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 Kathy Horowitz facilitates a monthly women’s writer’s group at the Life Center in Huntington. Her work has appeared in The Long Islander, Long Island Woman, Calyx, Blue Unicorn, and Seventh Quarry. Kathy offers freelance writing, editing, and proofreading services. (kahorowitz@gmail.com) www.kathyhorowitz.com. |
| The healthy, active lifestyle trend is continuing to grow and what better way to get a full body and mind workout than hiking/biking and then relaxing at a picnic. There are numerous parks and preserves on Long Island to get you and your loved ones out there (www.discoverlongisland.com). Here are several picks, all of which accept the Empire Pass. Bethpage State Park and Massapequa Park Preserve (www.trails.com). Begin your bike ride or hike from the park for 8 miles of paved trails past the polo grounds and the infamous Bethpage State Golf Course (Blue and Yellow courses), along the path to Massapequa Park Preserve where you ride along a peaceful stream studded with wildflowers. Once there, you can picnic along the lake, which is home to waterfowl and many bird species. Locals throw their fishing rods into the lake. Of course, you can do it in reverse, and picnic once you get to Bethpage State Park where there’s a playground for the kids. Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, Lloyd Harbor. The English-style estate and preserve is situated on a scenic peninsula extending into Long Island Sound. It offers miles of bridle paths, walking/hiking, biking, and nature trails over 1,200 acres of forest, meadows, rock shoreline, and salt marsh. While riding or hiking you’ll pass historic buildings, which are used for equestrian and environmental programs. Picnic by the Sound and head into Huntington Village afterward for ice cream at Herrell’s, Kilwin’s, or Ben & Jerry’s. Heckscher State Park, East Islip. Home to over 1,600 acres on the shore of the Great South Bay, there are 4 miles of paved trails for biking, hiking, and nature lovers. Ride your bike along the trails around Heckscher; walk the beach, and then go for a swim. This is a perfect place to enjoy a large family picnic! Montauk Point State Park and Lighthouse, Montauk. If you’re the ambitious type, ride your bike from Old Montauk Highway (near the iconic Gurney’s Inn) all the way to Montauk Point (8 ½ miles). Pack your lunch and head to the beach to walk the nature trails and then for well-deserved relaxation and a spectacular view. If you can stay until nighttime, there’s no better place than here for stargazing. For more information on the latter three parks, go to www.parks.ny.gov. Whatever your energy level, ride or hike with family and friends to reconnect with nature and with one another. Then treat yourself to dessert afterward. You deserve it! |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 