Summer in the south is no joke so finding places to cool off is a necessity. But who wants to sit inside every day? OK, a lot of people prefer air conditioning to nature. In fact, most Americans think that’s the best way to beat the heat, according to a new MSN.com poll:
- 61% – Anywhere air conditioned
- 21% – Pool or beach
- 9% – Mountains
- 9% – I love the heat
We’re lucky to live close to plenty of heat-beating options. Two hours west and northwest of Charlotte, you’ll find cooler mountain weather. The temperatures in Blowing Rock and Boone are consistently lower than here in the city. My family and I recently enjoyed the bracing benefit of 55-degree water in the Pisgah National Forest. Take a dip at Looking Glass Falls (below) or Sliding Rock and literally cool yourself to the core.
A three- to five-hour drive to the east puts you on one of dozens of beautiful beaches. If you like a little more civilization with your ocean time, consider a trip to Virginia Beach; the Wilmington, NC area; Folly Beach near Charleston, SC; or Tybee Island outside of Savannah, GA.
It might get stiflingly hot around here at times, but we have plenty of options to escape the sticky summer weather. And, of course, there’s always air conditioning.
