Summertime is filled with family and friends, sunshine, and laughter, and usually a picnic or two. While packing sandwiches and heading to your local park is enjoyable, why not try something new and locally themed this season? Grab local beverages and snacks to fill your basket with – and enjoy supporting small business owners in the process!
The Best Spots
You can always head to your local park for a picnic – Hamlin Beach State Park, Ontario Beach Park, Highland Park, and the Seabreeze area in Irondequoit all have great views.
For a local experience, gather with friends and family at spots like the Sunken Gardens near Highland Park, known for its peaceful atmosphere. You can also enjoy a picnic with a view at Seneca Park Zoo.
Downtown's High Falls boasts a stunning 96-foot waterfall backdrop, and the George Eastman Museum's gardens offer a serene and historic setting. Further out, Sonnenberg Gardens in Canandaigua and the Port of Rochester on Lake Ontario provide picturesque settings for an enjoyable outdoor meal.
Refreshing Local Sips
What’s a picnic without something special to toast with? Head to renowned Living Roots Winery on University Ave in Rochester or venture to the vineyard in Hammondsport to grab some of the best wine in the area, locally made and family owned. The Session Sparkling Rose and the Pet-Nat Riesling are great options to toast to your day.
If you’re not a wine drinker, perhaps Black Button Distillery, also on University, would be a good option. Their CanBee is a great drink for any summer event!
And if you’re looking for a locally owned non-alcoholic option, try KatBoocha for a refreshing option that will have your gut smiling right along with you. Their new Lavender Earl with black tea, lavender, and bergamot is juicy and refreshing!
Savory Delights
Who doesn’t love a good charcuterie board? To elevate your picnic, reach out to locally owned Cheese & Charcuterie on E. Ridge Rd. They’ll put together a beautiful assortment of meats, cheeses, veggies, and fruits of your choosing – the presentation alone will enhance any picnic!
Stop by Pittsford Farms Dairy & Bakery or Leo's Bakery & Deli to fill your picnic basket with delicious, locally made delights. Both establishments offer a delightful array of locally sourced cheeses, farm-fresh produce, freshly baked goods, and a variety of grab-and-go items.
Don't Forget Dessert
Rochester has great bakeries with plenty of goodies to satiate that sweet craving at the end of your picnic (or make your entire picnic dessert-themed!)
Yeah Baby! Bakes on S. Union St, Spencerport is my favorite for their deliciously themed macarons, touting the tagline “not your mama’s macarons.” Deliciously divine!
A few other favorites include: Savoia Bakery, Leo’s Bakery, Get Caked Bakery, Scratch Bakery, and Village Bakery.
Dinner Picnic Vibes
Looking to change things up? Take your picnic to an outdoor music event! Check social media and websites of your favorite local artists and settle in to listen to their tunes floating through the air as you nibble.
Some great outdoor music spots that often have live music around Rochester include:
• Port of Rochester
• Marge’s Lakeside Inn
• Rochester Party in the Park
• Pittsford Canal Park
• Casa Larga Patio Parties
• Webster Caring Community Concerts
Picnic In Style
Maybe you don’t have a picnic basket or outdoor serving ware. Perhaps you don’t have a blanket big enough for two or more guests. That’s where your local secondhand stores can come in! Such stores have loads of wicker baskets, blankets, and plastic kitchenware. Don’t break the bank trying to venture out on your picnic – have fun picking out items at the thrift store and putting everything together for the day! Many locally-owned boutiques and shops could fit your picnic aesthetic. Parkleigh on Park Ave has eclectic finds for any occasion, as well as great snacks to add to your basket. A Different Point of View on Monroe and Janis Reed Interiors Boutique in East Rochester also have items to elevate your picnic.
Elevate Your Picnic
If you’re looking to get really fancy or plan something for a special celebration, you may consider reaching out to Barbara and Alyssa of Homemade Events. They’ll set up a picnic in your backyard, or at any venue/area, custom to your likes and interests. Their setups are stunning and all you’ll need to do is show up and enjoy yourself!
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