There’s a low murmur coming from adjacent cars, and a hint of cow patty wafts by from a nearby farm.

Abruptly, the retro rock music tumbling from the car-side speaker stops, and the huge screen shines to life. A guy with a voice made to sell Burma Shave provides a gentle overview of the drive-in’s amenities and guidelines. Then, with an expediency long-since banished by the mall theater chains, your first movie begins.

This yesteryear efficiency is one reason you should come to the drive-in; but there are lots of others. First, there’s the option to watch from your own private movie capsule (whether it’s a Toyota Prius or a Ford F-150), or from a well-stocked base camp outdoors. If it’s the latter, be sure to bring lawn chairs, a comfy blanket, and depending on the season, bug spray. Another appealing feature? You don’t have to get dressed up because you “might see someone.” So pop out the contacts and pull on the sweat pants, because everyone looks the same in the dark. Lastly, the drive-in is just such a deal! While most movie theaters currently charge around $10 for an adult ticket to an evening show, you can see two or more first-run movies at the drive-in for a mere $7.50. Even with the country drive (the theater is located a few miles west of Auburn on Routes 5 and 20), it’s still an unbeatable bargain.

Trivia: The Finger Lakes Drive-In is owned by Vermont senator Kevin Mullin, who often works at the ticket counter on weekends. To learn more about Mullin and the history of the Finger Lakes Drive-In, click here.

For rates, times, features, season dates, directions, and more, visit: www.fingerlakesdrivein.com.

You can also call the 24-Hour Movie Information Hotline: (315) 252-3969

Finger Lakes Drive-In
1064 Clark Street Road (aka Routes 5 and 20)
Aurelius, NY 13021

fingerlakesdrivein.com
Directions

“It’s the hobby that ran amok.”

So says Fred Janson as his gaze sweeps row after row of bonsai trees. What started as a curiosity 22 years ago has flourished into the largest bonsai tree retail business east of the Mississippi (and maybe even the whole U.S.).

Fred is pretty zen about the wild growth of his back road business. Or maybe he’s zen because of it. When he’s not working as a corrections officer, you can find him roaming the diminutive (but expansive) forest around his home with his pruning tools in hand. His edits are microscopic and intensely purposeful: each small clip coaxes artistic form and contemplation. Swirl-trunk junipers suggest windswept mesa; willowy bamboo conjure clacking Chinese groves; and lacy wine-colored maples invoke the snow-silent lanes and pagodas of traditional Japanese woodcuts.

The art of bonsai is ancient. An early work of Japenese fiction (Utsubo monogatari -The Tale of the Hollow Tree) includes the passage: “A tree that is left growing in its natural state is a crude thing. It is only when it is kept close to human beings who fashion it with loving care that its shape and style acquire the ability to move one.” (Source: Wikepedia) That was about the year 970. Yet despite it’s far-reaching roots, bonsai is an art form that couldn’t be more relevant in today’s hyper-paced culture. Janson customers span the U.S. and parts of Europe, all of them seeking the connection with nature that bonsai provides.

A particularly cool note: Hollow Creek Bonsai offers free lessons in the spring. Bring your own tree, or purchase one from Fred’s vast stock (they start at a mere $14.95, and range upwards into the thousands for serious collectors). Visit or call for starting times. Beginners encouraged.

Fred owns two bonsai businesses: the nursery on Dutch Hollow Road (where you can see thousands of specimens in various stages of cultivation), and a surprisingly well-stocked supply store less than 2 miles away on Routes 5 and 20. Remember that the trees are moved inside for the winter months, so plan your visit accordingly.

Hollow Creek Bonsai
(NURSERY) By Appointment only
2124 Dutch Hollow Rd.
Avon, New York 14414
cell-(585)-734-7035
office-(585)-226-8593

(STORE) By Appointment only
6669 West Main Street
Lima, NY 14485
Ph (585)-582-6410

hollowcreekbonsai.com
Directions

In the 1980s movie Back to Future, Marty McFly needed a well-timed lightening strike and a doctored DeLorean to go back in time. Nowadays, all you need are four wheels and a free evening. Follow Routes 5 and 20 into the middle of Avon (intersection with Route 15). Then go north on Route 15 about 3/4 mile. You can’t miss the huge white screens rising up out of the flat fields like virgin billboards.

