You never need an excuse to plan a picnic in Columbia, but if you ever needed one, April 23 is National Picnic Day. From historic gardens and riverfront spots, Soda City has many places where you can throw down your blanket and grab a meal with friends + family.

🧀 Build your menu with local charcuterie boards

Abundant Graze | Choose from a variety of prebuilt boxes that include cheeses, pickles, nuts, and crackers. Try this: Order a dessert box for a balance of salty + sweet snacks.
The Gourmet Shop | This Five Points spot has plenty of options to let you build your own board, but don't be surprised if one of its sandwiches calls your name as you order.
Carolina Charcuterie Company | Pick the perfect snack with this company that offers packages filled with meats, crackers, and veggies. There's even a Bitty Box and a mini box that are perfect if you don't want leftovers.

Did you know? Sandwiches are the most popular picnic meal. If you want to sub the charcuterie board with a sandwich, there are many spots in Soda City with options under $10.

💐 Pick out the decor

Set the scene at your picnic with a colorful bloom of flowers from Fern or choose from the summer bouquets at Blossom Shop.
What’s a picnic without a vintage basket? Stop by Old Mill Antique Mall and choose from the selection of baskets, or pick up a vintage blanket or quilt.
Mast General Store on Main Street has you covered with picnic-related items ranging from sweets + spreads to blankets and a wide selection of outdoor items.
Show your USC pride during your outing with this packable Gamecocks picnic blanket.

🌳 Choose the perfect spot

Riverfront Park and Columbia Canal | It’s just a short walk to the riverfront where you’ll find a field next to the river to unfurl a blanket and soak up the sun.
Page Ellington Park | Bring your dog and let them play in the dog park while you set up under one of Bull Street’s old oak trees.
Robert Mills Historic District, Seibels House, Robert Mills, Hampton-Preston | Choose a scenic spot in the gardens among the native plants. Pro tip: Each location has different hours and days when the gardens are open to the public, so be sure to check before you go.
USC Horseshoe | Bring a book and a snack to enjoy the historic horseshoe shaded by 26 varieties of trees.
Sesquicentennial State Park | This state park has picnic shelters and tables, but you can always find a spot in the grass and soak in views of the pond as you eat. There are plenty of trails in this 1,400-acre park if you need to work up an appetite before you eat.

🍿 Picnic Hacks

Intimate Occasions | If you want to turn your picnic into a special event, this local business will do the work for you, complete with food options, cozy sitting spaces, and cleanup.
Gourmet Shop Charcuterie Box | When you preorder your custom cheese + charcuterie trays and pick up a pound of the renowned chicken salad, you’re halfway to your outdoor dining experience.
Cromer’s | Peanuts, popcorn, hot dogs — Cromer’s has you covered if you want to grab the worst picnic snacks in town on the way to the park.

Bonus: Don't forget to grab sunscreen, bug spray, and a camera to capture the memories (you'll thank us later).

Remember to use #COLAtoday when you post your picnic pictures for a chance to be featured on our page.