Out and about: 3 things to do in Dover this weekend

Lantern Tour of Christ Church Cemetery

WHERE Christ Episcopal Church, South and Water streets, Dover

WHEN 7:30 p.m., Friday

COST $5

INFO (302) 739-9194

When the sun sets in Dover tonight, expect to see a few ghosts out and about at Christ Church Cemetery, mixing, mingling and telling their stories to anyone with $5 who's willing to listen.

The ghosts may actually be costumed docents with First State Heritage Park's Lantern Tour series but the spooky effect is just the same. The tour, which boasts the low, low price of $5 includes the meanings behind the funeral art decorating some of the tombs as well as what those symbols might reveal about the people buried beneath them. It also includes the joys and sorrows of those who were laid to rest within the walls of the churchyard, from Caesar Rodney's unrequited love to Civil War opponents who are buried within yards of one another. Participants should expect s few surprises or even a visit or two from voices of the past.

Elaine Brenchley with First State Heritage Park said people can expect the tour of Christ Episcopal Churchyard to be more like historic theater, with characters popping out and telling their stories.

"People enjoy the tours because the atmosphere created by the lanterns and the dark cemeteries allow people to suspend their disbelief and be taken back in time."

Space is limited and lantern reservations are required. For more information or to make a reservation, call (302) 739-9194.

NASCAR

WHERE Dover International Speedway, 1131 N. Dupont Highway, Dover

WHEN Friday through Sunday

COST Varies, depending on event

INFO www.doverspeedway.com

NASCAR fans from all over have to pack their cars and load up their RVs, but you can take advantage of one of Dover's biggest attractions without all the travel hassle.

The weekend is jam packed with concerts by Lonestar, Smokin' Gunnz and Rebelicious as well as appearances by Stewart-Haas driver Ryan Newman and an autograph session with the entire K&N Pro Series guys.

The usual fan favorites will also be up and running, too. From Segway tours of the Monster Mile and the Monster FunZone for Kids to the eight-acre FanZone, which entertains all weekend with lots of meet and greet opportunities that allow fans to get up close and personal with their favorite drivers and racing personalities.

And, who can forget the races themselves? The NASCAR Nationwide Series kicks off Saturday at 3 p.m. followed by the AAA 400 Sprint Cup Series on Sunday at 2 p.m. They say defending Dover winner Jimmie Johnson is the man to beat but everyone knows that it's anybody's race.

Be sure to check out www.doverspeedway.com for advance ticket options for every event, a schedule and even parking options.

Live Music, dancing at Cowboy Up Saloon

WHERE 1036 Lafferty Lane

WHEN 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday

COST $5

INFO www.facebook.com/pages/Cowboy-Up-Saloon/421311437904748

Last weekend, country music fans went wild for the grand opening of Dover's newest hot spot, Cowboy Up Saloon. If you weren't there, don't fret that you missed out because the band is coming back and there is still plenty of fun to be had.

Hung Jury will perform all weekend and when the doors are open there is bound to be some kind of music playing and everyone is invited to cut a rug on the dance floor.

But, you don't have to go there just to dance. Just like the saloons of way back when, there's a full lunch and dinner menu with a daily happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m.

However, if you can't make it over the weekend or you're a little shy about your dance moves, stop in during the week for lessons for both couples and singles and learn the best Two-Steppin' techniques or how to have the finest line dancing dexterity so you can make plans for your next big country weekend. To learn more about the owners of this new business, see page 10.