Saturday, September 7, 2024
South Snohomish County is likely the premier picnic spot in Washington. If you doubt it, you only need to look as far as the park names after the pastime: Picnic Point.
As we are deep into the most beautiful season in the Pacific Northwest, where the summer days are long, the skies are clear and sunny, and the temperature rarely gets above 82, it is the perfect time to partake in this centuries-old tradition.
The word “picnic” was first used in the 18th century, but history shows that humans had been picnicking long before then. (Remember the picnic scene from Robin Hood? We have been eating outside for a long time.) The meaning of the French word “pique-nique,” a meal where each person contributes food, is believed to be related to the concept of a potluck, because different households gathered to share a meal. But it soon became more elevated and exclusive.
Victorians picnicked on a tablecloth or bedspread like we do today, and the more well-off you were the fancier the spread. People tried to outdo each other, and by the early 20th century those wicker baskets began to resemble trunks. Today, though, most of our summertime picnics are about sharing tasty food with friends and family. Picnics even made it to canvas, with artists from Manet to Seurat depicting folks lounging in parks.
In Seattle, the first groups to go all-out with picnics came from Norwegian communities. Norwegian immigrants enjoyed picnics as far back as the 1880s, as their numbers coming to the U.S. skyrocketed (more than 180,000 a year). A Norwegian picnic would sometimes include pjalt-style waffles, cured and smoked salmon, American elk sausage (to mirror reindeer sausage from the old country), smørrbrød – a sandwich with herring, shallots, and dill – and lingonberries, all washed down with a pilsner beer or Norwegian aquavit. Bløtkake, a Norwegian cream cake, or flotegrot, a Norwegian pudding, would be served as dessert.
Picnicking has become an important and cherished part of the Pacific Northwest summer traditions. Kassandra Alcala, owner of Petunia’s Picnics, knows why just about any public park is packed on a sunny day. It is more than “blankets laid out on the grass, picnic tables overflowing with food,” but rather the time we get to spend with each other without distractions from anything but nature.
“Everyone is enjoying each other’s company. There are feelings of joy and relaxation that accompany being with our loved ones while we share a meal under the sun that I think is very natural,” said Alcala. “In a way, it takes us all the way back to our roots. It’s a very safe, comforting feeling.”
Alcala said she started her business to stand out.
“Although I don’t see anything wrong with your average blanket-and-a-basket picnic set up, I knew I could elevate the whole experience and create a service that people would enjoy. I took inventory of what I considered to be my talents and combined them into what has now blossomed into Petunia’s Picnics. This business allows me to explore my creativity and challenges me in all the right ways. I’m always honored that people chose us to help them celebrate the big moments in life and it’s something that I will never take for granted.”
So what about our summer picnic plans for 2024?
People around the Pacific Northwest have a lot of strong opinions about picnics, especially when picnic season starts. Some want a homemade egg-salad sandwich and cupcakes or perhaps some yummy sandwiches and potato salad. Others will say go all out with champagne and prime rib. And you might even get a few who say, “If you do not hike at least three miles to get to your picnic spot, it does not count.” Who is to say they are not all right?
Loren Larsen, the executive chef and culinarian for Table for 12, a studio kitchen in the heart of Edmonds, has many fond memories of picnicking in Edmonds, including talks with his mom, watching the ferries, and meeting the local dogs.
“We spent months inside, watching the rain, our gardens become mud, and our days filled with busy work,” said Larsen. “When the clouds parted and we saw the forecast project anything over 65 with sun (let’s be honest, it’s 55 for some of us), my family would spend as much time as we could outside. We would call the family and pick something up from downtown Edmonds and head to the waterfront.”
Since we are so anxious to get outside as soon as the weather allows here in the Northwest, every town seems to have their enticements to get you out there with your family, friends, and community. They are often great opportunities to bring a picnic, as well.
“We do a lot of picnics in our family,” said Alexandra Rousu. The former manager of Savvy Traveler in Edmonds owns an event planning business, Rose Events, that sets up parties. “It’s a great way to shake up a weekday dinner and perfect for getting outside.”
And how do we prepare for our picnics?
Table for 12 frequently offers a class with a special picnic menu you can recreate at home for your own outing. Their classes include “Parisian Picnic” and “Plant-Based Picnic.” So if we cannot have a picnic on the banks of the Seine in Paris this summer, perhaps we bring a basket filled with the goodies we would have had there, like ratatouille salad, potatoes dauphinoise, chicken cordon bleu, and lemon poppyseed strawberry shortcakes and cream.
If you want something that takes less prep or if your picnic is a special occasion, companies like Petunia’s Picnics, which serves Snohomish and King counties, will set up a picnic for you, anywhere you want, and clean up after. Their finely presented charcuterie and cheese boards will certainly make the event feel special. Alcala wants to give people a memorable but also relaxing picnic experience – another reminder to slow down a bit.
“For all of our picnics, Petunia’s sets up and takes down anything you may need for the perfect picnic experience,” said Alcala. “People request these all-inclusive picnics for anniversaries, birthdays, special date nights, and even proposals, and I’m always honored that people chose us to help them celebrate the big moments in life.”
Alcala is also quick to say that there is “nothing wrong with your average blanket-and-a-basket picnic setup” because there are a lot of days in the summer to get out there in the sun and enjoy.
If you’re bringing a blanket, check with your favorite restaurant, and I bet they will give you a picnic-ready to-go order. Just a few weeks ago, my husband, mom, and I enjoyed a picnic at Brackett’s Landing with a tasty feast from Vinbero. The choices are endless, as even most of our local supermarkets have an amazing array of grab-and-go food. Up and down Highway 99, restaurants offer just about anything your heart desires as you head to your picnic spot. And how about stopping at the pick-up taco bar or catering from Taqueria Puebla in Mukilteo? Tacos are always right for the occasion.
