PICNIC Like a Local

NATIONAL PICNIC MONTH IS IN JULY!

 BY SARAH STEFFENS

There’s no better time to pack a picnic and enjoy the outdoors with a national holiday giving us the perfect excuse. Read on for tips on how to pack a basket that is both fresh and local.

FRESH BREAD

Pick some up from Ruby’s Bakery and dip it in Calivirgin olive oil with a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Where To Shop

Fresh Flowers Lodi on Thursdays School St., Lodi (209) 369-8052

Canned Cocktails

Dry Creek Liquor 1060 E. Augusta St., Woodbridge (209) 367-9290

Beef Jerky & Teriyaki Sticks

Lockeford Meat & Sausage 19775 N. Cotton St., Lockeford (209) 727-5584

LockefordSausage.com

How To

CHEESE Explore a world of gourmet cheeses at Cheese Central. Try a soft cheese like brie, a hard such as cheddar, and a firm cheese like gruyere for the trifecta of variety.

BEEF JERKY & TERIYAKI STICKS

Lockeford Meat & Sausage has a variety of beef jerky and meat sticks that pack well and taste amazing.

CANNED COCKTAILS Opt for some made locally, such as Tia Linda’s canned All Natural Lemon-Lime Margarita. No special glassware needed—just pop the top and cheers!

WINE Try a bold red from Oak Farm Vineyards or a refreshing white from Van Ruiten Family Wines. Wrap wine glasses carefully in dish towels when packing, or opt for plastic or silicone stemware to avoid disaster.

FRESH FRUITS & FLOWERS THE LODI FARMER’S MARKET is the place to peruse all your favorite summer fruits and flowers.

DON’T FORGET – You’ll need serving items such as a tray to arrange snacks, a cutting knife, napkins, and any utensils. Delegate someone to pack comfort items and entertainment such as playing cards, a travel board game, blankets, throw pillows, and a Bluetooth speaker!

Cheese Cheese Central 11 N. School St., Lodi (209) 368-3033

CheeseCentralLodi.com

Fresh Bread

Ruby’s Bakery 11 S. Church St., Ste. B, Lodi (209) 400-7972

RubysBakeryAndCafe.com

Olive Oil

Calivirgin 13950 N. Thornton Rd., Lodi (209) 210-3162

CaliVirgin.com

White Wine Van Ruiten Family Wines 340 W. Hwy. 12, Lodi (209) 334-5722

VRWinery.com

Red Wine Oak Farm Vineyards 23627 N. DeVries Rd., Lodi (209) 365-6565