The first park I recommend is Sunset Park. Sunset Park is located at 2601 E. Sunset Road, Las Vegas, Nevada. This park is in one word, fabulous! Located on 14 fun filled acres there is something for everyone! Whether you want to have a simple family picnic or do a little trout fishing you are guaranteed to have a relaxing and fun afternoon in the great outdoors! Sunset Park also has a dog run (for those of you that want to bring along your four-legged friend), several playgrounds, a disc golf course and even an area to sail your remote control boat. If sports are more your speed, then you will want to take advantage of the basketball courts, running tracks and tennis courts. During the holiday winter months don’t miss the Gift of Light drive through light show. See, I told you there was something for everyone!

Next, allow me to tell you about Roxbury Park located in Beverly Hills, California. This up-scale park has a little something for everyone.  There are tennis and basket ball courts for those interested in a quick pick-up game after your picnic lunch, a pirate themed playground for the little adventurers in your life, sand volley ball courts and of course, plenty of room for picnickers and sunbathers. If lawn tennis and croquet are more your speed, be sure to take advantage of the free lessons! Though you may not find a pond at Roxbury Park, it is in a convenient, central location and is sure to have something of interest for even the pickiest picnickers.

Remember the popular cartoon and television show, Dennis the Menace? Of course you do! Well if you live in or near Monterey, California be sure to visit the Dennis the Menace Playground! You might have to explain to your children who exactly Dennis the Menace is, but don’t let that stop you (or make you feel old). This playground is one of the most popular playgrounds that the city of Monterey has to offer. The Dennis the Menace Playground first opened in 1956 and was designed by the creator of Dennis the Menace cartoon, Mr. Hank Ketcham. The playground is open from 10:00 in the morning and closes at dusk. The best part is, there is no charge! Did you get that people? FREE! There are many, many things to do at this playground including a tot play area, picnic grounds, a giant slide, a climbing wall, a play boat, an adventure ship, hedge maze and SO MUCH MORE! If you get the chance and want a true picnic adventure at one of the best playground in California, I highly recommend the Dennis the Menace Playground!

Liberty Park, which is located at 600 E. 1000 S. Salt Lake City, Utah is quite large, not to mention quite popular! Located on approximately 80 acres of open land, Liberty Park is the perfect picnic location as there is certainly no shortage of fun things to do. The park’s public facilities include picnic areas, a concession stand, a large pond, horseshoe pits, swimming pool, basketball, volley ball and tennis courts, a jogging path and a greenhouse. Liberty Park is filled with large open spaces that fill up quickly with picnickers (especially on weekend afternoons!). It also has a large water fountain that children are allowed to play in on hot summer days. Many festivals are held at Liberty Park each year so don’t be surprised if you find a LOT of people when you arrive. Also, don’t forget your picnic blanket; it will definitely come in handy!

Last but not least the final park I am going to feature in this post is William Land Park located in Sacramento, California.  William Land Park is wonderful but what I really want to tell you about is Fairytale town which is located within William Land Park (yes, a park within a park). For a small fee (free for children under two - $4.50 for everyone else) this fun filled adventure park is sure to please even the smallest picnicker. Located on over two acres of fun-filled land, Fairytale Park brings nursery rhymes to life! There are over 25 colorful playgrounds that allow your child’s imagination to run wild. Whether your child is a fan of Peter Rabbit, Robin Hood, or Mary and her little lamb, fun will be had by all! Of course, there are plenty of places to picnic so don’t forget your picnic basket!

So there you have it, five popular and fun-filled parks! If you happen to live in the far West region of the United States, what are you waiting for? Pick a park, pack up your picnic supplies and go make some memories! Have fun!

It doesn’t need to be an extravagant, high-priced affair to be special to her. What counts here aren’t necessarily high-end picnic supplies but the very fact that you took the time to plan and prepare and, most importantly, execute an activity that she will know was done for no other reason than to show her you love her. So let’s get started, guys. This week, you get to be the guy all the other girlfriends and wives are referencing when they ask their men, “why can’t you be more like him?”

To begin with, you need something in which to carry your picnic supplies. The two simple schools of thought are a picnic basket or a picnic backpack. Either will do the job of carrying your wine, silverware, food, blanket and other essentials, but put some thought into which will best suit your objective which is to impress your gal. After you’ve read this post, visit our picnic supply store to find a huge supply of both picnic baskets and picnic backpacks for your consideration.

