from the editor
KEEP YOUR CHILL WITH ‘HEAT DAYS’
Have comments, questions? Let us know. Contact Katherine Snow Smith at (727) 409-3642 or kssmith@tampabay.com.
14 bay
AUGUST 2017
Many Tampa Bay residents escape the August heat in favor of cool, green mountains to the north or out west. For those of us who remain, there are still ways to enjoy our steamy habitat without melting. When my children were younger, I approached August like other mothers up north would January. Instead of snow days marooning us inside, we holed up in the air conditioning on what I called “heat days.” The craft box came out, we made cookies, watched old movies and built tents from blankets around every table and chair. We ventured out only to the pool, movie theater, library or a museum. Museums were my favorite escape because they gave us a chance to stretch our legs and minds for two or more hours in the cool and calm. Besides the climate control, our bounty of museums are great places to check out in August and September because they are less crowded.
This issue of Bay highlights the visiting and permanent exhibitions at more than 15 museums in our area. Perhaps now is the time to explore the ones you’ve never been to or haven’t frequented lately. You can extend your cooling-off period with lunch, dinner, beer or wine at the cafes within several museums. Your swimming pool, of course, is another way to cool off during these dog days of summer, or dip your toe into the ones we feature in a spread on some of the prettiest pools in the area. There’s also a story on how to cool off your pool area or patio, with more than just a breeze. A day at one of the many spas in the area will refresh you. This issue shares the best-selling items from several spas that let you bring the benefits home. Keep turning the pages for other ways to beat the heat. Thank you for reading. — Katherine Snow Smith