Redwood Creek: Top 25 Picnic Destinations

		TANGLEWOOD: Splendor in the Grass
		THE SETTING Some would argue that there's no better place in New England to spread a picnic blanket. Here at the Tanglewood Music Festival in Lenox, Massachusetts, you can feast on gourmet goodies and listen to wonderful live music as the sun sets. Either picnic on the green lawn before taking your seats at one of the music center's concert halls, or spend the evening lounging on your blanket if you've purchased lawn seats. Tanglewood, summer home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra for more than 60 years, has an all-star summer 2002 lineup that includes a farewell to BSO Music Director Seiji Ozawa. The season also includes performances by such greats as Jessye Norman, Itzhak Perlman, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor and the Boston Pops.
		WHAT TO SEE AND DO Each summer, Tanglewood hosts its annual Festival of Contemporary Music, featuring seven days of new events including instrumental and vocal chamber music and orchestral works. In late summer, come for the annual Jazz Festival -- this year's lineup includes artists such as Nestor Torres, Dave Brubeck and Diana Krall. On Wednesdays and Saturdays during the summer season, visitors can get a free tour of Tanglewood that includes a walk around the grounds. If you'd love to learn more about classical and jazz music, purchase tickets for the Talks and Walks lecture series, held at the Tent Club on Thursday afternoons.
		HOT TIPS Parking at Tanglewood is free, but much of it is a distance from the performance areas, so pack as lightly as possible. If it looks like it may rain, you can pitch a canopy, but be sure to do this on the outskirts of the lawn area so as not to disturb other visitors. If you have time before or after the performance, stop at the visitor center for information on the festival and other Berkshire attractions. If you're interested in planning a group event here- anything from a casual picnic on the lawn to a cocktail reception or formal dinner under a private tent - the folks at Event Services can help you pull it off.
		PHOTO OPS People-watching is one of the most intriguing pastimes at Tanglewood, so why not record some of the goings-on before the concert. The green lawns, perfectly manicured hedges and vibrant umbrellas that concertgoers pitch for shade all make colorful backdrops for people photos. And if you can get close enough to the stage, take a few shots of the performers under the bright lights.
		LOCAL SPECIALTIES In the spirit of nearby metropolis Boston, pack your basket with New England specialties like baked beans, Boston brown bread, corn on the cob, and kettle-cooked chips. Cranberry juice is the state's official beverage, and don't forget a slice of Boston cream pie.