Summer Picnic Series No. 3

Early last year, our little family—my husband, our daughter, and I—moved from Greensboro, NC to Asheville. Not long after, we welcomed another baby girl in September and just three weeks after she arrived, we weathered Hurricane Helene.

In the midst of this wild and beautiful season—new baby, new town, new adventures—picnics have become one of my favorite ways to slow down. To breathe. To soak in this place we now call home.

This week, I wanted to share two of my favorite ways to picnic here in the mountains. Both are simple, comforting, and easy to make your own:

1. The Breakfast Hike Picnic

There is something so peaceful about an early morning hike when the mist is still rising from the hills and the trail is quiet underfoot. When we head out for a morning like this, I always bring a backpack, sturdy sneakers, and—most importantly—a warm French press of coffee to enjoy at the trailhead.

A little breakfast packed away (usually fresh fruit and granola) plus a cozy Trudie quilt to sit on makes the simplest mountain breakfast feel like something special. These quiet hikes remind me why we moved here in the first place: for slower mornings, wide open skies, and moments that feel just a little bit magical.

2. The Back Porch Picnic

Of course, some mornings are meant for staying closer to home—and those might be my favorite of all. When the girls are content and the day feels slow, our back porch becomes the perfect picnic spot.

On mornings like these, I stay cozy in my favorite pajamas and slippers, sip coffee from my favorite East Fork mug, and enjoy the warmth of our little fire pit while sitting in a comfy lounge chair, wrapped in a Trudie quilt. The birds sing, the breeze moves gently through the trees, and for a moment, the world feels quiet.

Whether you head out for a mountain trail or stay close to your own backyard, I hope you find a picnic moment of your own this season. It doesn’t take much—just a little intention, a few comforting things, and the choice to pause.

Here’s to making everyday life feel a little more beautiful.