fireworks-june-12--2016-better-quality

Newsletter: Planning the perfect Pittsburgh picnic

A roundup of the best small businesses to help you plan the perfect picnic and an update to the Fresh Fest beer festival. 

by Lindsay Patross | July 3, 2020

It’s Fourth of July weekend and, well…the holiday falls on a Saturday this year. Alas, with many folks taking today off – we’re excited to point you toward some summer-specific podcast episodes and some of our picks for the best picnic gear from local businesses.

EASY LISTENING: Five podcast episodes for the fourth
We’ve rounded up a selection of five episodes from our podcast for your holiday weekend. Here’s where you can listen to local expertise around barbecue, gardening, stand-up paddleboarding, public stairways and a documentary series that celebrates Pittsburgh neighborhoods.

PICNIC PICKS: Our recommendations for a very Pittsburgh picnic gear
Here’s a peek at some of our suggestions for having a lovely, Pittsburgh picnic. We’re talking pepperoni rolls, cornhole sets and even a shoutout to one local company that will literally do all the packing for you. [Protip: Use code VERYLOCAL to get free shipping on the pierogi bean bags from Commonwealth Press]

FRESH FEST DIGI FEST: A Pittsburgh tradition pivots to virtual
How do you throw a beer festival during a pandemic? This week’s podcast guest, Day Bracey explains Fresh Fest Digi Fest, the online version of America’s first (and only) beer festival that celebrates people of color in the brewing industry.

🎧 You can download this episode or listen via iTunes, Spotify, or Stitcher. Join the conversation in our Facebook group for The Slaw.

THE RETURN OF ROBIN HOOD: A modernized take on an iconic beer
The makers of Iron City have temporarily resurrected an iconic brand that was popular in the 1970s. The remake of the Robin Hood Cream Ale has already sold out, but you might like to read more about this collaboration and see some of the original cans.

 

Small Business Shoutout: Picnic Packing

Blanket & Board // A picnic packing service
You can hire the Blanket & Board team to create the perfect picnic experience. Blanket & Board will arrive before you and set up a picnic feast complete with picnic blankets, candles and charcuterie boards.

SPiLL // curbside pickup for wine
There is an alternative to Find Wine & Good Spirits for wine! SPiLL is a wine bar located in Bloomfield that has a huge selection of wine and a knowledgeable team to help you find the right rosé to go with any picnic spread. While the tasting room is closed, SPiLL’s bottle shop is open and you can even call ahead to order for curbside pickup.

Labriola’s Italian Markets // order your charcuterie online
Labriola’s has four locations around Pittsburgh and they each offer an excellent deli selection. This is the perfect place to pick up some cheese or sandwich fixings. If you are looking to pick up some dinner, the crab cakes and meatballs from the prepared food selection are great to heat and serve later. You can use the Mercato App to order online and pick up your order in a few hours.

 

House/Home

OK. Who doesn’t dream of living on the water right here in Pittsburgh with this weather and the holiday weekend?

 

Stream original series on the Very Local app

What is Very Local?

Very Local is your best source for shows about local communities, bringing you 24/7 access to news from your trusted local news source, weather updates, and more. The Very Local app also brings you fresh, untold stories from your city and communities like yours, with exclusive original shows and local stories specific to where you live. Get the channel to stream Very Local free on Roku or Amazon Fire TV.

Follow Very Local on Facebook and @VeryLocal on Instagram for more

Lindsay Patross

Lindsay Patross

Pittsburgh born and raised, Lindsay has been writing about the people who love Pittsburgh since 2008.

Download the Very Local app to stream all of the Very Local original series for FREE!

Download the Very Local app to stream all of the Very Local original series for FREE!