Packing the Perfect Picnic

May 17, 2015

CARRY IT ALONG

Step one of any picnic is deciding how you’re going to get to your destination. Once you know if you’re walking, biking or driving, step two is how you’re going to pack your provisions.

Picnic baskets are found in all shapes and sizes, from the basic rectangular baskets you’ve seen in movies to more upscale models made of neoprene or leather, some completely stocked with silverware, a blanket, and even dishes. You can also be creative and make your own picnic carrier from something more original, like a favorite tote bag or even a small vintage suitcase.

A few ice packs will keep cheeses and beverages cool until you arrive and repurposing deli containers or empty jars is a great way to keep things like fresh fruit from getting squashed in transit.

MAKE YOUR MENU

The possibilities of al fresco dining are limitless. Here are just a few ideas.

Classic picnic feast: meat and cheese sandwiches, potato salad, coleslaw, an all- American apple pie and perhaps some hot dogs and rolls if your destination has a grill (or you can bring a small portable one along, should the park allow).

Middle Eastern fare: dolma (grape leaves stuffed with rice), hummus and tahini with crackers or pita for dipping, cold spiceinfused chicken, roasted watermelon seeds and, of course, baklava for dessert.

However, any cuisine can be adapted for a great picnic. Just think about what travels well and what you’ll be able to keep fresh. For extra fresh food, you can snag your picnic goods from one of northern Michigan’s farmers markets, which stock everything from veggies to jam to cheese.

TAKE IT OUT

If you want to take the work out of your picnic, you can completely skip preparing food at home and visit some of northern Michigan’s great takeout destinations.

In Petoskey, places like Cormack’s Deli, the Flatiron Deli and Toski Sands Market can supply all manner of picnic fixings and you can pair them with crusty, outdoorfriendly bread from Breadworks (also in the Toski Sands Plaza), plus sweet pastries from Johan’s.

In Harbor Springs, Gurney’s is the place to find fantastically tall, made-to-order sandwiches. There’s a Johan’s there too, as well as Suzie’s Pies for easily-transportable dessert.

In Traverse City, Folgarelli’s Market, the EuroStop Cafe, Swiches and Fieldstone Market are just a few of the many places you can grab a top-notch sandwich to make your picnic hassle-free.

FIND A SPOT

There’s a reason most restaurant reviews include a ranking for ambiance, and it shouldn’t be any less of a consideration for your picnic experience. Fortunately, you’re in northern Michigan, which abounds in lakeside views, forests, beaches and perfect sunsets.

A few years back, the Express spoke to Chamber of Commerce staff in the Emmet County and Boyne areas to get their top picks for picnic destinations. Among them were Petoskey’s Bayfront Park, State Park and Bear River Recreation Area; Harbor Springs’ Zorn Park; Elm Pointe in East Jordan; Avalanche Mountain Park in Boyne City; and Michigan Beach in Charlevoix.

Add the plethora of options that the Grand Traverse region offers – from the magnificent Sleeping Bear Dunes to friendly spots like Bryant Park and East Bay Park in town, Peterson Park in Northport, Beulah Village Park and Interlochen State Park with its cooling pine trees – and your picnic possibilities are endless.