{"id":119282,"date":"2024-08-23T12:48:51","date_gmt":"2024-08-23T15:48:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=119282"},"modified":"2024-08-26T11:30:42","modified_gmt":"2024-08-26T14:30:42","slug":"best-cities-picnic-lovers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/studies\/best-cities-picnic-lovers\/","title":{"rendered":"2024\u2019s Best Cities for Picnic Lovers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What are the best cities to spread out your picnic blanket and enjoy a meal al fresco?<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To celebrate National Eat Outside Day on Aug. 31, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/\">LawnStarter<\/a> ranked 2024&#8217;s Best Cities for Picnic Lovers.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We compared the 500 biggest U.S. cities based on 4 categories. We considered the number of public parks, the share of residents within a 10-minute walk of a park, and weather conditions, among 12 total metrics.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dig into our ranking below. To learn how we ranked the cities, see our <a href=\"#methodology\">methodology<\/a>.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contents<\/h2>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"#rankings\">City Rankings + Infographic<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#top-5\">Top 5 Close Up<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#key-insights\">Key Insights<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#ask-the-experts\">Ask the Experts<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#methodology\">Methodology<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#final-thoughts\">Local Tips<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">City Rankings + Infographic<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See how each city fared in our ranking:<\/p>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"ad3a42f6-ef78-475b-a0bf-6cc4542c9bf5\" data-type=\"interactive\"><\/div><script>!function(e,t,s,i){var n=\"InfogramEmbeds\",o=e.getElementsByTagName(\"script\"),d=o[0],r=\/^http:\/.test(e.location)?\"http:\":\"https:\";if(\/^\\\/{2}\/.test(i)&&(i=r+i),window[n]&&window[n].initialized)window[n].process&&window[n].process();else if(!e.getElementById(s)){var a=e.createElement(\"script\");a.async=1,a.id=s,a.src=i,d.parentNode.insertBefore(a,d)}}(document,0,\"infogram-async\",\"\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\");<\/script>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"5bb9fb2f-95b0-4671-b207-34ac9a58aff5\" data-type=\"interactive\"><\/div><script>!function(e,t,s,i){var n=\"InfogramEmbeds\",o=e.getElementsByTagName(\"script\"),d=o[0],r=\/^http:\/.test(e.location)?\"http:\":\"https:\";if(\/^\\\/{2}\/.test(i)&&(i=r+i),window[n]&&window[n].initialized)window[n].process&&window[n].process();else if(!e.getElementById(s)){var a=e.createElement(\"script\");a.async=1,a.id=s,a.src=i,d.parentNode.insertBefore(a,d)}}(document,0,\"infogram-async\",\"\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\");<\/script>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"e1d5be44-e3fc-4872-8aa8-8096c0e071e0\" data-type=\"interactive\"><\/div><script>!function(e,t,s,i){var n=\"InfogramEmbeds\",o=e.getElementsByTagName(\"script\"),d=o[0],r=\/^http:\/.test(e.location)?\"http:\":\"https:\";if(\/^\\\/{2}\/.test(i)&&(i=r+i),window[n]&&window[n].initialized)window[n].process&&window[n].process();else if(!e.getElementById(s)){var a=e.createElement(\"script\");a.async=1,a.id=s,a.src=i,d.parentNode.insertBefore(a,d)}}(document,0,\"infogram-async\",\"\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\");<\/script>    <p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Note: <\/em><\/strong><em>For presentation purposes, not all ties may be displayed for some metrics above.<\/em><\/p>   <p><a class=\"js-anchor\" id=\"top-5\"><\/a><\/p>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Top 5 Close Up<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check out the slideshow below for highlights on each of our top 5 cities.<\/p>   <div style=\"min-height: 535px\" class=\"ub_image_slider swiper-container wp-block-ub-image-slider\" id=\"ub_image_slider_ea42bac1-2be5-40cb-bb07-c76fb8bdec29\" data-swiper-data='{\"speed\":300,\"spaceBetween\":20,\"slidesPerView\":1,\"loop\":true,\"pagination\":{\"el\": \".swiper-pagination\" , \"type\": \"bullets\", \"clickable\":true},\"navigation\": {\"nextEl\": \".swiper-button-next\", \"prevEl\": \".swiper-button-prev\"}, \"keyboard\": { \"enabled\": true }, \"effect\": \"slide\",\"simulateTouch\":false}'>             <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Thousand-Oaks-California-1.png\" alt=\"Aerial view of downtown Thousand Oaks, California\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 1: <\/strong>Thousand Oaks, California | <strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>56.32<br><br><strong>Share of Residents Within a 10-Minute Walk of a Park: <\/strong>85% | Rank: 89<br><strong>Share of Land Used for Parks and Recreation: <\/strong>37% | Rank: 4<br><strong>Number of Trails: <\/strong>48 | Rank: 75<br><strong>Dirtiest Cities Ranking: <\/strong>243 | Rank: 61<br><strong>Crime Index (Safer than % of American Cities): <\/strong>41 | Rank: 