#ygkChallenge: Plan a Picnic

Welcome to Kingstonist’s weekly challenge, dare, resolution or whatever you prefer to call it. Each week we establish a new and ambitious community goal, encouraging our readers, followers, friends and families to step out of their comfort zones and do something great, and hopefully a little out of the ordinary. Consider this your official and personal invitation to join us in completing a small but meaningful achievement. By taking part in this community-wide initiative, we hope to make Kingston a slightly better place to live, work and play. And of course, we also hope that you will feel proud of your contribution and achievement.

This week’s challenge encourages you to:

Plan a picnic! When I think about what I love most about the Summer, the common denominator often centres on delicious food and refreshing beverages.  Whether it’s the first batch of fall off the bone ribs, pizza bubbling away on the barbeque, mind-blowing  amounts of hops in a newly discovered craft beer or the aroma drawing me towards a food truck, there’s certainly no shortage of flavour when it comes to summertime fare.  While there is definitely a temptation remain in our climate controlled bubbles on the sweltering days and nights, we must also remember to make the most of gorgeous conditions and take a few of our meals outdoors.  Whether you opt for a simple setup at a public park, drop a blanket in the backyard, or head out for a meal on the water, now’s the time to plan your next picnic.  It could be as simple and thrifty as a brown bag at lunch, or as elaborate as a romantic night for two complete with silverware.  Of course, crumbs, spills and cleanup in general are a little less onerous when you’re outdoors.  And if you’re really looking to put your feet up, why not let someone else do all the cooking, by arranging some take out from a local restaurant or stepping up to the counter at a conveniently positioned food truck?  What makes for the perfect picnic?

Sign up and commit to completing this week’s challenge by commenting below with an “I’m in“, “challenge accepted“, “en garde” or something along those lines. Further, help us spread the word via Twitter and Facebook by using the hashtag: #ygkchallenge. As you work towards completing this week’s task, please feel free to lend others a helping hand by providing tips on how you achieved success.

Thanks to Barbara Nowak for today’s photo.