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Streetcar tracks outside Murry’s are generating excitement among residents.

We’ve reached that time of year when you don’t need to check the forecast. You already know that it’s going to be HOT. In honor of that, here are a few places you can either duck in and escape the heat or bask in the sun’s full glory.

Escapism at Its Best
Icy Delights
Rita’s Water Ice (1014 H St. NE) plans to open its doors this summer. They’ll serve a variety of frozen treats perfectly calculated to help you beat the heat.

1101 Mart (1101 H St. NE, 202-399-1330). Many readers might be surprised to find the corner convenience store on this list, but at the counter when you first walk in, they offer a modest selection of ice creams available by the scoop.

Philadelphia Water Ice (1204 H St. NE, 202-396-1429) doesn’t provide seating, but it does have a menu that is sure to satisfy those cravings for unhealthy summer goodies. From water ice, to soft serve, to funnel cakes, to cheese steaks, they got you covered.

Sweets and Treats (1360 H St. NE, 202-652-1971) is basically an old-school ice cream parlor. Ice creams by the scoop are supplemented by cupcakes and other homemade delights. Located just across the street from Sova (1359 H St. NE, 202-397-3080), Sweets and Treats is the perfect sugar-infused refuge from the heat as you explore the eastern section of the corridor.

Mini-golf
The newly opened H Street Country Club (1335 H St. NE, 202-399-4722) is already a big hit with locals and visitors alike. But the nine-hole DC-themed putt-putt course is worth the wait. The chance to play mini-golf in air-conditioned comfort is one of a kind in DC, and the Mexican fare and special signature drinks make this a can’t-miss destination for the summer.

Patios for Sun Worshippers
Outdoor dining is a most coveted thing in DC. Lucky residents of, and visitors to, the H Street corridor have no shortage of patios (with more on the way). Some spaces are large, others may be only a table or two, but here’s the rundown on where to find them.

When the mercury reaches new heights you may need to order that Sidamo (417 H St. NE, 202-548-0081) coffee iced, but you can still enjoy your caffeine and salad out on the back patio. A calm garden atmosphere prevails, and with outlets provided, you can even bring your laptop outside.

Pap & Petey’s (421 H St. NE, 202-546-5299) sometimes sets out a couple of tables for patrons. The neighborhood jazz bar offers live music as well as an intimate setting. Stop in for a drink and a bite. Their menu includes vegetarian items.

Palace of Wonders (1210 H St. NE, 202-398-SHOW) has a quirky back deck upstairs that provides the perfect escape from a packed bar. Next door at the Red and the Black (1210 H St. NE, 202-399-3201) you’ll find a small back patio on the lower level.

At Sticky Rice (1212 H St. NE, 202-397-7655) you can enjoy full dining service on the upstairs deck. Down the street at Doctor Granville Moore’s (1238 H St. NE, 202- 399-2546) they keep a few small tables tucked away on a back patio.

The Argonaut (1433 H St. NE, 202-397-1416) probably boasts the best known and largest patio on the corridor. Saturday afternoons they’ll even let you bring your pooch along for the doggie happy hour. A full menu (including brunch starting at 10 a.m. on both Saturdays and Sundays) is available while you soak up the rays.

The Fresh Farm Market descends upon 625 H St. NE every Saturday morning, offering a variety of meats, cheeses, breads, fruits, veggies and more. Stop by and check out the seasonal offerings at the producers-only market.

Arrivals and Departures
Local Jamaican eatery Tropicana (1016 H St. NE) recently closed its doors. Fans of the joint’s jerk chicken and curried goat can already be heard lamenting the loss.

Demolition and repair have kicked into high gear at the three-story future home of Angelico’s la Pizzaria (1387 H St. NE). The local chain of gourmet pizza restaurants will occupy the green building that formerly housed the Sun and Moon convenience store. If you happen to walk by the space anytime soon, you’ll notice piles of rubble regularly being carted away and ongoing reframing work.

Cultivating Curb Appeal
Nouveau Fleur (500 H St. NE, 202-543-8618), which has now been open about a year and a half, offers cut floral arrangements and courses in raising home herb gardens and landscaping. On July 12 at 2 p.m. they will host a children’s planting class. August and September will bring courses in fall container gardening and rose pruning. They also hope to hold a fall plant swap.

Starting June 27, patrons can purchase a Hodge Podge for $35. The Hodge Podge consists of a vase with a floral mix. Purchase one and get a punch card. Follow-up visits to refill your Hodge Podge will cost you $18.50, and the 10th punch nets you a free floral refill.

The Floral Stimulus Package also begins June 27. Each time you spend $10 you are eligible to nominate a friend in the neighborhood (20002/20003 zip code) to receive a free bouquet. The drawings will be held once every two weeks. This local flower shop offers friendly service and is a short walk from the Saturday morning farmers market and Sidamo Coffee and Tea. Stop by next time you’re in the area. You won’t be disappointed.

Park’s Hardware (920 H St. NE, 202-546-8878) may not be as large as the Home Depot, but it works well when you realize you misplaced that essential screw or can’t find your garden trowel. Park’s, which has been operating in the H Street corridor for 27 years, is owned and managed by Kitong Park. Over the years the store has seen many changes in the area. A few years ago when H Street Main Street sponsored regular citizen street cleanups, Park’s donated the gloves. Though the store is small, items are stacked high to maximize efficiency, and employees are always willing to help you locate that elusive item or offer advice on tackling troublesome repair jobs. The back room is mostly dedicated to gardening supplies and bike tires. In addition to basic hardware supplies, the store sells small stereos and cookware. Practitioners of home canning will take note that Park’s sells the necessary jars.

Channeling the Future
The second floor above the Pug (1234 H St. NE, 202-388-8554) is slated for a unique offering. Supposedly it will now be a dumpling bar. A variety of different types of Asian dumplings will be available. We’re quite a ways away from any anticipated opening dates leaking out, but expect this one to generate some buzz.