Traffic, cell phones, deadlines, lunches, brunches, dinner and drinks, it’s all very lovely but sometimes a bit much. Why not take a little time off and make it a park affair? Might I suggest an afternoon picnic perhaps? It’s the perfect getaway, both fun and requiring only the bare necessities: food, fun, and foliage.

Billy Rose, a twentieth century American composer is the author of this dainty rhyme “I don't need music, lobster or wine, whenever your eyes look into mine. The things I long for are simple and few: a cup of coffee, a sandwich--and you!” Let his words be your guide the next time you decide to embark on a picnicking adventure, keep it simple, keep it fun.

Before deciding to indulge a few hours in the great outdoors remember to check in with the weather bug. Weather is a key element when planning a day out and about and fortunately the west coast climate is a prime candidate for a park outing. Granted the weather can’t always be predicted it’s a good idea to plan your jaunt at the start of a cool summer evening, in the midst of a warm spring day, or even at the peak of a tepid winter afternoon.

Nothing too fancy is really required for a good picnic; just stick to the simple theology of Billy Rose and his prose and your picnic should be an easy breezy success. A blanket or two and a pillow or three will enhance and bring cozy comfort to your park setting. Layer the blankets for more cushioning or use one as a throw if the weather takes a turn for the nippy. You can rest your idle head on the pillows or if you should desire at a moment of spontaneous silliness resort to the ever so popular pillow fight.

Lying on a blanket may prove boring for some of you productive always in motion L.A go-getters, so you might want to take some entertaining paraphernalia along for the ride. Some suggestions to consider if I may: a deck of cards, perhaps a board game, crossword puzzle, a magazine and or your iPod, or if you prefer a leisure day, then take absolutely nothing at all.

“What is patriotism but the love of the food one ate as a child?” A question posed by the late Lin Yutang, a nineteenth century Chinese writer. So why not be a patriot of sorts and indulge yourself in your favorite comfort foods. Sandwiches, sandwiches, and more sandwiches, they are after all a picnic’s favorite food. Its been said that sandwiches taste better when other people make them, with that philosophy why not visit your local deli for a tasty treat or if you yourself are a sandwich artist make a delicious concoction at home before heading out. To prevent spillage and those pesky bug intruders; juice boxes or bottled beverages are picnic friendly as are packaged desserts and fruits with re-sealable lids. Be creative, mix it up, hey it’s your picnic basket. And please remember the napkins or paper towels for easy clean up in case of a juice box accident or a runaway pickle.

L.A. may not be jam packed with parks posted at every street corner, but there are still plenty of cool and comfortable getaways, some popular and populated, others hidden and barren of people. Perhaps you don’t want to drive to far, or wish to go somewhere familiar and popular. Whatever choice you make, as long as you choose pleasant company, your picnic is sure to be an enjoyable retreat.

One of the most well known and largest parks in L.A is Griffith Park, enveloped in a plethora of attractions located at 4730 Crystal Springs Drive. Before or after your picnic or perhaps on a different day to prevent time constriction you may also want to consider the other surrounding attractions the park has to offer.

Mingle with the monkeys at the L.A. Zoo. Check out some western heritage at the Autry National Center museum or see the locomotive exhibit at Travel Town. Perhaps see or ride a horse at the L.A Equestrian Center or take the kids on the Pony Rides or the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round. Take a fun filled ride on the Griffith Park Southern Railroad, visit the L.A. Live Streamers, or check out the line-up at the Greek Center. Maybe even rent a couple of bikes at the Bicycle Rentals or go see what they have in store at the newly remodeled Griffith Observatory (by reservation only).

With its long stretch of friendly grass adorned with plenty of benches and tables Griffith Park is perfect for picnics. Whether you take a blanket, pillows and pack a lunch or you grab some drive through on the way and opt to just lie in the grass, with Griffith Park you are sure to find slender in the shade.

If this grand field of greenery is slightly out of your reach you can always head to your local neighborhood park, you know the one that has no name and yet needs no introduction. However you’d like to go about your picnic adventure, remember that a little deviation from the everyday norm will surely do you some good. Just remember the trilogy: food, fun and foliage.

By: Lucky Clover