Ants marching

Life's a picnic. Hot, buggy and full of cheese, but looks good in plaid. Or maybe that's Gramma Betty? We've got the chicken salad scoop on what's happening this week, served up with a heaping helping of local businesses that'll give National Picnic Month the glow-up. Now, cue up DMB and scroll on!

Forward this to someone who makes a good side dish.

PHOTO VIA LAVENDER PICNIC

The way the debonair have their picnic

If we could write a country song about picnics, it'd be called "A Blanket, a Basket and My Baby." Actually, BRB. Gotta go write that down before the moment passes. Don't worry, you'll be the first to know when the album drops. In the meantime, check out these folks that'll spread – the picnic, that is – for you, including the eats. All you need is a piece of grass.

• You're the lady we've looked for. Come with us and picnicscape. Servicing the entire Triad area, PicnicScaping was born out of a need for safe and creative get-togethers during a global pandemic. This is not your basic basket.
• Opal & Grace Picnics, aka OG Picnics, offers color-themed packages ranging from Rendez-Vous for Two all the way up to Squad Goals. We've only got a handful of friends, but each with a squad-sized appetite. 
• Sonkissed Gatherings in Greensboro serves up picnics in style to the Triad. If you're looking for classy, bougie, matching dishware, sassy, moody, pasta salad, check them out.
• High Point's Lavender Picnic has you – and your grass – covered with bundles for every personality, from Classic Soul to Boho. Is there one for Highly Anxious? Asking for a friend.

Shar-cood-er-ee

We know a lot of you – OK, it's us – struggle with the pronunciation of charcuterie, so you're welcome. While me may grapple with spitting it out, we have no problem snarfing it down. These local board-om busting businesses whip up spreads that are praise-worthy and graze-worthy and sure to take your next picnic to the next level.

• Greensboro's Wanderlust Boards is all about bringing the finest foods and flavors from across the world to your board. And if there's one thing we're good at, it's noshing our way through continents, with a side of feelings. No passport required.
• Amazing graze, how sweet the chow. The Grazeful Board, located in Kernersville, serves up custom boxes, boards and spreads. Talk about divine graze.
• Board and Box offers you a real party in a box. No, not of the Justin Timberlake/Andy Samberg variety. This is a fancy package full of snack and party goodies you'll want to share with your kids. It's in a box!
• The Gather Graze Co. in High Point creates charcuterie experiences ranging from boards to gifts, from workshops to weddings. Each of Whitney's boards is garnished with blooms because she knows the way to our hearts is through cheese and flowers. But mostly cheese.
• Who run the boards? Girls! Crafted Charcuterie is a mother-daughter duo that's comin' in hot – or mild, depending on how you like your meat. They've even got vegan options, just in case how you like your meat is no thank you.

PHOTO VIA O.HEY STAFFER

Stranger things

There's no place we'd rather be than Elsewhere. Last Friday, the eccentric museum on Elm St. reopened its doors to the public. A shrine to the past, this creative epicenter is filled to the brim with unique oddities. Think of it like the Island of Misfit Toys, but weirder. Yes, even weirder than an ostrich-riding cowboy.

Cup of ambition may contain whiskey

Tumble outta bed and stumble to The Carolina Theatre. Their Summer Film Fest is back, kicking off its first week with classics like Rebecca and – our personal fav, because the cast is saltier than the popcorn – 9 to 5. Although we're also here for any story that involves a creepy ex-wife and a dead body. 

An opus among us

You down with OP-us, yeah you know us!  This Sunday, Creative Greensboro's MUSEP & Opus Concert Series starts streaming weekly, delivering melodies directly to your living room. Or shower. Wherever. Starting August 8, you'll be able to catch the sound wave in person. Sorry, but you'll have to wear more than your towel for the last four concerts.

