Editor’s Note: This is an excerpt from WBUR’s Saturday morning newsletter, The Weekender. If you like what you read and want it in your inbox, sign up here.
What’s in a picnic?
It can be as simple as a sandwich at the park or some fresh fruit at the beach. This simplicity is the reason Melissa Gutierrez and her husband often opted for picnic dates early in their relationship. “It was such an easy way to enjoy the beautiful weather we have here in the summer,” Gutierrez, who lives on Massachusetts’ South Shore, told me in a recent interview.
In 2021, Gutierrez decided to combine her love for picnics and flair for decorating to start Hola Picnic Boston, a luxury picnic service. To date, they’ve put on more than 400 picnics for Bostonians celebrating birthdays, bridal showers or engagements.
I spoke with Gutierrez to get some tips on planning a proper picnic, from locations to little details you won’t want to forget. We’ve also gathered some recommendations for local treats you’ll want to pack in your picnic basket from our newsroom staff and newsletter readers.
Finding the right spot
Bustling Boston Common might seem like an excellent spot for a picnic — and for many, it is!
But if you’re looking to have a peaceful time outdoors, you may want to steer clear of areas that see lots of foot traffic. You’re also more likely to experience disturbances from squirrels, birds and other potential pests at places like the Common and Boston Public Garden, where animals are familiar with people, says Gutierrez.
“We try to avoid crowded parks,” said Gutierrez.
For a relaxing picnic, she suggests a green space or beach that’s a little more removed, such as North Point Park in Cambridge, Pleasure Bay and Castle Island in South Boston, and George Lane Beach in Weymouth. These spots are popular for picnics “because they’re very intimate and create a beautiful experience,” said Gutierrez.
And there’s no shame in moving things inside.
“The weather changes in Boston, like, every second,” said Gutierrez. As long as you’re with good company, even a living room picnic can be special.
Now, to the details
Once you’ve picked a location, it’s time to pack a basket (or cooler) with all the goodies you’ll need for your picnic.
“Planning any event can be stressful if you aren’t used to coordinating a lot of details,” said Gutierrez. That’s where experts like her come in. Aside from food, she makes sure to pack a few essential picnic components most of us might forget — like a bucket of ice for drinks, extra cutlery, hand sanitizer and bug spray.
Last comes the easy part: selecting your menu. Whether you’re planning a picnic for lunch or a light snack, there’s no shortage of items you can choose to bring along. Homemade is always an option. But in case time is of the essence, we asked WBUR staffers and readers for the local businesses where they like to pick up picnic fare. Here are their favorites:
- Iggy’s whole wheat sourdough baguette is a must for me. I’m usually grabbing it at Wilson Farm, but there are likely many places around one can grab it, including Iggy’s in Cambridge. Pairs well with fresh fruit and hummus from Eastern Lamejun Bakers in Belmont. — MiKayla Lydon, a WBUR reader
- Don’t mess around: Go straight to Salumeria Italiana in the North End at 151 Richmond Street and pick up the caprese sandwiches. I love them! — Rowena Burke, a WBUR reader
- No beach day is complete without a New Deal Fruit cold cut sandwich. Top shelf with the works. If I’m feeling very hungry I’ll pick up a buffalo arancini, sauce is a must. — Dan Peluso, a WBUR reader
- If it’s a beach picnic, there must be watermelon and Cape Cod chips. I don’t make the rules. Is it fancy? No. But is it delicious? 100%. — Katie Cole, associate producer for digital
- I’m a big fan of a nice Mediterranean picnic! Pita bread, hummus, Israeli salad, etc. Throw in some olives for good measure! — Jay Feinstein, senior producer for podcasts
- Banh mi. It’s an all-in-one handheld that features all the crunchy goodness of pickled vegetables layered with a protein in a crusty baguette with mayo. A little savory and sweet. The ones at Pho Viet’s are pretty solid. — Suevon Lee, assistant managing editor for education
- Italian cookies from LaCascia’s in Burlington, turkey harissa sandwiches from Clear Flour, and Cape Cod potato chips! — Meagan McGinnes-Bessey, assistant managing editor for newsletters
- Pauli’s prosciutto classico. — Maddie Browning, arts reporting fellow
- Sandwiches from Dave’s Fresh Pasta in Somerville. (My go-tos are the Turkey Ranch Wrap or the DFP Steak & Cheese, but any will do!) — Nik DeCosta-Klipa, editor for newsletters
- Pate, charcuterie, and any hard cheeses from Formaggio Kitchen in Cambridge. — Christine Willmsen, managing editor for investigations
- For a special day, I love an elaborate cheese plate, with something sweet, something nutty, something fruity, something crispy. It makes eating on the ground feel fancy. — Priyanka Dayal McCluskey, senior health reporter
