Hitting the Beach

On the eastern shore of Oneida Lake lies a nice stretch of sand -- Sylvan Beach. Lined with restaurants and an amusement park, the slender beach gets absolutely packed with sunbathers in the summertime and parking is tight. If you're planning to soak up the sun, come early or stay here . Farther north on the shores of Lake Ontario, Sandy Island Beach, off Route 3 on County Route 15 in Pulaski (tel. 315/387-2657), is part of the Eastern Lake Ontario Dune and Wetland Area, a 17-mile stretch of shoreline. The area is the only significant freshwater dune site in the northeastern U.S., which means not only can you relax on the beach, but you can also go hiking among the dunes to see several species of migratory birds and waterfowl, including sandpipers, plovers, killdeer, gulls, and terns. You may also see foxes, deer, beavers, and turtles moving among the wetland and shore areas.

Golf

In Rome, hit the links at the 9-hole Delta Knolls Golf Course, 8388 Elmer Hill Rd. (tel. 315/339-1280; greens fees $7). And in Utica, line up your shots at the Valley View Golf Course, 620 Memorial Pkwy., Utica (tel. 315/732-8755; greens fees $33).