Picnic Places

I know the blog has taken a sojourn from discussing restaurants and the like but the weather's making me think: go outside! And a great way to enjoy out side is to do some eating! So here are my top places to have a picnic in St. John's:

Bannerman Park on Military Rd. is a great spot for a picnic. Lots of green space for a blanket a small playground and pool near by if you want some after-lunch entertainment. The front of the park is tree-covered but the closer you get to Circular Rd. the more open the space becomes. It's a hang-out for young folk and skateboarders often use the nearby Colonial Building for practice so that will either appeal to you or send you in the opposite direction...you decide.

Bowering Park is huge park in the middle of the West end of the city. The places to picnic are endless here so just take a stoll around until you find either a grassy knoll or a table. The duck pond is a favorite, walking tails, tennis courts, swimming pool and the must-see conservatory are all picnic extras.

Harbourside Park is downtown on the East end of Water St. and it has a lovely view of the narrows. Find a nice bench from which you can catch the scenery, people watch and eat your sandwich all at the same time. Warning: this is near the dreaded bubble in the harbour so the smell might be a bit much for some. The City of St. John's is doing a lunctime concert series at Harbourside Park which I really recommend you make a point of checking out! Also Shakespeare by the Sea productions is doing Romeo and Juliet here this summer so keep that in mind.

Fort Amherst is a lovely spot on the other side of the St. John's harbour. Take stroll over there and plop yourself down on one of the massive rocks or left-over guns. You'll be so near the city yet feel very far away. The museum out there also has a small tea room.

Quidi Vidi village (east end of downtown and keep going) is a great spot for a picnic. There's the lake and the many spots around it. Joggers and walkers love to go around the lake and the city has just added an outdoor gym (think adult playground) on the Pleasentville side of the lake. A social enterprise project recently started offering picnics in the area so why not save yourself some work, enjoy a wonderful meal and give back at the same time? Go a little farther to the village and you'll find some great views and lovely people. There's Quidi Vidi Battery where you can get a tour, pick berries (unofficially, of course) and take in the views of the ocean. There is also a beautiful but challenging hike from the Battery to Signal Hill and there are lots of picnic options along the way.

So there is my list...but remember there are loads more places to plop yourself down and enjoy some local food or food from home. Just get out there this weekend and start exploring.