The Bendigo Advertiser presents the summer edition of Out & About. Whether you like to swim, go fishing, like a ski, or fancy a calm sail on open water, our region has it all on offer.

We have given you a brief overview of the available watering holes, or should that be destinations, and you can dip your toe in wherever you happen to be.

Summer is the season to be jolly and relax with family and friends and shop to your heart's content too, and we showcase some of the coolest spots to shop, eat and explore. There's a lot to discover.

Like the story about the new adventure for our city. Bendigo is now a UNESCO Creative City of gastronomy, which recognises all the exciting things happening across our city and region in food and beverages, culture and sustainability.

Eight councils are involved - Mt Alexander, Campaspe, Macedon Ranges, Loddon, Hepburn Shire, Buloke, Gannawarra and Central Goldfields.

Designation from UNESCO brings greater attention to the issues and opportunities that exist in the food and beverage sector - from community gardens and education, to tourism and events.

Projects include creating a calendar of the Traditional Owner six seasons (which are based on landscape changes and the availability of food), and the development of food trails and precincts across our region.

These trails and precincts will showcase our producers, small towns and rural areas and highlight our creative projects and local food specialities.

Once you've had your fill you might be in the mood to burn off some of those calories or sit back, relax and take in the ambience of the area.

Long warm evenings and sunny days are perfect for seeing the sights of the region, especially the fantastic Christmas lights.

This is also the perfect time of year to visit the many parks, so prepare the provisions, stretch out on a blanket and make a day of it in the shade.

Alternatively, dine al fresco in one of the local cafes or restaurants or discover the many flavours produced by the region's accomplished chefs and noteworthy winemakers.

Amid glorious sunshine and balmy evenings - there is so much to enjoy in and around our region.

This latest edition of Out & About has the low down on glamping and so much more as the weather warms up.

Click HERE to read the full edition.

Footnote: The UNESCO Creative Cities Network is a network of 246 cities around the world that are putting creativity at the heart of their economic, social, cultural and environmental development plans.

There are seven categories that make up the network. The categories are: Crafts and Folk Arts, Media Arts, Film, Design, Gastronomy, Literature and Music. There were already four Australian cities in the network - Melbourne (Literature), Geelong (Design), Sydney (Film) and Adelaide (Music) - and in 2019 Bendigo's creativity and gastronomy has been recognised on the world stage.}