Lazy summer days are made perfect with impromptu picnics. Grab some takeout or pack a sandwich and enjoy some sunshine and breezy summer weather in between errands, with family or a friend. I hope you get to enjoy some summertime picnics with your family this season and take in peaceful nature to make any day better.
My favorite places to picnic
Some of my favorite times going on a picnic are right before we head to the library. We have a local Italian restaurant and deli near us on the way to the library. I’ll run into the to-go deli, pick up some chicken salad, a fresh loaf of bread, and some drinks. The restaurant gets excited when they hear we’re going on a picnic, and they load us up with plasticware, napkins, and extra cups of ice for our drinks.
When we get to our destination, usually a park or library, we find a shady spot under a tree with a view of the lake or an interesting historic site. Finding something beautiful to take in during the picnic always makes it extra special. The boys and I will search for new species of birds to add to our lifetime birding list, or I’ll read a book while they run around. Here is my latest post about bird watching with the boys.
I also like to stop by the nearby Sprouts grocery store to pick up sushi or sandwiches on the way to a picnic.
This day, we headed to a cute downtown area with a bookstore, antique shop, and fun historic train the boys could climb in and explore after our impromptu lunch under a shady tree.
Since we always keep a picnic blanket in the trunk, there’s always a spot for a picnic. The other day, we were headed to an event where parking was in a big field. We found a tree in the ‘parking lot’ field, opened a picnic blanket, and ate some sandwiches before heading to the event. I would much rather slow down, eat good food, and take in the scenery than always running through a drive through and eating in a hurry. Sometimes, those hurried meals and days happen, but when we can slow down, it’s my favorite.
A Recipe for Summertime Picnics
A recipe for summertime picnics is:
- a picnic blanket in the trunk – we have one that is waterproof, folds up, and has a strap. We got it at Costco years ago, but here is a similar one. I love the green and white gingham on this blanket, and it’s on sale, too!
- a shady spot – preferably under a tree
- a beautiful view or something interesting to take in
- a good book or good company – I’m currently reading The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles and loving it. If you like historical fiction, I think you’ll love this book too.
Do you like to picnic? I would love to hear about your favorite places to picnic. Thanks for stopping by! For more homemade family inspiration or recipes from scratch, stop by @homesteadonlakeside .
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