Carolina songbirds

Our favorite songbird-watching happens at concerts where there's beer. The City Sunsets Concert Series is in full swing this Saturday evening with Admiral Radio, a charming pair with a Johnny-and-June vibe. If your preferred method of at-home listening is through Grandpa's old Crosley, this duo is for you.

Lettuce see your rice wrap roll

On Thursday, July 8, at 3 p.m., tune into a video tutorial on how to make Vietnamese spring rolls. If you don't get it the first time, just remember: Tacos fall apart, and we still love them.

Not taking this for grant-ed

Congratulations to the African-American Cultural Arts & History Center in Burlington for being awarded $116,000 in grant funds to continue their mission. This cultural site and museum focuses on the generational, familial and industrial history of the Black community by preserving stories from the past.

PHOTO VIA CASTLE MCCULLOCH

Yay, it's your first wedding

You're engaged, now what? Since you asked: a Pinterest-perfect ceremony followed by a reception with a photo booth and donut wall, 2.5 kids, 4 dogs and a mortgage. Cheers! Maybe we're not the ones to ask. Lucky for you, we're leaving it to the pros.

• On Saturday, July 10, at 10 a.m., head to Simkins Pavilion at Barber Park for Wedding Planning 101. You'll learn how to navigate the planning process and then decide to elope. Trust us, it's for the best.
• If you're not running away yet, head to Castle McCulloch on Sunday, July 11, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., for Eat, Drink & Be Married: Wedding Expo. Local wedding vendors will be on hand to answer your questions. For the record: We fully support the eating and drinking portion and are happy to come along to taste-test.

Take us to church

Picture it: You Got Served, but less splits and more side-splitting. On July 10, at 4 p.m., Clash of the Comedians contender Akintunde stands up and faces off to champion Chinnita "Chocolate" Morris. This event is patterned after the party game, Let's Have Church, and you're invited to join in the funny business and compete for cash and prizes. Chur-CHING!

Majored in recess

On the playground is where we spend most of our days. On July 9, from 6-9 p.m., Barber Park opens for the over 21 crowd only. Hit up Adult Recess for an evening of nostalgic games – watch out, 1991 hopscotch world champ here – an old school DJ playing phat tunes, food and beverage vendors and, yup, sprayground access.

Wet n' mild

On Wednesday, July 7, from 2-3 p.m., bring your ex-stream little rangers, ages 3-6, to Price Park for Stream Splashers. One adult per child, and parents must also dress to get wet with some gentle creek exploration. We're not saying you need to wear a scuba suit, but we're also not saying you shouldn't.

PHOTO VIA DJ HEK YEH

Swing, putta putta, swing!

On Saturday, July 10, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., test your disc golf skillz at the Hek Yeh Putter Party at Red Oak Brewery. No athletic abilities here, but we can throw back a beer, so you best believe we'll be there. Oh, no, we're not playing. But if you hear heckling, it's probably us. You can do it, Bobby Boo-SHAY!

Our kind of outdoorsy

The winery is calling, and we must go. Every Saturday and Sunday through October, Childress Vineyards in Lexington invites you to Music in the Vineyards. Forget red, white and blue. We're here for the red, white and rosé.

Jazzercise hands

Tonight at 6 p.m., bust a move to the Greenway for a totally rad and totally free fitness class: Old School Aerobics. Richard Simmons might be missing, but his legacy can be found right here in Greensboro, apparently.

Feel it in our soles

Wait a minute! We thought you said Midnight Bootlegger Rum and we were all in. It's Midnight Bootlegger run?! We'll meet you at the 5k finish line where the live music and moonshine cocktails await. Just follow the candlelit path and the smell of liquor. You'll find us.

We'll drink to that

This weekend marks a momentous doubleheader: National Pina Colada Day on Saturday, followed by National Mojito Day on Sunday. In the name of national holidays, we raise a glass, and then a few more! And if you're looking for some swank sips about town, check out the cover story in the latest issue of O.Henry Magazine. Now, come on, GIVE US A HUGe drink.