This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. This content is intended for readers who are 21 and over. #CollectiveBias #WineWorthTheAdventure #SheepThrills
The summertime always holds a special place in my heart. Eight years ago, a cute boy asked me on a date and the rest is history. We’re pretty nostalgic and every year around that time we like to recreate our first date.
I remember it like it was yesterday, we went to Centennial Park in Nashville, and picnicked on sandwiches and soda. Then afterwards we went and saw Batman at Centennials ‘Movies in the Park’ and walked around after. I remember having so much fun exploring Centennial Park and getting to know the man now known as my husband.
Eight years later we still go to celebrate our first date. We pack up our lunches, snacks, necessities and dog and make the trek to Centennial Park. We always get a spot in the open field in front of the Parthenon, turn off our phones and enjoy being together. Centennial is such a large park, there is always something to do and see.
Centennial Park is a great spot to spend the day. There’s volleyball, lots of places to walk, fishing, and you can go in the Parthenon, which is a recreation of the Parthenon just as it was in ancient Greece. There is also local musicians that play on Saturday’s, festivals, movies play the summer, and in the fall they have an acting troop reenact Shakespeare. But on a typical day you walk around, play frisbee in the field in front of the Parthenon, feed ducks, or set up a hammock between two trees for a park nap. There’s always an adventure to be had!
Once you’re done with all your park activities and adventures, you have to refuel, relax and enjoy the day. No better way to do that then with a picnic lunch!
Eight years in, we’re also experience picnic-ers and know exactly what to bring to enjoy our summer picnic adventure. So in today’s post, I’m going to talk about all the things you need for a picnic in the park.
A plaid/gingham blanket: Start with the basics! If there isn’t a picnic table, you need something to sit on. This plaid blanket has been with us on almost all of our picnic dates!
A wicker basket: This isn’t a must, but it’s cute! We have a small wicker basket to hold the essentials, we also have a cooler for keeping our perishable items cold.
Bug spray/sunscreen: It’s summer so bugs and sunburn are two things you always need to keep in mind. Put the bug spray on before hitting the great outdoors and apply sunscreen as needed.
Speaker or boom box for music: What’s a picnic and day at the park without some tunes?! We have a portable speaker that syncs to our phones and can play music while we relax and enjoy our picnic date.
Wear comfortable clothes: When you think of a romantic picnic, the girl is wearing a pretty dress while the guy has on a seersucker suit and boater hat, but that’s not realistic! I don’t like wearing skirts and dresses since I’m on the grass I don’t want to worry about keeping everything covered. If you want to look nice you can try some dressier, printed shorts or a romper. But make sure you can move in case you take a nap!
Pack your favorite foods and snacks: We pack chicken salad and ham and cheese sandwiches on sweet rolls as well as fruit, chips, and some kind of dessert. Or if we want to have a cheat day, we’ll pick up burgers and fries at a local burger place. Also, pack some plates! You can still have finger foods and eat on a nice place. You’re on a date!
If it’s a special occasion (and you’re over 21) have a bottle of wine: As I said, this is an anniversary of sorts for us, so since we turned 21 we have a nice bottle to celebrate. One of favorites is the Sheep Thrills® Red Blend.
The Sheep Thrills Red Bled flavor is round and full with ripe, berry aromas. Plus, there are notes of cherry, rich plum, and spices. One taste and you’ll see it’s a smooth operator that pairs well with rich sauces, pastas, red meats, and lamb. It also pairs well with adventure and is great for a special occasion!
Sheep Thrills wine also comes in Pinot Grigio. The sheep on the front of the bottles have names and storylines – how fun is that?! The two sheep have been dubbed ‘Marco’ and ‘Paolo’, and the brand story follows their adventures around the world from their countryside origins in Abruzzo.
If you want to check out Sheep Thrills wine, follow them on Facebook and Instagram!
