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On a recent family road trip during these COVID-19 times, my family and I were determined to patronize as many local restaurants as possible. We found ourselves, though, eating several take-out meals from these restaurants in our car. If you have kids, you understand how much damage that can do to your car after a few days.
Since we have over 200 restaurants here in the Winchester area, most of which are offering to-go ordering, we quickly realized there may be a lot of visiting folks on road trips in the same predicament I found myself in. We began to put together a list, which grew well beyond what we thought we had, of great local spots where you can enjoy your takeout meals at picnic tables.
If you want to just skip right to a map, we created a custom Google Map just for you. Or browse below in our blog to find that perfect spot for your next meal.
Enjoy, and thank you for supporting our many locally owned restaurants!
~Justin Kerns, Executive Director, Winchester-Frederick County CVB
Belle Grove Plantation Picnic Tables
This beautiful property, surrounded by the Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historic Park, has several picnic tables and trash cans located throughout the fenced-in area of the property. They prefer (but not require) that this area is used during business hours. The grounds are free, and there are free restrooms in the barn during business hours (please check their website or Facebook page for current hours). Map
Parking: Free
Hours: Business hours preferred
Covered/Shaded: Yes, trees
Restrooms Nearby: Yes, free during business hours
Grill(s): No
Pets allowed: No
Ownership: Belle Grove Plantation
Clearbrook Park Picnic Tables
There are a great number and variety of picnic tables here. Many are shaded by trees and/or shelters, and several are waterfront around the lake. Parking and restrooms are free. Enter the park at the lot off of Brucetown Rd. Map
Parking: Free
Hours: 8am till dusk
Covered/Shaded: Trees and roofs
Restrooms Nearby: Yes, free within the park
Grill(s): Yes, charcoal
Pets allowed: Yes, on leash
Ownership: Frederick County Parks and Recreation
Creekside Town Center Picnic Area
There are a number of great local restaurants here in this more upscale shopping center, and there are several public (not associated with any particular restaurant) picnic tables in a small cluster right here. Free parking, however no public restrooms. Map
Parking: Free
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Covered/Shaded: No
Restrooms Nearby: Yes, at several restaurants if you’re patronizing them
Grill(s): No
Pets allowed: Yes, on leash
Ownership: Creekside Town Center Management
Frederick Heights Park Picnic Tables
There are three picnic tables, offering varying levels of natural/tree shade, in this new and very peaceful neighborhood park. Expect to walk a short distance to each of the tables. Fields, natural preserve areas and a playground are all available here for free. There are no restrooms at this park. Map
Parking: Free
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Covered/Shaded: Partial, trees
Restrooms Nearby: No
Grill(s): No
Pets allowed: Yes, on leash
Ownership: Frederick County Parks and Recreation
Gainesboro Tourist Park Picnic Tables
This qualifies as one of the coolest little spots on our list – if nothing else because the Ruritan Club in the very small community of Gainesboro saw fit to create this generous little free spot for passersby through their community. Map
Parking: Free
Hours: 24 hours
Covered/Shaded: Yes, pavilion
Restrooms Nearby: Yes, a porta-potty is usually on-site
Grill(s): No
Pets allowed: Yes, on leash
Ownership: Gainesboro Ruritan Club
Homestead Farm Picnic Tables
There are several picnic tables here at this small but vibrant local farm market. The owners are very welcoming of folks bringing their own food and eating at their tables during their regular business hours, but please also consider leaving room for a tasty treat served inside, like hand-dipped ice cream, home baked cookies and pies, or fresh fruit from their farm. Enjoy! Map
Parking: Free
Hours: Business hours – please check Facebook page
Covered/Shaded: Some with umbrellas
Restrooms Nearby: Yes, at the farm market during business hours
Grill(s): No
Pets allowed: Yes, on leash
Ownership: Homestead Farm at Fruit Hill Orchard
Jim Barnett Park
There is an abundance of picnic tables throughout this surprisingly large park. Some are randomly placed, and some are under shelters. We recommend driving around the park and finding the perfect spot for your take-out lunch! Restrooms are available at the playground area on the south end of the park and also in the main park office building. Map
Parking: Free
Hours: Dawn till Dusk
Covered/Shaded: Trees and roofs
Restrooms Nearby: Yes, free,
Grill(s): Yes, charcoal
Pets allowed: Yes, on leash
Ownership: Winchester Parks and Recreation
Jim Barnett Park Christianson Familyland Picnic Area
We listed these separately from the rest of the Jim Barnett park picnic tables as they’re in a covered area overlooking the large playground area and have their own restrooms. There are also independent picnic tables by the playground and on the way over to Wilkins Lake, just steps away. Map
Parking: Free
Hours: Dawn till Dusk
Covered/Shaded: Pavilion and tree
Restrooms Nearby: Yes, free
Grill(s): Yes, charcoal
Pets allowed: Yes, on leash
Ownership: Winchester Parks and Recreation
Marker-Miller Orchards Picnic Pavilion
