Picnic Planner: Philadelphia

Between a pool, two lakes, rental boats and 40 miles of hiking trails, this state park at the far edge of Chester County offers some pretty great opportunities for relaxation and recreation. And why drive home the same day when you can pitch a tent or rent a yurt or cabin and stay overnight?

Throw some charcoal in your car for the ultimate outdoor picnic that lets you take advantage of on-site grills, pavilions and myriad picnic tables scattered throughout this park along the Delaware River just north of the city. A pool and a kids? spray pool can cool everyone down when the fire and the weather get too hot. Or, bring your own boat and picnic on the water.

A picnic at this state park in south central Montgomery County can double as a history lesson when you take a post-picnic stroll through the 50-or-so Revolutionary War structures. Plus, the Skippack Creek runs through the park and divides the land into scenic ridges and valleys that add beauty to a hike. Feeling more like lounging than walking? Bring along a fishing pole and see what you can catch.

More than 300 picnic tables provide ample seating for those who don't like to share their picnic with ground crawlers. Clustered in some of the picnic table areas are playgrounds and modern restrooms, which kids will want to hit before walking their dogs to the observation deck, which overlooks a scenic valley, a view of migrating raptors and a butterfly garden.

The highlight of this park is the ability to walk or bike ride along the tow path that lines the edge of the Delaware River. Bring provisions in a backpack, put on your sneakers and plop down for lunch on a spot of grass whenever you get tired. Five bridges connect this park to its mirror image on the other side of the river and help comprise a multitude of walking loops that range in distance and travel through quaint towns and wooded sanctuaries.

If it's Italian and if you can put it in your mouth, this gourmet annex of the Italian Market landmark will carry it. Freshly sliced salami, imported oils, milky cheeses and crusty breads make up divine sandwiches, whether you buy them pre-made or compile the individual ingredients on the go. Don't forget to complement your meal with marinated olives, red pepper salads and dark Italian chocolates.

This hidden find in Fitler Square will make for the prettiest picnic in the park. Selling beautifully prepared sandwiches, hot food and salads with the most gourmet ingredients is this market's calling card, with a dessert bar selling individually sized cakes, cookies and chocolates as the cherry on the ice cream sundae.

Local restaurateurs Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran expand their food empire to the to-go market, selling prepared gourmet meals like soups, salads and sandwiches to people who live and work in the Gayborhood. The owners of contemporary Mexican and Indian eateries Lolita and Bindi are sure to sprinkle some of their seasonings into their veggie- and Celiac-friendly offerings.