35<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/aerial-daytime-view-of-the-downtown-area-of-thousand-oaks-california-usa\/435688561?prev_url=detail\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Matt Gush<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/license-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Irvine-California-1.png\" alt=\"Aerial view of downtown Irvine, California\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 2: <\/strong>Irvine, California | <strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>55.82<br><br><strong>Share of Residents Within a 10-Minute Walk of a Park: <\/strong>89% | Rank: 65<br><strong>Number of Public Parks: <\/strong>356 | Rank: 27<br><strong>Share of Land Used for Parks and Recreation: <\/strong>37% | Rank: 4<br><strong>Average Annual Precipitation (in Inches): <\/strong>13.6 | Rank: 44<br><strong>Crime Index (Safer than % of American Cities): <\/strong>27 | Rank: 92<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/low-altitude-aerial-view-of-downtown-irvine-california-in-spring\/503371612?prev_url=detail\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jacob<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/license-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Honolulu-Hawaii-1.png\" alt=\"Overlooking the beautiful scenery of Honolulu Hawaii\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 3: <\/strong>Honolulu, Hawaii <strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>54.98<br><br><strong>Number of Public Parks: <\/strong>512 | Rank: 11<br><strong>Share of Land Used for Parks and Recreation: <\/strong>17.8% | Rank: 41<br><strong>Number of Trails: <\/strong>94 | Rank: 24<br><strong>Average Annual Precipitation (in Inches): <\/strong>17.1 | Rank: 147<br><strong>Tick-borne Disease Rank: <\/strong>50 (50 = lowest risk) | Rank: 1<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/buildings-near-body-of-water-XwCgFPLalP4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cosmin Serban<\/a> \/ Unsplash \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Seattle-Washington-1.png\" alt=\"View of the Seattle Space Needle from a park\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 4: <\/strong>Seattle, Washington | <strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>51.70<br><br><strong>Share of Residents Within a 10-Minute Walk of a Park: <\/strong>99% | Rank: 4<br><strong>Number of Public Parks: <\/strong>974 | Rank: 3<br><strong>Share of Land Used for Parks and Recreation: <\/strong>13% | Rank: 68<br><strong>Number of Trails: <\/strong>94 | Rank: 24<br><strong>Dirtiest Cities Ranking: <\/strong>252 | Rank: 52<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/the-famous-space-needle-under-blue-sky-in-seattle-washington-united-states-4424285\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lin Zhu<\/a> \/ Pexels \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/license\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a>\u00a0<\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Tucson-Arizona11-1.png\" alt=\"Tucson Sunrise\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 5: <\/strong>Tucson, Arizona | <strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>51.61<br><br><strong>Share of Residents Within a 10-Minute Walk of a Park: <\/strong>64% | Rank: 251<br><strong>Number of Public Parks: <\/strong>233 | Rank: 51<br><strong>Number of Trails: <\/strong>255 | Rank: 1<br><strong>Percentage of Sunshine: <\/strong>85.67% | Rank: 14<br><strong>Tick-borne Disease Rank:<\/strong> 49 (50 = lowest risk) | Rank: 2\u00a0<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/flickr.com\/photos\/sheila_sund\/49392237876\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sheila Sund<\/a> \/ flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><\/div>             <div class=\"swiper-pagination\"><\/div>             <div class=\"swiper-button-prev\"><\/div> <div class=\"swiper-button-next\"><\/div>         <\/div>  <p><a class=\"js-anchor\" id=\"key-insights\"><\/a><\/p>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Insights<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Top-tier picnic cities: <strong>Thousand Oaks <\/strong>(No. 1) and <strong>Irvine<\/strong>,<strong> California <\/strong>(No. 2), <strong>Honolulu <\/strong>(No. 3), <strong>Seattle <\/strong>(No. 4), and<strong> Tucson<\/strong>,<strong> Arizona <\/strong>(No. 5)<strong>, <\/strong>top our ranking, offering a well-rounded outdoor experience. With <strong>abundant parks<\/strong>, <strong>scenic views<\/strong>, and <strong>great weather<\/strong>, they make spreading out your picnic blanket a dream.