Great weather in summer and early fall calls for that quintessential celebration of the season—the picnic. Meeting groups can partake of the fun, especially now that certain hotels, resorts and specialty markets near scenic spots are set up to indulge large numbers of picnickers. The upsides include nature’s unsurpassed staging and decor, easy setup and an increasing number of gourmet goods to go. These places can help you plan the perfect meeting group picnic:

-At New York City’s popular Corkbuzz Chelsea Market, groups can build their own lunch boxes to enjoy at High Line park, including wine from Chelsea Wine Vault. Food options include pulled barbecue chicken and fried soft-shell crab sandwiches, as well as seasoned popcorn.

-Hotel Elysee, five blocks from Central Park in NYC, has a Picnic in the Park package with gourmet cheeses, crackers and other items, and even throws in champagne flutes and its signature blankets.

-Hilton Chicago lets guests stock up at its gourmet market before heading off to a park or festival. Don’t miss its Black Dog Gelato, a local favorite.

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