It’s Picnic Time!!!
Since the weather has been so spectacular lately, I came up with some fun things to do to take advantage of the warmth. I know you have probably thought of this idea, but how many of you have actually followed through with it? I’m talking about a picnic.
You can have a picnic at a park, you can picnic somewhere with a beautiful view, you can also picnic on the water.
First I have some suggestions on where to picnic:
If your style is a park, I suggest Laguna Niguel Regional Park. It is a hidden treasure between the cities of Laguna Niguel and Aliso Viejo. Inside the park you will find streams and a lake where you can fish from, just don’t forget an update fishing license if you will be fishing. The park has picnic tables and covered areas with sinks and barbeques. It is quite lush with foliage and quite serene. Parking is easy and there is a nominal fee to enter.
If you like a beautiful view, I have two suggestions: The Wedge in Newport Beach and Inspiration Point in Corona Del Mar. Both are free, except for metered parking. Parking is free after 6pm every day.
- The Wedge is located at the end of Newport Peninsula. There are a couple of picnic tables and benches, but to be safe I would throw in some beach chairs and a blanket. There is a grassy area that runs along the jetty and the view is spectacular. Boats of all shapes and sizes leave and enter the Pacific Ocean here, so the view is always changing.
- Inspiration Point is located in Corona del Mar on Ocean Blvd., right above Big Corona State Beach. This too is a grassy area with picnic tables and benches and again I would suggest bringing some chairs. The view is amazing. You have a birds-eye view of Big Corona Beach, the famous Wedge and the Balboa Peninsula and of course, the glorious Pacific Ocean.
If you love the water, and don’t own a boat; you can picnic on the beach, really any beach, but I have to warn you that sand has a way of getting into everything if you’re not careful.
I prefer to picnic on a boat. You can rent a Duffy Boat, which is an electric boat that is very friendly to operate. You rent by the hour and I recommend at least 2 hours. The small boat has a canopy top and a table smack-dab in the center of the craft surrounded by cushioned seating. It also has clear plastic “windows” that surround it. It can be zipped for extra warmth or unzipped for maximum ventilation. Duffy Boat Rentals is located on Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach.
So now that you have decided that a picnic is what you want to do, now you have to decide on the food.
Elaborate or simple? If you want a bit fancier you have two options. One is to order take-away. I find that food that is tasty at room temperature is the easiest when picnicking. Hearty sandwiches and salads and pastas holdup nicely, Bristol Farms and A Market would be my go-to if I didn’t want to cook. If your culinary side is calling you, make your favorite penne pasta with sausage or chicken and pesto and parmesan cheese. A green salad, just make sure you bring the dressing to toss later and a fresh crusty baguette to sink your teeth into. Of course a bottle of wine is a must have!
If dinner isn’t your thing; how about packing up a beautiful selection of meats and cheeses? Salami, pates, prosciutto are especially yummy when paired with a couple of cheeses, hard and soft, mild or stinky, your choice; and of course a crusty baguette and wine.
Got a sweet tooth? What about packing a thermos of coffee, hot chocolate and some cookies?
Whatever is your thing, pack it up and head out and enjoy!