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Major metros: <strong>New York <\/strong>(No. 69), <strong>Chicago <\/strong>(No. 181), <strong>Seattle <\/strong>(No. 4), <strong>Boston <\/strong>(No. 79), and <strong>Washington D.C<\/strong>. (No. 124) are picnic paradises with the <strong>highest numbers of public parks<\/strong> and <strong>short walking distances<\/strong>. However, don\u2019t forget your umbrella. Despite their green spaces, these cities often <strong>swap sunshine for sprinkles<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fayetteville, North Carolina<\/strong> (No. 500), <strong>Jackson, Mississippi<\/strong> (No. 499), <strong>Beaumont, Texas<\/strong> (No. 498), and two <strong>Michigan<\/strong> cities <strong>Troy<\/strong> (No. 497) and <strong>Southfield<\/strong> (No. 496) fell short of picnic perfection, rounding out the <strong>bottom of the ranking<\/strong>. They struggle with <strong>less favorable weather<\/strong>, <strong>safety concerns<\/strong>, and <strong>poor accessibility<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/studies\/best-cities-for-hiking\/\">Hiking cities<\/a> like <strong>Tucson <\/strong>(No. 5), <strong>Phoenix <\/strong>(No. 8), <strong>Colorado Springs <\/strong>(No. 98), and <strong>Portland<\/strong> (No. 36) are ideal for adventurous picnic lovers. These cities boast the <strong>highest number of trails<\/strong>, offering unique opportunities and scenic views whether you\u2019re exploring the deserts of <strong>Arizona<\/strong>, the mountainous paths of <strong>Colorado<\/strong>, or the dense forests of <strong>Oregon<\/strong>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pack the sunscreen<\/strong> in locations like <strong>Arizona<\/strong> and <strong>Florida<\/strong>. <strong>Yuma, Arizona <\/strong>(No. 70)<strong> <\/strong>supplies over <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onlyinyourstate.com\/arizona\/sunniest-place-in-az\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">300 days<\/a><strong> <\/strong>of<strong> sunshine per year<\/strong>, the <strong>lowest precipitation<\/strong>, and is the <strong>hottest city in the U.S.<\/strong> Thankfully, many of its beautiful parks and picnic spots are centered around water, providing a refreshing escape from the heat. On the other hand, while <strong>Florida<\/strong> offers plenty for picnickers, be prepared for sudden <strong>afternoon showers<\/strong> that can interrupt your outdoor fun.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Discover more insights <a href=\"#media-resources\/\">below<\/a>.<\/p>   <p><a class=\"js-anchor\" id=\"ask-the-experts\"><\/a><\/p>  <div id=\"experts-block\" class=\"experts\">     <h2 class=\"text-2xl font-bold text-black mb-3\">Ask the Experts<\/h2>    <p>Picnic enthusiasts know that finding the perfect spot and having the right essentials can make or break the experience. So what makes a picnic truly special?<\/p> <p>We turned to a group of experts for their best advice on everything from scouting out the ideal picnic locations to selecting the perfect foods. Get ready to elevate your picnic game with their insights and tips below.<\/p> <ol> <li>What is your best piece of advice for scouting out a perfect picnic spot?<\/li> <li>What are 3 overrated and three underrated picnic foods?<\/li> <li>What are 3 must-have items to bring along for a picnic?<\/li> <li>Aside from public parks, where are 3 great places for setting up a picnic?<\/li> <\/ol>    <div id=\"experts-container\" class=\"relative lg:mt-6\" x-data=\"experts()\" x-init=\"init()\">      <style>       .expert-avatars {         scrollbar-width: none;         -ms-overflow-style: none;          \/* momentum scroll on iOS *\/         -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;          \/* disbable vertical scroll for touch *\/         touch-action: pan-x;       }        \/* hide scroll bar *\/       .expert-avatars::-webkit-scrollbar {         display: none;       }        .expert-avatars .item {         width: 125px;         flex-shrink: 0;       }        .expert-avatars .item:not(:last-child) {         margin-right: 10px; 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        -webkit-line-clamp: 1;         -webkit-box-orient: vertical;         line-height: 1.4;       }        [x-cloak] {         display: none;       }     <\/style>      <div class=\"expert-avatars flex overflow-x-scroll overscroll-contain px-2 mb-10 lg:hidden\">                         <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('michelle-ison', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Michelle-Ison.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Michelle Ison\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Michelle Ison <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Picnicker-and-Chief<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('vlad-and-olga', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/vlad-and-olga.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"vlad and olga\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Vlad and Olga <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Co-founders, Picnic Makers<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('daria-kovaleva', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Daria.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Daria Kovaleva\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Daria Kovaleva <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Founder<\/div>           <\/div>                   <\/div>                     <div           id=\"expert-michelle-ison\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'michelle-ison', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'michelle-ison'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('michelle-ison', 'expert'); 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Peonies<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'michelle-ison'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('michelle-ison', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'michelle-ison'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('michelle-ison')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Michelle-Ison.