The Recipe for the Perfect Picnic in the Brighton Howell Area

Delicious picnic spread with fresh fruit, bread, spicy sausage and cheese spread out on a red and white checkered cloth in a lush spring park

June 15, 2022

As Michigan weather can be quite unpredictable, summertime in the Mitten State is not to be taken for granted. Enjoy the sunshine and warm temperatures this summer by packing a basket and spreading out on the many beaches and parks of the Brighton Howell Area. Sit back, relax, and unwind while enjoying nature, local eats, and craft cocktails by following this recipe for the perfect Brighton Howell Area picnic.

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Step 1: Find The Perfect Picnic Basket:

rustic home decor at home goods shop in downtown howell simply home — Simply Home

When crafting the perfect picnic recipe, the first step is finding the most efficient picnic basket. Luckily, the Brighton Howell Area is loaded with unique boutiques and shops that offer one-of-a-kind gifts and collectibles. From the Walnut Street Marketplace, a 3-day weekend market featuring home decor, fabulous finds, and gifts to Simply Home, offering the best in home decor – there’s a spot for you to pick the perfect picnic basket.

Check out a full list of shops to choose the perfect basket for your next Brighton Howell Area picnic.

Brighton Howell Area Shops

Step 2: Fill Your Basket With Delicious Snacks

The key to having the ultimate picnic is to fill your basket with delicious food. Luckily, there is no lack of food options in the Brighton Howell Area. When crafting your picnic meal, we recommend getting a wide variety of snacks.

Recommendations: Charcuterie Board from Culture Beer & Cheese | Brighton

Culture Beer & Cheese is your spot to find your new favorite cheese, paired with craft beer and topped with jams, honey, olives, and cured meats. Talk about the ultimate picnic snack. Although it can be overwhelming when choosing your charcuterie board ingredients, the staff at Culture Beer & Cheese is available to help craft the perfect one. If you’re strapped for time, choose from one of their premade charcuterie boards.

Recommendations: Farm Fresh Veggies from Area Farmers’ Markets | Brighton, Howell, and Hartland

The Brighton Howell Area offers weekly Farmers’ Markets where you can stock up on farm-fresh veggies, homemade bread, unique sauces, and more. If you were unable to find your perfect picnic basket at one of the local shops, you will find one here! Learn more about the area’s Farmers’ Markets at the button below.

Area Farmers’ Markets

Recommendations: Sweet Snacks from M Street Bakery | Howell

The best ending to the perfect picnic? A sweet snack from M Street Bakery. This locally owned shop offers homemade pastries, cupcakes, and towering milkshakes. M Street also offers soup, sandwiches, and pizza!

Area Sweets & Bakeries

Step 3: Find a Comfortable Picnic Spot

the beach at the spring mill pond in brighton michigan at the island lake state recreation area — Spring Mill Pond – Island Lake Recreation Area

the beach in Pinckney recreation area — Picnkey Recreation Area

Recommendations:

Island Lake State Recreation Area (Brighton, MI) – Lake access, seven picnic structures available to rent, hot air balloon port, hunting, and fishing are available here!

Pinckney State Recreation Area (Pinckney, MI)

26 miles of hiking trails, boat launch, fishing, and campsites available.

Kensington Metropark (Brighton, MI)

Boating, fishing, equestrian trails, nature trails, and kayaking.

Manly Bennett Park (Hamburg, MI)

Baseball/softball/ T-ball diamonds, soccer fields, playgrounds, model airplane runway, picnic areas, hiking, biking, and disc golf.

Area Parks

Once you’ve secured your picnic basket, added the snacks, and found a place to lay down you’re blanket – you’re ready to have the ultimate Brighton Howell Area picnic! Don’t forget to share photos of your adventure and tag @explorebrightonhowellarea and use #ExploreBHA.

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Food & Drink Outside Activities