A picnic basket would be the traditional choice. This option scores high on two counts. First, you just can’t beat the nostalgia factor. A romantic picnic complete with an authentic basket just screams, well, romance. The second point in favor of a basket is that it is a sign your girl might just be looking for; a sign of a willingness to commit. Investing in a great picnic basket (particularly if it is a for-three or more set) says I’m content to settle down with you, baby, and for whatever kids might be coming our way.

A picnic backpack is an obviously modern affair and loses some points in that it isn’t the most committed or nostalgic rig and also sort of “masks” intent. You do still get to keep your cool factor up with one of these on your back because, to a casual observer, there’s absolutely no indication that you’re on your way to a picnic. That can work for you or against you (a woman loves a man who isn’t afraid to let his macho down a bit now and again). It does, however, offer convenient hands-free travel and a good picnic backpack can be a real life saver on a picnic that requires an extended hike to reach to perfect scenic overlook for your romantic dining. Again, buying a picnic backpack for 3 or 4 when it’s just the two of you going serves as a subtle hint that you’re planning for a day when your family will grow.

Having decided on what you want to carry your stuff in, give some serious thought to your destination. If you’re the typical guy (don’t care what you scratch, where you scratch it or who sees you scratching it) then this is a chance to get out of character a bit. Make this something special. You might want to consider an open air concert at a local park. Search online or call your local park service to find a schedule of events in your area. Don’t be afraid to do a little traveling for the perfect spot. The only real limitation on distance is the freshness of the food you’ve packed. If your sandwiches will become soggy or your chocolate-covered strawberries will melt, it’s too far away.

Next, consider the foods you’ll be bringing. This is NOT a time for bologna sandwiches. I’m going to say that again. NO bologna sandwiches (unless your gal thinks they’re the greatest food ever made). This is a chance to spice things up with some food that at least appears to take a little effort. You want to delight her and her taste buds.

Now few of us are culinary experts so you’ll be forgiven for that, but consider picking up a recipe book to guide you here. Perfect for your consideration and available in our store are Picnics: Easy Recipes for the Best Alfresco Foods by Robin Vitetta-Miller and one that might serve you well at your next tailgate, Picnics & Tailgates: Good Food for the Great Outdoors by Diane Rossen Worthington, Chris Shorten and Time-Life Books.

If you plan to bring wine (and why wouldn’t you) you may also want to pick up a book (we reference several from advanced to beginner in our picnic supply store) or consult with somebody experienced in the enological world - fancy word for wine-related-stuff. If you aren’t regular wine drinkers, though, I’d recommend sampling several varieties in advance of your outing so you can settle on a wine you’re both fond of.

We’re almost done, so stay with me. The last two items to cover are extras and something special. When I say extras, I mean important touches that can make or break your event. A picnic blanket is a definite must-have item, but you may also want to pack cloth rather than paper napkins for a nice touch. Also bring along some insect repellent and sunscreen. Wet-naps for cleaning up are a pleasant edition and, don’t forget the corkscrew or that bottle of wine was just needless weight to lug around. I suggest making a list in advance and checking things off as you pack so there are not unpleasant surprises when your reach your destination.

As for the special item, this one is entirely up to you. Your girl will already be floored by the effort you’ve put in getting this all together. But to put icing on the cake, why not have a little something special secreted away in your basket or backpack? This can be anything from a piece of jewelry to commemorate the occasion to a poem (for you Casanova’s out there). You might even try your hand at baking a homemade desert. Just be sure to let her see the 3^rd degree burns on your fingers as proof you actually baked it. If you’d like a recommendation for some tempting tarts (no, I’m not suggesting extra women for your trip) we’d recommend Tarts: 40 Superb Recipes for Sweet and Savory Tarts. A cherry on top of a great and thoughtful day like you’re planning can really wrap things up perfectly.

And that’s it, guys. I know it’s a probably a big deviation from your norm, but taking your girl on a romantic picnic can be the kind of defining, special treat that carries good will for month. She’s put up with all your man stuff this long, right? Clearly she’s worth it. Just don’t make the mistake of reading this, thinking it’s a good idea and then failing on the follow-through. Start planning today. In fact, commit yourself by purchasing your picnic supplies now so you won’t be inclined to forget later. Have fun!

