Is there a good place along the NJ side of the Hudson River where one may walk a dog and take a special friend for a picnic? I'm not too familair with the area, but something accessible, not too windy, and with plenty of sunlight, would be optimum. And what are the driving directions from Newark Airport? Your ideas are greatly appreciated.

Go to this website & check out the editors pick. http://www.hobokenx.com/12/68parks.htm

My Pup and I like to go to the town of Piermont. The town is full of small charming shops and antique stores, a great bakery and some nice restaurants. We usually go to the sidewalk cafe, Pup is welcome there. They bring him his own dish of water and he likes to people watch.
There is a pier where most people enjoy walking, right out into the Hudson.
On a sunny warm day, it is a treat! Like yesterday
From Newark, I think you would go East towards NYC, get onto the Palisades Parkway and go North. You want to get off wherever there is a sign for Nyack or Piermont.
Take a dog! Lol~

My contribution would probably be cats. Thanks so much for the advice, however. That's why I simply adore the Fodorites - so many good people with great ideas. May we all picnic together one day!

Well, Pup for one will be most happy to meet your cats
Maybe we will have a GTG one day on the Hudson, bringing all our pets, wouldn't that be a hoot!

If you go the Hoboken route, i recommend Pier A or Sinatra Park (but you'll have to keep your dog on a leash in either... sticky issue right now in Hoboken).

There are also great delis in Hoboken, pick up some sandwiches at Vito's Deli or Fiore's Deli... get anything with fresh mozzarella on it and you'll be back again!

I recommend Ross Dock in Fort Lee, New Jersey. It's a scenic riverfront (Hudson) picnic area and boat basin. You're practically under the George Washington Bridge. Actually, this is where the movie Big filmed its carnival scene in the beginning of the film. If you choose this location you can pick up made to order sandwiches and many other goodies at the Kings's Supermarket in Fort Lee. To get there take the NJ Turnpike to Route 46 east to the Fort Lee 9W exit. At the light make a left onto 9W (also known as Fletcher Avenue). The King's Supermarket will be on your left in the Linwood Shopping Center. When you exit the shopping center make a left back onto 9W. The entrance to the Palisades Parkway will be on your far right after the light at the gas station. Take the parkway to exit 1 and follow the signs down to the river.