The Top Five Ways to Stay Cool in Georgia

It is mid July in the Georgia and that means that summer and the heat that comes along with it is in full effect. I grew up in the Bronx, New York and I can remember many warm summer evenings and walks along the Roberto Clemente State Park. Although it was 100 degrees, I could always count on that cool breeze from the river to bring down the heat.

When I moved to Georgia 10 years ago, I wasn't quite ready for the southern heat or the humidity that comes with it. However with a little bit of research and trial and error I figured out some unique ways to beat the heat and stay cool in Georgia. Today we are going to look at 5 ways to stay cool inside and outside of your home:

1. Stone Mountain Park - There is a wet and fun way to beat the heat at Stone Mountain Park called "Ride the Ducks". No, we are not suggesting you saddle the young ones up and have them ride the live ducks in the pond area. "Ride the Ducks" is a tour where you start out on land and end up in water without leaving your seat. "Ride the Ducks" are special circa 1940's vehicles called Army DUKWs. Yes, you got it! A unique play on the word ducks. For as little as $7.00, you can sit, relax and enjoy the Splash at Stone Mountain Park.

2. Callaway Gardens - In just a skip, hop, and a car ride you can find yourself in lovely Pine Mountain, Georgia where the flowers are beautiful and the breathtaking Mountains keep you cool year round. I had the pleasure of visiting Callaway Gardens two summers ago for a weekend adventure. Although the temperature was in the mid 90's, with the wonderful mountain air, it felt more like the mid 70's. It was the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer's day. Callaway Gardens not only allows you to enjoy the lovely nature, but you can take a boat ride or cool off on their man made beach and let you feet sink in the sand. There are specials now through September for as little as $99.00 per night.

3. Town Center Park - Suwannee, Georgia offers a unique taste of city life right in the heart of Suwannee, Georgia. The park has lots of great bistros and unique shops around, but if you really want to stay cool you have to check out the Big Splash interactive fountain. The fountain offers 43 jets and uses more than 1300 gallons of water per minute for an exciting burst of fun and coolness. The City of Suwannee is so conscience of preservation that they recycle the water. Now that's what I call fun in the summer! The fountain is typically opened from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. through October. Check the City of Suwannee website for additional information and rules regarding the Big Splash.

4. Outdoor Ceiling Fans - There are many great ways to keep cool that include travel and expense, but have you thought about how to stay cool in the comfort of your own home? Many people have porches and would love a way to enjoy both the outdoors and stay cool at the same time. I have discovered that having outdoor ceiling fans is a great way to beat the heat right in the comfort of your own home. It's cost effective and you can purchase a fan for as low as $30.00 from your local Home Depot.

5. Spa Day - Do you know that when you are stressed it tends to raise your blood pressure and hence causes some people to literally "overheat"? You can beat that heat by relieving some of that stress by enjoying a wonderful Spa Day at Spa Sydell where you can enjoy a cool summer treats that include a Ocean Breeze Summer Massage or Cucumber Mint Wrap for as little as $69.00. If you don't have the extra funds to visit a Spa, you can have one in the comfort of your own home. In order to create a cool spa like environment in your own home, be sure to close all the blinds or curtains. Turn on music that relaxes you or makes you feel happy. Draw a nice warm bath that includes cucumbers, mint and lavender which is known to soothe and heal. After an hour of pure relaxation you will be on your way to sweet peace and rest.

Now that we have some places and tools that we can use to beat the heat in Georgia, what are you waiting for? Ready, set, stay cool!