Perfect Picnic Spots

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Arrington Vineyards

If you're early, secure one of the picnic tables or a table on the covered patio for an amazing sunset picnic. Bask in the glow with a bottle of their Red Fox Red and enjoy the company of good friends. 6211 Patton Rd, Arrington, TN 37014; 615-395-0102; arringtonvineyards.com

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Belle Meade Plantation

Take the stone path between the plantation and stables out to the open area under the canopy of trees. Squeeze in a tour of the house and grounds and leave time for a free wine tasting at the estate's winery. If you need more to fill you up, admission includes access to many other historic buildings on the grounds including a dairy, horse stable, carriage house, mausoleum, gardens, and a log cabin. 5025 Harding Pk, Nashville, TN 37205; 615-356-0501; bellemeadeplantation.com

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Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

This park is seriously under-rated. Dally in the daytime to see the 2,000-seat amphitheater that faces the State Capitol building. Try lunching next to the 18,000 lb. floating granite globe or dine on the massive etched map of Tennessee located on the south side of the mall. 600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243; 615-741-5280; tnstateparks.com

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Carnton Plantation

A famed venue for weddings just south of Nashville, the Carnton Plantation has many beautiful alcoves and picket fence lined walkways. The cedar arbor is a favorite along with the rest of the garden expanse. With the intriguing battle history from this home, you may end up having a lunch and learn. 1345 Carnton Ln, Franklin, TN 37064; 615-794-0903; boft.org

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Centennial Park

A city staple, Centennial Park draws visitors and locals alike. Snack in the shade of the Parthenon's columns (they're to scale, you know) or cozy up for dinner at dusk in the flower garden. Depending on the season, you may also serendipitously stick around for a movie, one of Shakespeare's plays, or even a big band dance. 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203; 615-862-8400; nashville.gov

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Cheekwood

Spread out along one of the reflecting ponds on the property or if you are looking for something more secluded, share a meal under the pavilion in the Japanese garden. Looking to really get away? Take the sculpture trail out into the wooded areas, just don't leave any crumbs for wandering wildlife. 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205; 615-356-8000; cheekwood.org

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Cumberland Park

This family-oriented park is all about getting active at the green space’s 6.5 acres. The park boasts a nature and play area, kid-friendly obstacle course structures, a climbing wall, a butterfly explorer trail, and a splash pad. Pack some PB&Js, then let the kids run wild. Or jump in and run wild, too. 592 South 1st St, Nashville, TN 37213; 615-862-8508; nashville.gov

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Downtown Franklin

Arguably the most inviting and quaint downtown in Tennessee, Franklin is replete with locally owned boutiques, beautiful scenery, and historic charm. Whether you gather a group on the square or grab something fresh from eateries on Main, take your time. Soak in the changing season and take a stroll down the tree lined streets. 510 Columbia Ave, Franklin, TN 37064; 615-591-8500; downtownfranklintn.com

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Downtown Library Courtyard

This secret spot is a special treat from the bustle of city life. Come for story hour and stay for a bite with the kids. If you just need respite from the pace of downtown, bring a bag lunch and enjoy the courtyard concerts every Tuesday through October 4 from 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. 615 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219; 615-862-5800; nashvillepubliclibrary.org

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Edwin Warner Park

The smaller of the two Warner Parks, Edwin houses the Warner Nature Center and trails that snake beside Ensworth school and the Little Harpeth River. Plenty of pavilions are scattered on the 625-acre park, and our favorite spot is at the top of the rolling hill tucked in the center of the park. A few benches and a slim walking trail are the only reminders of civilization. 7311 Highway 100, Nashville, TN 37221; 615-370-8051; nashville.gov

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Elmington Park

Grab a quick bite from one of Nashville’s food truck herd parked out front and meet your playdate at Elmington Park just off West End and I-440. In between soccer games and playful dogs, snag a spot in the shade while the kids investigate the playground. 3531 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37205; 615-370-8051; nashville.gov

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The Park at Harlinsdale Farm

