How To Picnic Like a Terp
Image credit: Pixabay
A woven basket complete with a mouthwatering four-course meal, a red and white checkered blanket sitting upon a luscious field and a picturesque sunset painting the sky; this is the image that comes to mind upon hearing the word picnic. But, let’s face it, this is hardly realistic in the fast-paced world us millennials have grown accustomed to.
Don’t get me wrong, McKeldin Mall is flooded with picnics just about every time the sun makes an appearance. The fact of the matter is that our generation has redefined the traditional picnic in a way that aligns with today’s norms.
Here are our fellow Terps’ definitions of the perfect picnic.
No blanket is necessary for University of Maryland freshman Alina Ayoub’s ideal picnic.
“I take my ENO Hammock around campus and find different places to relax,” said Ayoub. “I would probably go to McKeldin Mall because there is tons of open space and a beautiful view of the sunset.”
Talk about the perfect way to upgrade your picnic game! Ayoub’s picnic is complete with fresh fruit like pineapple, watermelon and berries, alongside a homemade sandwich.
“These foods are easily accessible to a college student on a busy schedule, and a budget, and are easy to make. If I have the time and resources, I would love to make fresh squeezed lemonade for my picnic,” Ayoub added.
No picnic would be complete without her portable speaker, said Ayoub. This is essential so that she and her friends can enjoy each other's company while listening to their favorite music.
For UMD sophomore Michael Lyons, a picnic means total relaxation.
“My ideal picnic would be completely calm with a nice setting,” said Lyons. “If I was able to go off campus for my picnic I would, but if I were to stay I would go to the lake in Old Town.”
For Lyons, the perfect picnic requires no technology – just good company and lots of snacks. His picnic would be an escape from the hectic agenda of a college student –something we all need a little more of. In terms of food, Lyons would bring several snacks and drinks as opposed to one meal. According to Lyons, having a variety of food and drink options is a fulfilling way to amp up your picnic.
Last but not least, freshman Kelly Ainsworth knows exactly how to have an exemplary picnic on campus: It requires warm weather, good company and lots of watermelon.
“Watermelon is essential,” said Ainsworth. “Sometimes I’ll make a salad with watermelon, mint, balsamic [vinegar], and feta, which would be perfect for a picnic.”
This is a great spring or summer recipe if you can get your hands on the ingredients!
Ainsworth would also bring her version of a PB&J or “avocado toast,” in which she prefers to use rice cakes instead of bread. Ainsworth would take her phone along, and maybe her laptop, in case she and her friends decide to watch a movie during their picnic.
“I would go to the wooded area behind Bel Air Hall for my picnic. It’s gorgeous with a little opening and a small river flowing all throughout,” said Ainsworth.
Shoutout to the University of Maryland for giving us an endless supply of picnic spots! According to Ainsworth, in order for the picnic to be perfect, it has to be warm, but not too warm, and sunny, but not too sunny. If only the weather were like that everyday!
Picnics are still very alive, and they’re not going anywhere. Whether it calls for a hammock, a speaker, loads of watermelon, or even Netflix, there is no right or wrong way to have the perfect picnic. Spring weather is here, so it’s time to embrace it.
