Fireflies and heat bugs. Barbecues and sunsets. Memories that will last a lifetime can be found in real life. Meals outdoors. Slices of watermelon. Freshly-picked tomatoes, the crunch of corn on the cob.
How about a stroll to learn about herb folklore and how to use these useful plants with fragrance, culinary and other useful properties at Aunt Helen's Herb Garden Tour, Thursday, July 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with free admission. The garden at Storrowton Village Museum – which is an authentic re-created village of 18th and 19th century buildings assembled around a traditional town green – is located on the grounds of Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Mass. Created in 1935, the village is regularly open for drop-in tours Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., through August. Costumed interpreters lead guided tours of a farmhouse, law office, schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, country store. Admission is normally $5.

Now how many people notice during the annual Big E (okay, there is so much to see, it got by me) that Storrowton Tavern is a full service restaurant open to the public year round? Now a visit is on my must-see list. A description includes that the circa 1789 Atkinson Tavern's original owner was a Revolutionary War veteran and that the structure served as tavern/store and home to his family. A Baptist meeting house (circa 1822) was moved to the village in 1930 and joined to the tavern in 1957, doubling the size of the restaurant.

Put down your communication device. Round up someone with an itch to explore and get messy. Other exceptional opportunities to connect with real life matters and get outdoors.

Dragonflies and damselflies are not the same – but both are part of summer life. Join Connecticut Conservation Ambassador Michael Grady on Tuesday, July 22, noon to 2 p.m. at James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, Hampton, Conn.

A nifty night safari at Goodwin offers a blacklighting and sugaring for moths with Juan Sanchez, who will set up a mercury vapor lamp to attract moths and identify the winged visitors, Wednesday, July 23, 8 to 10:15 p.m. A “Skulls and Bones” program on Sunday, July 27, 2 to 4 p.m., offers up the opportunity to learn how to identify some of the common types of bones found exploring the outdoors. Pre-registration is requested for programs but is not required. Call Emma Lorusso at (860) 455-9534 for information or visit www.friendsofgoodwinforest.org.

Or wing it. Get a clean jar with holes poked in the top and a net and enjoy the timeless joy of chasing fireflies on a summer evening. If you do capture the insects and hold their magic overnight, be sure to release them in the morning.