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Michelle Ison\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Michelle Ison <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Picnicker-and-Chief<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Picnic &amp; Peonies<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What is your best piece of advice for scouting out a perfect picnic spot?<\/strong><\/p> <p>We recommend looking for shady areas that are away from large groups. A bonus is getting a location with water views and a breeze!<\/p> <p><strong>What are three overrated and three underrated picnic foods?<\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>Overrated:<\/strong><\/p> <ul> <li>DIY charcuterie boards. While I personally love charcuterie and am always here for a great board, you will likely spend more money getting all the ingredients yourself and creating a board for your picnic. We recommend ordering a board from a company that makes them \u2014 saving you time, energy, and money in the long run.<\/li> <li>Individual entr\u00e9es. A picnic is such a communal event, and your food choices should reflect that. We recommend getting sharable dishes for all your guests.<\/li> <li>Peel &amp; eat shrimp. Okay, this sounds like a weird one, but we&#8217;ve had many of our picnickers enjoy spiced shrimp. While spiced shrimp is great, it stains so easily and it leaves a terrible lingering smell. With that said, opt for foods that aren&#8217;t going to ruin your blankets or make you not want to pull out your picnic blanket again.<\/li> <\/ul> <p><strong>Underrated:<\/strong><\/p> <ul> <li>Pizza! Pizza is such a fun and simple way to enjoy a meal outdoors. It&#8217;s also always delicious.<\/li> <li>Cupcakes! For picnickers looking to add a sweet treat to their outdoor events, cupcakes are really easy to pass around.<\/li> <li>Brunch items. We&#8217;ve found that a lot of picnickers tend to gravitate towards early afternoon and\/or dinnertime celebrations, but morning picnics are quite enjoyable. So we suggest grabbing croissants and a coffee for an outdoor meal.<\/li> <\/ul> <p><strong>What are three must-have items to bring along for a picnic?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Two classic items, a basket and a blanket. But we also highly recommend bringing sunscreen and bug spray.<\/p> <p><strong>Aside from public parks, where are three great places for setting up a picnic?<\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Your back or front yard.<\/p> <p>2. Rooftops.<\/p> <p>3. From the back of your vehicle.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-vlad-and-olga\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'vlad-and-olga', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'vlad-and-olga'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('vlad-and-olga', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'vlad-and-olga', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'vlad-and-olga'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('vlad-and-olga', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/vlad-and-olga.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"vlad and olga\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'vlad-and-olga'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Vlad and Olga <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'vlad-and-olga'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Co-founders, Picnic Makers<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'vlad-and-olga'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Picnic Makers<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'vlad-and-olga'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('vlad-and-olga', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'vlad-and-olga'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('vlad-and-olga')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/vlad-and-olga.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"vlad and olga\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Vlad and Olga <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Co-founders, Picnic Makers<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Picnic Makers<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What is your best piece of advice for scouting out a perfect picnic spot?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Scout locations that combine natural beauty with practical amenities. Look for spots with stunning views, such as:<\/p> <ul> <li>A beach.<\/li> <li>A park with a lake.<\/li> <li>A hillside with a sunset panorama.<\/li> <\/ul> <p>Ensure there&#8217;s adequate shade and seating.<\/p> <p><strong>An insider tip:<\/strong> Arrive early to claim your spot. When planning your picnic, check for facilities like restrooms and nearby parking to make the logistics smoother.<\/p> <p><strong>What are three overrated and three underrated picnic foods?<\/strong><\/p> <p><strong>Overrated Picnic Foods:<\/strong><\/p> <ol> <li><strong>Cold sandwiches:<\/strong> Often soggy and uninspired when you&#8217;re ready to eat.<\/li> <li><strong>Chips<\/strong>: Easy but not healthy, and they leave crumbs everywhere.<\/li> <li><strong>Fruit salad:<\/strong> Tends to get mushy and is a hassle to keep fresh.