This unlikely combination of back road and “big huge TV” lends an otherworldly feel; like you’ve just pulled off the highway and onto the set of Pleasantville: the Rural Version. “Parking is arranged so larger vehicles are behind cars which allows good viewing from almost every spot,” says one visitor. “And, it’s virtually free of bugs, except fireflies (don’t ask me how they do it) so you can sit outside in lawn chair and watch the movie.”

“I like that you can stay and watch two movies for the price of one!” enthuses another patron. “[Plus], the bathrooms are clean and close by, and the concession stand offers anything from pizza to burgers, Coke to coffee and hot cocoa. The prices are a little high, but at least you’re getting hot food instead of $5 movie theater candy.”

Value is definitely a hallmark of the Vintage Drive-In. The price of admission (at this writing it’s $8 adults; $4 ages 4-10 and under 3/ free) covers a double feature of the latest movies. And no worries if you arrive early. Just slide your seat back and enjoy the drive-in’s own pre-movie radio show.

Note that the East Avon Vintage Drive In only accepts cash. There’s an ATM, arcade, and mini-golf on premises, plus Flea Market on Sundays. Movies run rain or shine. Visit website for listings, times, and more info.

East Avon Vintage Drive-In
1520 East Henrietta Road
Avon, NY 14414-9409
(585) 226-9290

Directions
vintagedrivein.com

Anyone who’s spent even a few minutes in Canandaigua isn’t likely to confuse it with Southern California. There are no palm trees or earthquakes punctuating the picturesque lakeside, and the (Atlantic) ocean is nearly a day’s drive away.

Still, surf culture thrives here. To find it, just drift straight downhill from the village to Lakeshore Drive and look for the neon-colored kayaks. When you find them, you’re at Canandaigua Sailbording, an authentic full-service surf shop replete with laid-back staff and groovy gear—both that’ll help you make the most of the sparkling waves just a few feet away. “The owner, Steve Howie, is one of those guys who is Old World business. No complaints at all,” says one online aficionado. “I’ve had occasions where I needed something he didn’t have, and he takes it right off a display model.”

But it’s hard to imagine not finding what you need in Steve’s bourgeoning shop. It houses everything from hip Oakley swimwear and killer sunglasses to surfboards, scuba tanks, wet suits, kayaks, and hydro bikes—plus lots more stuff you’ll only recognize if you’re an experienced water enthusiast.

Happily, among the most noteworthy offerings at Canandaigua Sailboard are individual and group lessons. Whether you’re a nervous neophyte or splash-happy enthusiast, you’ll benefit from Steve’s 35 years of water sports experience. Call for his latest reasonable group and private rates, or strike out on your own with hourly and daily rentals. There’s even a 3-day camp for totally tubular tots. That means the whole family can get stoked.

Surfer’s dictionary, anyone?

Canandaigua Sailboarding
11 Lakeshore Drive
Canandaigua, NY 14424-2307
(585) 394-8150

Directions

There’s no doubt that Mike Carroll was meant to be here.

Not that it’s that simple. In fact, he originally planned to demolish the historic schoolhouse that now serves as his elegant studio and showroom. “I was more interested in the land under the building,” recalls the potter. “But once I saw the inside, I knew I had to save it.” The result is a sophisticated blend of past and present. “Everything but the windows is period-authentic,” he says. “We even restored the ‘Old Schoolhouse #3’ designation on the front of the building” (a labor of love that involved gently hand-sanding through three layers and many more decades of previous signage).

