Tips For The Perfect Spring Picnic
National Picnic Day is on April 23rd, and it got me thinking… What are the ingredients for a great picnic? The best places, food, supplies? Here are some great suggestions that I found for enjoying a leisurely (and tasty) picnic in our region.
Spring is nature’s way of saying let’s party.
WHERE TO GO | Our area has a wealth of beautiful places to have a picnic. Here are some ideas to inspire you. Tried and true favorites in Norfolk include the Hermitage Museum & Gardens and Norfolk Botanical Garden because both have a wealth of beautiful tucked away areas. City Square Park in Williamsburg has a wisteria trellis and a water feature making for a quiet respite from the historical area. If you are a sun lover, consider Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head, where you can set up on a sand dune with water views of both ocean and sound. If you are adventurous, set up a boating picnic at Northwest River Park in Chesapeake. And for a picnic with international flair, go to Redwing Park in Virginia Beach and experience Hanami, the Japanese art of appreciating flowers, with a picnic set up under their cherry blossoms.
WHAT TO EAT | The best plan is to keep it simple. If you are making your picnic fare, make foods that are hand-held like small sandwiches, seasoned pretzels, cheeses, crackers, and fruit. Hint: grilled fruit is a game changer! If you are bringing desserts, the best options are cookies and bars that can be served at room temperature. Single-serving beverages work best. If you want to pick up picnic food, I can recommend the baguette sandwiches from La Brioche in Norfolk, or the sandwiches, salads and snacks from TASTE’s multiple locations or The Cheese Shop in Williamsburg.
Set up a picnic that suits your style. It can be as fancy or casual as you wish. Pack up your picnic in bento boxes or a fun basket. Reduce your paper waste by using break-resistant plates and cups. Use cloth napkins, they won’t blow away! And, keep an eye on your litter, pack a small trash bag. The most important thing to do is to enjoy being outside, unplugging and connecting with family and friends, and savoring foods and beverages that you love.
Happy Spring y’all!
