Picnic Area at Glen Echo Park in Maryland
Picnicking has been part of Glen Echo Park since it began in the late 1890s, and the picnic area available to guests today is at the same location it has always been. There are no grills, but you are welcome to bring your own provided you have a way to dispose of the hot coals when you leave—they cannot be dumped on the ground or thrown in the trash cans. Tables are available on a first come, first served basis for groups of 30 people or less. Larger groups can reserve tables by calling the Glen Echo Park rental manager at (301) 634-2233. Indoor and outdoor covered facilities can be rented elsewhere in the park (visit glenechopark.org/rentals for details).
Picnic Area (Glen Echo Park Co. Glen Echo, Maryland. 1925. Image. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/npc2008007582/)
Picnic Area 1920 (Elks at Glen Echo. 1920. Image. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/npc2007002105/.)
At one end of the Spanish Ballroom building is the deli and bakery, Praline. There is limited seating inside, but you can always use the picnic tables just outside the front door. I have eaten there twice and find the food to be good and the prices on par with any other sandwich shop and bakery in the area. On one visit I had an excellent Chicken Parmesan sandwich, and the apple fritter I ordered was the size of a dinner plate, easily big enough to feed two people. Opening hours vary per season. For a current schedule and a look at the menu and prices, check out the Praline at Glen Echo Park web site.
Cafe at Glen Echo Park in Maryland
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Last updated on January 14, 2022
