We've been lucky with some relatively "mild" weather this summer, but let's be honest, it's still ridiculously hot.
It's good to see that the sun is still as bright, burning, and gaseous as ever! 100-degree+ temperatures are a truly formidable thing to contend with, but it's an inevitability of living in Texas. Today, we're going to go over some uniquely Austin solutions for surviving these rising temps. The gist: keep it cool in as many ways as possible. Here's our take on How to Survive a Texas Summer.
Photo: @taylorjw_85
It's a pretty simple scientific fact that the more layers of clothing you're wearing, the hotter you're gonna be. This is where Hippie Hollow comes into play. As you've probably heard (or experienced for yourself), Hippie Hollow is a relaxation destination where the wearing of clothes is not necessary. So if you aren't shy but you ARE hot, go ahead and head down to Hippie Hollow for a little clothing-optional swim. While you're at it, why not read our Do512 Explains: Hippie Hollow?
Walk down to the edge of this historically cold pool and lean down at it like you're a gazelle about to drink from a river. Now go ahead and immerse your entire sweaty head into the water and enjoy the sweet relief of the cold, cold water. Once you've given your head a nice shot of cold, treat the rest of your body as well. Ahhh...
Photo: Sno Beach Atx Facebook
Make sno cones and ice cream the staples of your summer diet
Maybe it's time to switch to a liquid diet; a sno cone/ice cream diet specifically. We haven't actually done the legwork and tried this yet, but it seems like you could keep your outside cold by constantly ingesting cold things? Either way, we're talking about sno cones and ice cream so it'll at least taste good.
As we've said before, our favorite dive bars are places without fancy drinks, low lighting, and definitely not hot. We're referring to bars where they don't make fancy drinks, there aren't going to be a ton of people, and you can have an ice-cold beer in peace. We think the heat of summer entitles everyone to a little rest and relaxation at a local watering hole.
You know where the sun isn't? Inside a movie theater. You know where they show the best movies? Alamo Drafthouse. Check out some of the specialty screenings they have this summer. After all, every hour spent in a darkened theater is an hour not spent in the sweltering Texas heat. If you go on BFD Tuesdays you can catch a flick for just $7.
Our swimming options ain't limited to municipal pools, you guys. Austin and our surrounding areas have a ton of natural swimming holes for you to soak your bones in! From Hamilton Pool to the Greenbelt, make sure you're fully up to date on
Swimming Holes Around Austin. Make sure to check water levels before you head out for the day!
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photo via classpass
Try Cryotherapy at iCRYO
4211 S Lamar Blvd.
From personal experience, we can assure you that the arctic-like conditions of cryotherapy are definitely one way to stay cold. This therapy facility is, to state the obvious, seriously cold. In fact, it's so frigid that the therapy only lasts for up to three minutes at a time. We treat it as an unconventional solution to a very conventional problem. They also offer IV therapy services if you happen to get dehydrated from this heat (or have a little too much fun in it).
Photo: Lake Travis Scuba
Bet you didn't know you could scuba dive in Lake Travis, did you? Well, you can. The fine folks at Lake Travis Scuba have been taking people on underwater adventures for a full decade now. Not only is this a great way to cool off, it's a chance to explore Lake Travis from a completely new angle.(NOTE: Due to recent flooding, the lake has recently been closed, so make sure you check updates before making plans.)
Photo: YETI FLAGSHIP STORE FACEBOOK
220 South Congress Ave
This bar is COLDDD, y'all. Seriously. The internationally-renowned purveyor of high-quality coolers has opened up their own little slice of arctic paradise on South Congress. Yeti Barrr delivers the goods in the form of an establishment that not only serves their famed coolers but cold drinks as well. After all, it only makes sense that you'd be able to grab a cold drink after shopping for something to keep your drink cold.
This one is kind of out there, but hot times call for extreme measures. If you're unfamiliar with sensory deprivation tanks, you probably don't listen to Joe Rogan's Podcast much. We'll let the knowledgeable folks from the True REST Float Spa explain:
"True REST® (Reduced Environmental Stimulus Therapy) is a zero-gravity environment that allows the mind and body to completely let go, relax, and reset. Using 1,000 pounds of Epsom Salts, the buoyancy of the water makes floating on water feel like floating on air. By eliminating the forces of gravity pulling on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, you can effortlessly relieve pain, relax, recover, and improve sleep in this unique state. Flotation therapy (aka sensory deprivation) offers relief and benefits which are cumulative—they build on themselves with each subsequent session. We like to say “The more you float, the better it gets”, as floats themselves deepen beyond the first session. Though flotation is an “effortless” therapy, the body and mind actually learn how to relax into the float with each session.. Stress, tension, and pain have formed over time and will take some time to experience the greatest relief—luckily, floating is a relaxing, fun, and effortless way to do so!"
We're suggesting this as a way to beat the summer heat because it'll be nice and cool in that tank, but also because... maybe the cold you seek is within the depths of your own consciousness. Good luck!
How do you survive your Texas summer?
