11 Picnic spots for 'eat outside day' in prescott, az

This week we are thinking about and celebrating local places, local-ness, dogs, and picnics.  Let me explain!

Today is Dog Appreciation Day, which is just tremendous for so many reasons.  Dogs are all about living in the moment, and being entirely content exactly where they are in body, mind, and spirit. 

And since Saturday is National Eat Outside Day, I think we should all spend the day outside  with our pooches enjoying a picnic.  There's nothing that sounds bad about that, right?  Consider that aside from some well-earned downtime, there are health benefits too!!  

Picnic baskets are fun, but not a requirement

​Here at The Whiskey Porch we treasure a smaller & simpler lifestyle which allows us to spend more time doing what's more important to us than working to pay the mortgage or cleaning the big house.  And dogs and picnics are just about the most splendid way to spend a little downtime.

​So in the spirit of having your sumptuous picnic with your pup somewhere in the pines of Prescott, I wanted to share a list of lovely local spots for you to checkout and explore.  Be sure to check first if the location you have in mind allows dogs, or requires them to be on leash.  

Lets get to it!
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Click the location name for the link to get more deets.
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​Picnic spots In and around town

1. Watson Lake (and the Dells):
You'll find boulders, views, boating, trails, and picnic areas. 

2. Willow Lake:
Enjoy boating, a bird sanctuary, and picnic areas.  
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3. Goldwater Lake:
This is a small lake but shaded by trees, with trails, horseshoe pits, benches a few picnic tables.  

4. Acker Park:
A quiet natural park above the downtown, with over 80 acres of open space and a picnic area.

5. Granite Creek Park:
This is a really neat spot but gets mixed reviews -- but soon to be improved.  

6. Courthouse Square
While it's technically not a picnic location - it's a very large shaded grassy area surrounded by the historic downtown shops and buildings.  Bring a blanket and some chairs! 

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picnic-ing a bit further afield

Crystal and chilled wine kinda picnic

​Many of these locations are technically still in town and all are just a short drive from Courthouse Square, which is well worth the effort.

Most of these spots are also connected directly to the spectacular trail system we enjoy here in Prescott, so you can start off with a hike or mountain bike ride and finish off with a leisurely picnic afterwards.

7. Thumb Butte 
This is one of the most iconic landmarks in Prescott, and the area includes hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding opportunities in addition to picnicking.

8. Granite Basin Lake
You can enjoy fishing, non-motorized boating, camping and so much more along with picnic areas, offering grills and firepits.  All in shadow of the close to 8,000 foot Granite Mountain.

9. Groom Creek Area 
Find everything from camping to horseback riding and picnicking in the cool pines.  

10. Iron Springs 
 Maybe try some bouldering before you sit down to have a picnic under the ramada.

11. Lynx Lake 
  Mountain bike and hiking trails, camping, fishing, picnicking and Highlands Center for Natural History is right there too.
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bonus:  a great trail map & some special places

Ibis is the most amazing trail dog!!

​My husband and I really enjoy the wilderness and trail systems around Prescott.  He's mostly on one of his very cool mountain bikes and I'm always on foot hiking with Ibis the dog leading the way.   She's the most amazing trail dog!!

We like to explore different parts of the Prescott National Forest together and then we'll meet back at the truck after a few hours to head back home.

​I've got 2 really awesome bonus links to help you get the most out of your adventures:
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Avenza Trail Maps
I always have this map of the Prescott Trails and Rec Areas up on my phone when we head out and I've found it to be incredibly handy.  You'll find the phone app for iOS and Android links on their website. 

Prescott National Forest - Special Places
The forest service works hard to help protect and provide access to some very Special Places here in the Prescott National Forest area.  This page on their website will get you started...
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Tell us what you think

I hope you found this roundup useful and inspiring!  If you've had a chance to picnic at any of these spots we'd love to hear what you thought - share your comments below.

We've got more scoop on very cool local spots to Hang-Out & Shop in Prescott and I hope you'll check it out.  That's where you'll find the most up-to-date listing.

Hang-out & shop in prescott

​Cheers and happy picnicking!
~Miriam 
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