5 cool things to do

Courtesy of Jeff Schott

One of the best ways to beat the heat is on a Blaster Boat at Hot Shots Family Fun Center in Moneta.

Did somebody turn on a radiator and release a full blast of hot, wet air into the Smith Mountain Lake area? Sure feels like it.

It's a good bet the summer of 2010 is going to be remembered as scorching, stifling, sizzling. Temperatures have been flirting with records all summer long, and except for a day here and there, the only relief from the heat and humidity has been an afternoon thunderstorm.

If changing your screen saver to a snowy scene doesn't beat the heat, at least you can try to stay a step ahead. Here are some suggestions to help you keep your cool:

1. Have a blast: The home of Blaster Bumper Boats, the closest thing SML has to a water park, provides a fun way to cool down. Hot Shots Family Fun Center in Moneta is the playground/battleground for six electric-powered boats with built-in water cannons.

Hot Shots owner Jeff Schott guarantees you'll get wet. "It's all about shooting the water," he said. Drivers must be 44 inches tall and passengers riding with a driver 18 years or older must measure 40 inches.

Hot Shots also is home to a miniature golf course, but Schott doesn't want its outside location to scare away potential players. There are several misting stations on the course and one misting tent on the deck to cool you off after your round.

Hot Shots Family Fun Center is open 7:30 a.m. until 10 p.m.; the Blaster Bumper Boats open at 10 a.m. Located next to Capps Home Building Center on Virginia 122 in Moneta. Cost is $75 for a year-round pass; $12 for an all-day pass, and $6 for a single ride. There also are special rates in July and August for grandparents. For more information, call 719-1547 or visit smlhotshots.com.

2. Take in a movie: There are few better ways to cool off, relax and be entertained at the same time. Westlake Cinema, a four-plex at Westlake Towne Center on Virginia 122 at Westlake Corner, offers matinees most days during the summer as well as show times in the evenings for first-run movies. Advance tickets are available online or can be purchased at the box office during open hours.

At the Moneta/SML Library on Virginia 122 in Moneta, Thursday night's Family Fun Night includes a G-rated movie, beginning at 6 p.m., along with games, crafts and refreshments, which start at 5:30 p.m., all for free. The next showing is scheduled for Aug. 26.

For Westlake Cinema information, including show times and prices, call 721-6314 or visit westlakecinema.com.

For Family Night information at Moneta/SML Library, 13641 Moneta Road, Moneta, call 425-7004 or visit bplsonline.org.

3. Book it: Another place to escape the heat and, maybe, learn something to boot, is the public library. You won't be alone.

"We are much busier in the summer -- our circulation figures were higher last month than for any month since we opened and we are on track to beat that number this month," said Westlake Library Director Marilyn Amerson. "Reading is, of course, a great activity in air-conditioned surroundings, at the beach or by the pool. We also have a good selection of movies and magazines that can be checked out."

At the Moneta/SML Library, staff member Mary Bidwell said attendance has swelled this summer.

"More people are coming in to check e-mails, more people are coming in to use wireless and there's been an increase in children checking out books with our summer reading program," she said. "People have been getting more books because it's been too warm to do anything outside."

Both librarians said their special programs for children have been popular this summer.

For hours and information on programs at Westlake Library, Westlake Towne Center, call 483-3098 (Option 3).

For Moneta/SML information, call 425-7004 or visit bplsonline.org.

4. Park it: Hit the beaches at Smith Mountain Lake Community Park on the Franklin County side of the lake or the Smith Mountain Lake State Park in Bedford County. The beach at SML Community Park is open to the public seven days a week from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Cost is $3.50 per person and free for those 3 and under. Visitors 14 or younger must be accompanied by an adult.

SML State Park in Huddleston operates a beach Memorial Day through Labor Day. It's open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Times may change because of inclement weather. Facilities are public, but users must pay a fee. Overnight guests swim for free.

SML Community Park: 2150 Sontag Road, Rocky Mount, 483-9293. www.franklincountyva.org/parks/park_sml.htm

SML State Park: 1235 State Park Road, Huddleston, 297-6066. www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/smi.shtml

5. Get the scoop: If you need an excuse to indulge in ice cream, blame the weather. There are numerous places around the lake to beat the heat with cold sweets. Following are several that specialize in ice cream: Freckles Ice Cream Parlor in Downtown Moneta's Celebration Square, 297-2138; Ice Cream Cottage at Bridgewater Plaza, 721-1305; Homestead Creamery on Virginia 122 at Burnt Chimney, 721-2045; and a couple of Dairy Queens, one on Scruggs Road near Westlake, and the other at Plateau Plaza at the corner of Wirtz Road and U.S. 220.