Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with picnic

Consider the lowly potato... now make it awesome.

1f2frfbf — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:01:58 -0800

Not necessarily my grandmother's potato salad... What are your tips, tricks and recipes for awesome potato salad? I'm a reasonably experienced and equipped chef, I'm open to vegan, vegetarian and meat options.
Kind of previously.

N Californian picnic lovers, help recommend a grill area!

cranberryskies — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:58:40 -0800

Can anyone suggest a picnic area with bbq grill for oyster picnic near Pt. Reyes/Tomales Bay/Stinson? For those familiar with the SF Bay Area, we'll be heading up north to Tomales Bay to pick up some fresh oysters this Sunday. While the oyster farms tend to have picnic areas and grills perfect for an oyster picnic, we figure the picnic tables will be packed by the time we get there.

Does anyone have any recommendations for other picnic areas (complete with picnic tables, grills, and running water) near Point Reyes, Tomales Bay, Stinson, Inverness, or the surrounding areas? It's a whole national park and state park area up there, I figure there has to be a few good bbq grill picnic areas, but I can't seem to google them up.

Bonus points for directions to the picnic area and best time to get there (if the area gets crowded).

Where's a good meadow near L.A.?

drjimmy11 — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 19:04:20 -0800

Where's a good meadow near Los Angeles? I'm looking for your basic pleasant-for-a-picnic type of meadow. i don't want to actually have a picnic, but I want to shoot photos or video of people pretending to have a picnic.

The catch is that L.A. is in a desert, and even most places you see listed as nice picnic spots will be very un-photogenic- devoid of flowers, color, trees and even pleasant-looking grass.

I'm influenced by French new-wavey type films (thanks to a previous AskMe) and what I'm looking for is similar to the locations seen in the trailer for Le Bonheur. (in an ideal world my spot would be a little more colorful than what's in the trailer, but that film captures the spirit of what I want.)

My requirements are:
ideally within a 2-3 hour drive of L.A.
not overrun with people, but not impossible to reach carrying basic film/photo equipment.

Suggestions with photos online greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Cool/fun places for a rest stop when driving with kids from upstate NY to DC?

chr1sb0y — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:31:57 -0800

If we are driving with kids (9 and 5) from upstate NY (Rochester) to DC, where can we stop in PA off of route 15 for a picnic, run-around and see-something-cool-or-weird break? We're taking route 15 down through Williamsburg, Harrisburg, and York, PA. (Unless someone chimes in to tell me that's a crazy route that only google maps would suggest...)

Ideally I am hoping for tips on an awesome playground or cool state park that is right off the highway somewhere along that route, so we can stop and eat and let the kids run around a bit as a break.

Funky road food tips and other roadside POIs are welcomed.

Where can I find a cheap waterproof picnic blanket?

orangemiles — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 07:56:22 -0800

Where can I find a cheap, waterproof, picnic blanket? Didn't Off used to make one? I seem to remember a highly-advertised waterproof throw blanket that was available in grocery stores or Target/Walmart stores. It was royal blue on one side and sky blue on the other... my friend used to use it under her kids' high chairs. Where can I find one? Google is failing me.

Where can I find THAT blue one?

BBQ in a park - sounds simple enough right?

abdulf — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:10:25 -0800

I'd like to host a recurring BBQ/picnic at a local park for around 10 people. I've never done this before. What do I need to know? Some specific questions:

1. There are BBQ grills/pits at my local park. Nothing fancy, just a grate over a metal box. I have seen people cooking on these but it doesn't look very hygienic. How do I cook safely?

2. What kinds of entertainment go well at a park? Kites, soccer, football - anything else I'm not thinking of?

3. What are some good side dishes that complement burgers and hot dogs?

4. Anything else I should know about organizing BBQ/picnics at a park?

Bisected Picnic Table

Tube — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 13:35:19 -0800

Why is there a wooden beam that bisects this wooden picnic table top? I searched Flickr for photos of picnic tables, but I didn't find others with this feature. My two best guesses are that it's designed to keep people from sleeping on top of the table, or to keep skateboarders from launching themselves off.

Does anyone know for sure?

Hey Boo-Boo! Where can we take our pic-a-nic basket?

SamuelF — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:48:23 -0800

I'm taking my girlfriend on a surprise picnic this weekend (Shh! Don't tell!), but am having trouble finding a nice spot for it. I live in Boston and have a car, so anywhere within, say, an hour or so drive is preferable. Suggestions?

kosher picnic

lockestockbarrel — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:49:50 -0800

What snacks can I bring to an outdoor picnic that are easy and kosher? Friday night we're going out with two other couples to an outdoor music venue -- BYO drinks and snacks. One of the couples keeps kosher. Not super-kosher (so I don't think the fact that my knife isn't kosher will be a problem) but kosher enough.

