Three Perfect Hudson Valley Picnics

The long winter is finally over and I want to share this fun, little piece I recently wrote for Hudson Valley Magazine with you. I got to choose three great picnic spots here in my beloved Hudson Valley and then design three meals made with local ingredients to go with the outings.

I chose a family favorite, the Saugerties Lighthouse, as well as the stately, beautifully manicured marvel known as the Vanderbilt Mansion, and Bear Mountain State Park, an active person's playground that is a bit closer to New York City.

The gorgeous Saugerties Lighthouse on the Hudson River. Photo by Mark (hatschski) via Flickr, copyright 2014.

As for the food, it was a sheer delight researching the many, delicious, locally-made options! Big thanks to my Facebook friends for their super-helpful suggestions including the remarkable baguette du perche at Cafe Le Perche in Hudson, Woodstock's very own Buddhapesto, apple chips from Wrights Farm in Gardiner (one of my favorite vendors at the Woodstock Farm Festival), saucisson provencal from JACüTERIE in Ancramdale and many, many more.

Here's the link to the article if you'd like to read more. Hope you enjoy eating OUT this spring and summer. Below are a few shots of the Saugerties Lighthouse experience to whet your appetite for picnicking.

The picnic table on the deck at the Saugerties Lighthouse on the Hudson River - tree at left is the big mulberry that offers delicious berries in season. Photo by Krissa Corbett Cavouras via Flickr, copyright 2007.

Boardwalk portion of the trail to the lighthouse. Photo by Daniel Mennerich via Flickr, copyright 2011.

You might also like:

• Strawberry Shortcake from Fresh-Picked Berries at Story Farms in Catskill, NY
• The Huguenot - A Unique Farm-To-Table Partnership in New Paltz, NY
• Restaurant Review: The Phoenicia Diner Gets a Serious Facelift 

For more delicious recipes, gardening ideas, foraging tips, and food-related inspiration "like" the Garden of Eating on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter and Pinterest.