In this time of social distancing, we asked our agents, “Where are the best places for a picnic, and where is your favorite to-go restaurant to pick up the food? Responses below!
“Latta Park for sure! 300 East does a fried chicken picnic.” Suzy Hubbell
A fried chicken picnic? We had to investigate. 300 East offers a Chicken Biscuit Picnic Box for Two, which includes: Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breasts, Freshly Baked Biscuits, Lusty Monk Mustard, Carrot Slaw, Mac & Cheese or Potato Salad, Served with 2 Cans of Wine. Yes, please!
“Freedom Park! Little Mama’s for Italian or Zen Fusion for Chinese/Asian.” Catharine Pappas
If you choose Little Mama’s, you may want to choose a dessert first on the dinner night! Nutella pie, warm bread pudding, tiramisu, and cannolis, oh my. Zen Fusion has been a neighborhood favorite for years, serving asian, Spanish, and tapas.
“Romare Bearden Park! Reid’s Fine Foods has great catering.” Maggie Minick
Reid’s Fine Foods is always a favorite for our agents. The prepared foods section has something for everyone. Choose an entree, grab a dessert, and don’t forget the wine. You will have a picnic to-go in no time.
“Symphony Park! And pick-up from Cantina 1511 in Park Road Shopping Center.” Lisa Zederbaum
Symphony Park at South Park Mall is home to the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Pop Series. Enjoy the beautiful green space right now with friends and family for a great social distancing meet-up.
“A friend’s front porch! Order a cheese plate from Mere’s in Dilworth.” Ann Spencer Bass
“There’s no place like home”, especially in 2020. Gathering outdoors has become the preferred method of meeting friends this year, and we can’t think of a better place than on your front porch. Mere’s has been a favorite since it opened in 2018. Order a Mongers Board to share, and you will be invited back to the front porch again and again.
“James Boyce Park! It is centrally located, has walking and bike trails, and is very scenic. Pick up from Rooster’s and head over to the park.” Sherry George
Located at 300 Boyce Road, this is a nice little hidden gem in the South Park area. Rooster’s offers a delectable curbside to-go menu that will make any picnic memorable. Don’t forget to order dessert!
“I love backyard picnics the best! Add a game of croquet, and it is the perfect “safe” event. Order the food from Copain.” Jane Lemmond
Copain is the perfect place to gather prepared foods for the last-minute backyard picnic. Choose from their selection of breads, sweet, and savory options.
“Anne Springs Close Greenway! Go for a trail run and try a yummy picnic from their greenway canteen. Picnic tables, frisbee, and craft beer.” Joan Goode
Located just over the SC line in Fort Mill, SC, this park is a must. Great for a fun outdoor date night, or take the kids to run around. They also offer music on the lawn from August-October this year. *Note – the greenway is only open to members Friday-Sunday.
Photo Courtesy of Anne Springs Close Greenway
Did you know the Duke Mansion offers picnic packages in one of their twelve picturesque gardens? The picnic for two can be booked up to 48 hours in advance and includes a chef-prepared basket. See the menu and more information here.
Photo Courtesy Duke Mansion Facebook Page
The Mint Museum Randolph was also mentioned quite a few times. The museum is still closed(Aug 2020 due to COVID) so there is ample parking. There is greenway access, shady trees, and tons of space for hanging out.
A few more honorable mentions…
Other picnic ideas include the US National Whitewater Center, any of Charlotte’s other greenway picnic areas, and the green space at Rea Farms. And the favorite places for take-out around the city also included: Legion Brewery, Firebirds, Dilworth Tasting Room, Barcelona, Bossy Beulah’s, Chipotle, Panera, Hubee Dees, Kid Cashew, and Capishe.
We hope to see you out and about, enjoying one of the Charlotte area's great places to gather outside soon.
