Tips for planning the perfect picnic
Picnic season is in full swing. What can be more romantic than a hand-packed basket, a secluded little location, a sexy bottle of wine and a bit of lounging time with your partner? A lot, if you don't know how to pack for a picnic.
To truly enjoy this relaxed little outing, you need to prepare properly by making sure you pack what you need. Trust me, a little preparation goes a long way.
Basket case
You can build your own or buy one with everything already in it. Don't go cheap or plastic. A real picnic requires a good picnic basket. Arts and craft stores usually carry an assortment of baskets that'll hold your supplies just dandily.
If you're looking for a prestocked basket you'll find a variety of options online. Or, head to your local Target store (or something similar) for old fashioned, hands-on shopping. Prestocked baskets can come with just a few plates or be intricately stocked with plates, cloth napkins, utensils, plastic wine glasses, and gadgets galore.
Picnic blanket
Don't forget to bring along the ever-important blanket. Picnic tables aren't always available, or clean for that matter, and grass can get itchy after a while! Bring a thick, comfortable blanket or take two that you can layer.
Utensils
If you buy your own empty basket, remember to stock it with everything you'll need - plates, cups, napkins and utensils often get left behind in a hurry, and your date will be very unhappy eating salad with her/his hands. If you did buy a prestocked basket, check those utensils/plates carefully, though. You don't want something so cheap that you can't spear your salad or it leaks all over your lap.
A less convenient but inexpensive solution is to bring your everyday silverware. If you do, make sure no one accidentally throws it away! Also, throw in a few plastic bags so you can toss the dirty utensils inside. No one likes a dirty picnic basket.
Food
Picnics are all about relaxation, and there is nothing relaxing about over-complicated cuisine, so keep it simple. A few easy veggie sandwiches or those piled high with a variety of cured meats bodes well for an all day outdoor venue. Fruit, veggie, and vinegar-based salads all wear the weather well. Try to avoid dairy-based salads and dressings in your basket - you don't want the warm weather running a foul of your food.
Finally, don't forget to bring wine!
Picnic spots
Once you're all packed, and have someone to go with, here are some great spots on the North Shore to try.
• Evanston: The bay next to the Norris Center, 1999 S. Campus Drive, Hours: sunrise to sunset
Bask in the beauty of Lake Michigan at sunset and admire parts of the Northwestern campus while enjoying a meal lounging on your blanket with your mate.
• Glencoe: Lakefront Park, 55 Hazel Ave., Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
If you're looking for scenic views, grassy areas and picnic tables - Lakefront Park is one of the best spots in the area. The park overlooks Glencoe Beach and water is all that can be seen until the eye meets the horizon (minus that guy who should not be sunbathing in a Speedo).
• Glencoe: Chicago Botanic Gardens - 1000 Lake Cook Road., Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The manicured gardens, trails, and lawns make this a picturesque spot to plan a picnic. Do the gardens really need a description?
• Northbrook: Village Green Park, 1344 Shermer Ave., Hours: sunrise to sunset
There are many favorable spots to stake out for a picnic in Northbrook's Village Green Park. Spread out your blanket along the river or grab a picnic tables close to the Village Green Center. For a cooler location out of the sun settle down under the gazebo in the middle of the action.
• Northfield: Clarkson Park, 1950 Willow Road, Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Clarkson Park provides a shady area with plenty of picnic tables and has an open-air pavilion.
• Wilmette: Mallinckrodt Park, 1041 Ridge Road, Hours: sunrise to sunset
The open space and beautiful landscaping are perfect for picnics and relaxing on a summer afternoon. The walking paths are dotted with benches, and the large gazebo and grassy areas are perfect to set down a picnic basket.
• Winnetka: Tower Road Beach, Tower and Sheridan roads, Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
If you're not afraid to get a little sand in your food, Tower Road Beach is a great place to have a picnic. With the water only a stone's throw away you can spend that required one hour before swimming building sand castles. At the entrance to the beach there is a covered picnic shelter with tables for those wanting to keep the sand out of their sandwiches.