It's officially the dog days of summer.

Not only does it feel like it because Phoenix has seen triple-digit temperatures since early May, but according to the Farmer’s Almanac, the “dog days of summer” run from July 3 to Aug. 11.

It is hot, with no sign of slowing down soon.

While it feels slightly unbearable outside and you might be wondering why you live in Phoenix anyway, this is also the perfect time to pack the car, hit the road, get out of the city and reconnect with nature. Because not all of Arizona feels this hot all summer.

In this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we are joined by Arizona Republic cultures and outdoors reporter Shanti Lerner for recommendations on where you can go to keep things cooler.

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