Planning a romantic summer night picnic is a beautiful way to enjoy quality time with your partner under the stars. With the proper preparation, you can create an unforgettable evening filled with love, laughter, and delicious food. Here’s a guide to planning the perfect romantic picnic, complete with what to pack and local scenic spots ideal for your special night.

Picnic Essentials: What To Eat

1. Gourmet Sandwiches

Instead of preparing a basic meat and cheese sandwich or PB&J, enhance your picnic by preparing sandwiches with fresh ingredients from your local farmers market or grocery store deli. If you’re unsure how to make a sandwich “gourmet,” check out the recipes below that will instantly make your sandwich look and taste like a five-star restaurant whipped it up:

Turkey Cranberry Brie Sandwich:

Ingredients:
- 4 slices of sourdough bread
- 6 oz sliced turkey
- 4 slices of brie cheese
- 2 tbsp cranberry sauce
- Handful of arugula
Instructions:
- Spread cranberry sauce on two slices of the sourdough
- Layer with turkey, brie, and arugula.
- Top with remaining bread slices.

Ham and Swiss with Apple Sandwich:

Ingredients:
- 4 slices of whole-grain bread
- 6 oz sliced ham
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions:
- Spread Dijon mustard on two slices of bread.
- Layer with ham, Swiss cheese, and apple slices.
- Top with remaining bread slices.

Vegetarian Hummus and Veggie Sandwich:

Ingredients:
- 4 slices of whole-grain bread
- 4 tbsp hummus
- 1 roasted red pepper, sliced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- Handful of chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 avocado, sliced
Instructions:
- Spread hummus on all slices of bread.
- Layer with roasted red pepper, cucumber, romaine lettuce, and avocado.
- Top with remaining bread slices.

Classic PB&J with a Twist:

Ingredients:
- 4 slices of whole wheat bread
- 4 tbsp peanut butter
- 4 tbsp mixed berry jam
- 1 banana, sliced
- 2 tbsp honey
Instructions:
- Spread peanut butter on two slices of bread.
- Spread mixed berry jam on the other two slices.
- Layer banana slices and drizzle honey on top of the peanut butter.
- Combine the slices to make sandwiches.

2. Sides:

Bring a side or two to go along with the gourmet sandwiches. Grab a bag of your partner’s favorite chips and create a fresh salad like the recipes below:

Fresh Fruit Salad:

Ingredients:

1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 cup blueberries
1 cup mango, cubed
1 tablespoon honey
Juice of 1 lime
Fresh mint leaves, chopped

Instructions:

Combine the strawberries, blueberries, and mango in a large bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and lime juice.
Drizzle the honey-lime mixture over the fruit and gently toss to coat.
Sprinkle with chopped mint leaves and mix gently.
Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Caprese Salad:

Ingredients:

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
Fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls.
Add fresh basil leaves, either whole or torn into pieces.
Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.

3. Drinks:

Remember to pack something to drink! Grabbing your partner’s favorite beverage is a great way to show that you care and listen to your partner. To stick with the theme of romance, we recommend packing either of the drinks below:

Sparkling Water: A refreshing and hydrating option. Consider flavors like lemon or lime.
Wine: To toast the evening, drink a bottle of your favorite red, white, or rosé wine.

4. Dessert:

End the night with something sweet, like chocolate-dipped strawberries, which are easy to make with the recipe below. However, if you don’t have time, stop by the store and grab your partner’s favorite candy.

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries:

Ingredients:

1 pint fresh strawberries, washed and dried
1 cup dark or milk chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)

Instructions:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using).
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
Hold each strawberry by the stem and dip into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off.
Place the dipped strawberries on the prepared baking sheet.
Refrigerate until the chocolate is set, about 30 minutes.

Romantic Enhancements: 7 Extra Items to Pack

Blanket: Choose a large, soft blanket to sit on and keep warm as the night cools.
Cushions: Bring a few cushions to make your seating area more comfortable.
Fairy Lights or Lanterns: Battery-operated fairy lights or lanterns can add a magical touch to your picnic setup.
Candles: Pack some candles to create a romantic ambiance. A citronella candle will help keep bugs away, and you’ll get bonus points for packing one.
Bluetooth Speaker: Play your favorite romantic tunes softly in the background to enhance the mood.
Insect Repellent: Ensure your evening isn’t interrupted by pesky bugs with a gentle insect repellent.
Warm Throw: A warm throw or your partner’s favorite sweater can keep them cozy and comfortable as the night gets cooler.

Scenic Picnic Spots Near You

Grand Forks, ND:

Lincoln Drive Park: Known for its beautiful scenery and serene environment, this park is perfect for a romantic evening under the stars.

St. Cloud, MN:

Munsinger Clemens Gardens: This garden offers a picturesque setting with beautiful flowers and river views, ideal for a romantic picnic.

Detroit Lakes and Perham, MN:

Dunton Locks County Park: Located near Detroit Lakes, this park features lovely water views and tranquil picnic areas.

Winona, MN:

Garvin Heights Park: Offers breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and surrounding bluffs, making it a perfect spot for a romantic picnic.

Alexandria, MN:

Lake Carlos State Park: Known for its beautiful lake and natural surroundings, this park is an excellent choice for a romantic evening.

Fergus Falls, MN:

Phelps Mill Park: A scenic park with historical charm featuring the picturesque Phelps Mill and Otter Tail River.

A summer night picnic is a romantic way to enjoy the outdoors with your partner. You can create a magical evening under the stars with the right food, ambiance, and location. Pack these essentials, enhance the romance with a few extra touches, and choose a beautiful local spot to make your night unforgettable!