Family Friendly Picnics: Here's great ways to get together for a meal outdoors

With spring in full bloom, May is a fabulous time to head outside and soak up the sun. Getting the family together for a meal outdoors is a great way to reconnect, enjoy nature and spend time together. Western North Carolina offers a wealth of picnic spots for families of all sizes, ages and stages. In addition, there are many wonderful places to pick up a picnic-to-go and save yourself the stress of preparing and packing food.

For explorers who want to earn their meal consider these locations:

Bearwallow Mountain

Just outside Gerton, North Carolina (about 20 miles from Asheville), this easy family hike is one mile up to a beautiful summit bald with breathtaking views. Created by Conserving Carolina, this sprawling summit bald is on western rim of Hickory Nut Gorge. Your family can enjoy a lovely picnic here with 360-degree views in all directions. After your meal, there are plenty of places to explore and play while taking in the sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Visit conservingcarolina.org/bearwallow-mountain.

For families that might enjoy dipping their toes in the water:

Nantahala Gorge

If your family enjoys white water, whether by watching kayakers surf and rafts float or heading downstream themselves, the Nantahala Gorge offers several great locations for a whitewater-side picnic. To really see the action, head to the Nantahala Outdoor Center, a great place to grab a bite or bring a picnic and to watch rafts and kayaks finale as they end their trip down the Nantahala. Nearby, Ferebee Memorial Picnic Area (operated by the National Forest Service) also features a picnic table and restrooms. Visit greatsmokies.com/nantahala-gorge.

Lake Powhatan

Just 10 minutes from downtown Asheville, Lake Powhatan is the perfect spot for a picnic by the water. There are picnic shelters onsite or you can spread out a blanket on the small beach there. Lake Powhatan is also a popular fishing spot for any anglers in your family. In addition, there are plenty of hiking and mountain bike trails surrounding the lake for exercise and fun. Visit recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/231995.

 Owen Park – Swannanoa

This lovely park is located along the Swannanoa River near Warren Wilson College. It features two picnic pavilions and plenty of riverside bank space. In addition to picnicking, your family can enjoy the basketball courts, playground, and the figure eight trail that loops around two small lakes beside the Swannanoa River. This park is also known for bird watching and fishing as well. Visit buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/parks/facilities/parks/charles-owen.aspx.

For picnic food consider:

Luella's BBQ

With two Asheville locations, this local favorite is Southern comfort food at its best. Luella’s offers “Whole Meal Deals” that are great for take-out. These include meats, sides and hushpuppies. Vegetarian options are also available. Visit luellasbbq.com.

Little Sprout

Little Sprout specializes in catering, carry out and pre-prepared meals. Chefs prepare these scratch-made meals with lots of love and fresh ingredients. Little Sprout has carryout lunch or dinner options and you can find a monthly menu online so you can plan ahead. Visit littlesproutcarryout.com.

The Rhu Picnics

The Rhu packs your picnic for you. If you have foodies in your bunch, they offer smoked meats, select cheese, fruits, vegetables and more. However, your family doesn’t have to be refined to order one of these prepared picnics. Their variety of pre-packed picnics have plenty of kid-friendly add-ons and something delectable for everyone in your clan. Visit the-rhu.com/picnic.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Here's great ways to get the family together for a meal outdoors