While the picnic basket still may be the most popular way to transport picnic supplies, picnic backpacks are most certainly moving up in the ranks! While I must admit that the old fashioned picnic basket will always hold a special place in my storage closet, picnic backpacks are easier to carry, hold more picnic supplies and more often than not…are more durable! While old fashioned picnic baskets are lovely, they are not the best choice if you are going hiking on an off-road trail, for a long walk in the country, or taking the mountain bike out for an afternoon outing. I don’t know about you, but the thought of trying to ride a mountain bike while carrying a picnic basket does not sound very appealing. In fact, it sounds like an accident waiting to happen!  For these types of outings a picnic backpack would be the ideal choice.

Yep, you guessed it, picnic backpacks are just like regular backpacks only they come with special compartments for carrying food, beverages (wine, if you wish!), utensils, plates and even your red and white checkered picnic blanket! There are many different types of picnic backpacks on the market. In fact, you may be surprised at the selection and prices! For example, the Brighton Coffee Picnic Backpack for Two (pictured) is reasonably priced at $62.00. I love the idea of packing up my picnic backpack with fruit, croissants and fresh coffee and heading out for an early morning picnic adventure. What a wonderful way to start the day. Nothing beats a beautiful sunrise on a Saturday morning!

Picnic backpacks make the perfect gifts! Do you know of someone who loves to tailgate at sporting events? Then why not buy them a picnic backpack with their favorite team logo on the front!? Need to buy a gift for a friend who adores the ocean? Consider a waterproof picnic backpack! Last month I attended a wedding shower in which the theme was “the beach.” The couple getting married LOVES the ocean. I purchased them a waterproof picnic backpack and filled it with picnic supplies. My gift was a huge hit…they absolutely loved it and it didn’t cost me a fortune! Do you have an energetic friend who loves the outdoors and is expecting a baby? Buy them a picnic backpack that is designed to carry baby supplies! These special backpacks were made specifically to carry baby supplies such as bottles and baby blankets. What a great baby shower gift!

There are also picnic backpacks available that are designed specifically for children.  Children need fresh air and exercise. They also like to be involved when it comes to family outings and a kid’s picnic backpack might just make that happen. A great way to include your child is to allow them to prepare, pack and carry their own picnic supplies. The Little Angel Kids Backpack (pictured) is perfect for the child in your life. This brightly colored picnic backpack comes with an insulated cooler compartment (to keep that peanut butter and jelly sandwich fresh), zippered front pockets, a plastic water bottle, and several other basic picnic supplies with a complete serving set for 3! It even comes with a lifetime warranty…which is an added bonus.

We also offer picnic backpacks for kids in 2 and 4 serving options. Sutherland’s Kaleidoscope Picnic Backpack Bag for Two is a small, convenient size for just you and the special kid in your life. The Lollypop Flavours picnic backpack for four is a colorful and fun backpack style picnic bag that will delight that special little child in your life, especially when she feels she’s really doing her share of the work carrying all those goodies and supplies!

There is no doubt in my mind that picnic backpacks are the latest and greatest thing in the world of picnic supplies. Yes, the old fashioned wicker picnic basket is charming and will forever have its place in the picnic world; however, the picnic backpack is a much better option for rugged outdoor adventures! No matter how you choose to carry your picnic supplies may there be many fun and friend filled picnics in your future!

If you are planning a picnic that will include children (especially boys) why not consider a bug theme! Yucky….maybe to you…but most kids I know LOVE bugs! 

A bug picnic is easy to plan and can be very inexpensive. No need for fancy frills at this buggy event! Of course, you will need to bring all of the basic picnic supplies such as plates, cups, napkins, utensils, refreshments and dare I say….bug spray! If you plan on using a picnic table then a red and white checkered, plastic tablecloth is perfect! If children are the main guests at your bug picnic then it is a good idea to keep the menu simple. Peanut butter and jam sandwiches, assorted chips and bug juice are sure to please. If you feel like being creative, use cookie cutters to shape your sandwiches into bugs. For dessert, yummy cupcakes decorated with assorted bugs (plastic, of course) will delight the young and old alike. I made bug cupcakes for my Nephew’s bug birthday party and they were a huge hit (see picture). Another great idea is to give each person a baggy full of gummy worms. Not only are they perfect for your buggy event, kids LOVE them! 

