Wiping sweat, finding air conditioning and moving happy hour to a shaded spot. It’s Summer in Dallas and the groans and moans of hitting the hot pavement are in full effect. But with a few simple tips from yours truly on how to do Summer the right way, you won’t be sweating a thing.

Summer Cut 

Accredited salon owner Chad Rookstool has been loving on locks for quite some time here in town. Located in Victory Park, his work is ‘shear genius’ amongst those who know what it’s like to sit in his chair. A visit to his salon will have your mane ready take on the hot days of the season and coming back for more. “Chad Rookstool Salon cares about all the details but, even more, we care about how you feel while in the salon chair.”

Cool Down

Alabama based Steel City Pops has invaded DFW just in time for the rising temperatures. Their Dallas location is tucked into the Lower Greenville neighborhood and on any given evening, you’ll find a line out the door of folks looking to grab an ice cold treat. They make their ‘pops’ from all-natural or certified organic ingredients, locally-harvested as well. Choose fruity (Blood Orange, Blueberry Basil, Cantaloupe) or creamy (Avocado, Banana, Buttermilk, etc) and enjoy!

Shape Up in the Shade

You set that intention to go for an early morning or late evening run or workout when the Summer blaze is set to medium-high, but does it happen? Nope. My solution? Find an indoor endorphin machine that gets your blood pumping without the heatstroke. My picks explore both high intensity and centering balance. Shift into gear in a dark room with Flywheel Sports in Highland Park where the beats pick up and the legs do the same. Another great indoor activity is yoga and the crew at Vital Fitness Downtown Dallas are taking chakra to chic.

Summer Salads 

If you crave a hearty dish in the warmer months of the year like me, I’ve found two go-to solutions for you. The word ‘salad’ scares most people. You think of a scant layering of lettuce, a few veggies and a ‘hey, I need more than that to fill up’ protein scattered on top. Fear not, Dallas. My two recent favorites are going to blow your mind and keep you cool. One of the most underrated restaurants in Dallas in my opinion is Dive Coastal Cuisine in Snider Plaza. Chef/Owner Franchesca Nor brings the beach to our city and puts out plates of seafood love. Next time you’re in, order the Soba Noodle Salad with Seared Ahi Tuna. My second pick comes courtesy of Uno Immanivong and her seasonal Guacamole with Charred Corn. The creamy dip at Chino Chinatown comes paired with wonton chips and a side of me sitting on the Trinity Groves patio inhaling this.

So there you have it, my hot picks to stay cool. Survey says you’ll be tip toeing your way around many a pool and drinking a Texas classic margarita this Summer. If you find yourself in need of a covered haven, take a few notes and let me know how these pan out for you!