February 15, 2023
Who doesn’t love a good picnic? If you are looking for picnic perfection in Chincoteague…read on! With the sun shining and delicious food to enjoy, there’s nothing better than having a picnic with your family and friends. If you’re looking for the perfect place to have a picnic, look no further than Chincoteague Bay! There are so many sights and sounds to explore in the region. Here are the best spots (i.e. parks, beaches, etc) to drop a blanket and munch on your favorite foods.
Picnic Perfection at Robert N. Reed, Sr. Downtown Waterfront Park
This is one of the most popular spots for picnicking! Located between Main Street and Market Street in Chincoteague Island, Robert N. Reed Downtown Waterfront Park offers stunning views of the bay as well as plenty of space to spread out your blanket and enjoy your meal.
“The Town of Chincoteague, with the support of local businesses and a network of volunteers, has completed an ambitious revitalization project in the downtown area. The Town has accumulated nearly $1.7 million in various grants and local matches toward the project. One major phase of the revitalization involved the development of a new waterfront park. This park, located in the heart of downtown offers recreational opportunities, a site for festivals and events and a beautiful view of sunsets.” (Source)
A stroll through the park with a full belly from your favorite picnic spreads sounds like a great day!
Picnic Perfection at Island Nature Trail
Nothing beats eating lunch while taking in breathtaking views of nature! This 1-mile trail is located on both sides of Hallie Whealton Smith Drive. It provides visitors with stunning views of wildlife such as birds, deer, foxes and other animals that inhabit this area. “The south side of Hallie Whealton Smith Drive has an accessible 0.7 mile long paved loop path complete with benches and an interpretive sign display. Pets on leashes are allowed along this portion of the trail. The north side of Hallie Whealton Smith Drive is a natural surface trail that loops approximately 0.45 miles through pine forest and glade. No pets are allowed in this portion.” (Source) Be sure to bring your camera because you never know what kind of wildlife you might see on this beautiful trail!
Picnic Perfection at Donald J. Leonard Park
If you’re looking for a spot for an evening picnic with views of Assateague Channel Bridge lit up against the night sky then Donald J. Leonard Park is where you need to be! This park has plenty of space for spreading out your blanket (or even setting up lawn chairs) plus nearby restrooms and playground equipment if needed. It also offers some grassy areas which make it more comfortable when sitting down for the evening meal! “Over 2.7 acres of waterfront land has been left in its natural state for the enjoyment of the citizens and visitors alike. The Park facilities allow for off street parking up to 10 cars, picnic tables, and kayak access to the Virginia Seaside Water Trail.” (Source)
Picnic Perfection at Chincoteague Veteran’s Memorial Park
This park is perfect for those who want to combine their picnic with play! Located at Eastside Road in Chincoteague Island. “The Park has tennis courts, basketball courts, playground equipment, fishing/crabbing pier, ball field, boat ramp, skate park, pavilion and restrooms. The pavilion may be reserved for groups through a permit issued by the Town for approval.” (Source) Please note there is no fee to reserve the pavilion. And the town gets a permit for the fishing pier so no individual licenses are required! Come eat, play, fish and take in the beauty of the park! It also boasts a walking path around its grounds which makes it ideal for an evening stroll after enjoying your meal here!
10 Great Picnic Snack Ideas From Keeping it Simple to Sophisticated
Are you not sure what to pack for your picnic spread? Here are 10 great picnic snack ideas from keeping it simple/fun to going fancy/sophisticated. Bon Appétit!
- A good old-fashioned PB&J sandwich.
- An herby cream cheese and cucumber sandwich.
- A zesty hummus and roasted red pepper wrap.
- A savory chicken salad sandwich.
- A fresh mozzarella and tomato basil panini.
- A hearty smoked turkey and Swiss cheese on rye bread.
- A colorful veggie wrap with avocado mayo.
- A crunchy apple and cheddar cheese tartine.
- A rich and creamy Boursin cheese spread on baguette slices.
- A sweet and sticky honeycomb and brie tartine
Don’t Forgot The Picnic Basket On Your Next Adventure
There are so many wonderful places in Chincoteague Bay that make it perfect for picnicking! Whether you want stunning views or a quiet spot away from the crowds…there’s something here for everyone! So grab your favorite food items (and don’t forget utensils!), pick one of these great spots listed above, lay down a blanket or set up chairs…and get ready for some quality time with family and friends while enjoying all that Chincoteague Bay has to offer!
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