There is something magical about Detroit in the summer. The city slows down just enough to let you soak in golden-hour strolls, waterfront breezes, and green nooks that urge you to spread a blanket and enjoy a good bite.
At Planted Detroit, we wholeheartedly believe that fresh food should be easy, meaningful, and colorful. Which is why our ready-to-eat salad bundles are the perfect partner for your next outdoor picnic. Whether you are grabbing lunch on your own in the city or just planning a weekend hang in the shade, these chef-curated bowls are picnic-ready and inspired by the seasons.
So, here’s your cheat sheet on great salad spots around the city and our recommendations to make the moment unforgettable. This is your guide to sunshine, greens, great views, and the perfect picnic salad to accompany it.
What Makes a Great Picnic Spot in the City?
Not all green spaces are created equal, especially when you're considering a picnic. The perfect spot? An equal balance of sun and shade, a soft lawn or bench to relax on, walkable access, and a little view- whether it's a river, skyline, or a small pond with ducks gliding by.
It doesn't have to be extravagant; a cozy blanket, reusable utensils, a water bottle (maybe frozen with a lemon wedge), and a good book or tune. And the main event? An effortless, fresh salad with no prep needed.
Planted Detroit's salad bundles are all fresh, pesticide-free, and loaded with a mix of microgreens, grains, protein, and edible flowers. They're simple, colorful, and easy to carry. You can also mix and match them with hummus, seed crackers, or flatbread to maximize your picnic potential.
Start incorporating our salad bundles into your busy week. A full family day out or your own personal ‘me time’ in the middle of the week, these salads are perfect company.
Now, let's look into four picnic spots in Detroit that check all our boxes.
Belle Isle Park: The Island Retreat
Few spots for picnicking are as legendary or as relaxing as Belle Isle. Whether you are driving from downtown or just escaping for a weekend, Belle Isle is a great place to unwind. In addition to large grassy areas where you can sprawl out on a blanket, there are historic pavilions. The river view will remind you that you're still in the city, at least until you feel the breeze off the water and inhale the sweet smells of summer.
For those of us who are not all-day picnickers, your best bet is to look for spots in the shaded spaces along the waterfront (which is a huge bonus) or, if you are at the park early enough, near the James Scott Memorial Fountain. Both spots will give you a peaceful, photogenic space and the ideal opportunity to unwind with a light meal.
Pair your picnic with one of Planted Detroit's summertime salad bowls, topped with edible flowers and microgreens. It goes excellently with a cold herbal tea or sparkling water.
Pro Tip: If you can, take a camera. Belle Isle is a visual delight.
Campus Martius Park: For the Downtown Energy
Want something more active? Check out Campus Martius Park, right in the middle of Detroit. The sandy urban beach, plenty of seating in the shade, and limitless energy from cafés and concerts make this a valuable place for your weekday lunch break or an impromptu meet-up.
This is where our picnic salad bundles show their true abilities: compact, colorful, and easy to eat with little fuss. Enjoy your mix of microgreens with a side of flatbread, a jar of our house-made pesto, or some fresh fruit from the market.
If you are catching a food truck rally or live music, bringing your salad will save you from standing in line and ensure you can still have a fresh meal. It also makes it much easier to find an available shaded bench with a decent view.
Eliza Howell Park: The Hidden Gem
If you seek quiet and green solitude, head to the Eliza Howell Park, secluded in Northwest Detroit. It is a large natural area with wooded trails, open meadows, and wild animals, including deer and songbirds.
It is a great place to pass a slow afternoon writing in a journal, sketching, or relaxing with a healthy meal. Grab a protein-packed salad bundle from Planted, particularly the salads with quinoa, lentils, chickpeas, or even seasonal root vegetables. They are filling and grounding after a day of exploring the trails.
Make some eco-friendly choices by packing reusable cutlery, cloth napkins, and compostable containers. Nature offered us her space. Let's return the courtesy.
Riverside Park: Views and Vibes
Riverside Park is a modern, walkable picnic location that cannot be beaten in views. Just west of downtown Detroit, this park area has been revitalized and now follows the Detroit River, providing a shaded atmosphere on hot sunny days. It has wide-open fields, panoramic waterfront views, and is filled with families, bikers, and friends chasing the sunset.
So, what should you pack? Have a chilled picnic salad topped with a citrus vinaigrette, or have diced watermelon radish for a refreshing, hydrating, and hearty bite. Choose a bench close to the water, or spread your blanket on the lawn by the newly created walking and biking pathways.
It is best to visit here in the early evening, when the heat is subsiding and the golden hour is making the skyline glow! This is your sunset picnic moment. Snacks are optional, but good vibes are guaranteed.
What to Pack with Your Salad Bundle
Your Planted Detroit salad bundle is the star of the show, but a few smart add-ons can turn your picnic from just good to gourmet.
Here is what we'd recommend pulling together for your picnic tote:
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Sourdough or fresh baguette slices
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Seed crackers for crunch
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Herb hummus or pesto for dipping
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Cold brew or sparkling water to sip on
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Frozen lemon wedges (drop in your bottle for a refreshing chill)
To make your plate a little more picture-perfect, we recommend adding some edible flowers from our bundles. They're beautiful, delicious, and nutritious!
Picnic Perfection: Your Salad Bundles and You
Summer in Detroit calls for a change in pace. It's time to take a break from the stresses of your daily life and reconnect with nature.
A short picnic in the beautiful parks of Detroit is the perfect weekend respite. To keep you company, choose Planted Detroit’s healthy and delicious salad bowls.
And because our greens are always fresh, pesticide-free, and ready-to-eat, there is no prepping and no mess. Just grab and go! Let summer unfold one salad at a time.
Are you ready to picnic?
Find your green spot. Let us bring the flavor.