These days even the smallest things can feel like a whole production! Yesterday Ranger and I spent the afternoon picnicking in the park and it was the first time in a long time that I was able to fully relax. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it was perfect. I can’t believe I didn’t think to do this sooner! I might even try to make these picnics a weekly or bi-weekly event! Keep scrolling for some pics I snapped during my picnic in the park + 10 local parks to check out!

I also wanted to give a shoutout to J.Alden Clothiers in Essex, CT. Please consider shopping local and supporting small businesses like Amy’s store! Amy is so kind and funny and it’s so easy to want to support her business because of how much she loves doing what she does! A few of the pieces featured in today’s post are c/o J.Alden Women’s. If you’re looking for a day trip or weekend getaway, check out THIS post about my recent trip to Essex, CT!

Picnic Essentials

You probably have all you need for a picnic in the park lying around your house, which makes an impromptu outing pretty stress-free! In any case, I’ll link everything I grabbed before Ranger and I ran out the door!

Oversized Tote $59 // This one from J.Alden Women’s Boutique is HUGE and fits everything so easily). I love how it’s also easy to wipe clean and water resistant.

Oversized Blanket $135 // It’s no secret that Ranger and I love our ChappyWrap blankets! They’re huge and perfect for picnicking in the park!

Baseball Cap $20 // I love my local Two Oh Three cap. Here are a few others that keep you looking cute, while also keeping you shaded!

Clean Sunscreen $38 // I’m a big fan of both of these clean sunscreens by Farmacy & Super Goop.

Journal or Book $24 // While Ranger was busy chewing on sticks, I took some time to write about the past couple of weeks, which have been a wee bit stressful!

Cooler $49 // Since this outing was impromptu, I just grabbed what I had in the fridge & pantry… chips and salsa, strawberries, pretzels, apples, brownies, and lots of water!

10 Local Parks to Picnic In

Gosh, there are so many great options in Fairfield County, Westchester County, and beyond! Some parks that are easy to access and have free parking:

Binney Park, Old Greenwich, CT
*street parking
**scenic pond

Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, Greenwich, CT
*parking near skate park
**water views of Greenwich Harbor

Waveny Park, New Canaan, CT
*plenty of parking
**spacious fields, walking paths, “castle”

Sherwood Island State Park, Westport, CT
*no cost for parking off-season
**beautiful beach!

Ballard Park, Ridgefield, CT
*parking on Main Street / CVS lot
**charming Main Street to stroll down

Saugatuck Falls Natural Area, Redding, CT
*limited parking on street OR park at school
**hike your picnic in and sit by the waterfalls!

Huntington State Park, Redding, CT
*plenty of parking
**picnic tables, picturesque meadows

Essex Park, Essex, CT
*parking on Main Street
**river views!

Topsmead State Forest, Litchfield, CT
*gates open at 8am, close at sunset, no fees
**beautiful garden surrounding estate, lots of hiking

Rockefeller State Park, Tarrytown, NY
*park in the high school parking lot on weekends OR on a side street
**lots of hiking trails

What are your must-haves for picnicking in the park?!

keywords :: picnic in the park // picnicking // 10 parks to check out // Fairfield County // Connecticut // Coastal Connecticut // New England // Picnic In The Park + 10 Local Parks To Check Out!