Cool Off without Slowing Down

Summer in The City. Anyone who has been to NYC in July or August knows that means stifling heat, palpable humidity, and desperate trips to Mr. Softee (it tastes good even if it doesn't really make you feel any less like you are in a steam room).

According to The New York Times, Tuesday, July 6, 2010 (high 103) was New York's hottest day since August 9th of 2001. The last time it was almost this hot, blown feeder lines at a power utility in Long Island City left area residents pioneer-style for several days (I'm living in Long Island City, so we're crossing our fingers on that one).

Now I don't know how to prevent power outages. But I do know the best place to go to escape the infernal heat of a New York City summer. And it isn't the swimming pool. Or the library. Or an ice cream parlor. No, the answer to summer woes is right under the feet of millions of New Yorkers; that wonderful, amazing invention: the subway.

The air conditioning on subway cars is by far the most powerful I have encountered. Sometimes I leave the station feeling downright chilly. So when it gets too hot to set foot outside, why not just stay underground? Choose a line, ride to the end, and reverse. Or evem choose a new one. The options are endless.

The subway is a frosty escape conveniently located anywhere in the city you happen to be. And the best part is, it only costs $2.25. There is quite literally no faster way to beat the heat than on a train.