<\/li> <\/ol> <p><strong>Underrated Picnic Foods:<\/strong><\/p> <ol> <li><strong>Charcuterie boards:<\/strong> A delightful mix of flavors and textures that are easy to customize and share.<\/li> <li><strong>Mason jar salads:<\/strong> Layers of fresh ingredients that stay crisp until ready to eat.<\/li> <li><strong>Hand pies:<\/strong> Portable, less messy, and can be savory or sweet. Perfect for any meal.<\/li> <\/ol> <p><strong>What are three must-have items to bring along for a picnic?<\/strong><\/p> <ol> <li><strong>Picnic basket.<\/strong> Choose one with compartments to carry your food, drinks, and supplies easily.<\/li> <li><strong>Utensils and plates<\/strong>. Opt for reusable utensils and plates. They&#8217;re eco-friendly, and durable, and enhance the overall picnic experience.<\/li> <li><strong>Waterproof picnic blanket.<\/strong> It provides comfort, keeps you dry, and defines your picnic space.<\/li> <li><strong>Insulated cooler<\/strong> will keep your beverages and perishables at the right temperature, ensuring everything stays fresh and enjoyable.<\/li> <li><strong>First aid kit<\/strong>. A lifesaver for minor injuries, insect bites, or other unexpected mishaps.<\/li> <\/ol> <p><strong>Aside from public parks, where are three great places for setting up a picnic?<\/strong><\/p> <ol> <li><strong>Beaches:<\/strong> There&#8217;s something magical about dining with the sound of waves and a seaside view.<\/li> <li><strong>Botanical gardens: <\/strong>Often quieter than public parks, with beautiful, curated landscapes.<\/li> <li><strong>Rooftop:<\/strong> Urban picnicking at its best\u2014enjoy the city skyline while you dine.<\/li> <\/ol> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p><em><strong>Expert bio: <\/strong>Co-founders of <a href=\"https:\/\/picnicmakers.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Picnic Makers<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-daria-kovaleva\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'daria-kovaleva', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'daria-kovaleva'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('daria-kovaleva', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'daria-kovaleva', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'daria-kovaleva'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('daria-kovaleva', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Daria.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Daria Kovaleva\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'daria-kovaleva'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Daria Kovaleva <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'daria-kovaleva'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Founder<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'daria-kovaleva'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Hidden Date<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'daria-kovaleva'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('daria-kovaleva', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'daria-kovaleva'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('daria-kovaleva')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Daria.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Daria Kovaleva\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Daria Kovaleva <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Founder<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Hidden Date<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What is your best piece of advice for scouting out a perfect picnic spot?<\/strong><\/p> <p>For the summertime, the main criteria for picking a picnic spot is making sure you won&#8217;t have to deal with crowds of people flocking to the beach or occupying parks. So if you seek privacy, you may have to spend a little extra time driving to the city&#8217;s remote areas and make sure the ants or seagulls aren&#8217;t around. This may bring some complications to the whole experience. If you&#8217;d like to capture some nice shots of your picnic day, you may want to pick a morning or evening time to make sure you get the best light that won&#8217;t highlight your wrinkles or skin imperfections.<\/p> <p><strong>What are three overrated and three underrated picnic foods?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Overrated: sushi, pizza, fruit plate. The main reason is that these foods get dried up by the sun very fast; if you cut the fruits in advance, they&#8217;ll most likely get soggy by the time you make it to the picnic spot. Besides, you can soil your clothes with soy sauce or pizza sauce. Underrated: charcuterie board, veggie trays, mini sandwiches. These are nutritious foods that stay fresh longer, are easy to carry around, and will get you full in no time.<\/p> <p><strong>What are three must-have items to bring along for a picnic?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Don&#8217;t forget your sunscreen, first and foremost! Make sure to have at least one source of shade, such as an umbrella, a tent, or a cabana. I&#8217;d also add a mini fridge with a bag of ice inside to make sure your drinks and such food as meat, cheese, and dairy products stay cold.<\/p> <p><strong>Aside from public parks, where are three great places for setting up a picnic?