Must Haves: Things to Keep You Cool
August is a great month to be at the shore. Everyone has settled into summer and although the island is packed, it just doesn’t seem as hectic as July. Maybe that’s because it is so hot! If you are lucky, then you are spending these hot summer days with your feet in the ocean. Unfortunately, you can’t live on the beach, so we searched the best stores of the island to come up with things to keep you “cool.”
1. Trendy Bathing Suit
Cool breezes will find you in this super-flattering microfiber triangle one-piece swimsuit from Kate Spade. Mix the chic of black-and-white with the fun of polka dots and you will be the coolest girl on the beach!
Annabelle | 2174 Dune Drive, Avalon
2. Protective Hats
Besides having ultraviolet protection factor of 50+, Tula hats are hand-woven and a fair-trade product. Tula works closely with artisans to ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, environmental responsibility and economic growth. Several “cool” styles are available.
Armadillo, Ltd. | 2761 Dune Drive, Avalon
3. Sealife Ice Buckets
If you want to throw the ultimate beach party, then you need to add these whale and turtle patio ice buckets to the décor. Does it get any cuter? Every party needs ice, so why not do it in style?
Blufish Designs | 2418 Dune Drive, Avalon
4. Pirate Decanter and Glass Set
If you are in the mood for a cocktail, why not drink it out of a pirate glass? After all, pirates and the shore go together. This decanter and glass set will look great on your table when entertaining guests or take it to the party as a hostess gift. It’s sure to be a conversation starter.
Coastal Designer Outlet | 556 Sea Isle Boulevard, Ocean View
5. Deck Umbrellas
Treasure Garden has a line of umbrellas that are a must for your patio deck. This 13-foot cantilever umbrella has a rectangular canopy and a very durable, lightweight aluminum pole. The umbrella is equipped with a crank system and you can tilt it at 18-, 36- or 54-degree angles. This product is made to handle the weather and is sure to withstand the test of time.
Coastal Designs | 2609 Shore Road, Northfield
6. Breathable Fabric
When the sun beats down, it’s hard to stay cool and cover up at the same time. Well, now you can with these breathable fabric pullovers from I B Kül. This quarter zip is great for tennis and golf or even a walk on the beach. The best part is that it also has UPF 50 protection.
Coco Blu Boutique | 9510 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor
7. Motorized Shades
Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to adjust your shades right from your bed? How about lowering or raising them when you aren’t even at home? These PowerView motorized designer screen shades by Hunter Douglas can be controlled via your smartphone or tablet. You can easily let the sun in or keep it out whenever you want!
Creative Window Design Center | 2209 Dune Drive, Avalon
8. Two-Piece Outfits
The summer trend is two-piece outfits where you can show off as little or as much as you want. This lightweight fabric two-piece palm-tree design set has wide leg pants with a slit up the side to help keep you cool. This outfit just screams beach attire!
Ellelauri | 264 21st Street, Avalon
9. Spiked Seltzer
The hottest drink of the summer is spiked seltzer. Naturally flavored and gluten-free, it contains only 5 grams of carbs and is 6 percent alcohol. Not heavy like beer can be, this is a great drink for the beach or boat because it is not just refreshing, it’s delicious!
Fred’s Tavern & Liquor Store | 2258 Dune Drive, Avalon | 314 96th Street, Stone Harbor
10. Water Bottles and Insulated Wine Cups
I’m sure you have seen the selection of water bottles in just about every store around. Be aware that not all of them are of the same quality. These water bottles by Swig come in all different colors and designs and are guaranteed to keep your water cool. No need to make a wish! They also come in an insulated wine-glass form. Drink up!
Gingy’s Boutique | 9718 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor
11. Hand-Held Fans
This clown fish hand-held fan is a cooling favorite with the kids. Crank the handle and the fan blows, or fill it with water and squirt your friends! A fun way to stay cool in the summer.
Hoy’s 5 & 10 | 219 96th Street, Stone Harbor | 2800 Dune Drive, Avalon
12. “Cool” Appetizers
No one wants hot food in the summer heat. Watermelon is probably a staple in your kitchen right now. Another go-to is 7 Mile Salsa. It comes in a variety of flavors and goes great with crackers or your favorite chips. It’s the perfect food to put out on the table when company arrives.