Picnic with your pup in Harlinsdale's 1/2 acre dog park or stay near the horse stables. The expansive property also includes a 3-acre pond to fish and is home to the Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Fest each September. 239 Franklin Rd, Franklin, TN 37064; 615-794-2103; franklin-gov.com | Photo by Michael Wessner

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Nashville Zoo

This family-friendly Nashville spot is ideal for a picnic with plenty of entertainment. Meander to Gibbon Island for dinner and a show or if it gets too rowdy, follow the thick bamboo trail to a more tame place to picnic with koi fish, red pandas, and clouded leopards. 3777 Nolensville Pk, Nashville, TN 37211; 615-833-1534; nashvillezoo.org

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War Memorial Plaza

This spacious plaza is a hubbub of activity for government employees, making it a popular people-watching spot. Before you depart, venture up the steps to the grotto just outside War Memorial Auditorium to see “Youth x93 —the heroic statue in the center of the courtyard. He holds a Nike in his open left palm, symbolizing victory in war. 301 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37243; 615-741-9277; tpac.org

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Shelby Bottoms Nature Center

The nature center is nestled on the far eastern edge of Shelby Park near baseball fields and an overhead railroad. Shade, water fountains, and park information are inside, but the best place to spread your blanket is outside on the grass close to the river's edge. If you're lucky you can catch a glimpse of the General Jackson riverboat rolling by. 1900 Davidson St, Nashville, TN 37206; 615-862-8539; nashville.gov

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Percy Warner Park

One could easily lose themselves in the 2,000 acre park, so we recommend toting a map unless you've got experience traversing the trails. There's something so 'Nashville' about entering Percy from Belle Meade Blvd and gazing up at the tall stone staircase. Commandeer one of the hewn benches for your picnic, or travel all the way to the hill overlooking the Iroquois Steeplechase course. 2500 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, TN 37221; 615-862-8415; nashville.gov

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Walk of Fame Park

Consider a picnic the next time you're downtown. Enjoy the rose gardens located on the Country Music Hall of Fame side of the park or toast to your adventurousness over one of your favorite country music greats star on the walk of fame. hile this small downtown green space does offer a few benches, you'll need to bring chairs or a blanket along with your crudités. 121 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203; 615-832-8197; visitmusiccity.com

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The Hermitage

Get a feel for the rich history of Andrew Jackson's farming and horse racing plantation. Opened to the public since 1889, don't miss the Spring House sitting over a flowing spring and practice your best behavior in the formal garden. 4580 Rachel’s Ln, Nashville, TN 37076; 615-889-2941; thehermitage.com

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The Natchez Trace

Take your picnic to the road on the South’s prettiest road trip, especially in the fall. Birdsong Hollow at milepost 438 off Hwy 96 provides views of the double-arched bridge, 155 feet high (with a great view of the The Loveless Cafe). Starting at TN Highway 100, Nashville, TN 37246; 800-305-7417; nps.gov

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Public Square Observation Deck

This overlook on the edge of the courthouse lawn is a hidden gem accessible only during the day. Picnic atop this perch and get a view of the Cumberland River, Titans Stadium, and up to historic War Memorial plaza. Public Square also plays host to the Live on the Green concert series and festivals throughout the year. 1 Public Square, Nashville, TN 37201; nashville.gov

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Travellers Rest Plantation and Museum

Native Tennesseans may recall a requisite visit to this historic plantation from their elementary days. Start on the shaded lawn and large porch of the Overton house, then take a walk through some of the exhibits to learn about colonial Tennessee. 636 Farrell Pwky, Nashville, TN 37220; 615-832-8197; travellersrestplantation.org

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Riverfront Park

Metro Parks' expansion of the riverfront area has made for an even better edge of the Cumberland. Whether you're on the grassy tier for a boat show, strolling through Riverview Park near Ascend Amphitheater, or getting a look from the pedestrian bridge—you'll inspire others to enjoy the downtown zone. 1st Ave and Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203; 615-862-8508; nashville.gov