It’s only June and we’re already sweating bullets. Here in Austin – beating the heat is necessary. With temperatures quickly rising toward the treacherous triple-digits, we’re all going to need our summertime havens. Here are my top 7 things to do in Austin to escape the summer heat. Lake_Austin_Spa_Edit1-3

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LAKE AUSTIN SPA RESORT STAYCATION

With Austin growing and more people moving in daily, sometimes I find myself needing to retreat. Austin may no longer be the best kept secret in Texas, but Austin Spa Resort fills the void. In the morning, wake up to exercise at your own pace with water meditation, a brisk hike, or water-cycling. Enjoy an afternoon at the spa before developing your culinary skills with offered cooking classes. Even the evenings feel familiar. Sometimes the best place to be is home, and the resort does a great job at making you feel like you are right at home with their cozy decor. Regardless of the stage of life you are in, adventure to this place because they have thought about how to provide every aspect of health and wellness to truly rejuvenate your soul.

 

Lake_Austin_Spa_Edit2-10 Lake_Austin_Spa_Edit2-5SNO BEACH SNO CONES

Austin loves food trucks. Most of the time the food trucks boast experimental cuisines, fusions, and dishes with the most successful of them opening up a brick and mortar soon after. Sometimes, however, it is more important for a food truck to just excel at the basics. There is no better seasonal treat than a pit stop at Sno Beach – the food truck that I would argue perfected a staple in every summer diet.

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EL ALMA FOR ROOFTOP MARGS

Nearly every meal in Austin will grant you access to chips, tortillas, and a tasty marg. Differentiating between the good and the best is sometimes difficult. El Alma is a local favorite for it’s unique blend of traditional Mexican dishes and Bolivian cuisine. Before you knock it, take a spot on their patio during sunset, and try it.

 

ALAMO DRAFT HOUSE INTO THE SHALLOWS

The Alamo Draft House is no longer a local Austin cinema. With locations around the country, it is becoming as known as other chain theaters. What makes The Alamo Drafhouse remains unique by the effort they take to go beyond just the cinematic experience. While new concepts are always coming out of this theater, I personally enjoyed floating on a tube while watching the upcoming release of The Shallows with Blake Lively. I must say, even though I was in a lazy lagoon without any wildlife, I still sometimes caught myself feeling like a shark was about to get me.

 

sch-event-space-by-nick-simoniteSOCO HOTEL ICE CREAM SOCIALS

Beat the heat this summer at South Congress Hotel Ice Cream Socials every 1-4pm every Sunday in the courtyard.

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SUP ATX – KAYAK, PADDLEBOARD, HYDROBIKE

When even the earliest mornings boast record high temperatures, it is hard to find the drive to exercise. With Austin being one of the most fit cities in the country, the community has found a way to take their health into the water with kayaking, hydro-biking, and paddleboarding being available at multiple locations on Town Lake daily.

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Photo: http://www.travelheals.com/hamilton-pool-austin-tx/

HAMILTON POOL

You cannot deny the necessity to be in the water during an Austin summer. When Barton Springs, Town Lake, and the Greenbelt are full – one must take the path less traveled. The mile hike to Hamilton Pool will make you feel like you are stumbling upon a hidden gem. With the 45 foot waterfall and the refreshing dip preserve’s pool you will never regret the adventure.