A picnic is the perfect way to unwind while enjoying the summer weather. This year,  the Illinois Office of Tourism is encouraging residents and visitors to skip the big-box stores and pack a picnic basket with products from local Illinois Made small businesses from across the state. Whether you’re heading to a neighborhood park, a local festival or one of Illinois’ many state parks, Illinois Made small businesses offer everything needed for a memorable picnic, from freshly made bread and tasty sandwiches to locally made sweets, beverages and artisan goods. Every featured business is part of the Illinois Made program, which celebrates the people, products and experiences that make Illinois a unique travel destination. The curated list includes items from businesses in Chicago.

• Piece Brewery & Pizzeria, Wicker Park

• Southside Blooms, Englewood and Northlawn

• Cafe Tola, Avondale, Lakeview and Logan Square

• Bagel Miller, Lincoln Square

• The Fudge Pot, Old Town

• Justice of the Pies, Avalon Park

• Lexington Betty Smokehouse, Pullman

To find the perfect picnic day for you, visit enjoyillinois.com

Photo Credit: Enjoy Illinois