We're responsible to bring snacks to go with the drinks. What should we bring that won't offend the kosher people? Refrigeration isn't a problem, but I'll only have an hour or two to put some things together.

What should we bring?

Where can I get good takeout fried chicken in New York?

chinese_fashion — Thu, 29 May 2008 12:22:56 -0800

Where can I get good, affordable fried chicken and biscuits in New York? I'm having a birthday picnic on Saturday, 2pm, in McCarren Park, Williamsburg, Brooklyn. And a birthday isn't a birthday without fried chicken and biscuits -- at least for me, a native Virginian. The thing is, I have no idea where to get good chicken and biscuits up here.

In Richmond, VA, Lee's Fried Chicken would have been perfect -- awesome chicken and sides and fast-food prices. Hardee's would have been a good backup.

But what/who's got the good stuff up here? I've had some repugnant heat-lamped stuff in Williamsburg before.

I just called a place called Maroon's in Manhattan, who'd want $140 for chicken, biscuits and collards for fifteen folks. That's a high price for me. I'm looking for chicken-joint chicken, cardboard-box chicken. Any and all input is greatly appreciated.

Delicious Vegetarian Sandwiches

exceptinsects — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 17:54:48 -0800

Ideas for delicious vegetarian sandwiches? I'm going on a picnic with a vegetarian friend, and I want to make some sandwiches that are more exciting than just cheese or PB&J.
I don't mind spending some time preparing them.

*Vegan not necessary but not excluded either.

L.A.-area picnic spot?

drjimmy11 — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 11:08:11 -0800

what's an awesome picnic spot in L.A.? recommend somewhere where I and a ladyfriend can have a picnic, within an hour or so of Los Angeles. I am of course aware of Griffith Park and such, but something a little more off the beaten path would be nice. It doesn't have to be totally isolated, but the more private the better.

Bonus points for awesome views of cities, valleys, very large rocks, etc. We don't mind hiking a bit to get there, within reason. thanks!

What to bring to a picnic?

meta.mark — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 09:41:06 -0800

What should I bring to a picnic, in terms of food, for my girlfriend and I?

Indoor/winter picnics/adventures in NYC

Furious Fitness — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 17:53:56 -0800

I want to be able to have free 'indoor picnics' and adventures out of the cold in New York City, help! I love picnics--being outdoors, with my own cooked (and therefor good and cheap) food, with or without friends, and able to do other activities. I never realized something like this could be emulated in winter...there's a jazz club called Fat Cats which lets you bring in outside food and has pool and ping pong, etc. So it's kind of like an indoor picnic. So I want to know how to picnic [outside an apartment but out of the cold] in winter, to have adventures for free (or less than $10), to bring my own food to some (adventures refers to stuff like this without food)...I hope my drift is clear. Looking more for late afternoon/evening ideas than night (lounges and clubs without covers cover the adventure part...any that allow you and make it easy for you to bring your own food though???)
Another example: The Brooklyn Museum has an open house/party the first Saturday of each month...doesn't include food, but it is a free adventure. Something I can invite people to and meet new people at.

How do I quickly clean broken eggs off of grass?

Jenna Roadman — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 14:26:03 -0800

What is the best method for cleaning broken eggs off of grass during an event? This must be done in a timely manner over a fairly large area, with the help of 4 people. I am planning an outdoor event with a potential of 100 broken eggs on the ground after an egg toss event. The area used is too large for a tarp, and I must get the glass clean soon after the event. I 'll encourage people to clean up after themselves, but who knows how far that will go.

4th of July Barbecue in Los Angeles

kingjoeshmoe — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 12:09:23 -0800

Good park for a 4th of July barbecue in Los Angeles? I'm looking for a park with picnic tables, barbecues, and a nice amount of shade.

I live in the Westside, so I'd like something close to there. Hollywood area is okay too. I don't want to send people to the valley unless I have to.

Finally, if that's not enough, I'm looking for a place where the picnic tables are not grouped *super* close together, so that even if it's crowded (as I'm sure it will be), I won't be covered with people.

Any recommendations?

