11 Leaf-Peeping Picnic Spots Around The World

With just the hint of a chill in the air, expansive fashion options and the promise of an impending love affair with your slow-cooker, fall is definitely a season to make the most of. There are pumpkin recipes of all sorts in abundance and, most special of all, it's the season with the most opportunities for food to bring families together (Thanksgiving is almost here, with Christmas on the horizon).

Summer may be over, but that doesn't mean spontaneous outings and impromptu outdoor adventures have to end with it. We can keep the adventurous spirit of summer in the air for a couple more months until the idea of winter, whatever each area's temperature may be, drives most of us into warm homes and blanket cocoons. That means before there are fireplaces ablaze, snow on the ground in northern Europe and hats being pulled out of closets, it's time to explore outside and relish the leaves as they change color with the people you love most – what better way to do that than on a picnic? Whether you're in England, Japan or California, there are countless areas filled with opportunities to breathe in fall air and lose yourself in crackly, orange-hued falling leaves.

Pack up your favorite foods with the easiest recipes and head out the door to these seven picnic destinations around the world – among the most picturesque fall foliage. 

Central Park is famous for its rolling greenery, lakes and beautiful trees, but it's also the perfect spot for a picnic amongst falling leaves starting in mid-September. Grab a quilted picnic blanket and pack some sandwiches and cinnamon oatmeal raisin cookies. Then, start people-watching. Afterwards, play some soccer with friends or take a pedicab tour to finish out the perfect fall day out.

Part of Banff National Park, this lake in the middle of the Rocky Mountains hosts an abundance of beautiful fall leaves. Check out the glacier-fed clear blue lake as you lunch with your hiking partner, and make sure you bring along some Canadian-inspired delicacies. In the event of hiking hunger pangs, make sure you don't forget some classic outdoor snacks.

Picnicking in this northern section of Regent's Park means an incredible view of central London and being surrounded by some of the loveliest fall foliage the city has to offer. With an open-air theatre and a children's playground, the hill has something for everyone to do after filling up on traditional British sausage rolls and scotch eggs. In mid-October, the park will host the Frieze Art Fair, where you can see thought-provoking work from contemporary artists. 

Eat pasta salad with balsalmic vinegar by one of the many fountains in this central park in Italy where fall views abound. Originally a private vineyard, the Villa Borghese Gardens were completely redesigned and expanded for Pope Paul V's nephew in 1605 – and we're so glad! The park offers an art museum, a lake and even a place to skateboard. There are also three secret gardens inside, perfect for a romantic picnic with your one and only. 

Picnicking at Amsterdam's largest city park would make you one of 10 million annual visitors who anticipate its beauty – in the fall, its sights won't be easily forgotten. Hang out in the grass and make friends with the locals as you enjoy a healthy picnic, but be sure to save room for a stroopwafel. Don't miss Pablo Picasso's sculpture The Fish, a landmark in this lush park.