Racing dreams
I used to be a road master, zooming around in a speedy go-kart, so I was looking forward to navigating the track at Alexis Go Karts at the Par 2 Golf Center. The one thousand foot concrete course offers a smooth ride with tight and wide curves and several elevation changes.
In my book the barometer of what constitutes a great course is the lack of long straight stretches—this route has seven banked turns which ups the challenging and exhilarating competitiveness of outmaneuvering your fellow drivers. The best skill-testing curves hit when you come off the bridge and head for the underpass. Stay to the inside for the biggest thrill of hugging two tight corners in quick succession as the road dips and then quickly rises, or to enjoy a longer coasting effect, head to the outside lane while in mid-turn and then quickly accelerate as the elevation climbs. Try this course after dark for a more “race track” type experience.
Drivers must be at least 58 inches tall. Children at least 4 feet can race separately in rookie go-karts. Rates are $6.50 a driver and $2 for a passenger. Continue the competitive fun by playing one of three 18 hole putting courses or indulging in arcade games, bumper cars or batting cages. Par 2 Golf Course summer hours are 9am-11pm daily through Labor Day (weekends-only in the fall). 210 E. Alexis Rd. 419-478-4477. par2golf.com.
Amazing views
Be captivated by the outdoors at the National Center for Nature Photography at Secor Metropark (1001 W. Central Ave). The current, breathtaking displays include award-winning, worldwide nature conservation photos and intriguing night sky photography. And who knew we had such awesome arachnids here! Don’t miss Spiders of The Oak Openings series—both the spiders and camera work are sensational.
12pm-5pm Saturday and Sundays; free admission. Visit metroparkstoledo.com for more info.
Star bright
It isn’t truly summer time until you look upward into the magnificent brilliance of the night sky and see at least one shooting star (aka meteor) to wish upon. On Sunday, July 28 through the early morning of Monday, July 29 you should see up to 20 meteors an hour as the Delta Aquarid meteor shower cascades through the southeastern sky after midnight.
