Ways to stay cool during this weekend’s record heat!
Written by Mary Beth Tice
This weekend is set to be a scorcher. If you find yourself in danger of turning into a puddle, try one, two (or all) of my tips for staying cool during our record heat! (And they are all cheap!)
Treat yourself to some Fro-Yo
Fro-Yo bars are popping up all over Wilmington and if you haven’t tried them yet, this weekend is the TIME! You pick your frozen yogurt flavor and serve up as much or as little as you want then top it with your choice of toppings. The toppings range from healthy to downright devilish, so you can have a healthy treat, or if you are like me, something to really satisfy your sweet tooth craving. While there are lots of options out there, my personal favorites are Brrberry and Fuzzy Peach (who now offers banana splits!).
See a matinee during hottest part of the day
Reduced movie ticket and free AC? Sounds like my kind of movie! Stop by Regal Mayfaire Stadium 16 or Carmike Cinemas off Market Street to see one of the newest releases such as Ted, Magic Mike (although it may get a little too hot with all that eye candy!), People Like Us or Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Witness Protection.
Hit the beach with a beach umbrella
The wonderful thing about living on the coast? The beach!!! Hit the sand, enjoy the sea breezes, take a swim and get some sun this weekend. But be sure to carry some SPF, water and a beach umbrella for when the rays get a little too strong.
Check out the latest best seller at the library
Prefer the book to the movie? Snag some free AC (yes, I am all about free AC) and check out a few best sellers, videos and more at the library! A few popular titles this summer? The Next Best Thing by Jennifer Weiner, Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan, Before I Go To Sleep by SJ Watson, and A Dance with Dragons by George RR Martin.
Love to learn? Visit local museums
We have several area museums that you can visit during the day, if you know where to look! For the history buff, there is the Cape Fear Museum. For the art lover, we have the Cameron Art Museum. For the train lover, there is the Wilmington Railroad Museum and for those with little ones, there is the Children’s Museum of Wilmington! Walk around for a few hours, lose yourself in history and art, and re-emerge a little wiser and into cooler temps.
Get fishy at the aquarium
Fort Fisher isn’t just full of sand, rocks and history, there is an aquarium full of fun waiting for you as well! Spend the afternoon checking out all the sea life, touch critters, watch feedings, eat at the snack bar and enjoy a short film.
Take a hint from the dog & cat- take an afternoon nap!
This may be my personal favorite activity. I love closing the blinds, curling up on the couch with my two dogs and putting on a random show about UFOs, Bigfoot or ghosts. I might not fall asleep, but I do zone out for a few hours and let the heat of the day pass me by. I figure if an afternoon nap is good enough for my furballs, its good enough for me!
This weekend is set to be a scorcher, so keep yourself hydrated, wear sunscreen and try one of these tips for staying cool!