9 activities to help you stay cool this summer

Note: All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state and local advisories before scheduling trips.

It’s summertime and things haven’t always been so easy these last couple of months, but that doesn’t mean we can’t turn lemons into lemonade—especially during this heat! Cooling down during the dog days of summer is essential, whether you’re doing so at home or (safely) outside. We’ve rounded up 9 ways to stay cool and have fun this summer, no matter what part of the country you’re in.

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Drink and be merry

While many businesses have struggled over the last few months, liquor stores have never been busier. Let’s face it: We all need a little help unwinding these days, and the summer heat just makes you thirsty. Happy Hour is one of the most important hours of the day, whether you’re playing the part of mixologist at home or imbibing at a bar/restaurant with outdoor seating. If summer 2020 had a cocktail mascot, we think it would be a Negroni. Shake an ounce each of gin, Campari and vermouth with ice then strain into a glass with ice. Cheers!

Editor’s Pick The legendary slushie Negroni at Parsons Chicken and Fish in Chicago. They’re open for patio seating so make a reservation ASAP if you’re in the Windy City.

Get soaking wet

Jumping in the water is a nice way to beat back the heat. But what do you do if you don’t own a swimming pool and realize you’re too old to jump your neighbor’s fence at 2am? Simple, book a vacation rental offering a private swimming pool or maybe a beach cottage or lake house near the water’s edge. You can find hundreds of amazing rentals right here.

Editor’s Pick Looking for a private pool that’s close to the ocean? Check out this one-bedroom island gem near Charleston, South Carolina. Nicknamed “Little Drip,” it’s situated right on the beach and features a private terrace.

Scream for ice cream

You’re never too old to delight in a sweet frozen treat at the end of a warm summer day. Whether it’s the intoxicating jingle of the cream truck luring you over for a dilly bar, a visit to your favorite local creamery for a couple of scoops, or your own attempt at the Instagram trend of shaking your own ice cream in a mason jar, the dessert is sure to bring you joy while cooling you down.

Editor’s Pick The flavors at Rococo Ice Cream in Kennebunkport and Ogunquit, Maine are to die for. You’ll find strange and delicious combos like banana red hot, goat cheese with whiskey and figs, and rhubarb sage. Our favorite is oatmeal blueberry.

Drive off into the sunset

Picture this: You’re driving down a quite road in a rented convertible, top down just as the sun begins to set. The wind is blowing gently through your hair and you’ve got one of those silk scarves tied casually around your neck. Okay, maybe that’s a scene from a movie or something, but doesn’t it sound nice?

Editor’s Pick Heading up the Pacific Coast Highway in California has got to be one of the most beautiful drives in the country, especially at sunset. Stop in Malibu for photos or just to appreciate nature and listen to the waves crashing below while the sun dips into the horizon.

Take a beach walk

This should come with the caveat of finding a sparsely populated beach. We’ve seen too many sandy stretches jam-packed with people this summer. But, if you can find a stretch of sand where social distancing is possible, you’re in luck. Whether it’s an ocean beach or a sandy bit along a lake, there’s no better feeling than stepping your bare feet into cool sand.

Editor’s Pick The Florida Panhandle has some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the world. The water is clear and, as long as the crowds are elsewhere, you can enjoy a day basking in the sun and swimming to cool you off.

Sail away

Something about being out on the water is just good for the soul. If you have a boat, consider yourself lucky to be able to take evening rides and early morning dips whenever you please. For the rest of us, there are boat rentals! Order some fun floats and spend a day pontooning around with family or friends who are in your quarantine bubble.

Editor’s Pick The views on Lake Powell in Utah and Arizona are stunning to put it lightly. Rent a boat or book a private tour and spend the day oohing and ahhing at every twist and turn.

Keep on paddling

Haven’t tried this yet? You might be the last one! Standup paddleboarding (aka SUP) is a magnificent way to beat back summer’s heat while getting out on the cool water, but not actually getting wet—assuming you stay balanced! Speaking of which, it’s a lot easier than it looks: Literally anyone can do it and it works for virtually any body of water—lake, river, canal, bay, reservoir—you name it! It will keep you cool, work your arms and is calming and meditative. What’s not to love?!

Editor’s Pick The cool, glacier-fed waters of Lake Tahoe are ideal, even for first timers. You’ll find rentals for as low as $25/hour on both the California and Nevada sides. Bring a camera for this one!

Go gaga for gardens

In these times, it is even more important to stop and smell the roses. The focus should be equal parts slowing down to see the beauty around us and getting out of the house (which is also the office for many of us right now). Stroll through your local community garden or visit a botanical garden near you. The calming sights, lovely smells and slower pace of a garden stroll will help you reset and keep your cool after a long day.

Editor’s Pick Red Butte Garden in Salt Lake City is selling pre-purchased tickets to help keep folks spaced apart.

Set your watch to beer ‘o’ clock

Locally owned craft breweries are having a moment and we are here for it. There’s nothing like cracking open a cold one or sipping a cool, amber colored glass of ale after a long day. Luckily a lot of beer halls are designed with ample outdoor space to hang out and we’re betting you’ll be able to find a nice microbrewery nearby. Time it right and maybe food trucks will be there to serve lunch or dinner!

Editor’s Pick The Twin Cities boast more than a hundred breweries between them so it can be hard to pick a favorite. And really, when the goal is an ice cold beer, you really can’t go wrong. However, our favorite is Surly Brewing Co., both for the brews and the space. With a huge outdoor area, you’ll have plenty of space to safely enjoy your beer and we suggest noshing on some of their delicious food, too.

 

 

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