Pick a Place to Picnic

By Kathy Dean

The north metro Atlanta area has many comfortable, picturesque spots for you to enjoy a leisurely outdoor meal. Pack your picnic basket with your favorite munchies and drinks, then pick a place to spread your tablecloth. There are some well-known parks to consider.

■ Chastain Park in Buckhead is known for its amphitheater, of course. But it also offers a sheltered picnic pavilion and walking trails. 135 W. Wieuca Rd., Atlanta, 30342; chastainpark.org, click on Park Amenities.

■ Piedmont Park has many different options for picnickers, including 22 grills throughout the park and a picnic shelter with grills, electricity and water. Some spaces are first come, first serve and others require reservations. 400 Park Dr., Atlanta 30306; piedmontpark.org, click on Things to Do, then Food and Beverage.

■ Stone Mountain Park offers two picnic areas: the Studdard, with over 200 tables, and Triangle Picnic Areas, closest to the “Crossroads,” where all the action is. While they’re free, you will need to pay for parking. 1000 Robert E. Lee Rd., Stone Mountain 30083; stonemountainpark.com.

National and state parks are other good picnic options.

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