Beads of sweat are sliding down your nose, your cheeks are red, and your jean shorts are plastered to your thighs. It’s summer in Austin. What is an Austinite to do? We’ve got you.
You should obviously stay inside.
Listen, just don’t go outside. This is our easiest tip. Plan a trip to the movies, make a reservation at a patio-less restaurant, go bowling, get your nails done, or just stay in your house.
Take a dip.
If you must go outside, which hey, we love getting some Vitamin D too, the only activity worth suffering temperatures in the high 90s for is swimming. Luckily for us, Austin is chock-full of icy cold swimming holes full of spring water. But you don’t have to go to the most popular spots in town (see: Barton Springs Pool and Deep Eddy Pool). Try Sculpture Falls or Campbell’s Hole on Barton Creek Greenbelt. Buy a $6 day pass to McKinney Falls State Park and lounge in its upper and lower falls. Pack a picnic and take a scenic drive out to Windy Point Park, tickets for which start at $5, and float on the water using a pool noodle.
Spend an afternoon at the library.
Do you know how much stuff is happening at your local library? A quick glance at Austin Public Library’s list of events online shows a reptile show, guitar lessons, movie nights, Lego nights, and a myriad of arts and crafts events. Of course, if you can’t find an event that’s your style, we recommend spending the afternoon inside your library soaking up the AC while you peruse for the perfect summer read.
Learn from an expert.
Avery Tomasco is a meteorologist at CBS Austin, which, if you ask me, means he knows all. I recently caught up with Tomasco to get his best tips to beat the heat. Here’s what he suggests:
- Move north by 500 miles or more. “That would be tip number one,” Tomasco said.
- Opt for shade and sit under a water mister if it’s available. Investing in a personal mister would be a good move, too.
- Clean out your air filter to keep your AC in tip-top shape — and do it sooner rather than later. You don’t want to end up on a repair waitlist if your AC breaks, he said.
- Get in the water (please see above for more 😎).
Pack a fan.
When my friend started bringing a fan, one of those accordion paper ones, to summer hangs, I could not believe her innovation. It is such an obvious yet genius move. Purchase a fold-up fan or one of those small, motorized options and toss them in your car, your purse, and your pool bag. Now, if you’re caught outside without a mister or a pool nearby, you can just fan yourself.
