Yesterday, we went to North Park for the second time. We found the park as we were getting lost on our way to a bowling alley, and after seeing the lush scenery, we vowed to come back. The first time we went, we rented bicycles for six dollars each for one hour and rode around the park for a bit. During the ride, we discovered the lake, and returned the bicycles and visited the lake by car. We were able to park in a small lot and walked around. This walk convinced us to come back. Our second trip, yesterday, was for a picnic we had been planning.
These four are from our first visit. The last four are from yesterday's picnic.
For our picnic, we made turkey, cheddar, bacon, and cucumber sandwiches, and brought chips, cookies, a can of peaches, a plum, and some soda with us. We used a regular blanket that we had lying around the house. After parking the car in the park, we walked until we found a nice open space underneath some trees. Even after eating, we hung around on the blanket for another hour or so, relaxing, and enjoying the day as the sun set behind the trees that surrounded our site. Afterwards, we packed up and ended the day with some shaved ice. I had blue raspberry and Richard had Tiger's Blood, a mix of strawberry and coconut. We accidentally got these for free, as we tried to pay for these by card, only to discover that they only took cash. After checking our pockets for any change and finding we had none, the teenage girl that served us checked quickly behind her and quietly told us we could just have them. How wonderful!
The coolest thing about this park is that is has so much to offer. You can rent bicycles, paddle boats and kayaks, you can have parties and picnics, or just walk around. There are tennis courts, an ice skating rink, and both batting cages and driving ranges throughout the area. In addition to walking the paths paved by the park, there are little ones accessed just by crossing the grass, giving you a chance to just sit by the water for a little while.
Comments:
This park cannot be fully experienced in one whole day. There's just too much to do, see, and explore. I suggest planning some days to just walk, as well as planning days to have picnics or other events.
Always be responsible! Take care of your own trash -- there are plenty of waste receptacles all over the park and there is no excuse for littering here.
Entering the park is entirely free, so coming here can be a completely spend-free event if you choose to make it so.
Aside from the pub and café on the edge of the park, and the restaurant on the far end, there are no food venues throughout. If you plan to have a meal there, be sure you know where these places are, or bring your own!
One of my favourite things about this park is that it's very quiet and comfortable for someone who grew up in the country and moved to the city. If you're in the 'burgh and missing some good old fashioned greenery, head up to North Park.
If you're not in the Pittsburgh area, or even close enough to North Park to enjoy it, check out the internet for a park near you. Remember, dates don't have to be indoors!
And that's it for our most recent visit to North Park! We hope you enjoyed reading, and can get some ideas about a visit to your local park.
As always, if you have any comments, concerns, or suggestions, leave them in the comments below.
Thanks for reading this week's adventure on Endorphin Walrus!
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