Five Idyllic Picnic Spots for Relaxing and Enjoying Mother Nature

Pack your basket with local treats and head to one of these endearing parks for a picnic you’ll adore.

Lake Blue Ridge Day Use Area Top of our list is the day use area. You can take in gorgeous views of the lake while feeling a gentle breeze. After your picnic, load your basket into the car and take a walk or leisurely bike ride in the area.

Horseshoe Bend Park If you’re craving a river view, head over to one of the locals’ favorite parks. Spread your blanket along the Toccoa riverbank or find a seat at one of the myriad tables here. For an extra treat, plan your picnic on an early evening on Thursdays during May through September to enjoy some bluegrass music. Bring the kids; they’ll enjoy tackling the playground while you test if the trout are biting.

Tammen Park Below the Lake Blue Ridge dam sits this quiet escape. It includes picnic tables and a small playground. You’ll love relaxing on the deck that overlooks the water, and on a good day you might even catch something.

Morganton Point This Forest Service recreation area charges $5 per vehicle, but the amenities are worth the Lincoln. Access to the picnic area includes the ability to sit at one of the tables or throw a blanket along the lakeside. When you’re finished with your lunch, a dip in the water is waiting. The swimming area is a pebble beach, so you’ll want some water shoes.

Ocoee Whitewater Center The Whitewater Center was home to the 1996 Summer Olympic games, but you can enjoy it for a perfect picnic. It’s here you can also photograph those on the water, play in the swimming holes, meander the native plants. There is no longer a building at this location but plenty of trails, Olympic Bridge, picnic grounds to enjoy. Vault toilets in the lower parking lot. Additionally, after your lunch explore 20 miles of trails (hiking and biking), including two favorite loops: Bear Paw Trail and Chestnut Mountain Trail.

Where to grab your picnic essentials

Now that you’re convinced a picnic should be in your future, let’s chat about the food. It is, after all, one of the most important components of such a venture. Blue Ridge is rich with options, and here are a few ideas we know you’ll love.

NOMAD MARKET
Nomad Market will pack a Lake Lunch for you - a simple sandwich, drink and bag of chips that are certain to hit the spot. You can also get fruit pies, pasta salad, a “Trailblazer Biscuit” (don’t forget the brownie), or my favorite - the Hoity Toity Chicken Salad Sandwich on a croissant.

TASTE OF AMISH & GENERAL STORE
Head to the deli for an assortment of sandwiches and wraps, then pick up your sides within the general store. Specialty sandwiches here include Kettle Chicken Quesadillas, Hot Buttered Roast Beef Sandwiches and more.

THE PASTA MARKET
I know what you’re thinking; home-made pasta is delicious but you can’t bring a packet on a picnic. The Blue Ridge Cafe (inside the market) offers far more than dried noodles. Find pre-packaged salads, charcuterie boards, flatbreads, and an assortment of perfect picnic appetizers.

KATZ OF MCCAYSVILLE
On your way to the Ocoee Whitewater Center, stop by and pick up some fresh made deli sandwiches. In case you want to do a morning picnic and walk, they also have great coffees, smoothies and exceptional pastries!