We’re having a heat wave, “a tropical heatwave,” but we’ve got ways to keep you cool. Did you know, for example, that one of the top nude beaches in the world is located in New Jersey? There’s a party going on at Lincoln Center and you can cool off sitting poolside. Our roving photographer has the scoop. Visit the bird sanctuary in Central Park; take free kayak lessons on the Hudon River; or retreat to the peacefulness of JP Morgan’s Garden. And reporting in from the Hamptons, Randie Levine Miller has the scoop on the “Unconditional Love Gala.” And to cool off and get hot at the same time, go to a nice air conditioned movie theater and see Barbie with the very hot Ryan Gosling and the stunning Margot Robbie who are terrific. I loved the movie!

Unconditional Love Gala

Reporting from Southampton, Randie Levine Miller recently attended the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation’s 14th Annual Unconditional Love Gala, which took place at the Muses in Southampton, New York.  Proceeds from this event directly support the more than 5000 animals who come through their doors each year. The nonprofit organization is supported exclusively by donations and grants from the community. This is a cause that she personally supports. For additional information, please visit, http://www.sasf.org

Now-Aug. 12. Festival of New York

Nothing beats summer days in New York City with its great unique and creative offerings of outdoor activities. Our roving photographer, Nicole Freezer Rubins reports in on the party going on at Lincoln Center through August 12th. Festival of New York includes The Oasis installed on Josie Roberson Plaza. Summer for the City hosts a series of silent disco dance parties, jiving simultaneously with public libraries in Brooklyn and Queens. The next party under the planet-sized disco ball will be at 8pm on August 6th. Admission is free and on a first-come first-served basis.

When the silent music isn’t blaring, The program has created a tropical getaway in the concrete jungle, with 200 plastic pink flamingos soaking up the sun in the shadow of the Henry Moore sculpture in the reflecting pool. This juxtaposition is priceless. Sit poolside and relax surrounded by 16 acres and the great architecture of Lincoln Center. While relaxing go to www.lincolncenter.org to explore the multitude of other events offered. Celebrate summer the city way!

~Nicole Freezer Rubens is the author of poetry/photo book, “The Long Pause and the Short Breath.” Follow her on https://www.instagram.com/nfrconsult/

Nude Bathing Anyone?

Well, here’s one way to cool off. Situated on the stunning Sandy Hook peninsula in South Jersey is Gunnison Beach,  an idyllic coastal paradise. It has a rich history, established as a nude beach in the 1970s. Over the years, it has gained recognition as one of the top nude beaches worldwide. We dare you!

Learn to kayak on the Hudson River

NYC Tourism reports there’s free kayaking from multiple boathouses around the city, including Hudson River Park’s Pier 26 which has the largest program, as well as great views of the Lower Manhattan skyline. You’ll be equipped with a mandatory life vest, instructions on how to kayak and then off you go in the Hudson. You can also launch a vessel from the park’s Pier 96 and Brooklyn Bridge Park. GET THE DETAILS.

The Bird Sanctuary at Central Park

The smallest of the Park’s three woodland landscapes, the Hallett Nature Sanctuary offers visitors an intimate experience of nature just steps from the busy streets of midtown. Rustic trails wind up and down the hill, leading to various overlooks and sitting areas near the shore of the Pond. Located on the east between 60^th and 62^nd Street. GET THE DETAIL

The Garden at Morgan Library

A perfect retreat in the middle of the city. Last year, The Morgan Library & Museum unveiled their garden which had been J.P. Morgan’s side yard with classical sculptures from the financier’s collection.

According to The New York Times, the museum hired the British landscape architect Todd Longstaffe-Gowan — whose commissions have included Hampton Court and Kensington and Kew Palaces — to design the 5,000 square foot garden parallel to the facade of the library.  In 1912 Morgan asked the landscape architect Beatrix Jones (later Beatrix Farrand) to design a garden in the space between his home and the library; her design was never executed. “With the garden, we endeavored to showcase the library’s exterior and offer visitors moments to pause and engage with the architecture itself,” said Morgan’s director, Colin B. Bailey. GET THE DETAIL.