Picnics- A Summertime Tradition

by Jeff Bogle | More from this Blogger

25 May 2007 01:12 PM

It is Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer. This means the consistently warm weather will be here before long and nothing screams SUMMER louder than a Picnic! We love to dine alfresco, whether it is outside on a restaurant 's patio or deck, in our backyard or at a local park. To be outside, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of nature while enjoying a meal with family and friends can be one of the most cherished memories of summertime. The best part of this simple, fun idea is that you don't need too much in the way of supplies and usually no money at all (save for food costs) to enjoy one. To be honest, we do not get out to a park nearly as much as we would like, especially considering the expansive, historic and beautiful Valley Forge Park is a mere twenty minutes away. Most often, we can be found stretched out on a blanket in our yard with sandwiches and/or snacks, some pink lemonade and a radio. Just this past Tuesday, I packed a trio of peanut butter and jellies for a mid-week picnic amidst the animals at our small local zoo.

Consider the following for your next picnic. For those without access to a grassy knoll or park, think about having an indoor picnic - lay a blanket down, sit on the floor of your home, munch on some traditional picnic fare and put on a nature sounds CD to mimic the call of the wild in the comfort of your own domain.

The picnic essentials:

Blanket - one that is big enough for the whole gang. Food - the classic picnic would include PB&J, chips and pretzels (or other munchies like Pirate's Booty). The last time we ate on the ground at Valley Forge Park, I made egg salad sandwiches and brought yogurt for my girls. You can really have anything to eat, be it hummus and pita bread, hoagies (or subs, depending on where you call home), or even burgers, dogs and BBQ chicken if your park has charcoal grills available (don't forget the charcoal, matches and some lighter fluid!) Music -Make sure you have something for everyone. An eclectic family mix-CD would be perfect. Games - Frisbee (the best picnic activity!), football, Wiffle ball or the gear of your family's favorite summer pastime.

Have Fun and enjoy the holiday weekend!

Packing the Perfect Picnic

Summer Activity Bags

Learn more about Jeff Bogle

Jeff is married to a lovely redhead and is fortunate to have in his life an amazing young lady, age three.

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