Updated July 2019
A picnic date offers all the romance of spending time with someone while avoiding the hassles and expenses of dining out. And – here’s the million dollar secret – that person you’re with? They’ll *love it*.
“So what should we fill that basket with?”
For starters, you’re going to want wine. As far as food goes, I find that keeping things light and finger-foody is usually the best way to go. If you’re lugging a heavy picnic basket through the park, the last thing you want to worry about is silverware clanging around and falling on the ground. Start off with a good wedge or block of cheese (avoid anything that crumbles easily, like blue or goat cheese, for obvious reasons). Fruit is another must-have for any picnic basket.
For a main course per se, I like to pick up premade sandwiches or wraps from a great local gourmet deli, like Globe Market or The Lexington Co-op. If you’re headed to a park outside of Buffalo, Wegmans has a number of other picnic-friendly options. More adventurous eaters might want to pick up sushi or even fried chicken. Both are great at Wegmans. Remember that you want to avoid having to use utensils or plates if possible, so any main course that fits that description will be great picnic food.
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In addition to the food, your basket should also include some paper towels and a cheese knife. If you absolutely must, go ahead and pack utensils and plates as well. Just remember: The best thing about a picnic date is its ~*~spontaneity~*~. Have a basket ready so that if the weather cooperates – you can just make a few stops after work or on your way to the park.
Here are some perfect places to picnic in the park:
Buffalo
Delaware Park
Neighborhood: Delaware District
Plenty of space for a quiet, private picnic in a beautiful spot.
Mirror Lake
Neighborhood: Delaware District
In my opinion, you won’t beat this setting on a nice summer day behind the Buffalo History Museum.
Bidwell Parkway at Elmwood Ave
Neighborhood: Elmwood Village
Plop down on a nice piece of grass and people watch.
Canalside
Neighborhood: Canalside
Bring a basket to the grassy area overlooking the water and settle in a couple adirondack chairs. Then head over to Liberty Hound for a couple drinks.
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Cazenovia Park
Neighborhood: South Buffalo
Catch this park at sunset for a treat.
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Neighborhood: East Buffalo
Fountains, gardens, green grass and easy access to the Buffalo Science Museum. Perfect outing much?
North Towns
Ellicott Creek Island
Neighborhood: Tonawanda
Not to be confused with the park below, this one’s down the street and a cool island destination.
Ellicott Creek Park
Neighborhood: Tonawanda
Sure, there’s picnic shelters, but sprawl out on the grass along the creek and maybe even do some fishing or kayaking with Paths, Peaks and Paddles.
Niawanda Park
Neighborhood: Tonawanda
Bring your own food or grab some at Mississippi Muds or Old Man River nearby.
Beaver Island State Park
Neighborhood: Grand Island
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Veteran’s Park
Neighborhood: Grand Island
Niagara Falls State Park
Neighborhood: Niagara Falls
De Veaux Woods State Park
Neighborhood: Niagara Falls
Whirlpool State Park
Neighborhood: Niagara Falls
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Lewiston Town Park
Neighborhood: Lewiston
Kiwanis Park
Neighborhood: Lewiston
South Towns
Chestnut Ridge Park
Neighborhood: Orchard Park
Ample land, shelters, grills, tons of trails to walk.
Memorial Park
Neighborhood: Hamburg
The perfect village picnic. If it’s raining, sit under the amphitheater.
Hamlin Park
Neighborhood: East Aurora
This park has a baseball diamond, playground and a peaceful atmosphere. Just a short walk away from everything going on right on Main Street.
Author: Brett Llenos Smith
Brett Llenos Smith is a freelance writer based in Buffalo’s Allentown neighborhood who has been covering local food and culture for the Step Out Buffalo over the past six years. As someone with a multi-ethnic background, he has a passion for exploring and understand the many diverse corners of Western New York.
