Don't waste a minute of this three-day weekend laboring over what to do. Refer instead to the following list of scenic settings, noteworthy nightspots and island adventures.

The Cove Restaurant and Marina, 1754 SE Third Ct., Deerfield Beach: Ask classic rock aficionados about their favorite band, and nine times out of 10 they'll say, ``You mean besides the Beatles?'' Ask nightlife know-it-alls where they go for happy hour on Friday, the answer usually is, ``You mean besides The Cove?''

Happy hour runs from 4-7 p.m. Monday through Friday here, and judging by the size of the crowd on Fridays, you might think Paul and Ringo were guest-bartending. Unsure how to break the ice with that guy or gal you have your eye on? Here are a few apropos opening lines: ``Excuse me.'' ``Pardon me.'' ``I'm sorry.'' Although this place is huge, you'll eventually bump into anyone you might want to meet because it's jam-packed with professional singles on the prowl. The Cove is on the Intracoastal so you can pull up on your boat or just stand next to one, as some do, in efforts to come off as a high roller.

The Downtowner Saloon, 10 S. New River Dr. East, Fort Lauderdale: Blues legend Poppa E plays here free at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Sit inside close to the stage or relax with a drink on the patio along the New River. Feel free to whistle at the people floating by on the Jungle Queen.

World Famous Jungle Queen Riverboat, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, 801 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale: All you can eat ribs and shrimp on a private island? Check. Magic show and an alligator show? Check. Pina coladas, beer and rum punch? Check. Incredibly corny jokes told by the boat captain during the sightseeing phase? Check. Strangers whistling at you from a nearby bar? Check. The cruise departs nightly at 6 and tickets are $39.95 (alcohol isn't included).

Café Del Mar, 213 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.: Monday is a paid holiday for most people so spend that money wisely on half-price bottles of wine every Monday and Tuesday. Enjoy music seven nights a week with unobstructed views of the ocean. This place is also a prime people-watching location; you can always have fun by playing the popular ``Let's see if I can spot at least one person without a tattoo'' game.

Isle Casino and Racing at Pompano Park, 1800 SW Third St., Pompano Beach: Say goodbye to all your laboring with a chance to win a million bucks. Even if you don't win, you'll appreciate the $23.99 2-for-1 prime rib buffet this weekend.

UPCOMING

The Hep Cat Boo Daddies will rock the stage at the Dive Bar at 10 p.m. Saturday. Cover is $10.

Panic Disorder plays live at 11 p.m. Sunday at the Original Fat Cats. No cover.

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