Fall Picnics

Fall is the perfect time of year for a weekend afternoon picnic in one of New York City’s vast array of parks. Spread a blanket in the grass, gaze at the trees in full autumn color and enjoy the last days of warm weather.

The perfect picnic calls for good company, a bit of green grass and a great smorgasbord of food and drinks. We have three top picks for picnicking and three places to pick up a hassle-free, mouth watering picnic basket.

Central Park is an obvious choice for a picnic. One of the best spots to park your blanket is on the Grand Lawn, located between 79th to 85th Streets. Not only does it offer a large open green space, it also has incredible vistas of the Manhattan skyline.

Brooklyn Bridge Park is a stellar spot to enjoy a fall day. The lawns around the bridge offer lounging space, and the stone steps near the carousel are also great for soaking up some fall sunshine with friends.

Bryant Park at 5th Avenue and 40th Street is another great spot for an urban picnic. The park has a plethora of tables and chairs where visitors can idle away a few hours enjoying the people watching in comfort, while the central lawns further inside the park offer a bit more quiet.

The Italian market and home goods store, Eataly in the Flatiron building offers delivery. You can mix and match from a wide array of cheeses (dream big here and go for light and rich Burrata cheese), cured meats, breads to assemble your own sandwiches, or go with one of Eataly’s hearty pre-made panini sandwiches. Add on sides of earthy olives and rich jams to seal the deal. Perhaps best of all, cocktails are also available. Delivery is available through Caviar.

200 Fifth Avenue, between West 23rd and West 24th Streets, Flatiron, across from Madison Square Park

If typical meat and cheese sandwiches aren’t your jam, try one of the many restaurants that border New York’s Central Park for easy access to gourmet food that works as a picnic. Miznon North has a mouth-watering hummus that will wow even the most jaded connoisseur. The restaurant’s pita sandwiches are an excellent choice for a grab and go picnic. The fresh golden focaccia bread is not to be missed— it’s made to order and served with crème fraîche and wrapped in tomato seeds and olive oil.

161 West 72nd Street

The Lombardy Hotel’s timeless elegance is iconic to Midtown Manhattan. Not only are our rooms spacious, comfortable and thoughtfully designed, we also provide additional amenities to make you feel at home. We look forward to hosting you on your next visit to New York City.