Life goes on (and on and on), and it’s easy to get into a rut, even if it’s a good rut. There’s always stuff that “we’re gonna do some day,” but never quite get to, especially if it’s local. (It seems like there’ll always be time to do that….)

*Then there’s the stuff that we never really notice, of hardly ever think about! But there’s fun, even if it’s low-key fun to be had, so this week let’s look at some fun things to do in Chemung County. Not necessarily spectacular… just fun.

*Play a giant game of chess on the carpet of Steele Memorial Library in Elmira.

*For that matter, just visit the library, which is the largest (out of 49) in the five-county region.

*Enjoy a walk around the pleasantly picuresque campus of Elmira College. (And enjoy the fact that the college is still downtown, and hasn’t fled for the suburbs.)

*While you’re on campus, stop in at Mark Twain’s octagonal study, which was originally just outside the city… it’s where he wrote Huckleberry Finn, A Connectcut Yankee, and other classics.

*Walk around the pond at Sperr Memorial Park, seeing what birds you spot and keeping an eye peeled for muskrats.

*The Big Flats Trail runs through the park and alongside the ponds. It’s a straight level rail trail that makes a great walk, and even encourages relucatant walkers.

*Explore the trails at Big Flats Community Park. If you have young kids, take them to the playground there. They’ll probably like the stegasaurus.

*Take a hike at Tanglewood Nature Center.

*Hike or bike on the Lackawanna Rail Trail, which runs right through the city and is now 8.7 miles long.

*Hike on the Catharine Valley Trail, another rail trail, which you can pick up near Pine Valley and follow all the way to Watkins Glen.

*Visit the lookout on Harris Hill, especially if it’s good weather for the sailplanes to be landing and taking off.

*Go on inside, and visit the National Soaring Museum.

*In season, play miniature golf at Harris Hill Amusement Park.

*Catch a show at the Clemens Center.

*In the right season, take in a Collegiate League baseball game with the Elmira Pioneers at Dunn Field, or a Federal League hockey game with the Elmira Enforcers at First Arena.

*Go shopping – not normally much of an attraction for me. But there are several opportunities that you may find fun.

*If you’re into crafts, the general Consumer Square area has Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, and Joanne Fabric (in three different shopping centers).

*Not far from Michael’s there’s also Barnes & Noble, where you’re bound to find at least one book you’d like. (Maybe including some of mine!)

*How many places still have a comic book store? Heroes Your Mom Threw Out is in Elmira Heights.

*Elmira Heights is also home to Hesselson’s, “where it’s fun to poke in the corners” – outdoor supplies, hunting goods, hot tubs, and who knows what else?

*While you’re thinking of outdoor supplies, the huge Field and Stream store in Consumer Square is fun just to wander through, though they’d no doubt be pleased as punch if you also bought something.

*The Christmas House in Elmira is open July through January!

*If you want to take in a movie on the big screen, you have the 10-screen multiplex Regal at Arnot Mall; the old-time downtown walk-in theater (The Heights) in Elmira Heights); and, in season, the Elmira Drive -In.

*Have fun!