Everyone comes out for these things, at least semi-regularly. Starting at 4p.m. on Wednesdays, it's like a midweek break from the grind. Stores set up tables, live music plays, and people mill about having fun and cutting loose after three full days at work.

There's an energy here -- a young, vibrant energy -- that is easily "soak-up-able". When spirits are lagging, one trip to the Wednesday Night events, and you'll be re-energized. Bring some money -- there's great food and lots of bargains.

It takes place from 4pm to 9pm every Wednesday for most of the year (over the deep winter, they don't have it -- and the dates change from year to year, but as a general rule, from April to December, there's a Wednesday Nighter). Parking is limited, but if you don't mind a short walk from a few blocks away, there's no problem finding it. Go to the Mission Inn and head around to the west side, and you'll be in the thick of it.

I just wish they had it year-round.