As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Oregon, indoor parties and dinners are still basically off the table. The good news: Outdoor events — as long as they are socially distanced — pose fewer risks than indoor hangouts, and Oregon absolutely shows off in the spring and summer. The green of the parks, buttes, and riverside esplanades absolutely glows, and with a number of Portland delis, markets, and restaurants supplying house-made charcuterie and Oregon-made cheeses, the picnic potential is limitless.
Now, picnic options span far beyond the map below: A brunch box from Toki will hold up swimmingly on a trip to Tom McCall Waterfront Park, one of Portland’s numerous sandwich shops will pack you something nice to stash in a backpack post-hike, and bento was absolutely born for picnic lunches. This map is simply a starting point, with markets sporting stellar delis and dry goods, restaurants specializing in travel-friendly sandwiches and salads, bakeries with everything from empanadas to cannolis, and more. For something a little more intimate, our solo picnic map may be a better fit. Remember, these lists are not ranked; rather, they’re organized geographically.
For updated information on coronavirus cases in your area, please visit the Oregon Health Authority’s COVID update page. Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with patio (or picnic) dining is contingent on restaurants following strict social distancing and other safety guidelines.
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