September is a bonus month in Buffalo. The summer weather drifts slowly into fall here (or occasionally disappears suddenly with a big, white bang). But we can generally count on weeks of wonderful weather following Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer. So put away those white slacks and sandals if you're so inclined, but keep your sneaks and swimsuit handy.

Here are six ways to stretch out summer and keep right on playing, well beyond Labor Day.

1 Go to the beach

Lake Erie is 78 degrees, for heaven's sake. It's going to take at least a month to start cooling down. My favorite place to bathe is not the lake, however, but a quarry. Windmill Point Quarry is right off Old Dominion Road in Fort Erie, a reasonable bike ride across the bridge. Choose the sandy beach or jump off the rocks, and I'll chase you to the raft. There's supposed to be a railroad car way down at the bottom, but I've never ventured deep enough to see it. The warm surface water quickly gives way to a refreshingly chilly aquatic environment just five or ten feet below the surface. And the snack bar serves french fries bathed in vinegar in true Canadian form. 

2 Board a boat

And you don't even have to own one. There are so many vessels operating on Buffalo's river, harbors and lake, that it's actually difficult to choose. My all time favorite, however, is the Spirit of Buffalo. This elegant schooner offers sunset cruises, complete with wine and cheese, pirate ventures for the kids, and one of the quietest sails you will ever enjoy. Sit back, relax, and savor Buffalo's iconic skyline. Or take any one of the ferries, rent a kayak on Canalside or at RiverWorks, or hop on the Moondance catamaran or the Miss Buffalos. If you are very ambitious, consider learning to sail your own craft at Sail Buffalo or Seven Seas.

3 Go Grill

Put something on the grill, and it doesn't have to be burgers, either. Gather up some of fall's rich harvest at any of our dozens of farmers markets - corn, onions, beets, peppers, zucchini, squash - slice, toss in olive oil, grill, add herbs, seasonings and some dollops of goat cheese, and voila! Just the smell of the grill spells summer, so scent your yard and your table with summer straight into fall. You know you'll miss it by Christmas.

4 Walk!

While we walk every day all year round, taking a walk for the fun of it is certainly more fun in summer than through snow drifts. Try getting up early and watching the sun rise while you're walking, or head down to the waterfront to catch one of Buffalo's fabulous sunsets while striding along. You'll miss the heat of the day, and compound the pleasure. Just put on your sneakers, walk out your door and around the block. Or go on a guided walk with the Wellness Institute. Prefer to be on your own? Head to Tifft Nature Preserve, the Clarence Bike Path, or my favorite, Ring Road in Delaware Park. Just do it. You'll regret every lost opportunity once winter arrives.

5 Take in a Drive In movie

Yes, there are still drive ins! The Transit Drive In Theatre is at 6655 S Transit Rd. in Lockport, and well worth the drive. Grab some popcorn, recline the seats, open all the windows and watch a flick. It's the height of summer decadence. 

6 Head out for a hot dog

There's something weird about munching on a hot dog in December. Get your nitrate fix now, while they're in season. Ted's is the best known, and Anderson's does a great job, but we all have our personal favorites. Mine happens to be Red Top, a hot dog stand that's been out on Route 5 in Hamburg just steps from the lake serving up dogs and real milkshakes for 70 years. If it takes you a few weeks to get there, no worries. This place stays open until Thanksgiving and starts serving up housemade, flat french fries again in March. That's really stretching summer!