Andy Reid says hot practices prep Chiefs for scorching preseason Week 3

Andy Reid is using the sweltering weather to help condition the #Chiefs for their preseason finale.

The Kansas City area has seen record-high temperatures over the past week, making way for brutal practices for the Chiefs.

Luckily, those scorching-hot practices, which will be in the 100s all week this week, help the team actually prepare for upcoming hot games at the end of preseason and in early September to start the regular season.

“These next couple of days I think are probably going to take care of that,” coach Andy Reid said about preparing for upcoming hot games. “I think it cools down just a little bit, I think you’re looking at 89 (degrees) or something like that. It’ll be warm, we’ll just keep our rotation going.

“We’re going to have that (heat) in Jacksonville and possibly our night game against the Lions, but Jacksonville is a noon game, so we got to be ready for a hot one there too.”

An unfortunate side effect of playing outdoors in the Midwest is that the Chiefs see both sides of extreme weather throughout the year. Luckily, the extreme heat doesn’t last too long – after that Week 2 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars that Reid mentioned, it’ll be smooth sailing in terms of playing in blazing temps.

Then, it’ll be no time before the cold games arrive, and then possibly snow games – those Green Bay and New England games in December are tracking to be really chilly. Luckily, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes considers himself a “snow-game guy.”

The best beaches in all 50 states

High tides and good vibes.

A beach vacation is the perfect way to end a summer of fun. If you want to relax on a sunny shore or take a dip in cool waters, find the time to visit one of your state’s beaches.

Before the discussion starts, let’s define what a beach is. Some people think that oceanic, coastal beaches are the only real beaches. But, lucky for landlocked states, lake beaches also qualify as beaches. In fact, according to Merriam-Webster, a beach is any “shore of a body of water covered by sand, gravel, or larger rock fragments.”

With that explained, here are the best beaches in all 50 states. Pack your bag, it’s time for a summery adventure!

Why you should visit Maine’s Old Orchard Beach, explained in 7 photos

Explore the coast.

Are you looking to shake up your summer vacation plans? This year, find a new place to kick back and relax in the sun. In the United States, beaches throughout California and Florida experience huge crowds looking to make the most of the sun and surf. While many of these destinations offer gorgeous views, packed beaches and busy streets aren’t ideal vacationing conditions. Avoid these annoyances and experience a one-of-a-kind trip by spending your summer holiday at Old Orchard Beach, Maine.

Why Old Orchard Beach? If the serene, sandy beaches and charming local shops aren’t enough to entice you, the beachfront amusement park and scenic hiking trails will. Here are some of the sights and attractions awaiting you in this coastal Maine town.

Have fun and support a good cause at the Ohio River Paddlefest

Join the fun!

Two thousand paddlers of all skill levels will converge on the Ohio River in Cincinnati during the first weekend in August. It’s the 22nd annual Ohio River Paddlefest, and if you have a SUP, kayak, or canoe, you can join in.

The Ohio River Paddlefest is the biggest paddling event in the United States. It kicks off on the evening of Friday, August 4, with the Outdoors For All Expo. Then, on Saturday, August 5, participants will choose between paddling a 9- or 4.5-mile course. Paddlefest is a fundraiser for the nonprofit Adventure Crew, which connects city teens in Cincinnati and northern Kentucky with nature and each other via outdoor adventures.

People kayaking on a river.
Paddlers enjoying the festival. / Photo courtesy of Adventure Crew

“Between Ohio River Paddlefest and the Outdoors for All Expo, Paddlefest weekend has become a can’t-miss event for outdoor enthusiasts,” Miriam Wise, director of support and engagement for Adventure Crew, said in a statement. “Mark your calendars and invite your friends and family to join us the first weekend in August for this much-loved annual tradition.”

The Outdoors for All Expo is free and open to the public. It features 50 exhibitors, including outdoor outfitters, local parks, and environmental organizations. You can listen to live music, enter a raffle, and buy dinner from a food truck. Paddlefest costs $50 for adults and $25 for youth joining the 9-mile paddle. The 4.5-mile paddle is five bucks less. It’s best to bring your own kayak, SUP, or canoe, but a limited number of boats are available for rent.