Kitchen Home Makers | 2017 Dune Drive, Avalon
13. Decorative Martini Glasses
Created by master artisan Lee Wassink, these glasses are what you are going to want to be drinking out of this August. Each one is unique, made from hand-blown glass and sure to be the talk of the party. Get a set for yourself and a set for the hostess!
Ocean Galleries | 297 22nd Street, Avalon | 9618 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor
14. Yeti Coolers
If you are going to invest in one thing this summer, invest in one of these Yeti coolers. We have purchased a few sizes and they are hands down the best coolers we have ever had. Now in a variety of colors, they are guaranteed to keep your drinks and food cold for hours on end. Perfect for the beach or boat!
Seashore Ace | 260 96th Street, Stone Harbor
15. Beater Board
If you really want to beat the heat, grab a Beater Board and head down to the beach! These boards are a combination of a surfboard and a boogie board. The top is soft foam, eliminating any bad head hits, and the bottom is slick like a surfboard. Catch a wave!
She Be Surfin’ | 2516 Dune Drive, Avalon | 221 96th Street, Stone Harbor
16. Canvas Drink Containers
Feel like a pirate with these canvas drink containers. One size can fit an entire bottle of wine. Other sizes have tops that screw off and are the perfect shot size. “Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me!”
Small Crafts Advisory | 9506 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor
17. Landscape Speaker System
Where is that music coming from? The shrubs! This Sonance Sonarray Landscape Speaker System comes equipped with eight speakers and one subwoofer to mix in with your existing landscaping. Your backyard is sure to be center stage!
Sound Advice | 336 96th Street, Stone Harbor
18. Simon Pearce Pitchers
Simon Pearce is all about sophistication, yet keeping it functional. Inspired by centuries-old Georgian glassmaking techniques and using the finest materials, he set out to create designs that add a touch of glamour to everyday use. His products are made to last for generations and these pitchers are sure to be talking pieces at your next event.
The Olive Tree | 211 96th Street, Stone Harbor
19. Summer Dress
We love soft and flowy summer dresses. They help you stay cool and you’ll look cute, too. This Julie Dress by Three Islands is great for happy hour, a night out, or throw it over your suit and wear as a cover-up. You’ll want to wear it every day!
The Preppy Palm | 2533 Dune Drive, Avalon
20. Fun Shirts
Ambsn is a line of clothing that comes from California. Everything about the brand screams fun! This shirt is known as "The Petey." With fabric as light as a cool breeze and prints as wild as a tornado, Ambsn is all about style and function.
The Spot Surf Boutique | 2538 Dune Drive, Avalon
21. Palm Print Dress
Straight to Avalon from Hawaii, this fun, palm-leaf print dress is the perfect dress to take you from the beach right to the bar!
Tiger Lily | 268 21st Street, Avalon
22. Gorgeous Backyard
In the summer you should be spending most of your time outside, enjoying the warm air and the sunshine. For the days when it gets a little too hot for comfort, wouldn’t it be nice to have your own pool to jump in? Garden Greenhouse is your one-stop shopping place for pool installation and maintenance and landscaping! You will want to have company over every night to admire the view.
Garden Greenhouse & Nursery | 1919 Route 9, Clermont
23. Lacey Bowl
This ocean-inspired bowl might not keep you cool but it will sure look cool sitting on your table. Designed by Lawrence McRae, the pierced bubble shapes that dot the exterior are his interpretation of natural oceanic forms as they deteriorate over time. These bowls are dishwasher- and food-safe, and since they are handmade to order, each one is unique.
Trendz | 209 96th Street, Stone Harbor
24. Satin Lounge Wear
While you want to stay cool and comfortable during the day, it is most important to make sure you are the same way when you sleep. This satin lounge wear set is so soft, you almost feel like you have nothing on. Perfect for those hot summer nights!
Trendz Home | 215 96th Street, Stone Harbor
25. Swimming Pool
If we are going to talk about things to keep you cool this month, we couldn't forget to mention having a swimming pool in your backyard! It's amazing to me how they manage to fit pools just about anywhere these days. Whether you are looking for chlorinated, salt water, or even a pool with a waterfall, it can be done!
USA Pools | 3101 Dune Drive, Avalon
