Now that the weather is beginning to cool down and fall is upon us, it’s the perfect time to have a picnic in Vicksburg. Ordering to-go food from your favorite restaurant and taking it to the riverfront or a park is a great way to enjoy a lovely meal while appropriately social distancing.
There are plenty of options in Vicksburg for takeout dining and scenic spots, whether you’re enjoying a picnic with the whole family, having a girls’ day out, or making time for a romantic date night.
GATHER YOUR PROVISIONS
The first thing you’ll need for a perfect picnic is some delicious food. Most Vicksburg restaurants are offering takeout dining, and several are geared toward picnic-type food (sandwiches, salads, cold sides, etc.).
If you’re looking to fill a picnic basket with a wide variety of snacks and provisions, The Tomato Place is the place to go. In addition to offering premade sandwiches (including tomato sandwiches, Po’Boys, and chicken and tuna salads), this adorably quirky market is stocked with fresh produce, jams and jellies, honey, hot sauces, fresh-baked breads, and more. Gather supplies to make your own BLTs from a rack labeled “BLT supplies;” grab a cold, freshly squeezed juice from the cooler; and don’t forget the boiled peanuts.
For another place with an extensive menu of sandwiches, head to Main Street Market Cafe. Focused on fresh options, Main Streets gourmet sandwiches include options such as gyros, Smoked Beef Brisket & Pimento Cheese, Shrimp Remoulade Pita, and their famous New Orleans Style Muffuletta. They also offer fresh salads to choose from like Greek, Caesar, Southwestern, and Asian style—topped with blackened chicken or fish. The homemade quiche of the day is another easy picnic option.
Don’t forget dessert! Swing by Walnut Hills Restaurant to pick up some of its famous baked goods. You can get the cakes and pies by the slice or whole—normally there are up to a whopping 10 tasty options to choose from. There’s a treat to satisfy every sweet tooth, from caramel cake to key lime pie to white chocolate cheesecake. Any of these confections make for the perfect punctuation to a lovely autumn picnic.
PICK THE PERFECT SPOT
Now that you’ve got your picnic packed, it’s time to find the perfect place to enjoy it.
A natural choice is the Catfish Row Children’s Art Park, where you’ll have the backdrop of colorful murals depicting moments in Vicksburg history. This is a great location if you’re picnicking with kids, as it also includes a splash pad, playground and children’s art.
For sweeping views of the Mississippi River and the Vicksburg Bridge, try The Mississippi State Welcome Center—which is also a local favorite vantage point for a watercolor-hued sunset.
True history buffs will enjoy a picnic at Vicksburg National Military Park, where you’ll surely be able to find a spot within the park’s expansive 1,800 acres. Designated picnic areas are at the Cairo Gunboat Museum and Park Stop 12. A stroll along the park’s walking trails, past historical monuments, helps to work off any of the more indulgent aspects of your picnic.
There also are a number of benches scattered around downtown where you can sit and stay awhile. The benches beside the Old Depot Museum overlooking the river are always sought after! No matter where you choose to have your picnic, it’s guaranteed to be a memorable Vicksburg experience.
Be sure to capture these special moments in the town known as The Key to the South. When you post to Insta or FB, be sure to tag us with #VisitVicksburg or #VicksburgMoments and show some love to the State of Mississippi’s dedication to safe travel with #VisitMSResponsibly.
