Five 'cool' things to do this summer in Southeast Missouri

1. Hang out at the bookstore or library. I don't know about you, but most times when I go to the bookstore or library, I'm in a hurry to find the specific book I'm looking for and be on my merry way. But when I have the chance, it's so relaxing to take my time to browse new titles, flip through the magazines, maybe even see what CDs and DVDs are available. On a hot summer day, I can get lost in the bookstore for hours, and when I finally emerge, the sun will have begun to set and the hottest part of the day is over. For an added cool factor, I like to buy an iced coffee or frappe to sip while I browse.

2. Catch a movie. Movie theaters are notorious for their ice-cold thermostat settings, so take advantage of that on a hot day. After a couple hours in the deep freeze with a good movie and a tub of popcorn, you'll forget all about the hot, steamy weather outside. A few you might like this summer: "Jersey Boys," directed by Clint Eastwood, is the Broadway-to-big-screen tale of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons; "And So It Goes," due out July 18, is a comedy about a soon-to-be retiree surprised by the arrival of his estranged son and granddaughter, starring Michael Douglas, Diane Keaton and Frankie Valli; and "Get On Up," coming Aug. 1, stars Chadwick Boseman in a Universal Studios biopic about musician James Brown. In this film, you'll also recognize Octavia L. Spencer, who stole the show in "The Help" as a sassy housekeeper known for her chocolate pies. Young grandchildren would probably love to see "How to Train Your Dragon 2" or "Planes: Fire and Rescue," while "Maleficent" and "The Fault in Our Stars" will appeal to your teen and young adult grandkids.

3. July happens to be National Ice Cream Month, so you might as well celebrate, especially on July 20, National Ice Cream Day. The holidays were designated in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan. Check out Brooke Clubbs' column on page 17 for a tasty way to enjoy your ice cream this month.

__4. Go for a swim.__ Whether you're staying close to home at Cape Splash and the Central Municipal Pool or traveling afar to Hydro Adventures in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and Holiday World & Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana, swimming is a guaranteed way to stay cool on a hot day. My personal favorite is anyplace with a lazy river. If you prefer a more rustic swim, look no farther than your local swimming hole -- the Castor River Shut-Ins near Fredericktown, Missouri, are one popular spot for wading and splashing, and you can even bring your dog with you.

5. Take a siesta. I think the Spanish are on to something: they take a nap in the early afternoon, usually after lunch, thereby bypassing the hottest part of the day. If you'd rather not sleep during the day, you can always pour yourself a cold glass of lemonade and kick back with a good book or your favorite TV show for the afternoon.