Picnic Season

During summer, it seems every square foot of Bucks County is beautiful. Blooming flowers and rising temperatures are a call to us to head outdoors and enjoy the season. There’s no better way to do that than to plan a picnic. Gather an outdoor tablecloth or blanket, plastic silverware and drinkware, and a fine selection of snacks, and you’ll be set up for the perfect alfresco experience in no time.

Here are some summer picnic ideas we suggest to make your day special.

Explore local parks. Upper Makefield Township features Brownsburg Park; Lookout Park; and the most famous, Washington Crossing Historic Park. All have picnic facilities, and pavilions can be reserved through their respective websites. It’s a great way to spend time with the family or celebrate a special occasion. (Note: Alcohol is not permitted in Upper Makefield Township parks.)

Pair a picnic with polo. Weather permitting, every summer Saturday, people tailgate at Tinicum Park Polo Club or bring picnics to watch the polo matches on-site. Located less than an hour away in Erwinna, this venue offers the unique opportunity to enjoy a sport and a picnic.

Find a farm. With so many farms in the area, why not enjoy a meal with a rural vibe? If you visit a farmer friend, pull down a few hay bales, cover one with a tablecloth, and set up your picnic.

Recreate the French countryside. Some parts of this area are reminiscent of the French countryside. Stop into town and buy cheese, sliced meat, a baguette, a cold salad, and marvelous pastries for dessert. Ely Farm Products or Colonial Farms are two great places to buy some of these treats locally.

Eat like an Italian. Antipasto is a popular item for any picnic—everyone likes a meal where you can choose the parts you like best. Pick up prosciutto, mozzarella, parmesan, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, plenty of olives, and Italian bread. Many local Italian restaurants can also do the work for you as a takeout item.

Make time for wine. Always make sure to know the alcohol rules of the venue where you plan to picnic, and bear in mind that someone needs to be the designated driver. For ideas on selecting the perfect wine, read our sidebar.

Whether planned or spontaneous, picnicking is a summer delight. The great thing is that you can do it again and again throughout the summer with a different twist each time.

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Choose the Right Wine

No matter what you’re in the mood for, there’s a wine to go with every picnic. Here are some tips on picking the perfect bottle:

• White. When the weather is warm, the wine should be cold. Try a Sancerre, which is one of the most popular sauvignon blancs. Chardonnay is another great choice and is one of the most popular wines in the world. The average white table wine averages 12% to 13% ABV. If you’re looking for a lower alcohol content, choose a German riesling or a Portuguese Vinho Verde, which often average 9% alcohol.

• Rosé. The “spiritual home” of rosé wine is the South of France, specifically Provence. However, most countries have gotten on the bandwagon and now produce rosé wine. It is hard to go wrong with any brand.

• Sparkling. People associate a “pop” and bubbles with luxury. But Champagne, which comes from France, also carries a high price tag. If you’re looking for a top-tasting sparkling wine at a lower cost, try prosecco from Italy, cava from Spain, or sparkling wines from California.

• Red. If this is your drink of choice, try a chilled, light-bodied Beaujolais.

Bryce Sanders has lived in Bucks County since 1987 and is the 2026 president of Bucks Beautiful. He is also president of Perceptive Business Solution Inc. and a published writer. He and his wife are avid travelers, foodies, and wine fans.