Staying Warm and Dry on a Rainy Day Picnic

Picnicking at your favorite park may not always fall upon warm, sunny weather and a clear sky. A cold, breezy, cloudy day, however is no less beautiful and should not necessarily be avoided. Birthdays, anniversary parties and event shows can occur at any time of year, including those cold and sometimes wet days. Plus, preparing for those cold weather picnics with the proper tips, picnic basket and accessories, can add convenience and comfort, making your picnic enjoyable no matter the weather.

Start your rainy day picnic by creating a warm retreat for cold and worn out guests to eat at after activities. Pitching a canopy tent and placing ample tables and chairs under it are a great start. Choosing a canopy tent with attachable walls to block the breeze will ensure a dry environment suitable for eating and a blanket or two for cold laps is a definite crowd pleaser. Propane lamps or outdoor heaters will add an inviting appeal for board games and charades after the meal.

Hot meals are a great way to stay warm and add more to your picnicking experience, especially with the advances in outdoor cooking technology. The Vulcan Portable BBQ Grill & Cooler on Wheels Combo, for example is excellent for outdoor grilling. This amazing little grill neatly tucks away into the storage unit of a large cooler. Also attached is a zipped storage pouch filled with BBQ accessories, including tongs and a spatula. All together, the cooler safely rests upon a durable wheel-away frame that will follow you anywhere your picnic goes.

Keeping hot beverages on hand with the right thermos is the next best thing to hot food. If children and teens are around, hot chocolate is a caffeine-free way to get them warmed up for the next round of fun. Coffee is the usual selection for most adults, especially with flavor shots and a beautiful coffee tote set. Whether you like your coffee functional, elegant or convenient, a coffee tote set is also great for conversation and atmosphere.

Layered clothing and warm, cozy, waterproof blankets are a must on cold day picnics. They're great for cuddling up on top of with a partner and a book, or for star gazing. At a family event, you may be waiting for a show--Bundled up kids under an umbrella, surrounded by a cove of blankets while enjoying a portable game system, are happy, content kids. And don't forget that your layered clothing keeps you prepared in case the clouds decide not to linger at your cool-weather event.

Now that the cool weather is settling in on us and Father Winter begins his yearly rounds, you have all the tips and gear you need to enjoy a safe, memorable picnic experience. So tackle the cold weather head-on and create picnic memories of warmth and cheer.

Great Winter Picnic Sites

As the weather cools and the breeze picks up, there is a dance to the leaves and a freshness to the air. It means that the beauty and magic of the holidays are approaching, which is also one of the most stressful times of the year. That is why it is crucial to take time out and make it an inviting time to enjoy a lazy walk and an elegant picnic with Father Winter.

Picnics are a great way to feel pampered, de-stress and unwind. Whether you indulge in a romantic picnic for two on a patch along the beaten pathway or you need a fun day of food and games for the whole family, cold weather picnics are a great way to relax and enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature with a meal. Here are some suggestions for winter picnic sites from picnic-baskets.com.

For a cool family day without snow there are a couple of great locations in California. The first of which is the Santa Fe Dam which has offered a peaceful recreational environment for many years and is located in Irwindale, California. Here you can have a peaceful meal with your family at any one of the many picnic gazebos located throughout the park. You can also enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities like fishing and swimming in this well maintained park which is incredibly family friendly. You can also enjoy a hike or bike ride on the trails and a refreshing paddle boat ride on the water.

Also in California is Lake Perris State Recreation Area where you can picnic near the water's edge at any of their plentiful picnic tables located throughout the park. There is also hiking, biking, camping and horse back riding along the horizon with a spectacular mountain view. At beautiful Lake Perris you can also visit the Regional Indian Museum and view artifacts and beautiful, traditional Indian art.

A spicier, more rugged approach to your picnic would be in Nevada at The Valley of Fire state park. Known for its amazing landscapes and wide open picnic areas, this state park is an excellent choice for a private picnic in the outdoors. The challenging hiking trails at The Valley are the perfect opportunity to use a picnic backpack which allows you to hike a more secluded area for some romantic peace and quiet. Remember to take a camera for a pile of pictures featuring The Valley of Fire's wild life. The sky is a picturesque piece of art that the changing weather and the rock formations have painted on the horizon, as well.

A romantic retreat for two can only be had at San Elijo Beach in San Diego, Ca. This beautiful state park, along the coast on Coast Highway, is a beautiful stretch of sandy beaches just perfect for swimming, fishing, snorkeling and of course, picnicking. There are dozens of picnic tables here and the cool, moist weather during the cold season makes for amazing horizons in the mid afternoon. Near the heart of San Diego, San Elijo Beach is conveniently located near local shopping centers, art studios and city museums.

With all these great locations to choose from for your special picnic, all you have left to do is choose the perfect picnic basket and fill it with a great dish! To top off these helpful tips on great picnic sites, picnic-baskets.com leaves you with this amazing recipe that's great for every location!

Pepper Turkey Wrappers

• 2 slices turkey for each guest
• 1 wheat tortilla for each guest
• 2 slices pepper jack cheese
• 1/2 cup mayo or more to taste
• 1/4 cup mustard or more to taste
• pepper and onion powder
• lettuce

Mix mayo, mustard, pepper and onion powder in squeeze bottle. Squeeze one line (or more to taste) onto each tortilla. Situate 2 slices turkey, 2 slices cheese and leaf of lettuce on center of each tortilla. Roll and cover in foil. Put on ice for picnic. Cured Turkey is good for up to 2 hours on ice.

While the locations mentioned here are all located in California, no matter where you live, you can enjoy a refreshing winter picnic at a location near you!