#31 WATCH FIREWORKS—WITH A TWANG
Fort Worth, Texas
Celebrate Independence Day with 30,000 of your closest country kin at the 33rd annual Willie Nelson 4th of July Picnic, in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Last year's lineup, handpicked by Willie, included Bob Dylan and the Doobie Brothers, as well as the man in braids himself. Festivities cap off with a lengthy fireworks display at midnight that will fill you with patriotic glee. From $40; 817-624-7117, www.williespicnic.com

#32 FEEL THE BURN
Mount Washington Hill Climb
Gorham, New Hampshire
Does cycling attract masochists? Consider this: Every August, 600 riders enter the Volkswagen Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hill Climb, a race in Gorham, New Hampshire, that makes L'Alpe d'Huez look like a bunny slope. Climbing 4,727 feet over 7.6 miles, racers crawl up the mountain at four miles per hour, facing 22 percent grades, often coupled with freezing temperatures and 50-mile-per-hour winds. Race entry usually closes in February. Depend-ing on your desire for suffering, however, spectating might be the best option. 603-466-3988, www.mtwashingtonbicyclehillclimb.org

#33 GO SOLAR
Your Own Roof
"Solar water heating is the most accessible solar technology to the masses," says renewable-energy engineer Robert Del Mar, of Solar Design Associates, in Harvard, Massachusetts. And with the help of 2005's Energy Policy Act, it pays even more to go green. In January 2006, the federal government began offering a tax credit of up to $2,000 or 30 percent of the cost of a solar setup (whichever is greater). While a complete photovoltaic conversion of your home could cost you tens of thousands of dollars, solar water-heating systems run about $3,000 and pay for themselves in roughly five years. www.dsireusa.org

#34 PLAY COWBOY
Darby, Montana
Saddle up for five days of cowboy living at Triple Creek Ranch, in Montana's Bitterroot Range. And don't worry about sleeping mats and campfires come sundown—you'll be staying in one of the Luxury Cabins, outfitted with a fireplace and private outdoor hot tub. Four nights, $3,800 per couple, all-inclusive; 406-821-4600, www.triplecreekranch.com

#35 PLAY IN THE SURF
Nantucket, Massachusetts
While Nantucket may now have more yachts named Daddy's Money than it ever had sperm whales, it's still the perfect place to master a surfcast or learn the finer points of lobstering. After supping at Topper's, the Wauwinet Inn's renowned eatery, retreat to one of 35 guest rooms and cottages. Open May–October; guest rooms from $460; 800-426-8718, www.wauwinet.com

#36 GET WET
Seattle, Washington
Soak up the aquatic vibe at Seattle Seafair, a monthlong summer festival. The highlight: hydroplanes thundering down Lake Washington at 200 miles per hour. Events from July 1 to August 6; about $30 for a two-day race pass; 206-728-0123, www.seafair.com

#37 WRANGEL SOME CATTLE
Calgary, Alberta
Break out the cowboy boots and Stetson for "the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" at the Calgary Stampede. July 7–16; rodeo tickets from $23; 800-661-1767, www.calgarystampede.com

A LEG UP: Bombing the San Juans by bike (San Juan Huts)