Finding Great Spots for Picnics - How to Choose a Unique, Fun Spot for Your Gourmet Picnic

Great picnic spots are easy to come by, if you keep your eyes peeled while going about your daily routine. Just clear your mind of pre-conceived notions about what makes a good picnic location. Any place that you can comfortably sit down and relax undisturbed, preferably with a good view, will make a memorable setting. Taking note of parks, overlooks, and other potential locations while driving to and from work can give you some options to work with. Another idea is to watch for articles in your local paper about seasonal activities, or contact your local Chamber of Commerce. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

Vineyards
Wine is practically synonymous with romance. The sights, smells, and fun activities are enough to make vineyards a wonderful picnic setting, but the additional perk of wine tasting puts them at the top of the list of perfect romantic picnic spots. Take a tour of the grounds, enjoy a lesson by a winery professional, and have your picnic lunch on a grassy knoll overlooking the grounds. A wine picnic basket would be the perfect item to have on hand for this romantic picnic date - pack the Corsica Wine and Cheese Basket (pictured left) full of some rustic bread, an assortment of cheeses, fruit, and sparkling water. A bottle of wine purchased at the winery will round out your meal. Orchards are a great option for those who prefer a non-alcoholic activity - you can enjoy many of the same activities as at a winery, picking your own apples and savoring them while enjoying the view.

Scenic Drives
No matter where you live, there's bound to be a beautiful scenic roadway within an hour's drive at the most. Coastal areas have A1A, US 1 or other quiet, slow-paced roads with views of the ocean and many great places to stop and enjoy your meal. In mountainous regions, take a country road or parkway that winds through the peaks and choose an overlook from which you can enjoy the spectacular view. National parks, riverside roadways, motor nature trails and back roads through pastoral farmland are just a few options that will give you ample opportunities for a memorable meal. Don't forget a waterproof picnic blanket and a good cooler so you'll be comfortable and your food will stay at just the right temperature.

Urban Adventure
Living in the city doesn't mean you have to miss out on a relaxing, peaceful picnic experience. Rooftop observation areas or high rise balconies can make for a magnificent, memorable meal in the fresh air - the view alone is worth setting up a few comfortable folding chairs and hanging out for a while. Pick a courtyard somewhere in town with either a patch of grass or some benches beside a fountain and break out your gourmet picnic basket. The Catalina Riviera Picnic Basket (pictured left)can make any spot feel like a breezy Parisian getaway with its sophisticated design and full set of premium quality dining accessories.

Still looking for ideas? Some of our previous posts can help:

Picnics on the Road
Urban Picnics
Planning a Romantic Picnic for 2