No bug picnic would be complete without a bug hunt. If you don’t want the kids at your picnic handling real bugs (and I wouldn’t blame you) consider hiding plastic bugs around the picnic area. Plastic bugs, as well as bug keeper containers are sold at dollar stores and on-line. Give each child a bug keeper, set a time limit, and let the fun begin! The child who finds the most bugs…wins! To wind down your picnic, gather everyone together on a picnic blanket and read some buggy books. Books such as The Hungary Caterpillar, Leo the Lightning Bug and Bugs and Slugs are perfect and sure to entertain. 

There you have it! Simple, yet fun ideas that are guaranteed to make your bug picnic a great success. Use your imagination…I’m sure you can come up with even more delightfully buggy ideas! So what are you waiting for? Grab some spiders, beetles, ants and, of course, your picnic supplies, and start planning your bug picnic today! Check back soon…more fun ideas to come!

Picnic Supplies - Fun Ideas

This is one picnic where your imagination will play a major role. After all, the goal here is to create a festive, fairytale picnic…good enough for a princess and her court. Pink is definitely a princess color. Pink plates, napkins, and cups are perfect! If you are picnicking on the ground…then you must bring a pink picnic blanket. If a picnic table is more your style…then of course, pink table cloths are in order! Scatter some pink confetti and glitter on the table to create a sparkle affect and place an arrangement of pink flowers in the center!  If you are having a princess picnic birthday party ask the guests to wear their finest princess attire. I don’t know many little girls these days that don’t own a princess dress of some kind (my Niece, Sophie, has three!).  Make sure to have a few tiaras or princess wands on hand for those little girls who do not have their own (you don’t want anyone to feel left out!). There are several stores on the internet that sell bulk princess items such as wands, tiaras, gemstone rings, bracelets, necklaces, stickers…I could go on and on!

Food

The little princesses at your picnic are sure to be hungry. To keep things fun and festive…try to serve as many pink foods as you can! Make strawberry and raspberry jelly sandwiches and cut them into fun shapes with cookies cutters. Put a drop of red food coloring into some marshmallow fluff to create pink peanut butter fluff sandwiches!  Serve pink lemonade and pink cupcakes piled high with fluffy pink frosting! Fresh strawberries, princess pops, and cotton candy are sure to please even the pickiest princess! If you love to bake, try making chocolate raspberry bars….home-made, delicious, and easy to pack in your picnic basket!

Recipe - Chocolate Raspberry Bars

• 2 Cups all-purpose flour
• 1 Cup granulated sugar
• 1 Large egg - beaten
• 2 Sticks of butter or margarine
• 1 Teaspoon Almond extract
• ¾ Cup Seedless raspberry jam
• 2 Cups of semi-sweet chocolate mini morsels
• 1 Cup of slivered almonds (optional if you are worried about food allergies)
• 1 Cup of sifted powdered sugar
• 1 to 2 Tablespoons of whole milk

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 13×9 inch baking pan with well greased foil.

Combine flour and sugar in a large bowl. Cut butter into mixture and combine (the desired result is crumbly). Add egg and almond extract; stir with a fork until moistened (at this point, the mixture should still be crumbly). Reserve one cup of the crumb mixture. Press remaining mixture in bottom of prepared pan. Spread preserves over the crust, leave a ½ inch border. Combine reserved crumbs, chocolate morsels and nuts in same bowl. Sprinkle the mixture over preserves layer…press lightly.  Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until top is golden brown. Cool slightly in pan on wire rack. While still warm, score into 4 dozen bars then cool completely. Next, combine powdered sugar and enough milk in a small bowl. Drizzle over bars and let set. That’s it…delicious!

