If you're anything like me, you like your nature in small doses. for instance, in a Gia Pronto salad. But with summer weather fading away fast, even the most urban of us will get a craving for a little patch of grass. What better way to celebrate your last hoorahs of summer than with the most cherished of outdoor dining experiences - the picnic?
In a city setting like Philadelphia, we picnickers are forced to get a little creative when it comes to finding dining locations. A blanket in the Quad doesn't quite hit the spot and the Penn squirrels are undoubtedly planning an uprising. Up to the challenge of branching out, I sought out some of the city's most pleasant, flat and shaded spots. Much to my delight, this area is full of places to pop a squat. (Note: "Ben on the Bench" is not one of them.)
You can never truly tire of picnics because there are so many exciting variations. Blanket or table? Utensils or hands? Take-out or homemade? Friend reunion or prelude to public nudity? I personally recommend trying out some unconventional picnic ideas. Why not a brunch picnic of quiche and fruit, or better yet, a romantic evening picnic made entirely out of decadent desserts? The sky is the limit.
There's also no need to sacrifice the pleasures of a BYO. In fact, I always enjoy nature that much more when in an altered state. Gourmet of Olde City (26 N. 3rd Street) has wine carriers to match any ensemble. Bringing vino? Choose an insulated wine pouch. They'll also set you up with a basket and a picnic kit, complete with plates and utensils.
So grab those aviators and take an excursion to one of these exciting picnic spots. Come December, you'll be happy you did.
The Woodlands (4000 Woodland Ave.)
The Woodlands, a National Historic Landmark right in our neighborhood, consists of a graveyard, a mansion and gardens. Since it's within walking distance of any off-campus kitchen, The Woodlands is a great place to have a picnic with homemade food. After you're done eating, you can check out some of the more notable gravestones - like Napoleon II's dentist and the first guy to import giraffes to America.
Washington Square (6th and Walnut streets) and Kibitz in the City (703 Chestnut St.)
Want some bread with that meat? Hit Kibitz in the City and lug that pastrami-laden monster over to Washington Square Park where you can opt for a bench or a blanket. Kibitz in the City is your one-stop-shop for curing the withdrawal you've been experiencing since last seeing your Bubbe. Go for the grass; this is going to be messy.
Independence National Historic Park (143 S. 3rd St.) and Fork:etc. (308 Market St.)
The fancy folks should head to Fork:etc. for gourmet take-out picnic fare. Fork:etc. offers fresh-baked breads, local produce, a variety of cheeses and an array of other specialty goods. You can fix yourself up a nice bread, cheese and meat plate or grab some prepared foods and plastic forks. A refined picnicker should feel right at home dining in the richly historical Independence National Historic Park, which surrounds Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and other landmarks.
Washington Square (6th and Walnut) and Kibitz in the City (703 Chestnut)
Want some bread with that meat? Hit Kibitz in the City and lug that pastrami-laden monster over to Washington Square Park where you can opt for a bench or the grass. Kibitz in the City is your one-stop-shop for curing the withdrawal you've been experiencing since last seeing your Bubbe. Go for the grass; this is going to be messy.
The Woodlands (4000
Woodland Ave.)
The Woodlands, a National Historic Landmark right in our neighborhood, consists of a graveyard, a mansion and gardens. Since it's within walking distance of any off-campus kitchen, The Woodlands is a great place to have a picnic with homemade food. After you're done eating you can check out some of the more notable gravestones - like Napoleon II's dentist and the first guy to import giraffes to America.
Independence National Historic Park (143 S. 3rd) and Fork:etc. (308 Market)
The fancy folks should head to Fork:etc. for gourmet take-out picnic fare. Fork:etc. offers fresh-baked breads, local produce, a variety of cheeses and an array of other specialty goods. You can fix yourself up a nice bread, cheese and meat plate, or grab some prepared foods and plastic forks. A refined picnicker should feel right at home dining in the richly historical Independence National Historic Park, which surrounds Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and other landmarks.
