Winter is officially over. With temperatures consistently in the 60’s (or higher), I think it’s safe to say that spring is here to stay (with summer not far behind it). I love this time of year; the brief fleeting months (or weeks depending on the year) of spring in the south. The few months before sweltering heat overtakes us. When you can sit outside and enjoy the beautiful scenery- without being eaten alive by misquotes or overcome by the heat and humidity.

New Friends

As anyone who knows me will attest, I’m a friendly person. At times known to be a bit chatty. (Ok always chatty) I’m so friendly in fact, that I don’t limit my interactions to the people around me. I see that as rather limiting. Instead I also like to include our four and two legged friends in my potential conversation mates.
Big Spring Park happens to have an array of such creatures and on a recent afternoon I took Thing 1 and Thing 2 (who you may remember from a previous post) to the Park to visit our city’s feathered friends. (Ok I might as well admit that Thing 1 and Thing 2 were really more of a cover. I really just wanted to feed the ducks, but people tend to look at you a little less funny if you have 2 little people with you)

Our Afternoon in the Park

So how did Thing 1 and Thing 2 and I spend our afternoon in the park? First we had a power snack of cookies and Juicy Juice (to make sure we were ready for all the fun ahead) at one of the many tables in the Park, which are perfect for picnics or a pre-duck feeding snack. If you want to go the more traditional picnic route, there are plenty of grassy areas in the park perfect for a picnic basket and blankets. That very afternoon we saw several groups enjoying this very set up. I did not venture over to inspect their picnic fare. I do have a bit of restraint, despite what some may tell you.

Snack eaten, Thing 1, Thing 2 and I were ready for some duck feeding! We purchased our approved duck food at the official food stand, which only takes quarters so remember to bring your’s! Then it was time to find some hungry ducks! The first several ducks we approached did not respond as enthusiastically to our offers of food as one would hope. Not one to be so easily deterred, I simply took a proactive approach and chased the ducks. (I mean I couldn’t let Thing 1 and Thing 2 down, could I?) After a bit of persuading, we found some ducks who were more than happy to accept our food.

A Restaurant with a View

After all that duck feeding (or chasing depending on how you look at it, but I’ve never been one to let semantics ruin a good time), we were quite hungry. And what do you know? There happens to be a restaurant within walking distance of our duck feeding adventure! The always delightful Pane e Vino, which happens to be one of my favorite restaurants any time of year. But add that day’s mild spring temperature and sunny skies, and it is nothing short of perfection!

We sat on the patio, which is one of the best in all of Huntsville. You get to look out over Big Spring Park while dinning on scrumptious pizza, pasta, and salads (all of which are equally delish). I’ve spent many an afternoon sipping a glass of pino, looking out over Big Spring Park, catching up with old friends, and making new ones. Its a great lunch destination during the week or dinner any night. Click here for their hours.

Next time you’ve got a free afternoon, consider heading out to Big Spring Park. Its a free, fun afternoon, no matter how young (or young at heart) you are. Whether you pack a picnic lunch or eat at Pane e Vino, your afternoon will be scrumptious and scenic. And with so much park to explore (c’mon when was the last time you crossed the street?) you can enjoy a different view each time you dine! And remember, just because the first duck rejects your offer of food, don’t be discouraged. There’s plenty more ducks in the park. So to speak.

Tips for Successful Duck Feeding

Change: Bring quarters to purchase the special duck and fish food in the park. You’re asked to not feed the ducks other food (like bread, etc)

Shhh: Be quite when approaching the ducks- you don’t want to scare them off before you feed them!

Pets: If you bring your dog to the park, keep it away from groups of people feeding the ducks. Ducks don’t like dogs.

Meters: If you plan on coming during the week, make sure you bring money to put in the parking meters. During the weekend, no meters!

Timing: The least crowded time to feed the ducks is during the week.

Fish: The fish at Big Spring Park also like to be fed. Remember to throw them some food!