<\/strong><\/p> <p>If you have a nice shady backyard, turn it into a picnic spot! The good news is you can stay there as long as you wish. I&#8217;d also consider the beach as it&#8217;s a great place to get some tan, meet new friends, and take a nice swim, of course. For a romantic picnic, you can scout a private area or simply set up a picnic at a place of significance for your couple. I once had a client who sent the coordinates of a specific beach spot where he met his wife 20 years ago. He planned a Mother&#8217;s Day picnic for her and his two daughters.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>              <\/div> <\/div>  <p><a class=\"js-anchor\" id=\"methodology\"><\/a><\/p>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Methodology<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, we determined the factors (metrics) that are most relevant to rank the Best Cities for Picnic Lovers. We then assigned a weight to each factor based on its importance and grouped those factors into 4 categories: Park Accessibility, Climate, Laws and Regulations, and Safety. The categories, factors, and their weights are listed in the table below.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For each of the 500 biggest U.S. cities, we then gathered data on each factor from the sources listed below the table.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, we calculated scores (out of 100 points) for each city to determine its rank in each factor, each category, and overall. A city\u2019s Overall Score is the average of its scores across all factors and categories. The highest Overall Score ranked \u201cBest\u201d (No. 1) and the lowest \u201cWorst\u201d (No. 500).<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Notes:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>The \u201cWorst\u201d among individual factors may not be No. 500 due to ties.<\/li> <\/ul>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"a9424f62-8220-4675-94d5-3f1aa24523af\" data-type=\"interactive\"><\/div><script>!function(e,t,s,i){var n=\"InfogramEmbeds\",o=e.getElementsByTagName(\"script\"),d=o[0],r=\/^http:\/.test(e.location)?\"http:\":\"https:\";if(\/^\\\/{2}\/.test(i)&&(i=r+i),window[n]&&window[n].initialized)window[n].process&&window[n].process();else if(!e.getElementById(s)){var a=e.createElement(\"script\");a.async=1,a.id=s,a.src=i,d.parentNode.insertBefore(a,d)}}(document,0,\"infogram-async\",\"\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\");<\/script>    <p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Sources:<\/em><\/strong><em> Trust for Public Land, AllTrails, National Centers for Environmental Information, Other LawnStarter Studies, VinePair, and NeighborhoodScout<\/em><\/p>   <p><a class=\"js-anchor\" id=\"final-thoughts\"><\/a><\/p>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Local Tips<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Picnicking is a beloved pastime, offering a perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends. <a href=\"https:\/\/outdoorindustry.org\/press-release\/outdoor-participation-hits-record-levels-for-ninth-consecutive-year\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Recent trends<\/a> show that more Americans are embracing outdoor activities, with picnics <a href=\"https:\/\/foodindustryexecutive.com\/2024\/02\/the-rise-of-picnic-culture-why-this-year-could-see-a-surge-in-al-fresco-dining-adventures\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">surging in popularity<\/a> thanks to rising restaurant costs.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deseret.com\/magazine\/2024\/07\/15\/boiling-point-climate-change-heat-waves\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">changing weather<\/a> patterns and the ongoing need for accessible green spaces, finding the perfect picnic spot can sometimes be a challenge. According to the National Recreation and Park Association, public parks and green spaces are essential for community <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nrpa.org\/our-work\/building-a-movement\/parks-and-recreation-is-essential\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">well-being<\/a>, while also positively impacting the local economy and environment.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When public spaces fall short, don\u2019t let that ruin your picnic plans. Consider creating your own picnic oasis at home.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Design your ideal at-home picnic setup with help from our guides below:&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Plant grass seed<\/strong> fit for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/best-grasses-for-high-traffic-yards\/\">high-traffic lawns<\/a> to ensure your lawn stays green and resilient.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Keep your picnic <strong>pest-free<\/strong> by combating <a href=\"https:\/\/pestgnome.com\/blog\/studies\/worst-states-tick-borne-illnesses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">summer lawn pests<\/a> like fleas, <a href=\"https:\/\/pestgnome.com\/blog\/studies\/worst-states-tick-borne-illnesses\/\">ticks<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/pestgnome.com\/blog\/studies\/most-vulnerable-counties-mosquito-diseases\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mosquitoes<\/a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Plant <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/fast-growing-shade-trees\/\">shade trees<\/a> to provide cool, comfortable areas for outdoor dining.