Spring is here and with it comes a desire to pack up a lunch (or dinner) and head out to a park for an outdoor feast. Celebrate National Picnic Day April 23 with a meal outside at one of these nine spots.
Chagrin Falls’ Riverside Park
Located in downtown Chagrin Falls, this park boasts a playground and covered picnic shelter and is close enough to the picturesque waterfalls and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream if you want to finish your meal off with cool treat. North Main Street, Chagrin Falls, chagrin-falls.org
Eastman Reading Garden
What is a good picnic without a good book to read? Named after a former director of the Cleveland Public Library, the Eastman Reading Garden is located between the Main Library Building and the Louis Stokes Wing, downtown, and it is often the site for temporary art exhibitions. 325 Superior Ave., Cleveland, 216-623-2800, cpl.org
Garfield Park Reservation
Home to Cuyahoga County’s tallest waterfall, the Mill Creek Falls overlook, Garfield Park Reservation also offers picnic areas, biking and hiking trails and a wetland to explore. This reservation within Cleveland Metroparks offers diverse wildlife and recreational activities such as a ball field and a physical fitness trail. 11350 Broadway Ave., Garfield Heights, 216-341-1707, clevelandmetroparks.com
Horseshoe Pond
While the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is full of premier picnic spots, Horseshoe Pond is a breathtaking view and offers access to the Tree Farm Trail. The 2.75-mile trail is great for birdwatching, or just spend the afternoon relaxing or fishing at the pond. 2075 Major Road, Peninsula, 440-717-3890, nps.gov
Lakewood Park’s Solstice Steps
If you are not keen on sitting out in the sun all day, Lakewood Park’s Solstice Steps are the perfect location for an evening picnic. The steps are cut into what used to be a construction landfill and look right out onto Lake Erie, offering a lovely view of the sunset. 14532 Lake Ave., Lakewood, onelakewood.com
Lincoln Park
Take advantage of this once private park, which Clevelanders repetitively tore the fence down on until the city was able to purchase it in 1880. Today, the 8-acre park offers an oasis in the center of Tremont, making it a quick walk to coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants. 1200 Starkweather Ave., Cleveland, 216-664-2570, experiencetremont.com
Lithuanian Cultural GardenWhile any of the 33 gardens within University Circle’s Cultural Gardens are appealing picnic spots, the view offered from the Lithuanian Garden’s three tier setup is stunning. The top level of this lyre shaped garden features a balcony that overlooks the fauna and MLK Drive. 1010 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-220-3075, clevelandculturalgardens.org
Public Square
You cannot get more Cleveland than the center of the city, making Public Square an iconic picnic spot. The Gund Foundation Green in the north half between Overlook Hill and the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Concert Hill is a relaxing place to spread out your picnic blanket and enjoy some greenery within the heart of downtown. 50 Public Square, Cleveland, 216-503-8103, clevelandpublicsquare.com
Wade Lagoon
Wade Lagoon at the south end of Wade Park is an idyllic place for a picnic. The bronze statue "Night Passing the Earth to Day," two titans upholding the globe, overlooks the lagoon, and from the statue is a splendid view of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Euclid Avenue, Cleveland
