Now that it’s warming up in the 828, it’s time to take your lunch outside. If you’re planning a picnic, peruse no further — here’s your guide to a perfect outing, from what to pack to picturesque locations to set up.
What to pack
Cheese | South Slope Cheese Co.
From gruyere to gouda to goat, an un-brie-lievable selection awaits.
Charcuterie | Asheville Charcuterie Co.
Pick out individual items to make the perfect board or opt for premade grab-and-go cups.
Bread | Mother
Pick up a gorgeous, olive-studded focaccia loaf and a crisp sparkling rosé to boot.
Fruit | French Broad Food Co-Op
Pick up fresh produce and other odds and ends, like pickled goods, crackers, nuts, jams, and jellies.
Sandwiches | Silverball Subs
If you’d rather skip the grazing and go straight for a sub, Silverball’s options are stacked. We love the Veronica.
Lastly, you can take the guesswork out of the equation and let The Rhu and Asheville Charcuterie Co. put together abundant baskets filled with local goods.
Where to set up
Botanical Gardens at Asheville, 151 WT Weaver Blvd.
This easily accessible spot is ideal for lunching and learning about native plants and flowers, whether in the sunshine or in the shade. The gardens are open from sunrise to sunset every day, with parking and restrooms on-site.
North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way
If it’s spring beauty you’re looking for, then the Arboretum is a good place to start. Bring your own basket of goodies to set up around the garden or on the lawn, or get some to-go food from the new Arbor Eatery.
Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza
There’s nothing like a packed lunch after a day of play. Once it gets a bit warmer, you can cool off in the fountains of Splasheville and refuel with a picnic on the green.
Lake Julian Park, 406 Overlook Rd., Arden
We do love a good place for waterfront dining. But Lake Julian offers more than that — post-picnic, you can enjoy disc golf, a playground, and even paddleboats.
Lake Louise Park, Lake Louise Dr., Weaverville
Any patch of grass around the lake will do for a scenic meal (especially the iconic red water wheel) — picnic shelters are first-come, first-served.
Bearwallow Mountain, 4854 Bearwallow Mountain Rd., Hendersonville
The easy (although quite vertical) two-mile round-trip hike takes you up to a gorgeous meadow with sweeping views. Just be warned: In the summer, you might be sharing your snacks with the mountain’s bovine residents.
Craggy Gardens Picnic Area, 3676 Blue Ridge Pkwy., Barnardsville
Travel the winding roads of the Blue Ridge Parkway for a scenic meal surrounded by colorful wildflowers and blossoming rhododendrons (they’ll peak in early to mid-June). The picnic area is open daily until sunset with grills and plenty of parking available.
The fun doesn’t have to stop here. Explore all the parks our city has to offer with our guide to parks in Asheville.
