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22 Hudson Valley Parent n August 2014 By DAWN GREEN N othing quite conjures up the feeling of the long, sunny days of summer like a picnic basket set atop a red and white checkered blanket. The quintessential summer picnic is on many families' bucket lists this season. How can you ensure that your family picnic will be postcard perfect, rather than a nightmare featuring a surprise thunderstorm and the classic cartoon ants carrying away the remainder of your food? It's important to choose the right location. The Hudson Valley has a seemingly endless supply of beau- tiful spots to picnic, with views that range from mountains to river, though some are more suited to a family picnic than others. Dutchess County Boasting picnic spots with hik- ing trails, meticulously maintained gardens, and expansive views, Dutchess County has a wide variety of locations to choose from, includ- ing many that are on the grounds of historical homes. One such spot is Vanderbilt Man- sion in Hyde Park, where Frederick Vanderbilt once lived. Though there is an admission fee for the home, the grounds are free to visit, and are sure to impress. The spot is a favorite for Christine Rodriguez of Saugerties. "It's stun- ning there!" she says. With three miles of riverside trails and historical Italian gardens, your eyes can feast too while you much away on your picnic! Another picnicking spot on the grounds of an historic home is Locust Grove in Poughkeepsie. The grounds of this one-time home of Samuel F.B. Morse, inventor of the telegraph and Morse Code, feature rolling hills and lush gardens, which are also free to visit. "This pictur- esque spot is perfect for picnics," says Sarah Coppola of Port Ewen. Moving away from the historical homes, Bowdoin Park is another popular location in Dutchess Coun- ty for family picnics. Faith Ruiz of Poughkeepsie lists all the benefits of this park: "It has picnic tables, grills, playground, water sprinklers and a beautiful view of the river." What really makes this park a favorite, especially with the young- er set, is the new splash pad that includes unique water-spray units, ranging from two water cannons to two cattails that spray a fine mist. With the ability to easily cool off while picnicking, this is a great choice for the warmer days of late summer. Ulster County From picnic spots with views of the Hudson and Esopus to more unique spots like vineyards, Ulster County offers a number of family Perfect family picnics! The best spots for eating al fresco with the kids The best bet is to prepare ahead of time for any situation that might arise. The Nikola family of Marlboro enjoys picnicking at the Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park. The estate, situated on 211 acres, boasts incredible views of the Hudson River.