This popular pick-your-own orchard and farm market has a large pavilion with several picnic tables available free of charge, as well as a number of picnic tables along their front porch. Feel free to bring your own lunch, but be sure to leave room for some of their famous apple cider donuts or fresh fudge! A large play area is available for kids and restrooms are on-site. Please limit your visit to their regular business hours, which can be found on their website or Facebook page. Map
Parking: Free
Hours: During market business hours
Covered/Shaded: Pavilion
Restrooms Nearby: Yes, free,
Grill(s): No
Pets allowed: Yes, on leash
Ownership: Marker-Miller Orchards
Middletown Community Park Picnic Tables and Shelter
This idyllic little community park is a perfect spot to enjoy a takeout meal with your family. There is a pavilion, two areas of covered picnic tables, a playground and restrooms. Map
Parking: Free
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Covered/Shaded: Yes, pavilion
Restrooms Nearby: Yes, free
Grill(s): No
Pets allowed: Yes, on leash
Ownership: Town of Middletown
Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
This great little spot is free for the public to use. It is located just behind the gatehouse at the entrance to the MSV Gardens. Restrooms are available in the main museum building just up the hill. Please note that the gardens are a fee area; please pay for entrance if you will be going beyond the picnic area. Map
Parking: Free
Hours: Limited to MSV Gardens Hours (see website for hours)
Covered/Shaded: Trees and roofs
Restrooms Nearby: Yes, free, at the main museum building
Grill(s): No
Pets allowed: Yes, on leash
Ownership: Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
Newtown Commons Picnic Shelter
This town-owned picnic shelter is open to the public dawn to dusk. There are no restrooms or grill on-site, but there is a large field if you have kids with you that need to burn off some energy. Free parking along the street (Rt 11 South). Map
Parking: Free
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Covered/Shaded: Yes, pavilion
Restrooms Nearby: No
Grill(s): No
Pets allowed: Yes, on leash
Ownership: Town of Stephens City
Park Place Park
This quiet community park run by the City’s Parks and Rec Department offers one unshaded picnic table, free parking, a nice open field and a play area. There are no restrooms at this location. Map
Parking: Free
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Covered/Shaded: No
Restrooms Nearby: No
Grill(s): No
Pets allowed: Yes, on leash
Ownership: City of Winchester Parks and Recreation
Richard’s Fruit Market Picnic Tables
There are a few picnic tables here that the Richard family is happy to let visitors eat their picnic / to-go lunches at. The kids will love them as they are right next to the free farm petting zoo. As with our other farm markets, make sure you leave a little room for some goodies from the market, like their fresh peach or strawberry shakes, butter tarts or fresh fruit. Please limit your visits to business hours, which can be found on their website or Facebook page. Map
Parking: Free
Hours: During market business hours
Covered/Shaded: No
Restrooms Nearby: Yes, at the market during business hours
Grill(s): No
Pets allowed: Yes, on leash
Ownership: Richard’s Fruit market
Rose Hill Park Picnic Pavilion
This is a covered pavilion, offering free parking and restrooms. There is a nice playground here, as well as a 1+ mile gentle hiking trail with Civil War historic markers. Map
Parking: Free
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Covered/Shaded: Yes, pavilion
Restrooms Nearby: Yes, free
Grill(s): No
Pets allowed: Yes, on leash
Ownership: Frederick County Parks and Recreation
Rutherford Crossing Civil War Site
This spot is hidden in plain sight, right along Rt 11 at I-81 near the large Target shopping center. Soak in some Civil War history from the numerous interpretive signs while you enjoy your take-out meal. There are no restrooms on-site, but some can be found at the nearby Target, Lowes and several restaurants. Map
Parking: Free
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Covered/Shaded: No
Restrooms Nearby: Yes, at several restaurants, Lowes and Target
Grill(s): No
Pets allowed: Yes, on leash
Ownership: Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation
Sherando Park at Warrior Drive Picnic Tables
At least one uncovered table is here, along with restrooms, an outdoor workout facility, a bike park, and a mountain bike trail. You can work off that lunch right after you eat it! Map
Parking: Free
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Covered/Shaded: No
Restrooms Nearby: Yes
Grill(s): No
Pets allowed: Yes, on leash
Ownership: Frederick County Parks and Recreation
Sherando Park Picnic Tables
There are a number of picnic tables, most of them shaded by either pavilions or trees, spread throughout this large park. There are some by the large playground as well as near the lake. We suggest just driving around and finding one that looks good! Map
Parking: Free
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Covered/Shaded: Yes, pavilion and trees
Restrooms Nearby: Yes, various throughout the park
Grill(s): Yes at most
Pets allowed: Yes, on leash
Ownership: Frederick County Parks and Recreation
Timbrook Park
This very small park, immediately adjacent to the police department, offers a few uncovered picnic tables and a kid’s play area. Parking is free but there are no public restrooms available. This spot is walkable or a very short drive from the many restaurants in Old Town Winchester. Map
Parking: Free
Hours: 24 Hours
Covered/Shaded: No
Restrooms Nearby: No
Grill(s): No
Pets allowed: Yes, on leash
Ownership: City of Winchester Parks and Recreation
