As soon as the weather gets nice I start thinking about eating outside. Grilling, gardening, morning tea on the porch, s’mores over the bonfire- anything that has to do with food and being outside, especially a good picnic!
There are lots of great ways to do a picnic, but for a weekend date night there’s really nothing better than a simple crackers and cheese (maybe meat) plate with a great bottle of fine wine or hard cider. And if that doesn’t sound perfect enough then add onto the fact that it’s all local and you’ve got pure bliss.
Harbo Cider & Cheese Shop
The Hard Cider is made on-site at Welsh Heritage Farms from their apple orchard. Splitladder Syder is especially good because it’s made without carbonation. (Being someone that is not particularly fond of bubbles I was sold the minute I heard.)
There is a large variety of cheeses at the shop, ranging from aged cheddar to cheese spreads to Abergele. Pictured is the Tomato Basil Cheddar and the Portabella Mushroom and Chives Abergele (can you say delicious!?); both out of Wisconsin. They have samples for you to try at the cheese shop, so don’t be afraid to try a few to make your decision.
I recommend experimenting and getting at least one new cheese. Just make sure you’re buying at least one cheese that everyone will enjoy.
Where: On Hwy. 60 about 8 miles west of Mankato
Address: 20758 528th Ave, Lake Crystal, MN 56055
When: Saturday and Sundays: 11 AM- 4 PM
Creating the Perfect Picnic
So now you have your hard cider, you have your cheese, what about setting? If you’re planning a romantic evening find a quiet spot in a park- Seven Mile Creek or Sibley Park perhaps? If you can find a place with a view even better! Bring a blanket or cute table and set up.
You can make it as fancy or casual as you want- the point is to relax and enjoy the company, the food and the cider! Buen Provecho!
I need to go to this place!! Looks amazing!
Shannon- I totally thought of you as I was posting this and thinking that I should tell you about it so you could go! Wait until they have fresh peaches and grab some of those too- they’re absolutely heavenly!
Nice. Love the glasses!
Thanks! They are pretty nice glasses, aren’t they. You should try the cider sometime- it’s very good- and best of all- no bubbles!
Thanks for the reminder of shopping local and for the picnic idea!
Happy to help Nici! Thanks for your comment :c)
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