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5 Ways to Beat the Heat (Without Going to the Beach)

30 Jul 2016
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A day at the beach can be a great way to unplug, get a tan, and get back to nature at the same time. But some days, as nice as a day at the beach can be, the last thing I want is to be sandy. Then there’s the drive to Tybee Island, Savannah’s beach, plus parking, plus toting snacks and water and a chair and… you get the point. If you’re visiting Savannah and you don’t feel up to trudging out to the beach, here are five sand-free ways to stay cool.

1. It’s cooler in Pooler. The longer you stay in Savannah, the more likely it you’ll hear someone say the town’s motto. Pooler has come a long way in the last 10 years, and since the opening of Surf Lagoon Water Park, they’ve definitely started cooling off. Located on Towne Center Drive and accessible via I-95, Surf Lagoon has slides, pools, and plenty of refreshments for you to really make a day of it.

2. These fountains were made for splashing! Savannah has a plethora of fountains adorning squares, but none as much fun as the Splash Fountains in Ellis Square. Free and open to the public, these fountains have been keeping kids cool and parents entertained since the square was converted back from a parking garage to a social hub in the early 2000s. Waterspouts shoot roughly 6 or 7 feet high and make for great photo opportunities. There’s plenty of seating surrounding the fountains and nearby City Market often has live music on the weekends. Bonus: Wet Willie’s has a location in City Market, so parents can grab an adult slushy.

3. Take a tour, or two! Several of Savannah’s historic homes have been converted into museums, including the Mercer-Williams House, made famous in the book (and then movie) Midnight In the Garden of Good and Evil. Most trolley tours have options to get on and off the tour at designated stops around town, providing a convenient way to get from spot to spot in this heat!  You can also get packages that include some of the house tours. Buying a ticket for the Jepson Center will also get you into the Telfair Museum and the Owens-Thomas House.

4.  Caramel Swirl, Peppermint, and Pistachio, oh, my! Leopold’s has been a staple of Savannah since opening in 1919. Their hand crafted ice cream is made on site, as well as many of their toppings.  Along with their classic flavors, they also have seasonal favorites – Firecracker and Lime Sorbet in July, and Birthday Cake and Blueberry Cheesecake in August. Their 97th birthday (hence the Birthday Cake ice cream) is quickly approaching. If the past years give us any hints to what’s in store, we can expect a block party filled with family and kid friendly activities, live music, and 97 cent single scoop ice cream cones. 

5. Spend some quality time on your porch. Vacations are supposed to be some time off from “reality” in order to recharge and relax. Then how is it we often need vacations from our vacations? With all of the things to see and do in Savannah, plus the summer’s unrelenting heat, you can quickly become worn out during your stay. Many Lucky Vacation Rentals have picturesque porch and/or back yard spaces perfect for some downtime.

Want to cook but don’t want to shop? We offer concierge services, including grocery shopping.