Pack The Perfect Picnic In The River Realm
There are few things so pleasant as a picnic eaten in perfect comfort – W. Somerset Maugham
Laidback luxury is a specialty of ours in Virginia’s River Realm. Wherever you go, the fresh breeze, dreamy views, and local foodie finds make it easy to kick back and indulge. A mid-afternoon picnic is the perfect way to do so. As you make your way from the docks, to fun excursions, and dreamy nights, load up your picnic basket at our many local farm stands, seafood markets, and eateries. Polish off the experience with chic hand towels, flowers, and utensils.
Here’s how we’d create the perfect river picnic:
Fuel Up With Food
The main event should be full of flavor and lots of love. These local eateries and shops can help you pack your picnic with a dreamy spread to remember.
The River Market: This White Stone hub has everything from fresh lemons to craft beer to homemade smoked whitefish dip. You can also order up sandwiches and other lunch and dinner items to go.
Kellum Seafood & Product Market: The Kellum name is well known for great seafood in the River Realm. The farmer’s market is fueled with that and more local produce and gourmet goods.
J&W Seafood Market: Fresh salsa, hummus, shrimp dip, and other seafood creations are just a few of the foodie treasures to discover at the Deltaville mainstay. Add chips, beer, wine and more to your basket here.
Carried Away Cuisine: Spend some time browsing packed shelves here before you make a final decision! Add gourmet dips like jalapeno fig jam and fresh quiche to elevate your picnic spread.
Chad’s Dad’s BBQ: For a hardy picnic, nothing like barbecue will do. Smoked pulled pork sandwiches, brisket french dip, and family dinner packs make it easy to pack a picnic full of fun. Special sweet treats like cinnamon rolls are easy add-ons.
The Table at Wilton: Add a ready-to-go gourmet meal to your picnic set up from Delatville’s The Table. Make sure to check in regularly for seasonal and holiday specials that are on-theme and delicious.
Delta Pie: Everyone loves a good pizza pie. Feed the whole picnic crew with a creative pizza like Piankatank Portabella or Chesapeake Pesto. Don’t forget sauces, sweets, wine and more now available in Delta Pie’s Specialty Market.
Something To Sip
Wash down your foodie finds with locally grown and curated wines, beers, and cocktails.
Moor by Adrift: This new White Stone option is just what you’d expect from the owners of Adrift: thoughtful, full of flavor, and an emphasis on good wine. Pick up a bottle of wine or two for your picnic here along with carry out options like soup and hummus.
Vine: This Irvington boutique wine shop is the perfect place to stop to stock up on spirits. Browse the curated selection of wine and craft beer for the perfect picnic pairing. Explore other small plate options while you’re there!
Specials Wine Seller: Make time to stop in to this enchanting Kilmarnock wine destination. Ask for pairing advice from the certified sommelier to make sure you pick the perfect bottle for your picnic.
Good Luck Cellars: Go right to the source for your wine selections. Good Luck Cellars has award winning whites and reds to select from. Bring the local flavor to your river picnic.
The Accessories
Load up on chic and practical essentials, utentisals, decor, coolers, and more for your picnic set-up.
August Table: This White Stone shop is full of magic for hosting a picnic to remember. Choose the perfect block-print hand towels, and table cloths. Browse other picnic essentials like peanuts, cups, plates, and even a good book for your lounge session.
Papeterie: Get lost in this Kilmarnock catch all. In addition to cards and gifts, shop chic disposable napkins and plates along with serving trays and other hosting essentials.
The Wild Bunch: Add fresh flowers to your picnic with the help of Cynthia and her crew. Also in Kilmarnock, The Wild Bunch can create a custom bunch for you or you can select from premade bouquets and plants.
River Birch Gifts: Add tumblers, coolers, portable speakers, wine chillers, cocktail mixes and more to your elevated picnic basket. This Deltaville gift shop also carries apparel, sunblock, and river home essentials.
Urbanna Trading: Koozies, oyster knives, and other locally made goods can add some River Realm spice to your picnic. This store also carries a curated selection of wine, beer, cheese, snacks, and other foodie finds.
Where To Picnic
There are dozens of special spots to set up your perfect picnic around the River Realm. Here are just a few of our favorites.
Taber Park: In Urbanna, head to Taber Park for lots of room to spread out and a playground for the kids to play one while you relax.
Urbanna Town Marina: Have a picnic on the dock or a picnic table at the Urbanna Town Marina. Watch the boats roll in and out for a leisurely afternoon of riverside indulgence.
Kilmarnock Town Centre Park: Set up your spread at a picnic table in the heart of Kilmarnock. Let the dogs and kids play at the splash pad or dog park here. Stick around for regular concerts on the Half Shell stage.
Joe Curry Memorial Park: Like Taber Park in Urbanna, you can spread out at Joe Curry Park on the sprawling lawn in Kilmarnock. Grab a book to peruse from the Free Little Library. Kids can play on the playground.
Holly Point Nature Park at Deltaville Maritime Museum: The hardest part here will be picking the perfect spot for your picnic. Choose an open spot on the open grass or enjoy your treats in the woodlands sculpture garden. Park Stroll through the museum and grounds to learn more about boat building and other national history.
More Ways to Picnic Like a Pro
See our list of Farmer’s Markets and Stands.
Explore local events to bring your picnic to.
Explore more food and shopping in our Business Directory.
Capture & Share Your Favorite Moments!
With every river bend and wind in the road, we’re sure you and your travel buddies captured memories of the sights, sounds, smells, and flavors of the River Realm. After your adventures are done, check out your photos and share the best with us! We hope more people like you can enjoy the calming and enchanting spirit of the River Realm. Tag us using @virginiasriverrealm and we’ll share your photos.
