As the last bit of chill leaves the air and the first buds of Adirondack wildflowers emerge from the no-longer-frozen ground, we at Adirondack Weddings can’t help but think of all the romantic possibilities warmer weather holds. Fresh green leaves are brightening the landscape and the scent of lilacs are filling the air with sweet, intoxicating aromas … early summer just might be the perfect time to get outside with your beloved. Why not make the most of nature by enjoying it with a picnic? (We happen to believe yummy food makes everything better!) To prepare for your day outdoors, here are 5 tips for creating a perfect romantic picnic.

1. Location. The Adirondacks offer some of the most peaceful landscapes in the world. Whether you prefer the High Peaks or the hundreds of lakes and ponds to be found around their bases, a picnic in the Adirondack Park region is sure to create a lasting memory to share. From the highest altitudes of the ‘Dacks to the serene shores of Lake Champlain, there are more than enough incredible open-to-the-public locations for your romantic picnic. Pointe Au Roche State Park, Plattsburgh City Beach, and Mount Poke-O-Moonshine in Chestertown are good places to start!

2. Food. Of course, the main ingredient to any picnic is lots of delicious food! You can go classic with sandwiches and potato salad, but for a truly romantic day, why not spice up the old with some new? Gazpacho, a chilled Spanish soup, is a perfect refreshment for a sunny day, especially served with fresh bread and a selection of cheeses. Or get creative with different variations on pasta salad – sesame noodle, pesto with caramelized onions, or seafood and herbs. If you decide to go the classic route, feel free to add some tweaks, like a pinch of curry powder in your egg/potato salad, or a dollop of hot-pepper cranberry jelly on your turkey club sandwiches. It doesn’t take much to turn a commonplace dish into a gourmet experience. And don’t forget dessert! You can’t go wrong with chocolate chip cookies (an easily-portable classic) or these delicious cream puffs featured on the blog.

3. Drink. Almost as important as your picnic foods are your drinks. A bottle of chilled white wine is perfect for a romantic rendezvous in the sun and pairs perfectly with cheese, fruit, and fresh bread. If wine isn’t your thing, bring a thermos of your favorite cocktail. Mojitos make refreshing warm-weather drinks, and mimosas are a sweet addition to any brunch (indoors or out!). But if you’d rather skip the alcohol and enjoy the scenery without the buzz, try making a delicious fruit-infused water by packing a pitcher of water with chunks of your favorite fruits. Store overnight, then scoop out most of the fruit (leave a few pieces for presentation), pack your chilled creation in a thermos, and enjoy!

4. Play. A date in the sun is a perfect excuse to get playful, and maybe even a little competitive! Play catch while you talk and enjoy the scenery, have a sprint race up a nearby hill, or even make up your own game. Either way, make it fun, be playful, and make each other laugh! And remember: everyone’s a winner when rewards are given in kisses!

5. Relax. While it’s fun to play around with your sweetie, the best part of your picnic should be the time you spend doing nothing besides enjoying each other. Lie your head on your beloved’s chest and just breathe in the nature around you. Hold hands and take a stroll through the trees and backtrails. Give a piggy-back ride. Share a kiss in the shade of a tree. Forget about the stresses of everyday life and just enjoy each other.

Winter has been cooping us inside for too long, and now is the perfect time to start taking advantage of the beautiful change of season happening around us. Enjoy the warmth and renewal of the sun as your gorgeous views and delicious meal help melt the realities of the world away – even for just a little while.

— Story by Elizabeth R. Davidson