Amongst busy schedules and the everyday on goings of life, it's easy to get caught up in not seeing friends and loved ones in person. The saying to 'stop and smell the flowers' should often be taken literally. Online updates don't sit the same as in-person quality time spent with those you love. It is now your mission to get the gang together for a weekend of breaking bread, sipping mocktails in the sun and kicking it old school with a Manitoba picnic in the park. It's easy to put the perfect picnic together with help from our friends at Cabela's. Come along on this epic day of fun in the sun with a special step-by-step Manitoba picnic guide so you too, can recreate this day.

Goods Galore

Just went you thought you've made enough memories for the season, we're ready to help you make even MORE! It all starts with a trip to your local Manitoba farmers' market to stock up on tasty takeaways. On this occasion, we took a trip to the St. Norbert Farmers' Market in Winnipeg. We picked up an assortment of perfectly paired pickled bites from Grammies Jams, Jellies and Preserves. I grabbed her pickles, carrots and peppers!

Now if you've been to the St. Norbert Farmers' Market or any market in particular, there are always certain things you smell before you see them. Old Church Bakery's booth being one of them! I snagged a loaf of their artisanal feta and dill sourdough. In looking for meats and cheeses, you can stop by your local deli for varied cured meats and consider visiting Fromagerie Bothwell in the Winnipeg neighbourhood of St. Boniface for the most delicious assortment of locally-produced dairy products. They have fun flavours ranging from sweet to spicy.

Picnic Shopping List:

Freshs Fruits, Vegetables & Herbs
Locally Sourced Cheese
Freshly Baked Bread
Assorted Meats
Pickles & Preserves

Kick Back & Relax, You've Earned It

Let the Bass Pro Shops Wagon do the work for you...well, almost. You'll still need to slice and dice later on. But with a cooler full of delicious delights and a wagon hauling games and other essential items, packing for a picnic can be a breeze thanks to Cabela's.

Tip: Get a cooler with wheels! Thank yourself later.

The Perfect Picnic

There's something to be said about a classic red and white checkered table cloth, whether it's from the movies or hearing mom and dad recollect about their picnic adventures from when they were kids. What is the first thing you think of when someone says picnic?

Create Your Own Cabela's Cocktails

We love supporting all things Manitoba and that includes food AND beverage! Try your hand at making the ultimate Cabela's Mocktails. We picked up these locally crafted beverages at the St. Norbert Farmers' Market courtesy of Dead Horse Cider out of Winkler and PopBar in Winnipeg. We chose Dead Horse Ciders' non alcoholic line which consists of their sparkling apple craft soda in both ginger-lemon and ginger-lime!

Tip: Invest in a good cooler, as there's nothing funny about spoiled snacks!

The Summer Shaker Mocktail Recipe

2x Non-Alcoholic Dead Horse Cider Sparkling Ginger-Lime Soda
1 Cup Blackberries
1x Green Apple
1 Bundle of Fresh Mint
2x Pop Bar Blueberry Lemonade
2 Cups Ice

Grab some ice and pop it into your mocktail shaker. (PS Any sealable container or jar with a lid works just fine). Add some fresh mint, blackberries and finally add your Pop Bar Blueberry Lemonade! Do not add the sparkling cider just yet. Give it a shake and pour your mix into a Cabela's mug with ice already in it. Now add the sparkling cider. Try a 50/50 ratio or what best suits your taste palette. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a sliced green apple and blackberry skewer.

Pretty and Proper Mocktail Recipe

2x Non-Alcoholic Dead Horse Cider Sparkling Ginger-Lemon Soda
1x Lemons
1 Cup Blueberries
1 Bundle of Rosemary
2x Pop Bar Classic Lemonade
4 Cups Ice

In your designated lemonade container, add ice, freshly sliced lemons, blueberries and pieces of fresh rosemary. Add in the Pop Bar Classic Lemonade and the Dead Horse Cider Sparkling Soda. Give it a stir and pour over ice! Serve in see-through cups with lemons, blueberries and another fresh strand of rosemary for a fabulous aromatic effect.

Sip and enjoy!

Everybody Say Mmmm

Break the bread, cut the cheese, all the idioms with twice the fun. Tell the jokes, enjoy the company and live in the moment. Share in your day, talk about fun past-times and feel like kids again! Optional edible add-ons for the picnic could include cucumbers, jams, jellies, mustards or greens. Get creative!

Tip: Have everyone contribute by bringing a different snack item.

Personality on a Plate

Food brings people together, there's no doubt about that. It just feels right. Once you've sliced and diced and put together the most beautiful edible presentation of delectables, it's time to feast! Let everyone dig in to create their own charcuterie style open-faced sandwhiches. It gets fun seeing who will combine what ingredients with what...and you never know who will end up eating the spicy cheese! #SorryNotSorry

Tip: Consider doing food prep prior to the picnic to save on time.

Shop & Chill

We didn't say no phones at all...but if you've already got your feet up, why not shop? Check out Bass Pro Shops & Cabela's cool and comfortable line of clothing and merchandise. Their hats and t-shirts are great for warmer weather and you can even snag some longer pants, socks or a sweatshirt for those cooler, cozier days.

Tip: Don't forget to plug and play your favourite music mix. You won't hear any complaints if a random dance party were to emerge.

Next time you think that you're too old for a picnic in the park, think again. Make it your own and have fun!

Tip: Don't let the weather get you down! Customize your experience for the weather. If it's raining, bring a pop up tent and if it's cooler outside, prepare to have a cozy bonfire if permitted in the area.