Sill, sweat equity isn’t the sum of Carroll’s living legacy. Rather, it’s his deep commitment to the community. Along with his finely crafted tableware and decorative pieces, he also showcases the work of many other regional artists. There’s art glass from Avon; jewelry from Henrietta; plus thick hardwood cutting boards and “almost too elegant to use” trivets and tiles from elsewhere in Central NY. “Lately people are always talking about the terrible economy,” says Carroll. “But imagine how much better off we’d be if we bought local products from people and places we know.”

True to the soul of the schoolhouse, Carroll supports the intellectual and cultural growth of the area. Along with a full-service pottery supply business, he also offers reasonably priced classes and workshops (ages 13 and up). And be sure to visit on June 16th, 2010 for the debut of Summer Faire, a mini-festival that will feature bluegrass music, visiting artists, food and more.  Check out studiosalespottery.com for information as it becomes available.

Studio Sales Pottery
5560 Routes 5&20
Avon, NY

Hours:
Tuesday – Friday 12 –5 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday: 12 –4 p.m.

Directions
studiosalespottery.com

Bass Pro Shop puts the world in reverse. It’s only after you pass into the lodge-style superstore that the great outdoors unfolds. It’s as if Disney opened a theme park catering exclusively to hunters, fishers, hikers, and campers—but with an enormous selection of gear. Circumnavigate a massive boulder-bounded aquarium. Meander through the forest of fishing poles. Marvel at the awesome/alarming (depending on your perspective) taxidermy tableaux (white tails, bull moose, and black bears, oh my!). From cammo to home furnishings, ATVs to women’s fashions, the sheer scope boggles.

There’s always a danger that such an ambitious enterprise will lack heart. After all, the place is as vast as an airplane hanger and stuffed to the gills with outdoor products. But that’s where the staff comes in. Most of the people who work at the store are fishers, hunters, and lovers of the outdoors. Ask an associate for the best places to fish, and you’re likely to be invited on the next trip. Express an interest in kayaking, and you’ll head to the store’s outdoor pond for a live tutorial. “We love this place so much that half of us are here on our days off,” admits one enthusiastic employee. “It’s rewarding to educate people so that they can enjoy the outdoors as much as we do.”

Experiential education is definitely a key reason to visit. There are training opportunities and demonstrations year round, from turkey call-offs and ice fishing seminars to camping classes and GPS training. And make it a point to bring along a young person during the holidays, when the store mounts a grand Macy’s-style celebration. There are free arcade games, big checker mats, old-timey toys, hands-on holiday activities (like building an ornament), and free photos with Santa.

Bass Pro Shops
1579 Clark Street Road
Auburn, NY 13022
Phone: 315-258-2700

Directions
basspro.com

It’s easy to lose sense of time on Routes 5 and 20. In the winter, silent fields roll away into the chalky horizon, and turkey comb the snow for remnants of last season’s crops. In the summer, the hills and valleys fill in so green that they form a lush cocoon around the road’s small towns and villages.

Nowhere is this sense of timelessness more pervasive than on and around the Bloomfield Antique Country Mile. Situated between the historic Village of Bloomfield and Town of East Bloomfield, “The Mile” refers to a stretch of 5 and 20 known for its large concentration of antique shops (over 200 dealers represented). Happily for explorers, it actually encompasses more than three miles, and includes a few notable gems tucked back on nearby side roads.

Each place has its own personality and history. There’s Peddlar’s Antiques, a rambling cooperative housed in a repurposed auto garage (note: complimentary coffee and powder room), One Potato Two (50+ dealers in a former potato processing plant), and Seth Fagan Rare Books (tons of books in a huge barn, plus resident feline Willa Cathair and her canine companion Hershey Kisses). Visit www.bloomfieldantiquemile.com for a full list of links, including nearby restaurants and lodging. And if you want to lose yourself a little longer, check out the Village of Bloomfield Walking Tour. It features 48 historic homes (some dating back to 1794), a parsonage, a lovely park, and more.

Most shops open daily, year round. Call for individual hours.

