Play date picnic

As a day care provider, preschool teacher and mom, Mary Cutler of Stewartstown has organized lots of picnics for children. She said kids are most interested in what comes after they eat - playing!
"A picnic is cool to do, but the food isn't the main thing for kids," she said.
Cutler said the playground is an ideal picnic spot because the kids can play and moms can relax.
She recommends finger foods and water for a play date picnic.
"It's pretty much simple stuff that's not too sticky." Cutler said to avoid bringing juice, which attracts bugs and bees - unwelcome guests at any picnic.
Pack your basket:
Cheese and crackers
Apple slices or grapes
Sandwiches, PB&J or lunch meat
Homemade "picnic snack mix"
(recipe at right)
Individual water bottles

Include:
Napkins or paper towels
Small box of tissues
Hand wipes, pre-moistened
Simple first-aid kit
Insect repellent
Large blanket
Sunscreen
Frisbees, kites or balls

Picnic Snack Mix

2 cups unsweetened cereal (corn Chex, rice Chex or Cheerios)
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup raisins
1 cup M&Ms
1 cup small pretzels

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Measure 1 cup mix into 6 zippered sandwich bags.

- Mary Cutler, Stewartstown

Where to go:
Here are a few picnic-friendly parks in the area:
John C. Rudy County Park, 400 Mundis Race Road, Manchester Township. Features include a play area, soccer and softball fields, walking rail, gardens and pavilion areas.
Codorus State Park by Lake Marburg in Manheim Township. Features include picnic areas, a public swimming pool, hiking trails, boating and fishing.
Heritage Rail Trail County Park, from New Freedom to Glen Rock. The 21-mile-long biking and walking trail is sprinkled with picnic tables and benches for picnic breaks.

Romantic picnic

Set the mood for romance by what you stash in your wicker basket, said Darlene Wiley, owner of Tapenade Bistro in York.
Using linens gives a formal touch, whether you spread the tablecloth on a rock, under a tree or on a picnic table, she said.
Wine glasses, china and flowers add charm, too.
No need to worry about cleanup.
"When you're done, just wrap everything up in the tablecloth and stuff it in the basket," Wiley said.

Pack your basket:
Brie or port wine cheese
Smoked salmon
Artesian bread or crackers
Shrimp and field greens salad (recipe below)
Chocolate-dipped strawberries
Bottle of wine

Include:
Ice or cold pack
Glass plates
Wine glasses
Silverware
Linen napkins
Linen tablecloth
Blanket
Bouquet of flowers

Shrimp and field greens salad

6-8 ounces baby greens or field greens
1/4 cup Mandarin oranges
1/4 cup sliced raw mushrooms
8-12 steamed large shrimp
3 tablespoons chopped pecans, optional
Balsamic vinaigrette dressing

Toss ingredients lightly and place in sealed container. Serves 2.
- Darlene Wiley, York

Where to go:

Your backyard, in the moonlight.
Moon Dancer Vineyards & Winery, 1282 Klines Run Road, Wrightsville (www.moondancerwinery.com). Sip from a bottle of the vineyard's own wine while soaking in the view of the Susquehanna River from the winery's patio. Moon Dancer encourages patrons to bring a picnic and, on the weekends, listen to live music.
High Point Scenic Overlook, part of Susquehanna Heritage Park (just be sure to skip the bottle of wine, as alcohol is prohibited). Bring a blanket for a picnic on the grass at the rocks.

Outdoor concert picnic

For a fun, musical outing with friends and family, Wiley stresses simplicity. Instead of preparing everything yourself, go with traditional store-bought foods you can pick up at a supermarket or deli, she said.
Remember the special items that will help you enjoy the concert, like binoculars, sunglasses and lawn chairs.
"Cleanup is simple. Just put everything in the trash bag," Wiley said.

Pack your basket:
Pretzels, chips and dip
Fruit salad or watermelon chunks
Fried chicken
Potato or macaroni salad
Cake
Bottled iced tea or soft drinks

Include:
Binoculars
Sunglasses
Lawn chairs
Blanket
Fun, colorful tablecloth
Disposable napkins, plates, cups and silverware
Large trash bag
Citronella candles and matches

Many townships and boroughs offer concert series. Here are a couple to consider:

"Sounds of Summer" Concert Series
When: 7 p.m. Sundays and Wednesdays, now to Aug. 10.
Where: Springettsbury Township Park Amphitheater, 1501 Mount Zion Road, Springettsbury Township
www.springettsbury.com
For updates: 505-0406

"Concerts in the Park," co-sponsored by William Kain County Park and Salem United Church of Christ, Jacobus
When: 6:30 p.m. Sundays, Aug. 10, 17, 24 and 31
Where: Lake Redman Stage at William H. Kain County Park, 274 Hess Farm Road, Springfield Township
www.york-county.org/parks
For details: 840-7440

Outdoor Concerts in Manchester Township
When: 7:30 p.m. July 5, 12, 19, 26 and
Aug. 2
Where: Morgan E. Cousler Park Stage, 1060 Church Road, Manchester
For details: www.mantwp.com, 764-4646