Ways to beat the heat this week

WILMINGTON, N.C. (CAPE FEAR WEEKEND) - Summer might be coming to an end, but the heat is still lingering around. With temperatures in the high 90s this week, there’s several things you can do in the Wilmington area to keep cool.

Water Fun

Since we live on the coast, there’s many activities to do in the ocean. That includes learning how to surf from a pro at Tony Silvagni Surf School in Carolina Beach. You can learn one-on-one, or with a group, all equipment is provided and it’s open to all ages and levels, you just need to know how to swim. To learn more about their surf school check out their website. If surfing isn’t your thing then they also offer stand-up paddleboards, boogie boards, funboards, and skimboards to provide endless hours of fun and entertainment while at the beach.

If you can wait out the heat until Saturday, explore the Jungle Rapids Water Park one last time for the season. Ride down the water slides, relax in the lazy river or bring the little ones to the kids splash pad. Again, the last day the water park will be open for the season is September, 9th. Of course, the other attractions the park has to offer such as mini golf, go karts, rock climbing and the arcade are open all year long to enjoy.

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream For Ice Cream

The one thing that no one can say no to, ice cream! The Cape Fear region has countless ice cream places that will do the trick of both cooling you off and tasting delicious at the same time. Below is a list of the hot spot places to go:

• Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, 3852 Carolina Beach Rd Unit 100, Wilmington, NC 28412
• Gelarto, 18 S Water St STE 5, Wilmington, NC 28401
• Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, 4414 S 17th St, Wilmington, NC 28412
• Lazy Jack’s Ice Cream Shack, 106 S Water St, Wilmington, NC 28401
• Boombalatti’s Homemade Ice Cream, 1005 N 4th St, Wilmington, NC 28401 and 1127 Military Cutoff Rd B, Wilmington, NC 28405
• Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar, 3608 Oleander Dr E, Wilmington, NC 28403
• Sunset Slush of Wilmington, 906 Castle St, Wilmington, NC 28401
• Kilwins, 16 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401
• The Original Ice Cream Stand, 3 N Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
• Celtic Creamery, 201 N Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
• Squigley’s Ice Cream & Treats, 208 Lake Park Blvd S, Carolina Beach, NC 28428

Keeping Cool in the AC

The easiest way to stay cool is staying indoors. Luckily, there are countless things to enjoy while being blasted with the air conditioning, such as museums, tours and indoor activities.

If you’re in downtown Wilmington you can find museums such as the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, Museum of the Bizzare, The Children’s Museum and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. You can even take a tour of the historical houses scattered throughout town. Even though that requires walking outdoors, inside the houses will be chilled with air conditioning and will be a refreshing break from the heat. Also, a must-do activity in Fort Fisher is the North Carolina Aquarium. Learn about the different wildlife in the ocean and see them up close in the exhibits. The Aquarium is 20 miles south of Wilmington and a short ferry ride across the river from Southport.

If you’re looking for fun and games, some of the top spots are indoor golf simulations and trampoline parks. Two locations in Wilmington that will make you feel like you’re on the course, but staying cool indoors are Club Golf Indoor and Rounds Golf & Lounge. Each location features craft cocktails, beers on tap and mouthwatering food to really heighten your experience. If you feel like jumping an flipping around then DEFY Wilmington and Flip N Fly are the places to go. Both have wall-to-wall trampolines and is fun for the whole family.

Lastly, shop ‘til you drop. Wilmington has many unique hidden gems when it comes to local shops and vendors. A few places that will for sure have something catch your eye is Blue Moon Gift Shops, The Electric Artisans, Old Wilmington City Market, Chandler’s Warf and The Cotton Exchange. All shops are indoors and will add a local touch to your experience in the Cape Fear.

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