Le Tour De France began its first stage this past weekend in Monte Carlo, Monaco. After cyclists cover approximately 3500 kilometers of European countries, the finale occurs July 26th with a 70 mile ride into the city of romance, Paris. Everyone knows that Paris, filled with its breathtaking gardens and incredible castles, is the ideal city for lovebirds. My mind cannot help but fill with daydreams of honeymooning over a bottle of wine, shopping for baguettes at a brasserie, and tours of the lush, historical surroundings.
Taking an 8 hour flight to the Japanese Gardens in Monaco's Grimaldi Forum to celebrate the beginning of this international cycling event seems rather impossible right now for most of us though. Fortunately, you can grab your sweetheart, a bottle of vino and loaf of your favorite bread to take with you on a picnic to local gardens right here in Raleigh to celebrate Le Tour de France.
Visit the gorgeous 6.5 acre Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden located behind the theatre at North Carolina State University anytime from May through September. Bring along my personal favorite loaf of Rosemary, Olive Oil and Sea Salt Specialty Bread from Fresh Market in nearby Cameron Village. It pairs extremely well with Shelton Vineyards ( Elkin, NC) Cabernet Franc.
N.C State also boasts the J.C Raulston Arboretum, which is well worth a visit as it has 8 acres of demonstration gardens that were founded in 1976.
Take along a young spanish red or a refreshing pinot grigio that pair nicely with lighter fare such as Sundried Tomato or Kalamata Olive Foccacia for your very own European-like experience in the Triangle.
If you are close enough, you could even take a bike ride over to the gardens with your favorite person to get in some exercise as well as to celebrate the world's most well-known cycling event of the summer.
Photo Sources: http://www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum
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