Aged in the Hills
Asparagus Junction
BBNP Antiques
Bloomfield Antique Mkt.
E.M.P. Antiques
Fagan Books
One Potato Two
Old Bloomfield Antiques
Peddler’s Antiques
The Furniture Doctor
Turnbull Firearms
The Outdoor Store

bloomfieldantiquemile.com

“First-nighters, packed earmuff-to-earmuff, jostled in wonderment before a golden, tinkling display of mechanized, electronic joy….” So reminisces Ralphie Parker about spellbound window shoppers in the holiday classic, A Christmas Story. Visitors to Adam Miller’s Toy and Bicycle will experience a similar sense wonder—albeit on a slightly less epic scale.

The mood is first set by the spunky neon sign that crowns Miller’s dapper brick façade. But the real pay-off comes as you step inside. Every surface in the nearly century-old structure is neatly outfitted with a different species of toy, game, or collectible. There’s a friendly phalanx of vintage toy robots (perfect for the creative director or pop culture aficionado/a in your life); orderly stacks of vintage and retro games (yes, Virginia, Dukes of Hazzard slot cars DO still exist); a formidable wall of Breyer’s models (a perennial favorite with anyone who ever wanted a pony); and a colorful cacophony of board games, sporting goods, toy soldiers, and model supplies.

And that’s BEFORE you get to the bicycles. Pass through the handsome arched doorway mid-shop, and you’ll discover a mini-mecca of green transport. The store’s legacy was literally built on wheels when Walter Davis opened Wheel Goods in 1918. In addition to bicycles, tricycles, toys, and pedal cars, the pragmatic Davis also pedaled (ahem) cigars and cigarettes; sharpened ice skates and lawn mower blades; and even strung tennis rackets- anything to keep the business afloat through the Depression and two World Wars. Ask current owners John and Cathy Roche for an introduction to the adjoining bicycle repair shop, where you’ll get a glimpse of the past (and future) of sustainable transportation.

Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle has weathered many decades due to the uncommon resourcefulness of its owners; the latest of whom also impart an easygoing warmth and helpfulness. Visit the store’s website to read more about its history, and to peruse the latest inventory. You can even schedule a tune-up for your ride. And click here to see their short ad on YouTube.

(585) 343-0548

Adam Miller Toys and Bicycles
8 Center Street
Batavia, NY 14020
(585) 343-0548

Directions
adammillertoyandbicycle.com

Chalets are an uncommon sight in Western New York (being indigenous to Switzerland and all). So when you spot something like a big alpine lodge along the roadside in Batavia, you’ll know you’ve arrived at Oliver’s.

This architectural tip o’ the cap is absolutely apropos. Like the Swiss people, Oliver’s carries a fanatical flame for its milk chocolate mistress. All throughout the year, cocoa beans are sniffed, snubbed, or selected; then the lucky few are coaxed into small batches of melty chocolove. The end results are noir nuggets so fresh that supermarket specimens simply need not apply.

Though the inside of Oliver’s is decidedly utilitarian, don’t underestimate the pleasure of the olfactory experience. Fruits and caramels, creams and nuts—if it can be dipped, it adds to the rich symphony of smells. Yet somehow the air stays light—like the honeycomb center of the store’s famed sponge candy. If you’re not familiar with these little pillows of perfection (they’re a Western New York delicacy), try them here where they’ve been refining the recipe since 1932. Oliver’s also offers a Technicolor jamboree of other toothsome treats including licorice, gummies, fruit slices, and suckers. In the warmer months there’s hard ice cream (May-Nov) and frozen custard (May- Oct).

Check out the Oliver’s website for photos, orders, recipes, trivia questions, and video. You can also subscribe to an e-newsletter offering coupons and early warnings about approaching “candy holidays.”

Fun Fact: Oliver’s sells a 4-foot hollow Easter bunny that weighs 32 pounds.

Oliver’s Candies
211 West Main Street
Batavia, NY 14020
(585) 343-5888

Directions
oliverscandies.com