As the summer heat begins to fade, crisp Autumn winds will soon roll in. That means a few more months of perfectly comfortable weather before well, you know, this happens:
You may be tempted to fill the last remaining days of reasonable temperatures with "exercise," or the things people enjoy doing to use unnecessary energy.
However, if you're anything like the writer, you prefer using your time in the sun the same way you do in bed: catching a few Z's.
There's quite possibly nothing more relaxing than taking a nap outdoors, and there are plenty of tranquil spaces in Philly to do so. Here are some of the best spots in the city to get some rest outside.
Beury Beach
Pollett Walk, between 13th and 12th streets
Enjoy the bustling campus of Temple University by dozing off where students are known to congregate in warmer months. Called a "beach" due to its setup looking out at the sea of undergraduates on Pollett Walk, enjoy this spot while you can. The university's plans will eliminate the location in the near future, opting for a new campus park nearby.
Palmer Park
Frankford Avenue and East Palmer Street
Tucked into the side of Fishtown's Frankford Avenue lies this tiny park. The trees adequately shade the grass, and the grounds are usually not very crowded, making it a good spot not to be disturbed. When you awake, head across the street to Steep and Grind, where delicious sandwiches and caffeinated beverages are plentiful.
Schuylkill Banks
Along the Delaware River, between Race and Walnut streets
Nothing beats the waterfront, and the Schuylkill River should more than suffice as the backdrop for your afternoon nap. It's also a great place to do some sunbathing while a stream of bikers and joggers whizz by behind you.
Washington Square Park
4th and Macdougal streets
This park has a vast amount of space, giving you the ability to pick the ideal plot for your temporary bed. If you're looking for sleep, you'll also avoid the noise of tourists coming in and out of Independence Hall at the park located diagonally across the street.
Rittenhouse Square
Walnut and 18th streets
Rittenhouse Square. (Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice)
This is a popular (and obvious) choice, and for good reason. Rittenhouse is a staple for taking a load off after a day of dining or shopping on Walnut Street. There's plenty of room to lie down despite the large number of people who make their way through this Center City location, but be wary of your surroundings before shutting your eyes. The last thing you want to interrupt your slumber is a rogue Frisbee to the head, which is something I've learned from firsthand experience.