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Where Do You Go To Cool Off From The Summer Heat?

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…

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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.

Phil Harris is 50% of "Phil & Mel in the Afternoon" on K104.7. He has been with the station since 2013 and on the air in Charlotte since 2000. Before coming to the Queen City, Phil worked for radio stations in Pittsburgh, Austin, and Seattle. In addition to the weekly "Throwback Threesome" music video feature, Phil writes about things that matter to Charlotte sports fans and pet owners. He happens to be both.