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Health & Fitness

Where Can You Beat the Heat in Westchester?

A look at places to keep cool in Westchester.

This summer has been a brutal one here in the Hudson Valley, but you can still have some fun outside, while staying cool in the shade. Here's a look at some of our area's "coolest" spots.

1.  Teatown Lake Reservation, Ossining.  This 875-acre nature preserve features beautiful shaded hiking trails, a lake, nature center and Wildflower Island, a two-acre sanctuary with more than 230 species of wildflowers and shrubs.   www.teatown.org 

2.  Hammond Museum & Japanese Garden, N. SalemThe 3.5-acre stroll gardens are a great escape from the heat.  Enjoy 11 different landscapes including a Zen garden, bamboo grove and various species of trees. www.hammondmuseum.org

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3.  Lasdon Park & Arboretum, Somers  One of the more unusual offerings of this 234-acre property is its Chinese Culture Garden with cooling cherry trees and butterfly bushes.  The park also features formal gardens and a 30-acre arboretum.  http://parks.westchestergov.com 

4. Caramoor Center for Music & the Arts, Katonah  Set on 100 acres, Caramoor offers eight different gardens for strolling and picnicking under cool trees.  It's also a great place to enjoy summer outdoor concerts. www.caramoor.org.

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5.  Greenburgh Nature Center, Scarsdale  Keep cool with this 33-acre preserve's forested walking trails, and enjoy the rock, herb, butterfly and bird gardens.  A greenhouse exhibit features a variety of tropical and desert plants.  www.greenburghnaturecenter.org.

Of course, you can always keep cool at Le Petite Spa, with our fantastic Cool Cucumber Facial this summer! Cucumbers are chock full of antioxidants that can tighten pores, improve your complexion and rejuvenate the skin. This is a perfect summer facial treatment -- especially if you're a sun worshipper.

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