One of the best but hardest things about quarantine has been how beautiful the weather has been in Raleigh this spring. I love a good afternoon on a patio or a rooftop enjoying delicious food and good company, so I have been missing that. However, I must say that I’ve rather enjoyed a change in pace and scenery and have enjoyed a good picnic where I can social distance but still enjoy the weather, food, and company. Plus, having a picnic is better for us than driving all the way home because we get to enjoy our food while it’s the right temperature. I have shared a few of the socially distant picnics on my Instastories and received a couple of requests for where we’ve been going. Here are the top 3 best places to have a picnic in Raleigh!
Don’t forget to check out my backyard picnic essentials here. They work well on the go, too!
The Top 3 Places to Have a Picnic in Raleigh
Dorothea Dix Park
This is where I have spent most of my time either because it was in the middle for friends I was meeting or it was on the way home from the restaurant where we did curbside delivery. There are several options to pick from whether you are looking for a picnic table, a good view of the Raleigh skyline, or shade. It’s also a great spot for pets. We have stopped here twice with Winston and Gizmo and they have enjoyed the people watching, too! There is plenty of space to spread out and enjoy your time!
Some of my favorite spots to get take out from near Dorothea Dix include:
Mordecai Historical Park
I’ve long been a fan of Mordecai Park in between the Mordecai and Oakwood neighborhoods in downtown Raleigh. We picked up Oakwood Pizza Box take out and enjoyed a picnic in their space and walked the grounds with Winston and Gizmo after dinner. If you’re getting any take out from the restaurants on Person Street, I highly recommend this location!
The Park North Carolina Museum of Art
The park at the North Carolina Museum of Art is an absolute gem! Not only can you enjoy the outdoor spaces, but the greenway is a great way to get exercise before or after your picnic. Plus, there is so much to take in, including the new installations of the “City in the Grass” by Leonardo Drew. This piece is in the art park until September 7, 2020. We ordered some of the French picnic items from Jolie for our afternoon here and it was such a lovely spot! Jolie is welcoming guests back in the dining room and on their amazing rooftop now, but keep an eye out if they start offering the French picnic option again. It was a true delight!
If you’re looking for some of our favorite curbside delivery locations, be sure to read this post.
French Picnic Photos by Glory Roze Photography
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Have you done a picnic in Raleigh before? How do you like to picnic? Let me know in a comment below!
such lovely picnic spots! What area in dix park were you at, with the downtown views in the background?