The air has gotten noticeably cooler. And the area greenery has turned into area brownery. It's an adjustment for the summer-loving, but fall has its perks too. Check out our roundup of things to do now that the beach is no longer an option:

Get crafty at Artascope Studios, South Portland
There's something about the ability to say "I made that" that's undeniably appealing. At Artascope Studios in South Portland, students can let their inner artist rule the evening while making hammered silver rings, crochet wire jewelry, fused glass pendants, image transfer art and more. Classes include instruction and all the materials. All you need to bring is imagination.
Artascope Studios
352 Cottage Road, South Portland | 207-799-5154 | artascope.com
Classes range from $40 to $80
Read about it: "Off to collage: Crafting at Artascope Studios"


Climb the walls at Maine Rock Gym, Portland
Colder weather leads to cabin fever. Cabin fever makes people climb walls, and the walls in most cabins aren't conducive to climbing. But at Maine Rock Gym, the walls want you to climb on. The gym is open daily throughout the cold months and first timers can get instruction to get them started. All levels are welcome and ladies can take advantage of the women's climbing night on 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month.
Maine Rock Gym
127 Marginal Way, Portland | 207 780 6370 | merockgym.com
Introductory package for the first timer costs $28 and includes everything.
Read about it: "Are you ready for some rock wall?"


Roll with it at Happy Wheels, Portland
Roller skating rinks have been witness to heartbreak before - of the Junior High variety. Maybe you haven't been back since Joey broke up with you during a couple's skate. Maybe it's time to reclaim the rolling wheels and the oblong hardwood floors. You're an adult now, dangit. No childhood romance is going to keep you away! (But you'll wear your rad hypercolor shirt anyway, just in case Joey is there.)
Happy Wheels
331 Warren Ave., Portland | 207-797-8207 | happywheelsskatecenter.com
Tuesdays are adults nights from 7:30 to 10 p.m.; admission is $6.50. All-ages skates on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.


Go on strike at Bayside Bowl, Portland
Bowling was once thought to be the sport of middle-aged men who worked factory jobs during the day and wore bathrobs around the house on weekends. But it's proven to be a much cooler way to spend an evening than previous thought. It helps that Bayside Bowl also has a fine menu (pork cigars!) and live music most nights, not to mention the mood lighting.
Bayside Bowl 58 Alder S., Portland | 207-791-2695 | baysidebowl.com/
Lanes are open 4 to 11 p.m. Monday thru Wednesday, noo to 1 a.m. Thursday and Friday and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. $25/hour per lane on Sunday thru Thursday; $30/hour per lane on Friday and Saturday.
For more bowling alleys: www.bowlingfan.com


Race to the finish at Maine Indoor Karting, Scarborough
There are places where cutting people off is frowned upon - the interstate, for example, or in line at the grocery store. But at Maine Indoor Karting, your devilish get-ahead driving tactics are not only okay, they're celebrated. There are no cops clocking your speed here, though there are awesome racing suits.
Maine Indoor Karting
23 Washington Ave., Scarborough | 207-885-0058 | www.maineindoorkarting.com
$22 for single race; memberships and discounts available


Hike it out all over Maine
Don't tell summer we said this, but fall hiking is so much prettier. The crunch of leaves and the cool autumn air only add to a fall hike's greatness. Plus there's less air-temperature-induced sw eating. Maine has a tremendous array of trails to choose from - easy meanders close to home and day-long adventures farther away. It doesn't matter which one you choose. Just choose one.
Maine hiking trails
They're everywhere | Search trails.com for details
Some trails may have a park fee


Horse around at Carousel Horse Farm, Casco
Is there anything more majestic than riding horseback? Riding a pegasus being pulled by three dolphins and a mermaid, maybe. But horseback riding is something you can make happen, whereas it's harder than ever to get a mermaid and three dolphins in the same room these days.
Carousel Horse Farm
69 Leech Hill Road, Casco | 207-627-4471 | www.carousel-horse-tack-shop.com
45 minute to one hour trail ride for beginner $50 per person
Read about it: "Back in the saddle: Horseback riding at Carousel Horse Farm in Casco"


Hang with The Bard during Naked Shakespeare at Wine Bar, Portland
Naked! That gets everyone's attention. But "naked" here means "without sets, stage and costumes"...but with clothes. The monthly event is always a crowd pleaser, as is the wine. Wine Bar
38 Wharf St., Portland | 207-772-6976 | www.acorn-productions.org/pages/NakedShakespeare.html
Naked Shakespeare takes place at 8 p.m. the first Monday of the month; free to watch, donations welcome


See what's in the cards with a Tarot Reading at Dobra Tea, Portland
The future is so uncertain. And it's even sometimes hard to make sense of the past. But a reading with Jackie Major might help get things in order and help you see life more clearly. Got a big decision to make? Talk to Jackie. Keep dating the same lame dude? Talk to Jackie. Kinda skeptical? Talk to Jackie.
Dobra Tea
151 Middle St., Portland | 207-210-6566 | www.dobrateame.com
1 to 5 p.m. Sundays at Dobra Tea, Portland; $15 for 10 minutes, $25 for 20 minutes, $35 for 30 minutes.

Ease into Sunday with a Jazz Breakfast, Portland Museum of Art, Portland
Sundays were created for relaxation (or recuperation, depending on how late your Saturday went). And brunch exists because - let's face it - being functional at 9:00 a.m. on a Sunday just isn't right. But it is possible to maintain that leisurely Sunday sentiment and still DO something. Heck, even something cultural (gasp!). Portland Museum of Art
7 Congress Square, Portland | 207-775-6148 | www.portlandmuseum.org
10:30 a.m. to noon Sundays Nov. 6 to Dec. 11; free with museum admission; food available for purchase


Let your genius shine during Pub Trivia
Workweeks can be so...blah. If only there were some nighttime occupation you could participate in that would both stimulate your noggin and enable you to unashamedly support your local watering hole. Enter: pub trivia. There's plenty of trivia night to go around:
Run of the Mill | 7 p.m. Mondays
100 Main St., Saco | 207-571-9648 | therunofthemill.net
Parker's Restaurant | 7 p.m. Mondays
1349 Washington Ave., Portland | 207-878-3339 | www.parkers-maine.com
Jimmy the Greeks | 7 p.m. Mondays
215 Saco Ave., Old Orchard Beach | 207-934-7499 | jimmygreeks.com
The Liberal Cup | 8 p.m. Tuesdays
115 Water St., Hallowell | 207-623-2739 | theliberalcup.com
Binga's Stadium | 8 p.m. Tuesdays
77 Free St., Portland | 207-347-6072 | www.bingasstadium.com
Ri Ra | 8 p.m. Tuesdays
72 Commercial St., Portland | 207-761-4446 | www.rira.com
Brian Boru | 7 p.m. Wednesdays
57 Center St., Portland | 207-780-1506 | brianboruportland.com
Margarita's (Brown Street) | 8 p.m. Wednesdays
11 Brown St., Portland | 207-774-9398 | www.margs.com