Virginia Farm Market Picnic Tables
This covered picnic table was erected several years ago as an Eagle Scout project. It is on the edge of the Virginia Farm Market property, and has a Civil War Trails marker nearby. The table is available any time, but if you visit during business hours make sure to check out the large market! Map
Parking: Free
Hours: 24 hours
Covered/Shaded: Yes, pavilion
Restrooms Nearby: Yes, inside the market during business hours
Grill(s): No
Pets allowed: Yes, on leash
Ownership: Virginia Farm Market
Virginia Welcome Center at Clear Brook
There are a number of picnic tables here at this well-maintained Virginia Welcome Center, both covered and uncovered. The grounds, parking and restrooms are free and available 24 hours a day. There is even a triceratops head for the kids to play on, courtesy of the local Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum! Map
Parking: Free
Hours: 24 Hours
Covered/Shaded: Trees and roofs
Restrooms Nearby: Yes, free, 24 hours
Grill(s): Yes, charcoal
Pets allowed: Yes, on leash
Ownership: Virginia Department of Transportation
Whittier Park
This great little City-owned community park offers a quiet spot with free parking and a playground/field for the kids to run around in. Just a minute or two from Old Town Winchester. Please note there are no public restrooms at this park. Map
Parking: Free
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Covered/Shaded: Yes, pavilion
Restrooms Nearby: Yes, free, 24 hours
Grill(s): No
Pets allowed: Yes, on leash
Ownership: City of Winchester Parks and Recreation
Wilkins Lake Picnic Tables
Numerous picnic tables are located around the lake. Easy access from the Abrams Delight/Visitor Center parking lot or the Wilkins Lake Parks and Recreation lot at Shenandoah University – you’ll find this lot if you keep driving around the lake and look for the signs. Please be careful not to park in dedicated Shenandoah University spots. Map
Parking: Free
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Covered/Shaded: Both covered and uncovered
Restrooms Nearby: Yes, free at the Visitor Center
Grill(s): No
Pets allowed: Yes, on leash
Ownership: City of Winchester Parks and Recreation
Winchester-Frederick County Visitor Center Picnic Tables
This shaded area overlooks the water and is attached to the Winchester-Frederick County Visitor Center. You can find free parking, high speed internet, clean restrooms and visitor information here during regular business hours (9a-5p seven days a week). The tables are available 24 hours a day. Map
Parking: Free
Hours: 24 hours
Covered/Shaded: Yes, umbrella
Restrooms Nearby: Yes, free at the Visitor Center
Grill(s): No
Pets allowed: Yes, on leash
Ownership: Shenandoah University
Picnic Spots Without Tables
If you’ve got your own picnic blanket or just don’t mind spreading out in the grass to enjoy your meal, the majority of the above spots have room for that as well. We do have a few other areas that, while they don’t have picnic tables, could still be a good place to eat your delicious to-go meal. Check them out:
Lake Frederick DGIF Lawn Area
This is a fee-use lake, owned by the state, primarily aimed at visitors kayaking or fishing on the lake. However, there is a nice large grassy area with a beautiful relaxing view of the lake just over the little hill from the parking lot. This is a great spot if you have your own blanket or towel; there are no tables or restrooms at this location. Map
Parking: Free (*DGIF fee use area)
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Covered/Shaded: Yes, some tree shade
Restrooms Nearby: No
Grill(s): No
Pets allowed: No
Ownership: Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
Shenandoah University Abrams Creek Walk
There are some nice Adirondack chairs all along the Abrams Creek walk through campus. Feel free to sit down and eat your to-go meal, however there are no picnic tables and parking can be a little challenging since most spots require an SU permit. There is some limited guest parking and always free parking at the nearby Visitor Center. Map
Parking: Limited, SU permit required or park at Visitor Center
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Covered/Shaded: Yes, some tree shade
Restrooms Nearby: Yes, at Visitor Center
Grill(s): No
Pets allowed: Yes, on leash
Ownership: Shenandoah University
Taylor Pavilion in Old Town Winchester
Just steps from 20+ local restaurants, this public space has nice broad steps, shade and a parking garage right next to it. This is a great spot to spread out and people watch while you eat your to-go meal. Please note there are no tables here, and public restrooms may be limited or unavailable due to COVID. Map
Parking: City garage, $1/hr
Hours: 24 hours
Covered/Shaded: Yes, pavilion
Restrooms Nearby: Yes* may be limited due to COVID
Grill(s): No
Pets allowed: Yes, on leash
Ownership: City of Winchester
Third Battle of Winchester Lawn Area
There is a nice, well-mowed and shaded spot along the fence near the parking lot here that is popular for picnic lunches. There are no tables or chairs, so you’d need to bring your own blanket or towel to sit on in the grass. The battlefield visitor center across the street offers restrooms during their open hours, and there are several miles of gentle and well-interpreted trails starting from this parking lot. Map
Parking: Free
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Covered/Shaded: Yes, trees
Restrooms Nearby: Yes, during business hours at the visitor center
Grill(s): No
Pets allowed: Yes, on leash
Ownership: Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation
All images on this page by Winchester-Frederick County CVB