The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Ariana Reese Guido

About Ariana Reese Guido

Ariana is a senior at Byram Hills High School and is an avid musician. She lives in Armonk with her parents, two siblings, and her dog Bo.

Best Local Spots for Staying Active This Spring

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As spring slowly approaches, it’s time to trade in those heated blankets for some comfortable walking shoes.

Fortunately, you don’t need to book a flight, plan a trip, or venture too far to reap the health benefits of being outdoors. Whether you live in Armonk, Chappaqua, Pleasantville, or Briarcliff Manor, there are truly so many beautiful places to explore. To help you fully take advantage of these opportunities, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite outdoor spots in each of these towns, so you can add them to your springtime itinerary and start making up for all the time cooped up inside.

Armonk

Wampus Brook P ark
PHOTO COURTESY OF
NORTH CASTLE PARKS &
RECREATION

Armonk is home to some beautiful parks, perfect for a springtime stroll with a friend or on your own. Wampus Brook Park is located just outside Armonk’s Town Square. The park’s mini bridge offers a perfect view of the beautiful lake, home to many forms of aquatic life. Further down is the park’s charming gazebo, where various town events are held each year.

Additionally, the North Castle Community Park, located at 205 Business Drive, features approximately 30 acres of soccer and softball fields, as well as platform tennis courts. There is also a track for walking or jogging. The park also includes two playgrounds near a seating area–perfect for keeping the little ones busy while catching up with a friend or getting some relaxation time. And it now includes a long-awaited doggy park, so be sure to bring your furry friends along!

Westmoreland Sanctuary, a 640-acre preserve, is another great destination. Bordering Armonk (but in Mount Kisco), it offers 8.5 miles of hiking trails and a Nature Center where little ones can see live animals and enjoy educational exhibits and displays. Admission is free, and it’s a fun place to spend a springtime afternoon.

Chappaqua & Millwood

Gedney Park
PHOTO BY GRACE BENNETT

Chappaqua contains some truly beautiful paths and trails that come to life in the spring. Whippoorwill Park is the perfect mini escape where soft green leaves fill the forest canopy, wildflowers edge the trails, and birdsong fills the air. Rolling wooded hills, a tucked-away pond, and meandering paths invite walkers, runners, and dog owners to explore and breathe in the season.

Chappaqua is also home to Gedney Park. Wooded trails wind around a peaceful pond and wetlands, while playgrounds, picnic areas, and ballfields offer fun for families. Whether strolling, running, or watching wildlife, the park blends natural beauty and community-friendly spaces for creating a picture-perfect spring day.

Not far from Whippoorwill and Gedney, the North County Trailway in Millwood offers another way to enjoy the season on foot or wheels. This paved, multi use path runs north to south through Westchester County along the old Putnam Railroad corridor, giving walkers, runners, and cyclists a long, scenic route that feels both wide open and tucked into nature. Its gentle grade and smooth surface make it ideal for a springtime ride, jog, or extended walk, tying together outdoor exploration with easy access to town and surrounding preserves.

Pleasantville

Graham Hills P ark
PHOTO COURTESY OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY PARKS

Pleasantville is home to various outdoor spaces that blend nature with social connections. One example of this is Graham Hills Park. Its network of roughly five miles of winding single track trails threads through varied woods, rolling hills, streams, and rock features, making it a draw for both mountain bikers and hikers alike.

As the weather warms, Pleasantville’s Pool & Recreation Park becomes a lively centerpiece for community fun and relaxation. At the Village Pool on Lake Street, families and swimmers enjoy lap lanes, shallow areas for kids, and plenty of space to cool off in the sunshine, making it a go to spot as spring slides into summer. Surrounding the pool, Nannahagan Park’s playgrounds, walking trail around the pond, and open green areas offer plenty of options for strolls, picnics, and playful afternoons close to home. Whether you’re dipping toes in the water or lingering on a shaded bench, this vibrant village space captures the joyful energy of the season.

Additionally, springtime in Pleasantville brings outdoor energy and community charm. From morning yoga, boot camps, and outdoor group workouts in the parks to leisurely village strolls– coffee in hand–the streets come alive as patios fill up and windows open to the sunshine. Whether you’re breaking a sweat or savoring a slow walk, the season invites residents to move, mingle, and enjoy the fresh air.

Briarcliff Manor

Law Memorial Park
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIARCLIFF MANOR SCARBOROUGH HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Briarcliff Manor is known for its scenic river views and refined social spaces. The Law Memorial Park is a seven acre park that features a large outdoor pool complex with both a main swimming pool and a circular wading pool, a welcoming bathhouse and pavilion, four tennis courts, a playground, and plenty of grassy space to relax.

