As avid consumers of PDXtoday content, you already know where to go if you want to eat a meal on an outdoor patio. But what if your alfresco appetite calls for something a little more casual? We’re talking about a blanket on the grass with a basket full of finger foods. You in? Let’s plan a picnic.

Stake out a spot

With 300+ developed parks and recreation spots within city limits, Portland presents a smorgasbord of idyllic picnic spots. Narrow down your choices by asking yourself if you want to stay close to home or explore somewhere new. Are you looking to read a book and methodically pluck grapes from their stem in a quiet place surrounded by nature — or do you prefer to people-watch and chat with friends while absentmindedly draining an entire growler of kombucha?

For peace + quiet:

Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
Powell Butte Nature Park
Council Crest Park

For a lively atmosphere:

Pack the basket

Sandwiches, charcuterie, chips and salsa, seasonal fruit, beverages… the options are endless when it comes to building your picnic menu in a place like Portland. Start by filling a water bottle, then consider some of these options for grab-and-go morsels:

Elephants Delicatessen, various locations | Deli sandwiches, egg salad, mac and cheese, desserts, drinks
An Xuyên Bakery, 5345 SE Foster Rd. | Pan-Asian sandwiches, meat pies, baked goods
Wellspent Market, 3402 SE Division St. | Tinned fish, deli sandwiches, drinks, snacks | Pro tip: Grab a pie from Lauretta Jean’s next door
World Foods, 830 NW Everett St. | Mediterranean deli items + desserts

You don’t need a basket to have a great picnic, but if you want the full cute experience, then consider buying a classic wicker type, or check out the more modern picnic backpack if organization is your love language. Towels or an old comforter work fine to sit on, or you could church things up with a packable Pendleton blanket.

Picnics with Elegance's bubble suites take the weather worry out of your plans. | Photo by @picnicswithelegance

Leave it to a pro

Splurge on a picture-perfect picnic by hiring a local company to set everything up for you (and take it all down when you’re done). Evolution Picnics offers cookie decorating, painting, and charcuterie board building add-ons, Picnics with Elegance is PNW-prepared with clear pop-up tents, and Wild Rose Picnics brings your South of France vacation dreams to life at Carriage House Lavender.