International Picnic Day is June 18, so pack your basket and head to one of these five Hudson Valley spots in the region to indulge in provisions and enjoy the scenery.
Pack your picnic basket and head outside for International Picnic Day on June 18. It’s a perfect excuse to grab your favorite Hudson Valley provisions and enjoy the region’s beauty, whetherin the company of friends and family or by yourself to catch a break.
From Putnam to Columbia counties, we have curated a list of top spots to eat al fresco in the region, with nearby recommendations for picking up treats. Don’t forget to bring a blanket to lay out (or to keep warm), a cooler to keep food and drinks chilled, and something to collect any garbage.
Two rows of trees create a beautiful pathway at this picnic spot along Quaker Hill Road, with ample spots to choose where to lay out a blanket.
In the town of Pawling sits Quaker Hill, a hamlet that shares its name with the 12-mile-long ridge on which it is located, just near the Connecticut state line. The scenic Quaker Hill Road is beautiful in itself, but a real hidden gem is located where County Road 67 and Glen Arden Road meet.
From the road you might be unsure if you’re at the right spot — there is no paved parking lot or crowds. But once you hop out of the car and head to the greenery that runs parallel to Clover Brook Farm, it will be clear why it’s a perfect picnic spot. Two rows of trees create a beautiful pathway, with ample spots to choose where to lay out a blanket. If you’re lucky, the cows from the farm might head your way to say hello from the other side of the fence.
Before you head to the location, stop into McKinney & Doyle to snag some freshly baked treats, or if you’re looking for a meal, grab a sandwich to go. The cajun chicken burger is one of our favorites.
This “million dollar view” of the Catskills in Mohonk Preserve is just a short walk from the Spring Farm parking area, which makes it perfect for a picnic day. Spring Farm offers open fields, broad views, and quiet, forested paths.
The High Falls Café is just a short drive from the preserve and offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. The housemade hummus plate is perfect for picking.
View of the Main House at Olana from the Summer House.
This Hudson estate is a no-brainer as a picnic spot you can turn into a full day out. The park is open every day from 8 a.m. to sunset, with plenty of winding landscape and carriage roads across 25 acres that are free to explore. The park is a carry-in, carry-out, tobacco-free environment. Dogs are also welcomed, as long as they are leashed.
If you’re traveling from the east, stop by the Hillsdale General Store to pack food, or explore Taste NY at the Olana Museum Store, which features a curate selection of New York made food and beverages.
Before or after picnicking, guests can buy tickets to explore the house, designed by its former resident, the painter Frederic Church, with landscape architect Calvert Vaux, the co-designer of Central Park. It is open Tuesday through Sunday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Located in the town of Kent, this 263-acre area, which includes the 129-acre pond, has grass on the perimeter to set out a blanket and enjoy food and drinks. If that’s all you want to do, it checks off the box.
However, this is really the spot to go if you are looking for recreational activities. The pond offers swimming, fishing or non-motorized boating, and there are many hiking trails in the park. Nearby Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park is another option for Putnam County residents looking for a spot to picnic.
Stop in Cameron’s Deli in Brewster for sandwiches, small side salads, a bag of chips and drinks to bring to either location. The 24/7 deli is a local favorite, with the Cluck’en Russian (chicken cutlet, melted muenster cheese, bacon, Russian dressing on a toasted roll) being a go-to order.
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Looking for Hudson River views? This is the spot. The 102-acre park site has picnic tables and grills for those looking to cook up burgers and hotdogs instead of the classic picnic fare. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk and is located on the Western banks of the Hudson River. It has a 2,000-foot sandy river front. Plum Point was the first European settlement in Orange County in 1685 by Patrick MacGregorie, who established a trading post which operated until 1720.
Plum Point is located just down the road from the city of Newburgh, which has ample to-go food options. We suggest Anna’s Restaurant (the Reuben and fries are top tier) or Brickstreet Delicatessen (the cold grilled veggie pasta salad is perfect for a hot day).
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This park has a large area for activities, so bring a frisbee or a ball to play catch. It has four boat launch ramps, grills, picnic tables and a playground, making it ideal for a family looking to spend a day outside. It’s located at the easter end of Main Street in Catskill, meaning there are ample options on where to get a delicious bite to-go.
However, the Circle W Market, 10 miles from the park, might be worth the drive. The gourmet grocery market has been around for over 100 years and serves lunch, including a classic BLT.
Cloey Callahan is a lifelong Hudson Valley resident who was born and raised in Brewster, lived in New Paltz for four years while she attended college, and now resides in Newburgh on Liberty Street. On a sunny day, she strolls through Newburgh enjoying the 19th-century architecture on her way to the Hudson River waterfront. You can reach her at cloey.callahan@hearst.com to say hi or with pitches.