Things to Do in Brighton

Muscled superheroes duke it out with zombies and vampires for prime shelf space at Park Avenue Comics & Games, whose vast inventory of trade paperbacks, comics, and board games was voted the most geek-friendly in City’s Best of Rochester 2011 poll. Perennial comic powerhouses Marvel and DC are well represented in the store’s catalog, from new titles that chronicle Batman’s crime-fighting story to back issues that recount Captain America’s quest to memorize all the words in the Pledge of Allegiance. A pull-list service ensures dedicated fans don’t miss the newest issues and even slices off 15% from the price of all new titles. Though board games fly off the shelves on casual in-store game nights for the whole family, little ones should stay at home on Friday nights, when players morph into card-munching werewolves for Magic: The Gathering tournaments.

At Taylor Rental, a knowledgeable staff of handypeople and do-it-yourselfers rents out the tools and machinery necessary to complete a honey-do list of home-improvement endeavors. For interior projects, the shop's floor sanders make exceptional tools for smoothing hardwood surfaces and rendering statue faces anonymous, and its carpet cleaners swiftly rid floor toupees of dirt and grime. Green thumbs wishing to plant lush, emerald lawns can make great use of Taylor's aerators, overseeders, and sod-cutting machines. A collection of tents shelters picnicking revelers and their fine china from stormy showers, and balloon inflators, disco balls, and fog machines make house parties feel less like penitentiary visits. Taylor Rental's parking lot also plays host to a fleet of RVs and U-Haul trucks for movers and vacationers.

It's hard for Let's Catch Fish Specialty Charters' founder Ken Strimple to imagine a life without fishing. Captain Strimple first pulled sunfish out of his grandfather's pond when he was 4 years old. From this early foundation, he moved on to bigger fish and competed in bass tournaments including the ESPN Northern Tour. Today, Captain Strimple and the team at Let's Catch Fish Specialty Charters aim to instill this passion in new generations. Through the classic pastime of fishing, they believe people can truly connect with nature.

The crew leads full- and half-day excursions into fish-packed waters such as the Genesee River, Salmon River, and the giant #1 Dad mug that holds Lake Ontario. The staff also hosts members-only tournaments and lets pint-sized fishers cast lines in their youth division; members also receive discounts on rentals and access to waterside chairs and fire pits for post-fishing relaxation.

Balls hurtle down slick lanes toward clusters of pins at the family-owned Spencerport Bowl. Leagues duke it out at least once daily, and Friday and Saturday nights host the Famous Rockin' Bowl from 9 p.m. to midnight, when disco lights illumine an alley awash in fog. Revelry spills over to CJ's Pub & Grill, where frequent karaoke sessions supply a festive backbeat for burger-and-pizza feasts. Those who still have an appetite for entertainment after bowling can refuel at the on-site arcade.

It's hard for Bayside Boat and Tackle's owner Captain Ken Strimple to imagine a life without fishing. Captain Strimple first pulled sunfish out of his grandfather's pond when he was 4 years old. From this early foundation, he moved on to bigger fish and competed in bass tournaments including the ESPN Northern Tour. Today, Captain Strimple and the team at Bayside Boat and Tackle help new generations connect with nature through fishing and boating on scenic Irondequoit Bay aboard rented pontoon boats, rowboats, and paddleboats. They also supply live bait and tackle to help customers snag a fish for dinner or a tire to replace a recent auto flat. Dedicated anglers can join Bayside's Let's Catch Fish fishing club, whose members enjoy discounted store purchases and boat rentals.

Over the last 24 years, Chris Herzog has been in and out of the ring, competing in kickboxing, judo, and Russian sambo competitions, just three of the combat styles in which he holds an instructional certification. Joined by 16-year boxing veteran Wally "The Weapon" MacDonald—nicknamed for his ability to set off airport metal detectors with his mind—the two provide comprehensive instruction in many styles of martial arts popular in professional fighting today.

The academy divides its programs into classes focused on learning a particular skill. Striking packages focus on the essentials of muay thai and Western boxing, while grappling packages draw from Brazilian jujitsu, judo, and Russian sambo. The ironfisted instructors even tailor their classes to kids, teaching character development and confidence.