Nothing can quite beat the simplicity of a picnic on a beautiful autumn day.  My friend was visiting for a week and we decided we definitely needed to fit a picnic lunch in one of the days she was visiting. So, on a beautifully sunny day we packed up some simple picnic foods and drove up to one of the prettiest spots local to me called Grandview Drive. It’s a strip of land that overlooks the Illinois River and it is so beautiful! You are perched high above the river with an amazing view of trees, the river, and an occasional sailboat. While you can have a picnic anywhere, the perfect location definitely adds so much charm. I’m just sad I forgot to take a picture of the view to share!

Hopefully these pictures will make you want to gather up some food + a friend and head out for a little al fresco dining! 

Oh, and if you’re lucky like us you might also get some visitors other than ants – we had the cutest little cat show up and keep us company for awhile!

Here’s my quick and easy picnic sandwich recipe!

Meat + Cheese Pinwheels

• 2 Flour tortillas

• Deli ham & turkey

• Mayo, mustard, or your favorite sandwich spread

  (think herbed goat cheese or cream cheese!)

• Thinly sliced cheese

  (I like colby jack, but your favorite cheese will do!)

• Optional: lettuce, thinly sliced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion

To make: Spread each tortilla with your spread of choice.

Layer meats, cheese, & veggies.

Roll each tortilla up and slice into rounds.

Skewer each roll up with a toothpick topped with a tomato or olive.

Enjoy!