7 Ways to Cool Down in the Magic City
It’s hot. With temperatures headed into the 90s this week, it feels like we’ve skipped spring completely and are headed straight for summer. All of the plants are in bloom, the sun is shining and everyone’s looking to beat the heat. Here are 7 Ways to Cool Down in the Magic City during this heat wave.
Float down the Cahaba River and check out the Cahaba lilies on the way! Limestone Tubing in Brierfield, AL provides tubes and shuttles for a Cahaba River adventure. There are a few short drops and rapids to add a little thrill and several small pools along the way are great to stop in to enjoy a cool swim. The Cahaba Lily, which can only be seen in the southern United States, begins to bloom in May. Be sure to look for these beautiful flowers on your float.
Catch a breeze riding with Redemptive Cycle’s Thursday night Trample Ride! Open to all skill levels, this “no drop” (meaning they won’t leave you behind) ride takes off at 6:30pm from the Redemptive Cycles shop. This short sunset ride travels around 10 miles at a social pace with a break at a local park before coming back to the shop. Don’t have a bike? No problem! Rent a ZYP bike from one of the 40+ stations around Birmingham. Pro tip: look for a Zyp with a lightning bolt on the back! These have an electric assist pedal system which will give you a boost as you pedal.
Cheer on the Birmingham Barons at one of their home games from April through September. With drink specials on Thursdays, fireworks on Fridays and Family Sundays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Grab a hot dog and a cold drink and head for a spot in the shade at Regions Field.
Soak up the sun at Oak Mountain State Park. Did you know that there is a 65-foot waterfall at Oak Mountain? Peavine falls is a spring fed waterfall located at the edge of the park in Pelham, Alabama. It is a 1.6 mile moderately difficult hike on the white trail that loops back up to the parking lot or an extremely strenuous hike down and back on the green trail. Both routes give you an opportunity to see the falls from above and play in the water below. Dogs are welcome as long as they are kept leashed. Go a few days after a heavy rain to see the full effect of the fall’s twirling motion. Beware: the water is cold and you may never want to leave.
Splash Adventure water park opens on May 18th! Check the 2019 operating calendar for specific dates and hours of operation. Featuring water activity areas for little ones, a maze of twists and turns through water obstacles, tube rides, wave pools, water slides and more it is easy to make a day out of this local water park.
Check out one of the many City of Birmingham pools! Opening Memorial Day weekend, admission is as low as $1. All lifeguards are certified by the Red Cross and swim lessons are offered at a low price. Pools are open 12-6pm.
Red Mountain Park is home to some of the best trails in Birmingham, and some of the shadiest. The natural treetop cover will keep you cool while out hiking. The Treetop Adventure ziplines are a great way to catch the breeze on a hot summer day. There are 20 treetop rope and cable obstacles, a sky bridge, a rope swing, a climbing tower and several ziplines, including a 1,000 feet long line that reaches speeds up to 30 mph from 80 feet in the air. Also check out Remy’s dog park, a 6+ acre green space and the largest dog park in Alabama. On Saturdays, there is usually a popsicle truck onsite for a post-hike treat. Whether its hiking, climbing, ziplining, or dogparking, Red Mountain Park has it all.
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