Best Picnic Ever

Planning a picnic isn’t always easy; you have to find a lush spot, a container to transport the goods, and all the nosh and drinks. Not to mention it better look instagram-worthy for that friend who is always posting on his/her stories. Lucky for you, we’ve found the items that tick all of those boxes. Here’s to the best picnic ever.

The Accessories 

Just like in fashion, accessories can make or break an outfit or gathering. Our advice: go for the gold. 

Grab the willow lidded picnic basket from Chelsea Market Baskets that has the essentials: silverware, plates, glass goblets, salt and pepper shakers, and, most importantly, a corkscrew. You’ll be the envy of everyone at the park thinking “you fancy huh?” and yes, yes you are.

What’s a picnic without the classic red gingham picnic blanket? For only $10, CMB has the quintessential picnic throw.

BLACKBARN in Chelsea Market has all the eye candy that will take your picnic to the next level. For those keen on aesthetics, we recommend the cork and slate board for your everyday cheese board and the cork bowl as the perfect vessel for nuts, chips, etc.

This portable BBQ suitcase from Kikkerland makes grilling onsite easy.

The Bites 

Sadly all the “right foods” rarely come in a set. But Saxelby Cheesemongers is the place to go to create your own. Stop by to pick up one (or definitely more) of the 100 cheeses in stock at any given time.

To accompany your cheese spread and for carb loading, pick up a freshly made baguette from Amy’s Bread.

For the meat-lovers, house-made hot dogs and all the fixings can elevate this American classic. Toppings such as preserved chilis and chow-chow turn the ballpark favorite into a deluxe picnic meal from Dickson’s Farmstand.

Dips and an assortment of cut-up vegetables and fruits for dunking are also an easy way to kick off a picnic. Make your way to Manhattan Fruit Market for virtually everything under the sun, from garden-variety fruit and vegetables to tropical fruits, baby veggies, and more.

For unique snacks, bites and accompaniments, swing back to Chelsea Market Baskets for items like (Meatpacking office favorite) Torre’s truffle potato chips, black garlic ketchup or maple bacon peanuts.

Round out your lunch at Buon Italia, your source for all things Italian. Head to the prepared foods café in the back to pick up to freshly made sandwiches and pasta salads or choose from their selection of balsamics and oils.  

To end on a sweet note, grab chocolate strawberries from Li Lac Chocolates or peanut butter stuffed brownies from Sherry B Dessert Studio.

The Sips

The last, but certainly not least, on your picnic checklist is wine. Little West Wines has the best selection for rosé all day (most bottles are under 20 bucks), orange wines and bubbly. There’s a rosé tasting every Friday this summer, so you can try before you buy. Use your Hook Up card for 10% off bottles. 

The Spots

The High Line, a 1.45-mile-long elevated park, is one of the most unique green spaces in NYC. Strongly encouraged to go during non-peak hours for a solo picnic or with friends while taking in the views of Meatpacking, Chelsea, and Hudson Yards. 

Locals tend to flock to Hudson River Park‘s 14th Street Park located on Tenth Avenue. With a large grassy oval pasture, you can just #chill and people watch while eating, making it THE spot for the perfect picnic. Pro-tip: the nearest bathrooms are just across the street at Chelsea Local.