This year, organizers have added a new event: a kayak bass fishing tournament that runs both Friday and Saturday. Anglers can try their luck in any of three Ohio River tributaries: Great Miami River, Little Miami River, or Licking River.

Adventure Crew was founded in 2013. It serves all Cincinnati Public Schools high schools, seventh and eighth graders in certain Cincinnati elementary schools, and six schools in northern Kentucky. Annually, the organization helps nearly a thousand students step beyond their comfort zone and seek a deep connection to nature.

“Every dollar we raise through Paddlefest supports that mission,” Wise said. “So by signing up to paddle on Saturday or buying raffle tickets and a beer on Friday, you’re helping us get city teens who might not otherwise have access to nature out on adventures like hikingbiking and of course, paddling. It’s a great way to share your love of the outdoors while having a great time in the process.”

Kayakers on a river under a bridge.
Photo courtesy of Adventure Crew

How to stay cool in the heat this summer

Enjoy summer without burning up.

For the third time this week, the planet’s average temperature has risen to a record-breaking high. Data from the University of Maine’s Climate Change Institute showed the world’s average temperature reaching 62.6 degrees Fahrenheit on Monday, 62.9 degrees on Tuesday, and 63 degrees on Thursday. This news, in addition to heat waves in Arizona and the southern United States, has people worldwide making plans for how to stay cool in the heat. If you’re one of those people, these tips can help you cope with summer weather.

Most people know basic heat-safety essentials. Stay hydrated, don’t overexert yourself, and wear light, breathable clothes. But when you’ve exhausted the basics and are still sweating, try these five tricks for staying cool.

From trunks to one pieces, here are the top swimwear picks for summer 2023

Suit up and go swimming.

Whether you prefer swimming in mountain lakes, surfing in the ocean, or lounging by the pool, summer is the time when most folks think about upgrading their swimwear. Of course, in today’s body-obsessed society, choosing swimwear can be a fraught experience. How can we look our best while exposing so much? Instead, let’s focus on enjoying the activities we’re doing in our swimwear. Which suit is going to be comfortable, cover what we want to cover, stay in place, and last for several seasons? Here are some top picks for both form and function — that also happen to look good.

8 weird and wonderful beaches to explore this summer

Shake up your summer vacation.

Put on some sunscreen and pack your cooler, it’s time to hit the beach. Whether you like to swim, hike, or build sandcastles, seaside vacations are a summer staple. Elevate your next beach trip by exploring destinations with more to offer than typical sandy shores.

This summer, expand your understanding of what a beach can be. Discover glittering wonders at California’s Glass Beach, and check out Alaska’s mysterious Black Sand Beach. If you’re a curious traveler seeking new beach experiences, these incredible spots need to be on your bucket list. Start planning your next journey with this list of the eight most unique beaches in the United States.

11 outdoorsy graduation gift ideas for adventurous grads

Find the perfect graduation present.

Is your beloved grad looking a bit green from all that time in classrooms? Are they wearing reading glasses more than sunglasses? Brow still furrowed from final exam anxiety? Maybe it’s time to step away from the textbooks and play outside.

If you have a new graduate in your life who yearns for some post-education adventure, consider buying a gift that sets them free from intellectual duties. There will be plenty of time for career development or graduate school later. This summer is a time to have fun on the water or in the mountains. After all, they’ve earned it.

Spend your vacation exploring these classic summer road trip routes

Time to make some memories.

Summer may lose some of its luster when you’re no longer a student with months of vacation, but you can still take time to celebrate the season. This year, make the most of summer’s splendor by going on a road trip.

In the United States, road trips became a national phenomenon during the 1920s. Since then, road trips have continued gaining popularity. Famous road trip routes like Route 66 have become household names, and everyone from high school graduates to retirees enjoys embarking on these exciting expeditions.

Want to spend your summer partaking in this national pastime? Try tackling one (or a few) of these scenic summer road trip routes. See everything from oceans to mountains on these stunning tours of the country.