August is a hot month for Texans with temperatures soaring to 100 degrees. This year, summer temperatures seem to be more mild compared to previous year's but let's face it, it's still hot out there. Below are five ways you can beat the heat when you visit Athens this month:1) Enjoy outdoor activities during the morning hours
The East Texas Arboretum is a wonderful place to visit to see the beautiful gardens and walk nature trails. Open daily from dawn to dusk, consider visiting the Arboretum in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the extreme temperatures. The Athens Farmer's Market opens at 8 a.m. every Saturday through October. This is a good opportunity to get outside early and buy local produce or other homemade items. The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center offers a monthly Bird and Nature Walk that begins at 9 a.m. the second Saturday of the month or fish anytime from the TFFC casting pond.
2) Visit places that are indoors during the heat of the afternoon
Athens has a number of indoor shopping opportunities from boutiques to art galleries that offer a break from the heat. For a list of shopping opportunities, click here to download our shopping guide. You can also tour the Henderson County Historical Museum, open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Friday and Saturday. Take the kids bowling at the Athens Bowling Center, where they can also play at the arcade or indoor miniature golf. Enjoy a movie matinee at Cinema 4.
3) Get Wet
Athens is surrounded by several lakes and offers a number of opportunities to get wet this summer. Take the boat out on Lake Athens or go jet skiing. Staying overnight at an Athens hotel? Enjoy complimentary access to the Cain Center to swim or workout, simply by showing your hotel room key to the front desk attendant. Are you scuba certified? Hunt for sunken treasure at the Athens Scuba Park.
4) Evening Entertainment
Be entertained at the Henderson County Performing Arts Center in August with Annie Get Your Gun. The Texas Gospel Music Hall will feature Tribute Quartet in concert this month. Bring the family to Family Fun Friday Nights at the East Texas Arboretum or relax on the patio with a taste of Texas wine at Tara Vineyard and Winery.
5) Drink Plenty of Fluids and Wear Sunscreen
Don't forget to drink plenty of fluids during your visit and if you will be spending time outdoors, you'll want to be sure and pack your sunscreen.