Stuff to Do

The best thing about picnics (and picnic parties) is the fact that you are outside! Kids LOVE to play outside and burn off energy. If possible, plan your princess picnic by a playground and let the kids use their imaginations (shocking in today’s world…I know!). Before you know it, the playground equipment will become their castle and the swings their white horses. If you would like to have a planned activity why not do a princess treasure hunt? Set up the adventure by telling your guests that the Queen Mother’s jewels have been stolen from her castle and it is their job to locate them. Of course, before the picnic you will need to hide a small bag of costume jewelry. Craft stores sell small mesh bags (pink of course) that would be perfect for this game. Yell out clues to the girls as they search the picnic area for the lost jewels. To wind down your picnic and calm everyone down, gather everyone together on the picnic blanket and read Cinderella, Snow White or another princess classic.

Creating the perfect princess picnic or birthday party is not difficult and does not have to cost a fortune. All you need are some basic picnic supplies, yummy food, and lots of imagination! Check back soon as I will be adding more fun and imaginative picnic ideas soon. Until then, stay away from those evil step-sisters and don’t you dare take a bite of the poison apple!

Available in our store!

 Picnic baskets make the most wonderful gifts! Even the most hard to buy for person will appreciate receiving a picnic basket. Picnic baskets last for many years, are handed down from generation to generation and help to create memories that will last a life time. Below are a few picnic basket gift ideas. No matter what the occasion, these baskets are sure to please! 

Wedding - Can you think of a more perfect gift than a picnic basket filled to the brim with all of the picnic supplies needed for a romantic afternoon for two? Purchase a heart shaped basket and fill it with lovely, romantic items such as candles, a pair of crystal champagne glasses, and a book of love poems. Sappy? Maybe. The perfect wedding gift…definitely! 

Gift for the Baker in Your Life - So it is your best girlfriend’s birthday and she loves to bake. In fact, she loves to bake so much it is often hard to get her out of the kitchen! Why not fill a gorgeous picnic basket with fun baking supplies and give it to her as a birthday or Christmas gift!? A cookie cookbook, an oven mitt, recipe cards and cookie cutters are sure to please! Now your baking friend can cook until her heart is content and then invite you to sample her goodies on a relaxing afternoon picnic! Perfect!

Gift for the Hiker in Your Life - Does your husband like the great outdoors? Does he like to hike? If so, then why not present him with a picnic backpack on the next special occasion!? Fill the backpack with things that will come in handy on his next hiking adventure. Trail mix, granola bars, a state park guide book, and a compass are perfect and will be appreciated. Picnic backpacks are durable, waterproof, and lightweight. The hiker in your life will be thrilled!

Easter Basket…NO…Easter PICNIC Basket! - With Easter comes Spring…the perfect time for a picnic. Instead of filling up an old fashioned Easter basket for your Mom, Sister, or Grandmother fill up a picnic basket! Choose a fancy, pastel basket that shouts “Spring is here!” Fill the basket with chocolates, pretty linen napkins and other springtime goodies. This is one Easter basket that is sure to delight the young and old alike! 

No matter what the occasion, picnic baskets are thoughtful, wonderful gifts. Giving a theme basket (like the ones mentioned above) will most certainly be appreciated and cherished. Even if you give a picnic basket that is not theme related but filled with general picnic supplies, it is sure to be a hit! So what are you waiting for? Visit our picnic supply store and get creative! You will be shocked at all of the different types of picnic baskets and supplies on the market today! The perfect basket is just a click away! ]]> http://www.picnicforall.com/picnic-basket-gift-ideas/feed/ http://www.picnicforall.com/pick-a-park-for-a-picnic-2/ http://www.picnicforall.com/pick-a-park-for-a-picnic-2/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:47:53 +0000 Dave http://www.picnicforall.com/?p=82 Post Number Two of a Five Part Series

Welcome to post number two of our series: Pick a Park for a Picnic! We hope you enjoyed our first post which featured Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and Park. This post is dedicated to a well known park that you may have heard of: The Grand Canyon! So dust off your picnic basket (or in this case, your picnic backpack), get out those picnic supplies and get ready to explore one of the most beautiful places on the planet Earth.

The Grand Canyon is one of the most well known National Parks in the United States of America. It is located in the northwest corner of Arizona, close to the borders of Utah and Nevada. The Grand Canyon is divided into two sections, the North and South Rims. The South Rim of the canyon is located on the “Arizona” side. This is the side that receives the majority of the visitors as it is open 365 days a year.  The North Rim is more remote and due to snow and extreme weather conditions, is only open from mid-May through mid-October. For obvious reasons, this side of the canyon only receives 10% of the parks visitation.

