Where to Shop Locally for the Ultimate Picnic
Having a picnic is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, either at a local park or your backyard, while having a simple yet delicious meal. You could also include activities like playing checkers or cards with whoever you bring along. If you need inspiration for what food to prepare and pack, this CountryLiving article has 101 recipes to choose from.
There are plenty of local establishments in the Lafayette area where you can find your picnic supplies. You might need bags and coolers to pack your food and drinks in. And you’ll definitely need to fill those bags and coolers with food and drinks to be enjoyed on your picnic. The following places have a great selection of fresh foods and practical picnic accessories for your day at the park (or any other outdoor area).
Local Shops with Picnic Supplies
Graze Acadiana
Graze Acadiana has recently opened their new brick-and-mortar shop on Arnould Blvd. They are your one stop shop for a delicious spread of fruit, meats, cheeses and more. You can find charcuterie boards of various sizes from their “Grab & Graze" cooler. And if you want to create your own, you can in their DIY/pantry section! They also take custom orders in advance for Holidays and other events.
Fresh Pickin’s
Fresh Pickin’s was established in Baton Rouge, LA in 1993 and then opened a second location in Lafayette, LA in 1996. Their intention is to provide the Acadiana are with fresh produce at a low cost. You can find a vast selection of fresh food to bring along on your picnic!
Handy Stop Market & Cafe
Handy Stop Market & Cafe is a one of a kind market and grocery store in Downtown Lafayette, focusing on healthy and locally sourced options. They also offer premade meals that you could pick up from their drive-thru while heading to your picnic.
Caroline & Company
Caroline & Company opened in Lafayette in 1997 and continues to be a top local gift shop. For your picnic outing, they have a variety of coolers to transport your drinks while keeping them cold. They also have a selection of insulated drinkware to continue keeping your drinks cold when they’re out of the cooler.
Pieces of Eight
Pieces of Eight is a local gift shop that is family owned and was established in 1971. They have a Bogg Bag that is washable and tip-proof, making it great for transporting your picnic items. They also have a Picnic Plus Stadium Seat that could work for your picnic seating.
Picnic Areas in Acadiana
Once you get your picnic essentials, you’ll need to figure out where to station your picnic blanket. Each location in the following list has positive reviews of being an enjoyable location for a picnic:
- Girard Park
- Parc Sans Souci
- LARC’s Acadian Village
- Thomas Park
- Beaver Park
- Veterans Park
- Oaklawn Park
- Graham Brown Memorial Park
- Pelican Park
- Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site
- Jungle Gardens
- Rip Van Winkle Gardens
- Palmetto Island State Park
We want to help stock someone’s picnic basket, so we’re hosting a giveaway on Instagram for International Picnic Day! Enter for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Graze Acadiana, $50 gift card to Caroline & Company, along with a Meritus CU picnic blanket, tumbler and cutting board; total value of $135. Enjoy your picnic and remember to bring sunscreen!