So, that just leaves us with finding a picnic destination. Where shall we picnic in south Snohomish County?
Picnic Point Park, the woodsy enclave between Edmonds and Mukilteo, is aptly named. Located in a beautiful spot on the shores of Puget Sound, Picnic Point Park offers a stunningly scenic setting for picnicking and beach activities. If you don’t want to sit on a blanket or bring everything ready-made, they have table and charcoal barbeques. Enjoy your favorite bites with excellent views of Whidbey Island and the Olympic Mountain range. If you are there at sunset, it is even more spectacular.
“My favorite picnic destinations are the Edmonds waterfront and Richmond Beach Saltwater Park,” said Larsen from Table for 12, “And if you’re from around here, then you know about the bluff in Innis Arden.”
Petunia Picnic’s Alcala also has a favorite “low-key spot” nearby: Ballinger Park in Mountlake Terrace. “The lake is so peaceful, and I love watching the sun’s reflection glimmer between the lily pads on the water,” she said. “It is generally low-traffic compared to the bigger parks and has cute, grassy nooks surrounded by foliage that perfectly set the scene for a dreamy lakeside picnic.”
Where else? Hickman Park, Maplewood Park, Stamm Overlook Park, and any park in Mill Creek, all made it to the list of favorite spots in the area. Rousu of Rose Events mentioned a beloved downtown Edmonds location as a spot to picnic and take in a show: “We do the Edmonds concerts in City Park in the summer.”
A bit further north, everyone knows the Mukilteo Lighthouse Park as a spot to access the beach, take wedding and graduation photos, and yes, enjoy a picnic. The former Washington State Park was deeded to the City in 2003 and continues to welcome thousands of visitors each year. If you have any history buffs in your group of picnic pals, you can visit the historic Mukilteo Light Station after your picnic.
Mukilteo is also home to Japanese Gulch Conservation Area and Big Gulch Park, and these spots are great if you are one who believes the best picnic starts with a hike. You can set up an informal picnic from a beautiful trailhead or view spot. If you go to 92nd Street Park, you can take advantage of the playground, pond, and picnic areas.
My favorite spot is Meadowdale Beach Park. After a beautiful hike, picnickers can take advantage of the green spaces or the beach. Since its improvements were completed last year, it is one of the most beautiful spots in Snohomish County.
In the end, a great picnic is one we share with those we love. Whether tailgating at a favorite sports or art event or carrying a backpack full of goodies into a hotel, any spot is picnic-ready – as long as you bring some of your favorite people.
Event planner Rousu said it best. “What I love the most about picnics is that it is a family activity that incorporates every generation. The grandparents can sit and relax and parents can let the kids play. So rarely do we have an activity that everyone can look forward to and be away from screens for some wholesome fun.”
A picnic in the park, or wherever your favorite spot may be, is a celebration of slowing down, of stopping to smell cardamom carrot cake bars and roses. So this summer, let us all take on the challenge of one of our favorite cartoon bears, Yogi Bear, who once said to his friend, Boo Boo: “I think it’s time I introduce myself to that pic-a-nic basket.”
Luxury Picnics by Fanciful Celebrations
Everett-based Fanciful Celebrations’ slogan is, “We’ll bring the party … you bring the people.” Each picnic is personally designed for beauty and comfort, with plush pillows, fine dinnerware, cloth napkins, lanterns, candles, comfy cushions, fresh flowers, and more.
There are several themes for a two-hour $425 picnic for six, including Aladdin, Love Always, Pretty in Pink, and Snow White. It provides setup and teardown services. Charcuterie and baked goods are extra.
More information: fancifulcelebrations.com
Petunia’s Picnics
Seattle-based Petunia’s Picnics aims to “provide a stunning display of food, drinks, flowers, and decor designed just for you and your guests.” Owner Kassandra Alcala says the business provides and sets up everything you need to have a luxury picnic experience. That means rugs, tables, drink pitchers, charcuterie board, a wicker basket for flowers, pillows, ice bucket, and Bluetooth speaker.
Picnic builds are for four hours, with prices starting at $300 for two people, $1,200 for 16. Picnics can be held from Burien in the south to Marysville up north.
More information: petuniapicnics.com.
Picnic Party Seattle
The women-owned business offers customized luxury pop-up picnic packages. They are set up and cleaned for customers. Booking is available now for summer picnic packages. The business started in Seattle and is now available in the Midwest and East Coast. Prices vary depending on the package.
More information: picnicpartyseattle.com/seattle
Sno-Isle Foods Co-op
Based in Everett, the shop provides produce from the farms and river valleys of Snohomish County. Fine cheese, deli salads, local fruits – and more – are available for your picnic needs.
More information: snoislefoods.coop
Urban Whey
Mill Creek-based Urban Whey will set up platters, bistro boxes, and artfully arranged grazing tables for customers’ own picnics. Founded by three longtime friends who love cheese, prices for cheese boards start at $65. A 12-inch board of cheese, meats, fruits, and more – called “The Gathering” – serves four to six people. A crudite platter – raw veggies with dipping sauce – is also $65. Wine is available.
More information: urbanwhey.com
Vinbero
Edmonds-based Vinbero will provide charcuteries, sandwiches, popcorn, cookies, fruit, and drinks for customers to take to their own picnics. Charcuterie boards start at $17 per person.
More information: vinbero.bar
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