There are many ways to see this glorious park including by car, shuttle, mule, on foot, by bicycle, or even by helicopter. In my opinion, the best and most memorable way to experience the canyon is by foot, though I must warn you, the hike into the canyon is far easier than the up-hill hike out!

Tips for Hiking the Grand Canyon

Go Slowly - If you can talk and walk, then you are moving at the right pace.  Don’t over exert yourself! When you move to fast, you can easily deprive your body of the oxygen it needs. Lack of oxygen can cause fatigue, heavy legs and exhaustion!

Stay Cool  - If possible, hike during the cooler parts of the day. This makes for a more enjoyable hike!

Rest When Necessary - Listen to your body and rest when it tells you to! It is a good idea to rest once per hour for at least 10 minutes. Take this time to sit in the shade and enjoy the gorgeous scenery!

Eat and Drink Frequently - Your body needs energy to keep moving. Be sure to pack enough food and water in your picnic backpack to keep you fueled. Water is especially important in order to avoid dehydration!

If hiking is not your style but you still want to experience a Grand Canyon Picnic, no need to worry!  Many different travel companies offer picnic tours of the Canyon. Grand Adventures, for example, offers a wonderful picnic tour of the Canyon that allows you to partake in a delicious meal as you gaze at some of the most beautiful scenery known to man. Their picnic lunch includes huge deli sandwiches, fresh fruit, cheese and crackers, gourmet cookies, and bottled water. Of course, the meal is served on an old fashioned red and white checkered picnic blanket! If you want something a little more adventurous, then the Grand Canyon Express Helicopter and Picnic Tour may be just what you are looking for! Trust me, this picnic adventure is one you will not soon forget. Not only will you see the Grand Canyon from above, you will also experience it by water! After an exhilarating tour from the air, you will descend 4000 feet and land on the Canyon floor. From there, a boat will take you to your picnic destination where you will enjoy the best barbecue you have ever tasted! The nice thing about hiring a travel company to assist you with your Grand Canyon Picnic is that you don’t have to bring anything with you! They do all the work and haul of the picnic supplies.

No matter how you decide to see the Grand Canyon this is one National Park that MUST be added to your list of places to see in your lifetime. Though it is not the deepest canyon in the world (Barranca del Cobre in Mexico and Hells Canyon in Idaho are deeper) it is certainly one of the most beautiful, awe-inspiring, sites you will ever see. So, if possible, make the Grand Canyon your next picnic location and start planning the trip of a lifetime and stop by our picnic supplies store if you don’t have a picnic backpack!

Stay tuned! Post number three in the Pick a Park for a Picnic Series is coming soon!

The first step when it comes to preparing for your picnic is choosing a theme. Of course, not every picnic has to have a theme. If you simply want to throw some sandwiches into your picnic basket, grab a thermos full of lemonade and head to the closet picnic table…more power to you! However, having a theme picnic can be a lot of fun and can also help you to decide your menu, picnic activities and even the location. 

In this post I am going to suggest several picnic theme ideas. Be on the look-out for follow-up posts that will go into more detail about individual themes and hopefully, give you some ideas or even inspire you to come up with your own! The most important tip I can give you is to be creative and have fun, after all, that is what picnics are truly all about! 

Theme Ideas:

Wild Wild West

Turn your local picnic pavillion into the “OK Corral.”

Seashell, Seashell by the Seashore

Head to the closest beach for a day of sun, fun and food!

Tea for Two (or Ten!)

Turn your picnic into an old fashioned tea party!

Bug Hunt

You WANT bugs at this picnic! Take your little boy and his friends on a picnic bug hunt!

Octoberfest

Fall is a beautiful time of year. Why not turn your picnic into a fall festival of fun!

China Town

Add an oriental flair to your next outdoor picnic event!

Napa Valley

Wine tasting and good food…need I say more?

Dog Days of Summer

Picnics are not just for people! Invite your friends and their four legged pals to this furry afternoon of picnic fun! Don’t forget to pack some grub for your pups. Here’s a great website full of fantastic dog treat recipes to make this a real hit with the pooches.

Hike!

