Some people claim to like this kind of sticky Savannah heat; my husband for instance who usually decides that noon is a pretty decent time to go for a run during the throws of summer.  I am not one of those people (although in an effort of full disclosure, I don't find going for a run in perfect weather all that enjoyable).   The buckles on my daughter's car seat turn into branding irons, you have to endure a million "shouldn't this be obvious" tips on the news (wait, I'm supposed to give my dog water when it's 145 degrees outside?), and frankly my hair is just a nightmare in this weather.  This is not to scare potential visitors, some of who will surely be lured by cheap hotel rates and lack of crowds.  And it isn't to make locals more miserable ("yeah, we get it, it's hot").  I want to give you an oasis of sorts, places you can go to beat the heat as they say (and by beat it I don't mean running through it like my maniac of a husband).  Savannah has tons of pools and more than it's share of air conditioned buildings, so grab a bottle of water and maybe one of those fun little hand-held misters and allow me to point you towards the direction of cool.  

 

If you need a dip in the pool and your hotel doesn't have one, Chatham County Aquatic Center may be your answer.  The Center has both a recreational pool and a lap pool and is open to the public.  The have daily swim classes and lessons or you can go just to take a dip.   

Here are the daily admission fees, but they also have a punch card program and monthly programs:

Chatham County Residents:

        Adults & Children 13 & Older...$5.00

        Children 12 & Under..$3.00

        Children 2 & Under.FREE

                  (if accompanied by a paid adult)

        Senior 55+, College Student (with ID),

        Active Duty Military (with ID).$4.00

Non-County Residents:

        Adults & Children 13 & Older...$6.00

        Children 12 & Under..$4.00

        Children 2 & Under.FREE

                  (if accompanied by a paid adult)

        Senior 55+, College Student (with ID),

        Active Duty Military (with ID).$5.00

 

The beach.  Tybee Island is only about 20-25 minutes east of downtown Savannah and is a great place to cool off.  The water temps hover around the lower 80's so you can really just walk right in, especially if you have slightly blistery feet from the walk across the sand.  www.keytotybee.com is the sister site to keytosavannah.com and has all the information you need to visit for the day or longer.

 

It's air conditioned, it's fun, it's educational and you can't beat the price.  The Telfair Museum of Art boasts three diverse sites -- the original building, the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Owens-Thomas House, and the Jepson Center for the Arts.  The three venues are distinct in their offerings but offer a wide variety of internationally acclaimed art and exhibitions.  The Jepson Center also houses a children's section as well as a cafe.

 

Head to the park.  Kids (ok, you too) can cool off for free in the splash fountains @ Hull Park located in the center of Ardsley Park at Atlantic and 55th.  The splash fountains are open June 22 - August 14, 2009, Monday – Saturday, 10:00a.m. - 3:00p.m.