Whether you are a fussy eater, a nibbler, or a full buffet-on-the-road person, picnicking can be an art. What to bring? Where to go? Moxie or not? Will it be elegant or rustic? The possibilities for baskets/chiller backpacks brimming with Maine treats abound. When I was a child, every picnic was a special, magical adventure. My mom prepared her traditional chicken (coated in crushed cornflakes),

Fried chicken is the ultimate picnic treat.
Photo courtesy Sharon Ang via Pixabay

hard-boiled eggs, potato salad, and cookies. Nothing extraordinary, but taking it on the road to a new destination was enchanting and once the perfect spot was found, the food was glorious. For adults and children alike, picnicking means special food at unique places. Take a hike or bring binoculars for wildlife watching and have an adventure.

Prep Before You Step Out!

Before you go, plan and pre-pack. Decide how rustic or elegant, or quick or slow, your meal “on the go” might be for maximum fun. Not the planning type? Try a company like Luxury Picnics Acadia (luxurypicnicsacadia.com) to design your delicious outing. Remember, most public places do not allow alcohol though.

Location, Location, Location!

Downeast Trailblazing Adventure: “Picnic Trail” in Orland

Courtesy Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust, click image for access to a downloadable color map.

This aptly named trail is a treasure located in the Wildlands’ Preserve (Dead River East Preserve) on Don Fish Road in Orland and is part of the larger Great Pond Conservation Trust. It promises views, swimming, and wildlife encounters. Due to an update this year, visitors may see ongoing trail work, but you can still have your adventure. Go for an easy to moderate hike/walk, starting at the Dead River Gate. You will hike .7 miles to the trailhead and then .4 miles to the table/grill location. Before you eat, have a cool dip (in the Dead River or from your picnic basket). This spot is ideal for a June, July, or August adventure. For more information, visit Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust.

Picnic Hack:

For a DIY adventure, an inexpensive rubber-backed rug from any local department store rolls up and lays out, in case the ground is damp, and is heavier, so it does not blow around or require weighting down.

Suggested Treats:

• Cheese selection (Smoked Gouda, Gruyere, and Brie)

• Pickled hard-boiled eggs

• Dried dates and nuts

• Mother’s Kitchen Garlic Chive Jelly (available at Reny’s) and cream cheese on crackers

• Bootleg Jerky Maine Gourmet Beef Jerky

• Bixby’s Needhams

• Lemon or cucumber-infused water

Photo courtesy Luxury Picnics Acadia / Emily Briane Photography

Historical Picnic: Prospect – Fort Knox and The Penobscot Narrows Observatory
For 360-degree views of Penobscot Bay and rolling grassy green hills visit Fort Knox (740 Fort Knox Road). The fort opens mid-May and can be enjoyed from 9:00 a.m. to sunset. Whether you want to throw down a blanket, eat and gaze at the water, or explore, this is a great picnic spot. Visit the Fort/Observation Tower or go on a free interpretive tour (when available) between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Your visit could be several hours walking the hills and climbing the stairs to explore the whole fort. For more information, visit Fort Knox and the Penobscot Narrow Bridge | Penobscot Narrows Observatory.

Picnic Hack:

Did you know if you freeze water bottles or juice boxes overnight to use as ice packs, it’ll not only keep your food and drinks cool, but also provides cold beverages once they thaw?

Suggested Treats:

• Cornflake-crusted baked/fried chicken

• Homemade or Hannaford potato salad

• Sliced and chilled carrot sticks

• Maine Crisp Buckwheat crackers

• Blueberries or pie made with Maine blueberries

• Maine Root (Ginger Brew or Mexicane Cola)

Photo courtesy Luxury Picnics Acadia

Coastal Picnic: Fort Point State Park in Stockton Springs
What makes this location so great (named after Governor Thomas Pownall, who established Fort Pownall in 1759) is its diversity. If you want to take a short walk to the picnic table and not move, you can. Another option: cycle out to the lighthouse with a picnic in tow. With 120 acres to explore by foot or bicycle, you can see amazing views, see wildlife, hike, and get a history lesson if you choose. You can even take your boat to fish or have a floating picnic inside it. The state park is open May 15 through October 15 from 9:00 a.m. to sunset each day. For more information, visit Fort Point State Park.

Picnic Hack:

Pack trash bags, which offer instant rain protection and easy cleanup to avoid attracting wildlife after you leave.

Suggested Treats:

• Turkey, lettuce, and provolone pita pocket sandwiches featuring Raye’s Spring Maple- flavored mustard

• Plucked fresh salsa and tortilla chips

• Smoked mussels from Ducktrap River of Maine

• Mini Wicked Whoopie Pies from Wicked Whoopies

• Green Bee Maine-made sodas and lemonades

Whether a regular or newbie picnicker, Maine has many options. The idea is to get up and go with minimal prep and maximum fun. Or bring a Box of Maine (www.boxofmaine.com) and delight out-of-state friends! Even turn picnicking skills into clever picky plate creation at home for easy meals.

Story by Vanessa Newman. Vanessa works as a Public Health Consultant for Bucksport Bay Healthy Community Coalition and teaches nutrition classes at Husson University. She is a published freelance writer who enjoys reading, walking, and fixing up her old Maine house while her cats watch.