Rochester's Frederick Douglass an exhibit and celebration Frederick Douglass spent 25 of his most active years (1847-1872) in Rochester. The Rochester Museum & Science Center celebrates this hometown hero's extraordinary life in a major exhibit through January 2006. Explore the life of this self-made leader from his birth as a chattel slave to his genius and celebrity as a powerful orator, courageous reformer, renowned author, newspaper editor and statesman. Rochester's Frederick Douglass brings together for the first time, a treasure of Douglass' compelling objects, documents and photographs, as well as opportunities for the visitor to experience hands-on activities and re-created environments that allow them to "walk in Douglass' shoes." Funded in part by grants from Monroe County and the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC). For more information, visit www.rmsc.org or call (585) 271-4552.

Relax into the night by a cozy fire or party and play 'til the sun comes up in coldrush country. Those seeking a quiet evening retreat will find plenty of neighborhood bars with friendly patrons and intimate taverns with comfy, well-worn furniture. For livelier nights on the town, there are nightclubs, multiple screen sports bars, dance floors, microbreweries and trendy restaurants to explore.

Rochester's Center City boasts three distinctive entertainment areas: The dynamic East End, home of the famed Eastman Theater and Eastman School of Music, glitters with clubs, restaurants, coffee houses and a Mardi Gras event in March. Historic High Falls is an eclectic mix of nightclubs, restaurants, and several floors of fun and games at Jillians ­ all next door to an impressive urban waterfall. St. Paul Quarter entertains, with theater, music halls, dance floors and a trendy restaurant scene.

Other city neighborhoods offering nightly fun include the artistic flair of Neighborhood of the Arts around Univer-sity Avenue. Anchored by the Memorial Art Gallery, interesting shops, theaters, small galleries and artist studios beckon. Charming cafes, delis and neighborhood bars mingle with boutiques along Park Avenue, creating an urban village ambiance. On Monroe Avenue, the pace is lively and sometimes outrageous. An array of bars and book stores, ethnic restaurants and fast-food chains, funky retail shops and all-night eateries, plus service businesses from gas stations to nail salons, make this a highly active neighborhood.