Israel's best picnic options

• Author: SHARON FEIEREISEN
• Date: 07 January 2021
• Published date: 07 January 2021
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

Picnics not only make for a fun activity, they are a safe way to socialize with friends and family. Plus, with the options below, there's no prep work required; you not only get a great setting, you'll also get a basket full of local, fresh produce waiting for you.

While Israel remains relatively warm year-round, the weather can get finicky and not all of the locations listed offer tented areas. So plan accordingly with waterproof blankets, warm-weather clothing and, of course, nothing warms the blood quite like a bit of Israeli wine.

1. Farma Cultura

Keep their phone number handy when heading to the tucked away Farma Cultura because it's not exactly where it appears on Waze and can be a bit tricky to find. Once you arrive you'll find an organic oasis of pure bliss. Your first stop will be in the organic shop, which is filled with edible delights including fruits, veggies, cheeses, crackers and spreads that you can use to supplement your basket or load up on to take home. Picnic baskets must be ordered in advance, and yours will be waiting for you upon your arrival. Each basket is NIS 279 and is suitable for two people. The price includes a 15-minute farm tour where you'll tour the property as you nosh on kale, smell cinnamon, and possibly burn your mouth with some of Farma Cultura's piping hot peppers. After the tour you can roam around the farm to find your perfect picnic spot. They have a spacious tented area should it rain during your trip. This is a great destination spot for families, so you'll see just as many couples with kids or babies as you will friends picnicking.

HaManim St. 19, Bnei Zion, 052-969-6299, farmacultura.com. Not kosher.

2. Petel Eretz

Located on Moshav Ta'oz, Petel Eretz is one of the few places in Israel where you can enjoy berries – and trust when we say these might well be the best berries you've ever tasted. In addition to greenhouses filled with blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, they grow a number of leafy greens and herbs which you'll get to enjoy with one of their picnic baskets. Each basket, meant for two, ranges in price from NIS 260 to NIS 290, depending on what kind of drink you opt for. Reserve in advance to make sure there's room, as space is limited, given social distancing regulations. Once you arrive, someone at Petel Eretz will help you assemble your basket with lots of goodies, including cornichons, local cheese, home-made spreads, seed-based crackers and more. (Tip: the vegan pecan cheese isn't...