The Pocantico Park, also located in Briarcliff Manor, entails a trail along the Pocantico Lake, stretching for seventy acres. One can access this park through its entry point at Old Sleepy Hollow Road and get ready for a beautiful hike along the length of the lake. Home to various marvelous wildlife and a spectacular view of the river, this is a popular hiking spot that one should absolutely take advantage of this spring.

As scenic as the snow glistening on trees can be, I think we can all agree that watching nature awaken all around us, with longer days, increased sunlight, and blooming flowers, invokes a renewed sense of energy and excitement that only spring can bring. This spring let’s make wellness a priority by taking advantage of the magnificent parks, trails, and preserves that we are so fortunate to have available to us right in our own backyards and free of charge–no passport needed.

Pets Get the Winter Blues, too … 10 Tips to Keep Your Fur Babies Feeling Fabulous During the Colder Months

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Winter can be harsh on our furry friends. Just like us, our pets miss the outdoors and the frequent walks enjoyed during warmer seasons. The decrease in activities, such as running in the yard, rolling in the grass, or playing fetch, takes a toll on their bodies. Unlike us, our pets can’t simply go to the gym or hop on a Peloton to compensate for the sudden shift in activity level. Nor can they do a detox or cleanse to reset their shifting metabolisms.

So, what can we do to help them stay healthy and safe? Not to fret! We asked local veterinarians, Dr. Lindsey Thomas and Dr. Valerie Carril of Healing Paws Veterinary Center, and professional dog groomer, Kelly Leveille of Zenfully Yours Grooming, for their expert advice and compiled a list of “Top 10 Tips” to keep your pets feeling fabulous all winter long.

1. Limit Time Outdoors

Pets can be affected by very cold temperatures, just like people. Even those with a thick coat can find it uncomfortable or even dangerous when temperatures get below freezing. Tiny dogs and cats, and those that are young or old, can be more susceptible to conditions like hypothermia and frostbite. Cold weather can also worsen certain conditions in older pets, such as arthritis.

2. Don’t Skip Paw Patrol Duty

Ice, snow, and harsh conditions can dry out paw pads. Check paws frequently in the winter and ask your veterinarian or groomer about safe products to use if you notice signs of damage. Salt can also irritate paws and cause gastrointestinal upset if a pet licks their paws after coming in contact with it. It’s best to cover paws with booties or wipe paws promptly after walking outside.

3. Watch Out for Winter Toxins

Keep anti-freeze and other deicing products out of reach of pets in the winter. Anti-freeze can have a sweet flavor, so it is a common toxicity seen in veterinary practice. Ingestion can lead to very severe issues and even death.

4. Practice Fire Safety

Make sure to keep pets away from space heaters and block access to fireplaces to prevent burns. This is especially concerning with cats, as they often seek heat sources when temperatures are low.

5. Be Prepared for Storms

Storm preparation should include pet supplies too – When preparing for impending blizzards or heavy snowfall, make sure you have enough pet food and medications to last at least a few days in case you are unable to travel.

6. Don’t Overlook Grooming

While overbathing is not recommended during the winter months, consistent grooming is essential to maintain a healthy coat and prevent matting, especially if you like to keep your pet on the fluffier side.

7. Don’t forget the H20 & Moisturizer

Pets can get dehydrated in the winter months, too! This is especially true when the heat is turned on, and the indoor air becomes drier. Make sure fresh, clean water is always available. Indoor heating can also cause noses and paws to get incredibly dry, so be sure to have an ointment or balm on hand to combat this.

8. Don’t Get Carried Away With “Sweater Weather”

While it’s tempting to keep your pets well-dressed and warm around the clock, it is highly recommended to remove sweaters periodically and keep up with regular brushing, as wearing sweaters for extended periods can lead to mats and knots.

9. Practice Portion Control & Be Mindful of Extra Treats

A no-brainer – active pets burn more calories. With pets spending more time indoors, overfeeding them can lead to weight gain and health issues. Even if you don’t give your pets table food, try to prevent extra treats and snacks from being fed to your pet by guests in and out during the holiday season.

10. Create a Fun and Cozy Space

A warm bed and a fluffy blanket, positioned in a draft-free space where family members also gather, makes for a very happy pet. Enjoy teaching your pet a new trick, playing hide-and-seek with their favorite toys, and extra snuggling time during the winter!

Enjoy moments and snowy adventures with your pets this winter but remember to keep their comfort and safety in mind. A little extra care ensures the season stays fun and healthy for everyone.