This Florida garden was voted the top ‘hidden picnic gem’ in the U.S.

Leu Gardens (Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

ORLANDO, Fla. – Mixbook has recently released its list of the top “hidden picnic gems” in the country.

The list examines over 100 “off-grid picnic spots” in the U.S., determining which ones ranked the best based on a survey of 3,000 Americans, Mixbook states.

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“These lesser-known locations, cherished for their tranquility and natural beauty, offer the perfect escape from the crowds and noise of more frequented areas,” the ranking reads. “Nestled in remote mountains, hidden within dense forests, or beside scenic lakes, these top-rated spots promise a peaceful retreat where you can truly connect with nature.”

Several state parks make up the top 10 locations on the list, including Florida’s very own Alafia River State Park in Lithia at No. 3.

But the top spot on the list can be found much closer to Central Florida: Leu Gardens in Orlando.

“Leu Gardens, a botanical garden in Orlando takes the top spot, providing tranquil picnic spots amidst its diverse plant collections. This easily accessible location is perfect for a relaxing picnic in a serene setting.”

Mixbook, "Discover America's Hidden Picnic Gems"

The announcement comes as the botanical garden offers its “Summer of the Fairies” event to guests.

Through Aug. 25, visitors will be able to find 20 “Fairy Doors” at Leu Gardens that lead to different locations with unique designs.

Leu Gardens Fairy Doors (Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

In addition, Leu Gardens will feature live music from different artists on select nights through Aug. 29. For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, click here.

Meanwhile, the rest of Mixbook’s top spots are as follows:

RankLocationCity
1Leu GardensOrlando, FL
2Shelby Farms ParkMemphis, TN
3Alafia River State ParkLithia, FL
4Lake Johnson ParkRaleigh, NC
5Spring Mountain Ranch State ParkBlue Diamond, NV
6Great Falls ParkMcLean, VA
7Angel Island State ParkSan Francisco Bay, CA
8Cumberland Falls State Resort ParkCorbin, KY
9Cunningham Falls State ParkThurmont, MD
10Discovery ParkSeattle, WA
11Lincoln Woods State ParkLincoln, RI
12Papago ParkPhoenix, AZ
13Curt Gowdy State ParkCheyenne, WY
14Davis Bayou AreaOcean Springs, MS
15Ho’omaluhia Botanical GardenKaneohe, HI
16Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic ParkWoodstock, VT
17Anza-Borrega Desert State ParkBorrego Springs, CA
18Duke FarmsHillsborough, NJ
19Point Reyes National SeashoreMarin County, CA
20Halibut Point State ParkRockport, MA
21Palmetto Island State ParkAbbeville, LA
22Antelope Island State ParkSyracuse, UT
23LeFleur’s Bluff State ParkJackson, MS
24Waimea ValleyOahu, HI
25Harpers Ferry National Historical ParkHarpers Ferry, WV
26Petit Jean State ParkMorrilton, AR
27Schoenbrunn VillageNew Philadelphia, OH
28Staunton State ParkPine, CO
29Botanical Gardens at AshevilleAsheville, NC
30Greenbrier State ParkBoonsboro, MD
31Storm King Art CenterNew Windsor, NY
32Devil’s Lake State ParkBaraboo, WI
33El Rancho de las GolondrinasSanta Fe, NM
34Spearfish CanyonSpearfish, SD
35Babcock State ParkClifftop, WV
36Ha Ha Tonka State ParkCamdenton, MS
37Shades State ParkWaveland, IN
38Lake Lurleen State ParkCoker, AL
39Pikes Peak State ParkMcGregor, IA
40Hays Nature PreserveHuntsville, AL
41Swan Lake Iris GardensSumter, SC
42Ledges State ParkMadrid, IA
43Redwood Regional ParkOakland, CA
44Starved Rock State ParkOglesby, IL
45Bok Tower GardensLake Wales, FL
46First Landing State ParkVirginia Beach, VA
47McKinney Falls State ParkAustin, TX
48Hells Gate State ParkLewiston, ID
49Floyd Lamb ParkLas Vegas, NV
50Kincaid ParkAnchorage, AL

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