by Karyn Simon
With summer upon us, it’s the perfect time to head outside for a picnic. Whether it’s the whole family, a little “me” time or an intimate date, a picnic requires two key factors: location and food.
Fortunately, throughout the rolling hills of southern Chester County—tucked into the nooks and crannies of the ample horse farms, mushroom houses and storefronts—are sprawling acres of picnic-tabled parklands just waiting for you to proclaim your picnic spot.
Once you’ve chosen your spot, all that’s left is the food. Whether you pack a perfect lunch, grab some takeout for a late-afternoon snack, pick up a three-course meal or dine alfresco with a delicious dessert, the list below will help you fill your basket with the best nearby goodies.
If you do decide to take in the local parklands, it’s good to know that the parks generally open at 8 a.m. and close at dusk. Please be kind and respectful of the surroundings and others and be sure to dispose of any trash properly. Happy picnicking!
New Garden Township Park
This park, located near the intersection of Route 41 and Newark Road, is a wonderful work in progress. Already well equipped, New Garden Park continues to grow and expand its boundaries. If you visit on a Saturday be sure to stop at the New Garden Growers Market from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. You can fill your picnic basket with local produce, breads and sweet treats! 8938 Gap Newport Pike, Landenberg
Park Amenities
- Walking paths
- Fitness centers
- Designated bike trails
- Sports fields, beach volleyball courts
- Playground
- Gazebo
- Pavilion rentals
- Dog friendly
- Restroom facilities
Local Eateries to Take Out
Hilltop Crab House Restaurant: If seafood floats your boat, then you will find an incredible selection at the Hilltop. There are lots of land-lover’s items to choose from as well. 8980 Gap Newport Pike, Toughkanemon, (610) 268-2766
Taqueria Moroleon: With an expansive menu of delectable, authentic Mexican food, you can’t go wrong with a south-of-the-border spread. 9173 Gap Newport Pike, Avondale, (610) 268-3066
Hartefeld National: This beautiful golf course also boasts an amazing restaurant. The Grille and Pub offers a wide variety of lunch and dinner items, all available for take out! One Hartefeld Dr., Avondale, (610) 268-8800
Turkey Hill Minit Market: The Landenberg location is practically right next door to the park. It’s a convenient place to pick up extra drinks and snacks or some delicious Turkey Hill ice cream. 735 Newark Rd., Landenberg, (610) 268-3511
Goddard Park
This 125-acre site started with a 40-acre donation from Steven and Marna Goddard. It has grown into a pleasant park with ample space to park your picnic at one of the several covered picnic tables or venture out for a short hike and spread a blanket for a traditional picnic setting. 568 Wickerton Rd., West Grove
Park Amenities
- Walking paths and hiking trails
- Playground
- Covered picnic tables
- Dog friendly/dog park
Local Eateries to Take Out
Brother’s Pizza: This pizzeria in the heart of the West Grove borough will not disappoint! Ample choices of classic pizzeria fare will turn your next picnic into an alfresco italiano experience. 7 Exchange Pl., West Grove, (610) 869-9070
China Kitchen: One of the local favorites for traditional take-out Chinese food, this spot and its super-friendly service will keep you coming back! 119 Rosehill Ave., West Grove, (610) 869-2211
Twelves Grill: This spot is not only housed in deep local history (the building, originally built in 1883, was home of the National Bank of West Grove, local post office, newspaper and even a county jail!) but is also dedicated to incorporating fresh local produce, meats and cheeses. If you want to upscale your picnic preparations, this is the place. 10 Exchange Pl., West Grove, (610) 869-4020
The Station: If you have a date with dessert, consider some delicious ice cream or water ice to go. The number of flavors is impressive and there are plenty of options for you to create the ultimate frozen treat. 100 Railroad Ave., West Grove, (267) 255-3218
Penn Township Park
This 10-acre treasure is tucked between the township building and the Jennersville Regional Hospital with entrances to the park from both. Be sure to see the Penn Township Veterans Memorial in the rose garden and stop by the butterfly garden on your quest to find a picture-perfect spot among the many tables or open spaces to lay out a picnic blanket. (Please note: the park is currently adding new playground and an adult fitness park; for this reason, the playground is temporarily closed, but it should re-open in early to mid-July.) 260 Lewis Rd., West Grove
Park Amenities
- Walking trails
- Playgrounds
- Beach volleyball court
