How do you have an epic picnic? Even in your own backyard

I love eating at local restaurants when I travel, but some of my best food memories are actually picnics. A simple picnic is one of my favorite ways to enjoy a city. 

Head to the market, pick out some local fare and find a beautiful spot to enjoy your meal. No-fuss, no waiting, and no tipping required. And you can do this in your own hometown, explore a nearby locale, or enjoy an epic picnic on your next adventure. 

Rules for picnicking

Picnics are popular in almost every culture and are truly a great way to experience a place. But there are some rules for picnicking. Here are a few basics to create the best picnic experience:

• Find a comfy bench, wall, or blanket: The point is to take your time and enjoy the view and the food. Pick a spot with shade so you don’t have to hurry. 
• Know the rules: Some places don’t allow picnics and some places don’t allow alcohol with your picnic so know the rules. If you are near the market you can ask a vendor for recommendations on where to take your meal or follow the locals. 
• Clean up: Keep the space clean for the next picnic and don’t give the city a reason to change their mind about allowing picnics.

Iconic picnic spots

Some places are just made for throwing down a blanket and breaking open the basket. And when they are truly iconic we, of course, have to grab the camera to commemorate the occasion.

A few of our favorite spots around the world include:

• The Ferry Building, San Francisco, California

The Ferry Building has all of your picnic fixings available in one spot – Acme bread, Cowgirl Creamery cheese, an olive bar, desserts, and drinks. Head to the waterfront to watch the ferries and boats or make friends with the local seal population.

• The Champ de Mars, Paris, France

This might be the most iconic picnic in the world. Throwdown a blanket on the Champ de Mars and be sure to take a pic with the Eiffel Tower in the background. There are plenty of small local shops in the area to grab everything you need for an epic French picnic. Or have Love Picnic Paris handle all the details for an unforgettable picnic.

• Central Park, New York, New York

The Great Lawn can get a little crowded so we prefer the lawns near Belvedere Castle. You can get a great view of both the city skyline and the castle while enjoying some local dishes. Favorite spots to grab food: Zabar’s, Perfect Picnic

• Las Ramblas, Barcelona, Spain

This one might not be the quietest picnic, but if you enjoy people watching this is the one for you. Stop by La Boqueria for fresh fruit, meat, cheeses, and more. Pick a bench and enjoy the sites and sounds of the city. Or head down Las Ramblas to the waterfront. 

• Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne, Australia

These beautiful gardens are the perfect picnic location. Grab food from Queen Victoria Market or have Kere Kere Picnics organize all the tasty details for you.

How to throw an epic backyard picnic

Even if you can’t get away to picnic in an iconic locale you can always create the perfect picnic in your own backyard. And even better, there aren’t any rules or others to maintain distance from. Make it extra special with a string of lights, a yard game, or give it a theme such as a favorite destination or dream travel spot. 

And since most of us aren’t getting a date night anytime soon a backyard picnic – even a dessert themed one once the kids go to bed – is a great way to reconnect.

A few of our favorite picnic ideas:

Brunch

Biscuits, jams from Biscuit Love, fresh fruit, hard boiled eggs or fried chicken.

Scones, jam, mini tea sandwiches, mini quiches, and fresh fruit.

Appetizers

Crudite Board with fresh veggies, your favorite dip, and bread.

Spanish cheese board with fresh bread. Don’t forget the fresh fruit, olives, almonds, and sausage/chorizo.

Dessert style

Mini cookies, chocolates, and fresh fruit. We loved doing this with T-Rex cookies in Minneapolis (of course we had to break them into smaller pieces)

Don’t forget the iced tea, lemonade, or a chilled summer wine!

And one of our favorite easy picnic dishes . . . Fresh watermelon salad with grilled halloumi

Fresh watermelon salad with grilled halloumi

• Author: Ashley
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Total Time: 14 minutes
• Yield: 2 main meals 1x
• Category: Salad

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Description

This fresh watermelon salad is so easy, travels well, and just tastes like summer. It makes a great light meal or a side salad for grilled meats.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2–3 cups cubed fresh watermelon
• 1 cup cubed seedless cucumber
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• zest of 1 lime
• 1–2 Tbsp lime juice
• 4–5 leaves fresh mint, chiffonaded
• 8.8 oz package of halloumi
• sea salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl toss together the watermelon, red onion, and the cucumber.
2. Top with the lime juice, zest, and mint. Toss to combine.
3. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper to taste.
4. Set aside the salad while you grill the halloumi.
5. Cut the halloumi into slices or cube and put on skewers.
6. Turn the grill to medium-high and grill the halloumi on each side until browned. About 1-2 minutes per side.
7. Place the halloumi atop the salad and serve.

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Notes

Make sure your watermelon is nice and ripe since most of the flavor in this dish comes from it.

If you can’t find halloumi just toss in some feta and some nuts for a great meal.