While the French are given credit for inventing the word “picnic”- thought to have stemmed from the verb piquer, meaning to pick at food – the English loved dining en plein air also. Food historians assert that picnics in England began with the medieval hunting feasts of the 14th century, which were hosted by wealthy landowners and required the work of many servants. It was in the Victorian Era, however, that picnicking really hit its stride becoming so fashionable that renowned authors Charles Dickens and Jane Austen often incorporated movable feasts into their plots so that characters could meet and mingle, exchange pleasantries or barbs, and get the plot moving (or sparks flying!). Painters, too, have always been enamored with dining in gardens, mountains, parks, and by the sea. Monet, Renoir, and Cezanne were so inspired by the concept of picnics, that they put paint to canvas creating gorgeous paintings with scenes of people from all walks of life whose picnics go on in perpetuity from the walls of the Louvre, the Tate Gallery and other world-class museums.
Let the same magnificent Big Sur coastline that inspired photographers Ansel Adams and Edward Weston inspire you as you relax and enjoy the gorgeous vistas of the Pacific Ocean from pristine Carmel Beach. The Country Garden Inns in Carmel Valley, California invite you to treat yourself to their Picnic on the Pacific special, which provides all the delicious fare you need to stay put while watching the waves and the gulls. A choice of artisanal sandwiches, prepared by a local favorite market, and beverage, fruit, and dessert are included in the package. A night at the lovely French-style inn means also having WiFi access, use of the outdoor pool, cable TV and a complimentary wine and cheese hour at no extra charge. The inn also offers their evergreen two-night Dinner’s on Us! Wine Escape, which includes multiple wine tastings, and dinner vouchers for two on both nights. Call ahead for availability and mention BnBFinder.com when making your reservations.
Imagine spending the night in a tasteful and elegant circa 1918 grand home, then waking up to a delicious breakfast, catching up on a book in the solarium, and heading off to an artful and art-filled picnic. You can do all this at the Maple Leaf Inn in Waterloo, Indiana when you select the Picnic with the Sculptures Package, which includes a hearty lunch and a map to help you locate the 20 life-size bronze sculptures of J. Seward Johnson exhibited in nearby Auburn. Don’t forget your camera – you’ll want to take pictures of this extraordinary outdoor art. The one-night package includes dinner, breakfast, and picnic lunch. Add one extra night to your stay for $70. This package is offered until September 15, 2010.
Paint your own picture perfect afternoon this summer by treating yourself to an outdoor getaway at a bed and breakfast that offers delicious picnic packages by browsing the Great Outdoors Packages on BnBFinder.com
RSS Feed