Our beautiful summer is still in full swing! Looking for more ideas ways to get the best out of  your summer? Why not pack a picnic and head to your favorite spot? Picnics make normal dining seem like a new, fun adventure. Kids can have a blast with it, or it can be a romantic date with your sweetie! Head to Alex Bay to the beach or one of the area's beautiful state parks (Kring Point, Keewaydin, Grass Point or the Scenic View Pavilion in the village- you know, the place with the beach, big playground and the view of Boldt Castle).  You could head to the River or the park right in town.
A picnic can even be fun in your own backyard!
Food ideas:
Little ones will love finger foods such as cheese and crackers, grapes, mini-sandwiches, juice or soda in glass bottles (cream soda or IBC Root Beer)

-Creative wraps or Pitas-
Pick a meat-
Add grilled Chicken (cut into bite-size pieces), flank steak- cooked and sliced, Ham, Turkey, Salami, pepperoni *Try a Club Wrap with a combo of sandwich meats perhaps?


Inside (pick any that sound good!)
romaine lettuce and/or spinach with any of the following- black beans, roasted red peppers, shredded cheese, tomatoes (sliced or diced), olives, capers, Bacon, minced garlic, pickles


Dressings: -You could also try cooking the chicken in some of these to give it more flavor if you're using chicken
 Caesar dressing, , BBQ sauce, Italian Dressing, Ranch dressing, olive oil,
-Sides: Favorite Potato or Pasta Salad (for a quick pasta salad, add olive oil, water and a splash of balsamic vinegar to cooked pasta) add minced garlic, pepper, olives, pepperoni, or diced tomatoes as desired
- slice and clean your favorite fruits or throw together a fruit salad- For fun bring a fruit dip, or Cool Whip

Don't forget!
-A big blanket- should be big enough to lay on comfortably, may want two if you'll be bringing the kiddos along
-Plastic silverware and napkins
-Plastic bag for garbage
-Something to do after you eat- toys for kids, books, magazines, bubbles 
-Sunscreen
-A camera to capture summer memories! 


For you and your sweetie- Tips to make a picnic romantic- :)
-Bring wine- for summer, stick with a sweet red (like Red Cat) or something mild like a Pinot Grigio or champagne
-Chocolate covered strawberries for dessert
-Go in the evening and get some star-gazing in if possible

Enjoy your Summer Picnic!

Photo from Martha Stewart.com- LOVE the Barnum's Animal Crackers in here!!!!!! Those were the best- I used to bug my Mom for them in the store all the time! :)

Resources and Links I loved!
Martha Stewart- http://www.marthastewart.com/353782/plan-picnic-your-backyard/@center/276964/60-days-summer#/233776

Looking for a park-find one near you!- http://nysparks.com/
*you can check on the site too, but most of the parks also have a day-use area with grills, so you could also bring hot dogs and burgers to grill out!