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Plan a Soda City picnic

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Picnic or walk under the historic live oaks on the Horseshoe. | Photo via COLAtoday team

When it comes to scenic locations to picnic, the Soda City’s got them. From historic gardens and riverfront spots, to convenient options for a quick bite to eat, it can be easy to plan an outdoor meal with friends + family.

🧀 Build your menu with local charcuterie boards

  • Abundant Graze | Choose from a variety of prebuilt boxes that include cheeses, pickles, nuts, and crackers. Try this: Order a dessert box of sweets for a balance of salty + sweet snacks.
  • The Art of Charcuterie | Options range from Tuscan pizza to individual boxes filled with fresh fruits and veggies.
  • Salt and Oak | Fill out the online form and choose the box that fits your needs filled with artisan ingredients and a seasonal arrangement.

💐 Pick out the decor

  • Set the scene at your picnic with a colorful bloom of flowers from Fern or choose from the summer bouquets at Blossom Shop.
  • What’s a picnic without a vintage basket? Stop by Old Mill Antique Mall and choose from the selection of baskets, or pick up a vintage blanket or quilt.
  • Mast General Store on Main Street has you covered with picnic-related items ranging from sweets + spreads to blankets and a wide selection of outdoor items.

🌳 Choose the perfect spot

  • Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, 312 Laurel St. | It’s just a short walk to the riverfront where you’ll find a field next to the river to unfurl a blanket and soak up some sun.
  • Page Ellington Park, 2220 Gregg St. | Bring your dog and let them play in the dog park while you set your spread under one of Bull Street’s old oak trees.
  • Robert Mils Historic District, Seibels House, Robert Mills, Hampton-Preston | Choose a scenic spot in the gardens among the heirloom plantings of native plants. Pro tip: Each location has different hours and days when the gardens are open to the public, so be sure to check before you go.
  • UofSC Horseshoe | Bring a book and a snack to enjoy the historic horseshoe shaded by 26 varieties of trees.

🍿 Picnic Hacks

  • Picnic Popup SC | The perfect option for picnic parties, Picnic Popup SC will set up a private outdoor experience for you complete with food + activities.
  • Gourmet Shop Charcuterie Box | When you preorder your custom cheese + charcuterie trays and pick up a pound of the renowned chicken salad, you’re halfway to your outdoor dining experience.

Cromer’s | Peanuts, popcorn, hot dogs, Cromer’s has you covered if you want to grab some picnic snacks on the way to the park.

Bonus: Don’t forget to grab sunscreen, bug spray, and a camera to capture the memories (you’ll thank us later).

Remember to use #COLAtoday when you post your picnic pictures for a chance to be featured on our page.

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