How many Xs in a Y?

crepeMyrtle — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 10:20:36 -0800

SillyGamesFilter: how many Xs in a Y (library-related)? I'm in charge of games for our annual staff picnic (academic research library, 125 employees, give or take). We're planning a team spelling bee (like reference vs business office, or mail room vs computer guys), a pub trivia game, and others. We also want to have some old-fashioned backyard carnival type games that folks can play while they chat, eat, etc. I'd like to have one of those "how many jelly beans in the jar?" kind of contests, but with a library twist.

Any suggestions for what I can put into a jar that folks could count? The best suggestion I've had so far (aside from M&Ms or gummy worms, to be renamed "book worms") is the keys off computer keyboards, which I can see making a very cool display.

O creative hivemind, suggestions please - and thanks

Food for Faulkner

ifjuly — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 02:27:32 -0800

Food for Faulkner: My boyfriend just suggested we go on a road trip this Sunday to Rowan Oak, Faulkner's old digs, to celebrate his finishing The Sound and the Fury recently. I would like to pack a picnic lunch, or some kind of car-friendly food, and it just occurred to me it'd make me a super duper brilliant girlfriend if I could think of something Faulkner related. Best would be food mentioned in his books, but even something related to Faulkner's life would be cool. No jokes about bringing lots of alcohol--too obvious! It's late, and I have to work Friday and Saturday, so I'm hoping to come up with a plan by the end of tomorrow. S'why I'm asking for help--any ideas? Thanks in advance.

ISO: New York park - with tennis, fishing and/or crabbing, picnic / bbq area, beach?

Jujee — Wed, 12 Jul 2006 11:50:06 -0800

Would there happen to be any parks in New York (driving distance from NYC) that has a picnic /bbq area, fishing and/or crabbing, tennis courts, and hmm, a beach? TIA!

indian take out in Los Angeles

rdr — Wed, 31 May 2006 01:30:33 -0800

So some Sunday in mid June I'm going to be driving from Los Angeles to Fresno. I will meeting a vegetarian with a sensitivity to wheat and soy products for lunch. I'm thinking about finding someone in Los Angeles to prepare an Indian tiffin for me. I'll need to pick up the tiffin on Saturday afternoon in order to make it to Fresno in time for lunch. Since this mid-June I'll also pick up a basket of organic cherries. I'm looking for someone who does delicious Indian take out food that can be stored overnight. I'm open to suggestions for non-indian treats.

Engagment Edibles

Smarson — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 07:17:40 -0800

I need some tips on food that go with the words "Will You Marry Me?" I'm proposing to my girlfriend tomorrow and I've got everything nailed down except the menu. We're going on a picnic to a place we know and so all suggestions have to be transportable in a backpack/ plastic bag.

Orginally I was thinking deli sandwiches, but then I realized that was a tummy deicision and not a smart logistical move. I'm looking for stuff that won't over commit our mouths for talking, or our hands for ring purposes (so in other words I'm looking for finger foods). I was thinking chocolate dipped pretzels would be good, but a lunch comprised entirely of chocolate coated sodium sticks (while yummy) isn't exactly that creative.

Any ideas?

Activities for a work picnic

fishfucker — Tue, 24 May 2005 03:26:37 -0800

Woo! It's BBQ time at work, and we're planning a big party. It's come down to me to pick out the various activities, and I'm looking for suggestions. Ideally, I'd like to have things that EVERYONE can do and have fun doing, including our non-athletic co-workers and children, as well. Ideally we'll be able to have some event that each person has an equal chance of "winning", because we've got fun prizes for folks. We're going to have 10-30 people, and there are volleyball courts and horseshoe pits where we are having the BBQ. I'm already thinking that we'll have a pinata, and the idea of sack races has been tossed about, so think down those lines. I think things like a trivia contest would be too boring, but I also don't want to get into, say, a pushup contest or something that's too hard for folks that don't usually participate in sports (we're a web company and ages range from 21-mid-thirties, so think outdoors geek fun).

as much as I'd like to just have everything hinge on a drinking contest, i don't think that would be fair to my coworkers, as i'm obviously a shoo-in -- also we will have some teetotalers in the mix.

Summer Wine

DevilsAdvocate — Wed, 07 Jul 2004 10:02:46 -0800

So let's say I'm looking for a wine to drink on a warm summer day, perhaps on a picnic. I know there's plenty of whites that fit the bill, but I'm in the mood for a red. I want something fairly light, dry, fruit-forward, and not too tannic. Beaujolais and Bardolino come to mind (in fact, I had a nice Bardolino last weekend which fit the bill, which is what prompts the question)--what else do you recommend, either types of wine or specific wines? I'm hard-pressed to come up with a comparable New World wine--anything from the US or Australia?