Sail the Canal

The miniature remote-control sailboats you see puttering around the rewatered Erie Canal were inspired by the model boat races that have long taken place at Conservatory Pond in Manhattan's Central Park, and Canalside is still the only other place in the world that has them. As you stand alongside the edge of the water, you use the remote-control unit that the folks at Sail the Canal give you to adjust your boat's sail and rudder — but as with a real sailboat, the wind does all the rest of the work. For that extra touch of authenticity, they'll even sell you a captain's hat.

• outdoors

Getting there

Metro Rail: Erie Canal Harbor

Hours

Memorial Day-June 20: Sat Sun noon-8PM; June 20-Labor Day: daily noon-8PM

Price

$11 plus tax per half-hour