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/studies\/best-cities-for-locavores\/\">Support local<\/a> businesses to <strong>enhance your picnic experience<\/strong> (and menu).<\/li>    <li>Design a beautiful <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/cost\/patio-price\/\">patio space<\/a> for a stylish and comfortable picnic setup.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Grow <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/gardening-2\/vegetable-garden-ideas\/\">fresh produce<\/a> to enjoy during your at-home picnics.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Hire a <\/em><a href=\"http:\/\/lawnstarter.com\"><em>LawnStarter local pro<\/em><\/a><em> to transform your backyard into the perfect oasis for picnics and outdoor gatherings.<\/em><\/p>   <p><a class=\"js-anchor\" id=\"media-resources\"><\/a><\/p>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Media Resources<\/h2>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-e53732c1-6eb8-4493-9469-95eaec0786fa\" data-mobilecollapse=\"true\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-e53732c1-6eb8-4493-9469-95eaec0786fa\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-e53732c1-6eb8-4493-9469-95eaec0786fa\" style=\"color: #000000; \">Quotes from LawnStarter Editor-in-Chief Jeff Herman<\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-e53732c1-6eb8-4493-9469-95eaec0786fa\">  <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What\u2019s the secret of success for a great picnic \u2013 and what are some things (ants or bee stings) that can really ruin that romantic mood or gathering of friends and family?<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A great picnic starts with the perfect setting, and since we\u2019re LawnStarter, that starts with some great green spaces in cities across the U.S. You\u2019ve read about the cities atop our Best Cities for Picnic Lovers ranking, but here\u2019s a look at picnicking in some of the cities I\u2019ve called home:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>St. Louis, Missouri <\/strong>at No. 259, is a surprise. I remember sitting on the picnic blanket, sharing wine and cheese, at the nighttime outdoor concerts at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouribotanicalgarden.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Missouri Botanical Garden<\/a>. Another great cheap date picnicking spot in my hometown is Forest Park. Spread out under the trees, share a bite, then walk to the St. Louis Zoo (free admission), see a show at The Muny (from the free seats), or share a ride in a paddleboat.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Tampa, Florida <\/strong>(No. 220) has incredible weather and loads of places to plop down with your picnic basket. My favorite is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ut.edu\/about-ut\/plant-park\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Plant Park<\/a> on the grounds of the University of Tampa. The palm trees, the minarets, the green space near the Hillsborough River \u2013 it was all just perfect and close (just across the street from where I worked for almost five years).<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Dallas, Texas <\/strong>at No. 320, is also a shock. I live here now, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.klydewarrenpark.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Klyde Warren Park<\/a> was a block away when we worked from the WeWork in Uptown. So many food trucks, but packing a lunch and eating on the grass saves so much money. The coolest new place to picnic is in front of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irvingarchivesandmuseum.com\/mustangs-of-las-colinas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mustangs Sculpture<\/a> in Las Colinas. They\u2019ve turned what was all granite in front of the building (they moved us to a WeWork there) into grassy areas with tables.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My point is there are great places to picnic in every city in our ranking. Explore your city and find your special plot of grass for a special dinner for two, a family outing, or your own tailgate picnic party ahead of a big game.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But don\u2019t let your guard down wherever you put down your picnic blanket (or gather to eat at a picnic table). Wear sunscreen if you\u2019re picnicking in the sun, and watch the alcohol if you\u2019re picnicking at night.\u00a0<\/p>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/1DAez0eoaXqlbpkyhL553MwV4C0eEHQeRndj6mexkXWs\/edit#gid=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">High-resolution images of cities<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Main Photo Credit:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/multi-generation-family-enjoying-picnic-in-sunny-garden\/383185004?prev_url=detail\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tom Merton\/Caia Image<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/license-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Which U.S. cities are the best for spreading out your picnic blanket and enjoying a meal outdoors? 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