- Pavilions, gazebos and grills
Local Eateries to Take Out
Mi Cocina: This great authentic Mexican restaurant is known for its very friendly staff. 55 Jenners Village Ctr., West Grove, (610) 450-6125
Corner Café: This little spot adds a Hawaiian twist to many of its signature dishes and is great for breakfast, brunch and lunch. 827A W. Baltimore Pike, West Grove, (610) 869-5557
Aurora Pizza Kitchen: This restaurant features a large menu of Italian/American food cooked from scratch as well as pizza and sandwiches. 27 Jenners Pond Rd., West Grove, (610) 869-8811
Sakuru Hibachi & Sushi: Great for take-out, Sakuru specializes in putting a modern twist on their classic dishes. 829 W. Baltimore Pike, West Grove, (610) 869-5588
Elwood L Crossan Park
This gorgeous park is nestled in Landenberg, tucked between houses on Parsons Road. Don’t let it’s location fool you; there are plenty of amenities in this park. Walk the trails and take in the scenery while working up your appetite! 91 Parsons Rd., Landenberg
Park Amenities
- Walking trails
- Playgrounds
- Basketball and tennis courts, baseball
- Pavilions
- Dogs allowed
Local Eateries to Take Out
Daddy’s Kitchen: Located in the Shoppes of London Britton, Daddy’s serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner with many choices to satisfy a wide variety of tastes. 1549 New London Rd., Landenberg, (610) 255-4009
Rosa’s Pizza: Also located in the Shoppes of London Britton, Rosa’s boasts an extensive menu that ensures that everyone’s tastes can be met. 1551 New London Rd., Landenberg, (610) 255-5980
Pasquale’s Pizza: Some seriously delicious cheesesteaks and pizza (NY style) can be found here! 2058 Newark Rd., Lincoln University, (610) 869-3155
Casa Italia Pizza & Pasta: Find typical pizzeria fare and a friendly, family feel. 1876 New London Rd, Landenberg, (610) 255-5519
Rooted: If you can make it past the incredibly cute and unique gifts in the front, you will find a treasure trove of local eats to add to your picnic basket in the back! 2049 Newark Rd., Lincoln University, (484) 643-8096
Oxford Memorial Park
This little park packs a punch of fun, with a great playground for the little ones and plenty of shady spots to cool down over a picnic lunch. Lancaster Ave. at 3rd St., Oxford
Park Amenities
- Picnic tables
- Pavilion
- Playground
- Restroom facilities
- Dog friendly
Local Eateries to Take Out
Pat’s Select Pizza & Grill: This spot is more than just pizza and subs. The menu offers options from crab cakes and pesto pasta salad to Texas flatbread. 351 N. 3rd St., Oxford, (610) 998-9191
The Ugly Mutt: You’ll find lots of different items to choose from on this restaurant’s large American pub food menu. 562 Lincoln St., Oxford, (610) 998-9000
La Sicilia: Stop in for genuine Italian food prepared by genuine Italian brothers. Don’t miss out on the cannoli, filled when you order so the pastry stays crisp. Yum! 58 S. 3rd St., Oxford, (610) 998-9889
Wholly Grounds: Coffee anyone? Snacks to go and daily lunch specials make this a perfect place to visit for items to add to your packed picnic. 47 S. 3rd St., Oxford, (443) 466-6859
The Old Ice Factory: Have a sweet ending to your sweet outing! Ice cream is homemade by La Michoacana in Kennett Square. 215 S. 3rd St., Oxford, (610) 998-1880
Nottingham County Park
This huge, 651-acre park also has two ponds for fishing, stocked with bass and panfish. Hiking the wooded trails is a nice way burn off that picnic grub. Another perk of the park: monthly “Paws on the Path” walks for dogs and their owners. 150 Park Rd., Nottingham
Park Amenities
- Picnic tables
- Pavilions
- Walking/jogging trails
- Fitness circuit
- Playground
- Dog friendly
Local Eateries to Take Out
The Nottingham Inn: The inn features delicious American cuisine using fresh products and produce from local farms. 190 Baltimore Pike, Nottingham, (610) 932-4050
Pizza Boy: Order from Pizza Boy and dig into incredible portions of Italian pizzeria style cuisine. 38 Rising Sun Town Ctr., Rising Sun, Maryland, (410) 658-8088
Buck’s Restaurant: Buck’s serves the area’s best Chesapeake-style seafood and a wide array of other American favorites. Be sure to try the famous crab bisque, which has won numerous awards throughout Maryland. 314 E. Main St., Rising Sun, Maryland, (410) 658-2825
Riviera Maya: This no-frills but super authentic Mexican restaurant has tasty food and an extensive menu. 223 E. Main St., Rising Sun, Maryland, (410) 658-1655
SawMill Grill: Stop here for excellent food and selection at very reasonable prices. Note: Sawmill’s burgers get rave reviews. 306 Market St., Oxford, (610) 467-1909
Photos (top to bottom): PicJumbo, Kaboompics, PA Eats, Penn Township, Life of Pix, Pat’s Select Pizza and Grill, BigStock
