The Perfect Picnic #1

Whether it’s an elaborate gourmet meal or a simple spread out of a backpack, nothing says “summer” like a picnic. Combine a scenic location with awesome food, add a couple of interesting people and you have the recipe for a perfect picnic. Throughout summer I’ll be sharing our favorite locations and menus to help inspire you to get out and enjoy the great Northwest.

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge and Meconi’s Italian Subs

This picnic location requires a little driving, but it’s only about one hour and 15 minutes roundtrip from downtown Gig Harbor. You’ll want to plan to spend at least 1 ½ hours there, even more if you really want to explore and take a lot of pictures.

Last week, I had the increasingly rare opportunity to spend the afternoon with my two sons, ages 19 and 22. Who knew that boys this age have other priorities besides hanging out with Mom? So we decided a short day of hiking was long overdue. My oldest son lives in Tumwater, which made Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge in Lacey at I-5, exit 114, the perfect location. Check out this website for more detailed directions and information. http://www.fws.gov/nisqually/

This was a spur of the moment outing and the ideal picnic spots at the Refuge are a half mile down the trail, so we decided to grab some sandwiches to-go from Meconi’s Italian Subs. I had intended to actually prepare the picnic food myself and include recipes, and pictures but time and convenience once again got the best of me.

Meconi’s East Coast style sub sandwiches have been an Olympia staple since 1986. Their Lacey restaurant is a little off the beaten path from I-5, but it’s well worth the side trip. They have two other locations, so for information and directions go to http://www.meconissubs.com/.

In my 20+ years of enjoying Meconi’s, I’ve never had anything else there but the Italian sub. Never. It’s the perfect proportion of in-house baked bread, meat, cheese, veggies and Italian dressing. Personally, I can’t imagine ordering anything else there.

If it's your first visit to the Refuge, I recommend a stop at the Nature Center (if it’s open) to get some basic info about the history, wildlife and trails. There is a little kiosk that asks you to pay $3 for a group of up to 4 people for day use of the Refuge. 

There are several trails and loops to choose from. Many are wheelchair accessible and you can customize your tour for any age or ability. No pets are allowed to avoid disturbing the wildlife.

We decided to head to the picturesque “Twin Barns,” which is a great picnic stop. There are several tables or spread your blanket on the grass and drink in the scenery. There are garbage cans and portable restrooms available there. Beware the bold and extremely well fed squirrels! They will steal any unattended food.

Next, we chose to explore the newly added mile-long boardwalk that takes you across the marsh with amazing views and opportunities to spot wildlife. There were several photographers set up along the route, obviously trying to catch the perfect photo. I can't believe I forgot my "good" camera, but I managed to get a few acceptable photos with my phone.

One helpful photographer stopped us and pointed out a bald eagle sitting near the boardwalk. We probably would have passed right by if not for the tip.

I regret that I forgot our “Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds, Western Region.” I know very little about birds so I could only identify a few from memory. We saw a Great Blue Heron (I’m pretty sure about that one) and of course the bald eagle that was generously brought to our attention. Next time I will bring the guide book and be able to describe them a bit better than “a cute little gray bird” or “a big mean-looking black bird.” An ornithologist I am not.

It was a great way to spend an afternoon. We learned a little, laughed a lot and ate until we could eat no more. The perfect picnic!