Must-Picnic Spots: Moscow, Idaho
For those who
believe that food tastes better outdoors, Moscow, Idaho provides some
excellent spots to savor a sandwich as well as the surroundings. Pack
your blanket and a basket of food and head to one of these places, each
perfect for a special type of picnic.
The University of Idaho Arboretum
is located east of the University Golf Course on Nez Perce Drive. Visit
www.uidaho.edu/arboretum to learn of upcoming events, the plant
of the month, project updates, and to download a tour map.
At the University of
Idaho Arboretum you will enjoy a quiet, yet educational picnic. Park
your blanket under one of the many trees, and learn its common and
botanical name while you enjoy the spring blossoms, summer shade, or the
turning leaves of autumn. If the tree looks unfamiliar, you may be
lounging under one of the rare trees growing in the Arboretum, such as
the Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) or the
Camperdownii Weeping Elm (Ulmus glabra ‘Camperdownii’). After
lunch, wander one of the many trails through this 63-acre paradise, and
travel to each of the geographical groupings, including Europe, Eastern
and Western North America, and Asia. Watch ducks glide on the pond as
you heed the words of Henry David Thoreau inscribed on your bench: “It
is the marriage of the soul with Nature that makes the intellect
fruitful, and gives birth to the imagination.” With exotic trees and
plants lining the trails, it may be easy to forget you are in Idaho, but
a glance at the horizon reveals the familiar rolling hills of the
Palouse. Unfortunately, the beauty and serenity of the location can’t
be shared by all; in order to preserve and protect the plant
environment, pets are not allowed in the Arboretum.
Berman Creekside Park is located
in southeast Moscow at 338 Styner Avenue.
If Scruffy wants to
join you for an afternoon picnic, put him on his leash and follow the
Paradise Path east
from the UI campus to Berman Creekside Park. The bank of the creek
flowing through this small park provides a perfect place to plop down
and enjoy an outdoor meal. Or you can make use of the large picnic
shelter. The expansive lawn at the park is ideal for tossing a Frisbee
or playing catch. Once you’ve polished off the last crumbs from your
picnic, hop on a bike and explore other stops along the path. Just
don’t forget to clean up after Scruffy.
East City Park is located on 3rd
and Hayes Streets.
If a weekend family
picnic spot is what you’re looking for, pack the chicken and soda and
head for the centrally located East City Park of Moscow. The kids will
chow down and quickly disappear to play on the new playground equipment
and swing sets. Before you head to the horseshoe pit, relax for a spell
under the giant oak trees that provide a canopy of shade over most of
the park. East City Park is a great place for large groups to enjoy a
picnic or barbeque in the outdoor picnic shelter. By organizing a
recreational activity, you can take advantage of the lawns, sand
volleyball court, and basketball court. Or you can plan your picnic
around one of the many summer concerts. The park is conveniently
located, only a few blocks from Main Street. It’s easy to walk, ride a
bike, or hop on a Valley Transit bus that stops at the park every
half-hour on its daily route.
Whatever your
version of picnic, Moscow provides the ideal setting. Bring your own
food and the scenery is free!