50 Nifty Things To Do Around Town.

Byline: Lisa Millegan

Mar. 4--Everyone knows there's nothing to do in Modesto, right? To have any fun, you have to drive to the Bay Area, Sacramento or the mountains.

Wrong! There are plenty of activities right under your nose -- you just have to know where to look. The city is filled with treasures that can be appreciated by everyone from young hipsters to families with children to seniors.

We consulted the Modesto Bee news staff and readers of our paper and www.modestofamous.com and came up with a list of 50 things to do in town.

Among the .diverse suggestions are attending an indie rock show (No. 13), playing paintball (No. 23), watching drag queens perform (No. 26), learning how to scrapbook (No. 37) and joining a sports league (No. 43).

We know it's not a comprehensive list, but at least it's a start. Save it and check it out the next time you and your friends are bored. You also might get a few ideas on how to entertain out-of-town guests. Contribute your own suggestions at forums.modbee.com (click on Nifty 50).

1. Join the Third Thursday Gallery Walk downtown. Check out locally created art while munching on refreshments and chatting with art lovers. The third Thursday of every month, the Anderson Gallery, 1323 J St.; Mistlin Gallery, 1015 J St.; Chartreuse Muse, 1217 H St.; and other galleries stay open until 9 p.m. for receptions. 579-9913.

2. Compete in a poetry slam. Or just watch the verbal boxing matches. Slams are the second Wednesday of every month at Prospect Theater Project, 520 Scenic Drive. www.slamonrye.com.

3. Ride the bike trails. Modesto has four paved off-road paths: the 5.5-mile Dry Creek trail between Claus Road and La Loma Avenue, the 3-mile Hetch-Hetchy path between Sisk Road and Semallon Drive, the 2.5-mile route in Tuolumne River Regional Park near the Modesto Airport and the new Rotary Centennial trail by Roseburg Square shopping center on Virginia and Roseburg. You also can follow the green bike…