Things to Do in Brandon

More than 6,000 square feet of climbing space at Vertical Ventures beckons climbers skyward with rigorous scrambles to the top of peaks, over boulders, and along treacherous ceiling routes. The staff routinely overhauls old configurations to reveal fresh paths, forcing climbers to exhibit physical and mental agility while bouldering, sport climbing, or top roping––a sport in which climbers ascend to a mountain's summit to lasso its goats. The gym caters to both the beginning and expert climber with challenges spanning the difficulty spectrum, as well as an array of classes on the basics of climbing, movement and technique, or rappelling.

Renters must be at least 21 years old, and a credit card and ID are required as a deposit during rental periods. You must be 23 or older to operate the jet ski alone, and people ages 18–21 can ride alone with a boater-safety card. Previous boating experience is required to drive the pontoon, and guides are available to drive-inexperienced boaters.

A member of a previously undiscovered species known as skateasaurus stakes its territory, tracing figure eights along the rink's hardwood floor. Dressed in blue-and-white shorts and a red trucker hat, the plush, green-and-yellow dinosaur—otherwise known as Skato—eschews eating children, and instead prompts them to shake it all about in rounds of Hokey Pokey. This fun ambiance extends to the rest of United Skates of America's roller rink, surrounded by lime-green walls and manned by a smiling staff.

Start by selecting any plate, bowl, flowerpot, mug, jug, or unexpected pottery discovery from a variety of contemporary and functional finely crafted artifacts. The Pottery Patch's colorful design books and friendly staff can help if you need inspiration or artistic guidance. After you make a sketch, you'll pick out paint colors (The Pottery Patch has more than 50 pigments). Then carefully direct your brush in tune with your dreams and wishes, letting your creative juices flow wildly onto the dinnerware of your choosing and spill onto the floor that is thoughtfully provided. There are no studio fees at The Pottery Patch, and pottery ranges from $7 to $75, depending on size and type. Once you're finished, The Pottery Patch glazes and fires your piece in a kiln; it'll be ready for pick-up in about a week, just like a slow-baking cake or a reverse movie rental.

The Bead Boutique puts beauty into the hands of the beholder, leading to a sense of accomplishment rivaling that of a financially successful mime. There are more than 60 different rotating classes, most of which are about two hours long, for aspiring bead buffs of all experience levels. Beginners can learn the tricks of the trade with a class in basic stringing, basic wire wrapping, or basic knotting. Intermediate users can choose from a number of weaving classes, increasing technical proficiency while earning the sophomoric right to put freshmen in lockers. With the basics down pat, third-level mages can try out a class in metalsmithing, PMC, or copper etching, among many other advanced-level courses.