Adobe Stock/ Linda Harms
On days when it feels too hot to move, an easy amble around Westchester followed by a relaxing refresher equals a perfect summer day.
Croton Gorge Park + Table 9
Cortlandt Manor; parks.westchestergov.com; tablenine.com
Affording impressive views of the Croton Dam and spillway, this lush 97-acre property (sprawling across the base of the dam) is a popular spot for walking and hiking, with direct trail access to the Old Croton Aqueduct.
Fresh, frozen cocktails, martinis, mojitos, a dozen beers on tap, and Dom Perignon by the bottle keep this modern, up-county meetup spot hopping and happy at the large bar and lounge area.
Five Islands Park + Maria Restaurant
New Rochelle; newrochelleny.com; marianewrochelle.com
Constituting a group of islands (five, as you might’ve guessed) interconnected by sweet pedestrian bridges, this rustic, natural space is frequented by nature lovers, birdwatchers, and savvy walkers who take advantage of the mile-long loop that remains relatively quiet despite its popularity among accomplished pedestrians.
A shimmering, marble-topped bar mingles well with exposed brick and lapis-hued banquettes, all perfectly suited for sipping on local craft beers and Italian IPAs, wine, and a concise but complete cocktail lineup.
Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden + One Twenty One
North Salem; hammondmuseum.org; 121restaurant.com
Encompassing everything a Japanese garden should be — meticulously plotted walking paths carved into minimalist, natural environs — the setting here is infinitely serene and highly conducive to reflection, meditation, and an urge to slow things down.
Fresh, modern cocktails pair well with the decidedly chic-country vibe indoors at the buzzy bar and especially en plein air, on the appealing wraparound porch.
Lasdon Park + The Whitlock
Katonah; lasdonpark.org; thewhitlockkatonah.com
Showcasing nearly 240 acres of woodlands, open-grass meadows, and formal gardens with flower and shrub specimens from around the globe, this magnificent green gift is also home to memorials and a museum that pays homage to Westchester veterans.
Seasonally inspired, locally sourced spirits dominate the creative beverage program at this elevated neighborhood haunt, which also proffers a handful of high-brow wines and several suds on tap.
Rockefeller State Park Preserve + Pubstreet
Pleasantville; parks.ny.gov; pubstreet.com
Quiet, country carriage trails — 45 acres’ worth — meander through forested hills and verdant valleys (encircled by sunlit pastures), perfect for walking yourself or your dog and/or pushing a stroller.
Quenching, fruit-forward craft cocktails with intoxicatingly clever monikers (Punch in the Mouth, anyone?) tempt at the always active yet intimate bar, which attracts a young, discerning, neighborhood bunch.
Untermyer Gardens Conservancy + Gianna’s
Yonkers; untermyergardens.org; giannasyonkers.com
A blooming, breathtaking oasis in the heart of NYS’ third-largest city, this majestic park-like garden spans 150 acres and offers mesmerizing views of the Hudson River and Palisades, plus intimate spots to stop and sit a spell amid ancient stone structures and glistening reflecting pools.
A wall of windows illuminates the sleek, inviting bar, where an impressive cocktail menu zeroes in on imaginative mules, margaritas, and martinis that go from light and fruity, like the raspberry peach quencher, to rich and luscious concoctions, Ã la tiramisu or salted caramel.
Related: How to Give Your Westchester Closet a Springtime Redesign
