Where to Take Your BBQ This Fall (Because Everything Tastes Better Outside)
Let’s be real: BBQ this fall just hits different. There’s something about crisp air, changing leaves, and that perfect sweater weather that makes smoked meat taste even better. And look, we get it, Maryland’s fall weather is about as predictable as a toddler’s mood swings. One minute it’s 75 and sunny, the next you’re wondering if you need your winter coat. But that’s exactly why fall is the perfect time to grab some Chad’s BBQ and head outside before it turns on us.
Whether you’re tailgating before the big game, planning a waterfront picnic, kayaking on the Chesapeake, or just trying to squeeze in one more outdoor meal before hibernation season, we’ve got you covered. Here’s your guide to the best spots around Edgewater and Annapolis to take your BBQ this fall, plus which of our dishes travel like champions.
10 Perfect Spots to Take Your BBQ This Fall
1. Quiet Waters Park – The Crown Jewel (Annapolis)
If you haven’t been to Quiet Waters Park, are you even from around here? This 340-acre paradise is basically nature’s dining room. With six miles of trails, waterfront views of the South River, and pavilions for when the weather gets moody, it’s the perfect spot for BBQ this fall.
Here’s the deal: there’s a $6 entrance fee per car (or grab an annual pass if you’re the outdoorsy type), and the park is closed on Tuesdays. (But then again so are we!) Show up any other day, and you’ve got your pick of scenic spots to post up with some smoked goodness.
The dog situation: This place is a dog lover’s dream. There’s a dedicated dog park AND a dog beach at the southern end near Loden Pond. Your four-legged friends can run off-leash in the designated areas, which means they’ll be too tired to beg for your brisket. Win-win.
What to bring from Chad’s: Our Family Meals are clutch here. Feed the whole crew without the stress, and everything stays warm in those containers. The Smoked Kielbasa travels like a champ too, grab a few links à la carte and you’re golden.
2. Navy Football Tailgating (Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis)
Navy game days are iconic. The Brigade of Midshipmen marching onto the field, the flyovers, the whole patriotic package. But before all that pageantry, there’s tailgating.
Stadium parking passes need to be sorted out ahead of time (they don’t sell them day-of), and tailgating is allowed in the stadium lots. Cars can enter as early as 7 AM for noon kickoffs. The atmosphere is always a mix of alumni, families, and die-hard fans.
What to bring from Chad’s: Tailgates are all about quantity and quality. Our à la carte catering menu is basically designed for this. Wings, pulled pork, brisket, mac and cheese, collards, load up on whatever your crew is craving. Walk into that tailgate looking like you actually have your life together.
3. Great Frogs Winery (Annapolis)
Want to class up your BBQ this fall? Head to Great Frogs Winery on Harness Creek Road. They’re open Saturdays from 11 AM to 5 PM, and yes, they welcome well-behaved dogs on the patio. Pair our BBQ with a wine tasting (self-guided, so no pressure), play some cornhole, and enjoy the vineyard views.
The outdoor seating is perfect for a relaxed afternoon, and bringing your own food is totally acceptable here. It’s basically a sophisticated picnic with a side of Chardonnay.
What to bring from Chad’s: This is sandwich and side territory. Our Smoked Turkey Sandwich or Pulled Pork Sandwich pairs surprisingly well with wine (trust us on this), and some coleslaw and mac and cheese round out the spread without being too heavy.
4. B&A Trail Pit Stop (Severna Park/Annapolis)
The Baltimore & Annapolis Trail is a 13.3-mile path that’s perfect for biking or walking. And here’s the genius move: pack some Chad’s, bike a few miles, find a spot near one of the pocket parks like Cypress Creek Park, and refuel before heading back.
There’s something about earning your BBQ with a bike ride that makes it taste even better. Plus, you can tell yourself the exercise cancels out the mac and cheese.
What to bring from Chad’s: Keep it simple and portable. Sandwiches are your friend here. Easy to pack, easy to eat, no utensils required. Grab a few of our smoked wings à la carte too if you’re feeling ambitious.
5. Downs Park Dog Beach (Pasadena)
If your pup is your actual child (no judgment, we get it), Downs Park needs to be on your list. This 236-acre park has a dog-friendly beach where your furry friend can live their best life while you enjoy some seriously good BBQ with water views.
The dog situation: The dog beach here is legit. Off-leash area, water access, and usually a crowd of other happy dogs. Your dog will sleep for three days after this outing.
What to bring from Chad’s: Family Meals because when you’re wrangling dogs and trying to relax, the last thing you need is figuring out food logistics. Our brisket and pulled pork are both great options that everyone will actually eat.
6. Kayak the South River (Edgewater/Annapolis)
Here’s an idea that sounds way more adventurous than it actually is: kayak rentals on the South River, with a BBQ pit stop. Several local spots offer kayak and paddleboard rentals, and many have launch sites where you can park, paddle for a bit, come back to shore, and demolish some smoked meat.
Quiet Waters Park has rentals if you don’t have your own gear, or you can launch from other county parks with water access. Just make sure your BBQ is secured in a waterproof bag, soggy brisket is nobody’s friend.
What to bring from Chad’s: Think easy-to-eat, doesn’t-need-reheating options. Our wings (Governor’s or classic smoked) are perfect. They’re good at any temperature, and you can eat them with your hands while sitting on a dock watching the water.
