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5 spots for a fall picnic
Published: 10/26/2011 7:00 AM
Last Modified: 10/25/2011 7:16 PM


Nature trails and a suspension bridge make the Ray Harral Nature Park in Broken Arrow a fun picnic spot.


Window view from the Pawnee Bathhouse - a unique spot for a picnic lunch.

These are picnic days. This weekend's weather calls for temperatures in the 60s, sunshine and a cool breeze. These are days meant for dragging quilts across a park, a thermos full of soup and a bag packed with books.

Fall picnics are my favorite. Spring and summer picnics are great, with their fried chicken, lemonade and Frisbee-throwing fun. But fall picnics seem to call us to a slower pace.

If it's a family picnic, load a basket with sandwiches, snacks, cheese and something unexpectedly fun for dessert, like a caramel apple Bundt cake.

For couples on a leisurely afternoon out, pick up a variety of cheese, including some you've never before tried. Pack a good wine or a mulled cider in a thermos. Leave your phone in the car – or at least your pocket – and instead spend the time reading, talking or daydreaming.

Here are five spots in and around Tulsa perfect for a fall picnic.

1. River Parks
If you're bringing children along, grab a spot of green space near the plaza at 41st Street and Riverside Drive. That leaves you in close proximity to the playground and restrooms. If you want more seclusion, just bike or walk down Riverside until you find a nice spot.
41st Street and Riverside Drive

2. Woodward Park
It's Tulsa's quintessential picnic destination for a reason. Even though it's in the heart of midtown, it's quite possible to find a quiet place in this park. Woodward was made for picnics, with its enveloping trees, trickling waterfall and room to run and play.
21st Street and Peoria Avenue

3. Ray Harral Nature Park
You'll feel like you've tapped in to an undiscovered location when you spy this Broken Arrow park's gardens, nature trails and, the best part, a suspension walk bridge. Pull up to one of the picnic shelters for a covered picnic or bring a blanket and stop for a snack on a nature walk.
7101 S. Third St. in Broken Arrow

4. Pawnee Bathhouse
It's too cold for swimming, but don't let that stop you from making a trip to the bathhouse at Pawnee Lake. Built in 1939 as a WPA project, the bathhouse overlooks a fresh water pool and sandy beach. Walk down the stone steps, and find a spot around the lake for your picnic lunch.
1 mile north of Pawnee on OK 18 (Pawnee is about an hour west of Tulsa)

5. Chandler Park
Chandler may seem like the forgotten park since it's not a drive-by spot for most living in Tulsa. But being a little out of the way makes you feel like you're getting away. The fall foliage at Chandler is beautiful, so park yourself next to a tree and enjoy the show.
6500 W. 21st St.



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Tulsa To Do

Nour Habib joined the Tulsa World in 2011 as a general assignment reporter for the Scene section. She graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in journalism and political science. Before joining the World, she covered education for a community newspaper.

She looks forward to keeping up with all there is to do in Tulsa and sharing it with you. Because, after all, the more she finds, the more she gets to do, too.

Send any fun or interesting events her way at nour.habib@tulsaworld.com.

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