Community Corner
3 Ways to Beat the Heat and Cool Down This Weekend
Do you prefer staying indoors or out this hot pre-Fourth of July weekend? We have some options for things to do - and eat – to keep cool.
It's gonna be hot. You know it. We know it. So go outside and enjoy it! But you need to know where to cool down or get an appropriately icy treat, right?
Think beach, big screens and banana splits.
There is the obvious of course: The beach! You will be joined by many thousands of your friends as temperatures at the coast are expected to reach the low 80s Saturday and Sunday, a huge relief to those suffering from the upper 80s and 90s on the thermometer in Santee, La Mesa, and other parts of East County.
Beach communities are cooperating this weekend, because there are some fun events coming up just in time for the temps to soar. Imperial Beach hosts the Sun & Sea Festival at 11 a.m. Sunday, a scaled-down revival of the old sandcastle competition, while Coronado opens the beach for the Low Tide Ride & Stride early the same day. That's a run down the coastline to IB, through Navy training grounds normally closed to the public.
If you prefer a lakefront to the beach front and you haven't hit Santee Lakes yet this summer, isn't it time? Boat rentals are available and what's better than a hot day floating under the sun?
Do you prefer indoor activities and sweet treats?
A cineplex is always a good option for quick A/C relief, as is staying up late for an outdoor flick when the temps have slipped a bit. The summer's big blockbusters, Man of Steel, Fast and the Furious 6 and Star Trek Into Darkness, are still in theaters. Monsters University is good for the kids. The Heat and White House Down open this weekend. This summer's quirky hit is the thriller The Purge.
Santee best bets for movies are the Santee Drive-In, Grossmont Center in La Mesa and Regal Parkway Plaza in El Cajon.
And now for the best part – cool treats, a good end to a hot day, whether at the beach or the movies. Head over to Coldstone Creamery on Mission Gorge Road for that perfect bit of icy goodness.
Meanwhile, be aware of what the officials want you to know: Drink lots of water, don't do your big outdoor, tiring projects in the heat, watch out for older folks who might succumb to heatstroke or other illnesses and NEVER leave a pet or child in a hot car.
Santee's library is the official local county cool zone should one be needed.
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