This ain't your mama's picnic

Discover five random places to chow down outdoors.

Despite the weather being a bit of a pissant lately, we have our picnic baskets packed and ready for a weekend lunch in the sun. But where to go? Parks are predictable (though we’ll recommend a couple of those, too)—we want a spot where the interestingness factor is high.

South Campbell Avenue footbridge
Nice. This elevated, mostly flat expanse of concrete provides a great view of the Springfield skyline, and a bird’s-eye view of several South Campbell fender-benders to boot. If you’re a little more brave, risk dirty looks from the bicyclers on the South Kansas Expressway footbridge (just north of Sunset) or the Jefferson Avenue footbridge near the Commercial Street pavilion.

Fellows Lake
Native north-siders may know this one: on the south end of Fellow’s Lake there’s a trail from the road to the lake that runs parallel to the shore, leaving plenty of secluded spots for a romantic picnic and post-meal blanket mischief with your sweetums. Make sure it’s not duck hunting season, and you’re good to go.

Nathaniel Greene Park and Japanese Stroll Garden
This park on South Scenic Avenue is the go-to place for anything outdoors and relaxing in Springfield, and with good reason: the mammoth green space is big enough to have a modicum of privacy even on crowded days. Flat areas, picnic tables and even pavilions are available.

Park Central Square
If it’s a relatively hobo-free day, just spread a blanket near the fountain and people-watch. You can’t bring alcohol, but Marco’s, Trolley’s, Big Whiskey’s and Riad are only a short walk away, and the urban eye-candy really is second to none on the weekends. Try setting out a guitar case or hat. Who knows? Maybe someone will toss you a nickel or two.

Missouri State University
Get this: Every second Sunday during the summer, Missouri State hosts a free carillon concert. A carillon is basically a huge bell tower, and MSU’s Jane A. Meyer Carillon is one of the nation’s nicest. We’re not sure what they play—a cover of “Hell’s Bells” is probably out of the question, right?—but the free ambiance and collegiate atmosphere is enough to convince us to go. 2007 concerts begin June 10.