19 destinations to fit your picnic personality
Written by Brandy Centolanza
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Looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a bite to eat outdoors? Check out these picnic locales in Hampton Roads and beyond that are fitting for any occasion.
For Beach Lovers
At Buckroe Beach in Hampton,Va., you can lie a picnic blanket down in the sand or rent picnic shelters with tables and grills. There is also a playground to keep children entertained and a walking path. Newport News, meanwhile, has Huntington Beach near the James River Bridge, and downtown Yorktown, Va., has a beach along the waterfront on Water Street. Pack your own picnic basket or grab a sandwich from one of the nearby restaurants. In James City County, you can catch some rays on your lunch hour at Jamestown Beach. The beach features several picnic tables with grills, and the county has recently expanded the shoreline. “Jamestown Beach has become one of my favorite places to bring my family,” shares Kathy Atanasov, who frequents the beach during the summer. “What sets it apart are the tall pine trees that shade the picnic area and part of the beach. The water remains shallow for quite a distance, which is perfect for little ones. Most days, you can catch a glimpse of a bald eagle or a hawk in the sky.”
For Couples
Those looking to spend quality time with their significant other can find a spot along Colonial Parkway between Yorktown and Jamestown for a picnic, such as along the shore of College Creek. Or, consider a day trip and hop on Interstate 64 and head west past Charlottesville, Va. You can hit Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park, or check out some wineries along the way, including Blue Mountain Brewery, Afton Mountain Vineyards, Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards and Veritas Vineyard & Winery, which is located off of I-64 at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. “We have a large lawn with picnic tables,” says George Hodson, general manager for Veritas. “There is plenty of room with beautiful views of the mountains.”
For Nature Lovers
In Williamsburg, Va., Waller Mill Park has picnic tables along the banks of a reservoir, as well as in the woods, perfect for enjoying the tranquil sounds of nature. There are four picnic shelters for rent that can accommodate between 25-150 people. Denise Littman of Williamsburg visits the park often with her family. “I love that Waller Mill makes me feel like I am far away from the rigors of daily life,” she says. “It is more than just a great picnic spot, but also a great adventure.” Newport News Park also has picnic shelters, while the Norfolk Botanical Garden provides another unique setting for a picnic. “We have a picnic area near the water with benches and tables, or you can find a nice, quiet spot underneath one of our beautiful trees,” shares Kelly Welsh, the garden’s public relations manager. “We have plenty of space. We also have a place called the Enchanted Forest that is very shaded, very woodsy and secluded, so that’s also a good little place to get away.” If you want to make a day trip, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and Maymont, both in Richmond, Va., also offer scenic views for picnics. Chippokes Plantation State Park in Surry, Va., and Kiptopeke State Park on Virginia’s Eastern Shore have picnic shelters as well.
For Families
In upper York County, Va., New Quarter Park is a quaint location to enjoy some family time over a burger or hot dog. Debbie Martin of Williamsburg heads there often with her husband and children. “What makes it special is the wide variety of activities that we can do there,” she says. “We pack a picnic and ride bikes to the shelters or we just park in the parking lot and walk to the shelters, but we can also play basketball with the boys or have a kickball game, eat and then play some more. The view there is beautiful and in the hot summer months the trees provide for a nice shady picnic.” Mount Trashmore in Virginia Beach, Va., meanwhile, is home to two lakes, as well as Kids Cove playground and a skate park for older children. The park has five small picnic shelters and three large shelters and concessions. “My son and I like to climb the hill at Mount Trashmore and fly a kite, or sit and have a snack and enjoy the good view and the nice breeze,” says Gabe McDonald of Virginia Beach.