In case you live in SoCal & haven’t felt your face melt while running errands or going to work in the last 2 days, here’s another reminder. Its hot out. Excessive heat warning and flex alert hot.

Though I’ve got a window-unit blasting, I’m yearning for some good ol’ fashioned refreshment. No, not beer. I’m talking about soda fountain standards prepared by soda jerks. There are few American traditions in hospitality as intact as soda fountains. Lucky for me, the Pasadena institution known as Fair Oaks Pharmacy isn’t too far off the beaten path.

For the last few years I’ve made a habit out of making a pilgrimage to Fair Oaks Pharmacy during the dog days of summer. Ordering a giant sundae to share somehow seems more reasonable when the mercury is hovering around triple digits. Extending the invitation is also a treat. I mean, who doesn’t perk up when invited out to our own little slice of Americana in the heart of Pasadena?

Fair Oaks Pharmacy first opened in 1915, but it wasn’t until a couple restored it back to it’s soda fountain glory that it was re-introduced to a whole new generation. I’m so glad it’s still around to share sundaes & chats in! Do you have any summer traditions and tricks to staying cool? Share in the comments below!

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a sundae to make. (photo courtesy of Sarah Wise)

A classic sundae at Fair Oaks Pharmacy, Pasadena, CA.