7. Maryland Terps Tailgating (College Park)
If you’re a Terps fan, the tailgate game at College Park is strong. Lots open six hours before kickoff, and the campus transforms into one giant pre-game party. Parking passes range from $27-$47 depending on the game.
What to bring from Chad’s: Same strategy as Navy games, go big with our catering options. Our Family Meals can feed 4-6 people, and if you’re feeding a bigger crowd, scale up with à la carte items. The Smoked Kielbasa is a sleeper hit at tailgates.
8. Sandy Point State Park Beach (Annapolis)
Want to take your BBQ this fall to the beach? Sandy Point sits right where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Bay Bridge, and the views are absolutely ridiculous. Multiple picnic areas (Tollgate, South Beach, East Beach) are first-come, first-serve.
During the off-season (October through April), dogs are allowed on the beach. Yes, you read that right, fall means you and your pup can enjoy the beach together.
What to bring from Chad’s: Beach picnics call for crowd-pleasers. Our wings are perfect for this. Easy to eat, don’t require utensils, and they stay good even if you’re there for a few hours. Pack some family-style sides and you’re set.
9. Thanksgiving Farm Vineyard (Harwood)
About 30 minutes from Edgewater, this family-owned vineyard is open Monday through Saturday (10 AM-5 PM) and Sundays (12 PM-5 PM). It’s one of the few vineyards open on weekdays, making it perfect for those random fall afternoons when you just need to escape.
The outdoor seating overlooks the vineyards, and bringing your own food is encouraged for their picnic areas. It’s quieter than some of the bigger wineries, which makes it ideal for actually having a conversation.
What to bring from Chad’s: À la carte is the way to go. Grab some pulled pork, a rack of ribs if you’re feeling fancy, and a few sides. Share plates, sip wine, and pretend you’re in Napa (but with better BBQ).
10. Jonas Green Park (Annapolis)
Tucked right under the Naval Academy Bridge on the Severn River, Jonas Green Park is that spot locals know about but tourists somehow miss. It’s smaller, quieter, and has this chill vibe that’s perfect when you don’t want to deal with crowds.
There’s a 288-foot fishing pier if you’re into that, picnic tables scattered around, and the best part? No entrance fee. Zero dollars. Just show up and claim your spot.
What to bring from Chad’s: This is sandwich territory. Our Smoked Turkey Sandwich or Pulled Pork Sandwich travels perfectly, and you can eat it one-handed while enjoying those water views. Grab our coleslaw à la carte, it’s refreshing and pairs with literally everything.
Why Chad’s BBQ is Great on the Go
Look, we smoke almost everything that comes through our kitchen. Wings, burgers, kielbasa… if it can be smoked, we’re smoking it. And here’s the thing about smoked meat: it’s designed to travel. The flavors are locked in, everything stays juicy, and you don’t need to stress about reheating or keeping things at the perfect temperature.
The Travel MVPs from Our Menu:
Family Meals: The no-brainer option for any outdoor adventure this fall. You get your protein (brisket, pulled pork, ribs, chicken – take your pick), two sides, and rolls. Everything comes in containers that actually work, and you can feed your whole crew without spending an hour packing individual meals.
À La Carte Everything: Want to build your own spread? Hit up our à la carte menu. Grab a pound of pulled pork, a rack of ribs, some wings, whatever you’re feeling. Add sides à la carte too: mac and cheese, collards, coleslaw, baked beans. Mix and match until your cooler is full.
Smoked Kielbasa: We’ve been shouting about this from the rooftops, but seriously, kielbasa is the perfect outdoor food. It’s already smoked, it stays good, and you can eat it hot or cold (though hot is obviously better). Slice it up for easy snacking or serve it whole for that “wow, they really brought their A-game” moment.
Sandwiches: Our Smoked Turkey Sandwich and Pulled Pork Sandwich are clutch for low-key outings. Easy to pack, easy to eat, and they hit the spot every time. Perfect for when you’re solo or just don’t want to deal with serving a crowd.
Wings: Whether you go classic smoked or upgrade to our Governor’s sauce, wings are always a good call. They’re finger food, they’re delicious, and nobody’s going to complain when you show up with a box of them.
What If You Can’t Find the Perfect Spot? (Spoiler: We’ve Got You)
Here’s the thing – sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate. Sometimes all the good picnic spots are taken. Sometimes you just don’t feel like driving 30 minutes to sit on a park bench.
That’s where our patio comes in.
We’ve got outdoor seating right here at Chad’s in Edgewater, and yes, it’s dog-friendly. Your pup can hang out while you demolish some BBQ this fall, and you don’t have to worry about packing, unpacking, or any of that logistical nonsense. Just show up, order, and enjoy.
Plus, our drinks are self-serve (soda and water), so you can refill as many times as you want without flagging down a server. It’s like a picnic, but with real bathrooms and no ants. Revolutionary.
The Bottom Line on BBQ This Fall
Maryland’s fall weather is weird, unpredictable, and honestly kind of perfect. It’s that sweet spot between “too hot to function” summer and “why do we live here” winter. And the best way to take advantage of it? Get outside with some seriously good food.
So grab your hoodie, call ahead to Chad’s for pick up, and get out there before it’s too cold to enjoy anything. Your taste buds (and your dog) will thank you.
See you soon, whether it’s for pickup or on our patio. And hey, don’t forget to check out our seasonal specials board while you’re here. Fall means new flavors, and you’re not going to want to miss what we’re cooking up.
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