And I don’t mean the walking kind! Gather together your athletic friends (or not so athletic but love to have fun) and get ready for an afternoon of food, cool fall weather, and flag football!

A Rose By Any Other Name….

Get ready for a garden party picnic! Fresh flowers, food and friends in a lovely garden setting.

Winter Wonderland

Snow and picnics usually don’t go well together….but hold on one little minute! A day of sledding, snowman building, hot chocolate and yummy soup sounds fun to me!

No matter what theme you choose for your next picnic, remember, have fun and be creative. You too can turn an old fashioned picnic into an exciting event with a theme that will thrill your friends and family! Don’t be afraid to step out of the box…you may just be surprised at how many picnic themes you can come up with all by yourself! And as mentioned before, stop back soon as we expand on this appetizer of a concept with greater details, destinations and recommended picnic supplies for your theme picnic!

Oh yeah… and visit our picnic supplies store!

When people picnic they usually head to the closest neighborhood park. While neighborhood parks are perfect for leisurely Saturday afternoon picnics, why not be a bit more adventurous and plan a trip to one of the many wonderful National Parks located within the United States.  There are many different types of parks to visit. Whether you like hiking, swimming, or simply lounging, the choice of locations, terrains and adventures are vast! Of course, the type of picnic supplies you will need to bring will depend on the type of park you plan on visiting and the activities you plan to participate in while there.

 This is post number one of a five part series titled “Pick a Park for a Picnic!”  I hope these posts provide you with some fun and adventurous picnic location ideas! So what are you waiting for? Start planning a picnic adventure that is perfect for the entire family! I bet you will be surprised to learn just how many state parks there are in your neck of the woods!

Location #1 - Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument & Park

Located in Arizona, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (wow, that is a mouth full) is a beautiful desert oasis and the PERFECT place to visit…not to mention have a picnic!   This National Park celebrates the beauty of the desert and, trust me, there are many wonderful things to see and discover! In this desert wilderness you can hike a backcountry trail, camp under millions of stars, drive an abandoned and lonely desert road, or simply walk along a path sprinkled with cactus. No matter what you choose to do you will never forget the beauty of the desert and the plants and animals that live there.

Because of the weather, most people choose to visit Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument between December and March. Of course, if you like it HOT, you are more than welcome to sweat it out and visit during the summer months (just be sure to bring a LOT of water!). There is no food or lodging available at this park, so you will need to bring the proper picnic supplies and food with you. An insulated, sturdy, picnic backpack is ideal for this type of terrain and picnicking.  Make certain that your picnic backpack is waterproof, well made, and designed to hold beverages. Trust me, water is one beverage you will not want to be without!

When picnicking at Organ Pipe Cactus National Park, beware, there are many different types of critters that you probably don’t want to invite onto your picnic blanket.  Rattlesnakes, scorpions and tarantulas are members of this desert community so you will want to respect them and give them their space. After all, you are visiting THEIR home! There are miles and miles of hiking trails at this park. Stop by the Kris Eggle Visitor Center for assistance and tips regarding your visit. For the perfect end to a perfect day, consider a sunset picnic.  There is a beautiful picnic area available for those that wish to watch the sun set off of the spectacular Ajo Mountains.

No matter what you choose to do while visiting this beautiful park, one this is certain….you will make memories that will most certainly last a lifetime!

The Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe has been around for as long as I can remember. It is a classic! When I was a child, my Mom would bake chocolate chip cookies as an after school treat. I can still remember how wonderful the house would smell as they baked in the oven. Why not make some memories of your own and take these yummy cookies on your next outdoor picnic adventure!

Gentlemen, I want to emphasize that this post and this recipe are not just for the ladies. This is one of those romantic picnic ideas that will earn you some major points. The setting, the meal and the very thought that you came up with an idea to take your girl on a picnic are noteworthy but to discover that you actually went out of your way to bake her homemade cookies… that’s MAJOR points!

Recipe and Baking Directions:

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

2 cups (one twelve ounce package) - Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels

1 cup of chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine flour, baking soda and salt in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract. Next, add eggs one at a time (no shells!) beating well after each addition.  Slowly beat in the flour mixture. Last, but certainly not least, stir in the Nestle Chocolate Morsels. Once all of the ingredients have been combined and well mixed, drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased cookies sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy!

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