Let’s Go Friluftsliv-ing this Winter!

Embrace the Scandinavian Outdoor Lifestyle Here in Li’l Rhody

When the ground freezes and snow is falling this winter, we should be outside. The allure of the outdoors is powerfully persuasive, especially when the pandemic could worsen if we are socially sequestered indoors. Spending time in nature, with fresh air and exercise, snacks, proper warm gear and cohort-approved friends, is the ultimate al fresco recipe.

Norwegians defined and have mastered this concept of outdoor living, which they call friluftsliv (pronounced free-loofts-leaf ), beginning in the 19th century. It translates to “free air life,” and simply means we become free, breathe fresh air and celebrate life naturally. Scandinavians at-large live in the moment, and friluftsliv embodies that simple pleasure, says Danish-born Marie Larsen Mechtaly of Wickford.

“Getting outside and embracing all seasons, exercising and connecting with people over a beverage or meal is simple and universal,” she says. “Friluftsliv doesn’t require something specific. It’s about being outside, moving, together.”

Mechtaly remembers her Norwegian grandmother saying, “There is no such thing as poor weather, only poor clothes,” which means—be prepared. Whether it’s a backyard firepit gathering, a neighborhood walk or a snowshoe trek, we can (and we will!) embrace this way of living in Rhode Island.

FOOD & DRINK

“When I think of friluftsliv, I think of outdoor meals. On a winter hike with my family, we would have hot chocolate in a Thermos. Hot apple cider is more American, but very hygge,” Mechtaly explains, meaning cozy or convivial. “We’d carry them in a backpack or basket. If we’re on a trail, we’d have sandwiches or handmade rolls with butter and jam, and Jarlsberg or Gjetost cheese, which are some of our comfort foods.”

Sausages and snobrød bread on a stick cooked over an open flame are also friluftsliv fare, as are coffee and beer. Traditional Scandinavian foods are available at Chef-A-Roni in East Greenwich, but whatever is in the fridge and pantry will suffice. Pack sandwiches, or apples and cheese, with crusty bread for a traditional Scandinavian openfaced sandwich, paired with Newport Vineyards’ Rhody Coyote Hard Cider, says Sheryl Callaghan of Aquidneck Meat & Provisions in Middletown. Invite a few friends for a socially distanced backyard fire pit gathering, and serve hot chili or stew, while the kids toast marshmallows for their hot cocoa and s’mores.

HEATING UP

Packing for a winter picnic, especially on a hike, is completely different than packing for a summer beach day, Callaghan says. Just keep it simple and organized; only take as much as you can comfortably carry and don’t worry about keeping food warm or cold. “If you’re making a fire, keep it simple with a small cast-iron pan, cutting board, a couple of knives, skewers (or find sticks in the woods). It’s just about being comfortable, however you do it,” she says. “If it’s freezing, sitting outside eating cheese isn’t fun. But if you can safely enjoy friends’ company around a campfire with warm food, that’s the way to go.”

Try this tailgate hack: Layer a cooler with some thick newspaper and add bricks that have been wrapped in foil and heated in a hot oven—chili will stay warm until you’re hungry at the end of a hike. If you have a portable stove, take it on a day trip to a state park and heat up grilled cheese sandwiches. “I think Rhode Islanders will embrace this if it’s something fun to do, rather than sitting in the cold. If I said to my friends, ‘Let’s eat some wine and cheese and bundle up around the fire,’ they would be into it,” Callaghan says.

DESTINATIONS

We can have as much fun in our backyard as elsewhere. Take the kids for a wander or bike ride in the neighborhood and return home for a campfire and snacks. Hike, snowshoe or cross-country ski in Goddard State Park in Warwick, Sakonnet Greenway Trail on Aquidneck Island, Stillwater Scenic Trail in Smithfield, Weetamoo Woods in Tiverton, Colt State Park in Bristol or Pulaski State Park in Chepachet. Visit any beach for a dose of “Vitamin Sea,” or bundle up and take the family on a bicycle ride on one of the state’s many bike paths. As long as you’re outside exercising, you’re friluftsliv—ing.

DINING OUT

Local restaurants are ready for al fresco dining this winter, and are eager for our support. The Rhode Island Hospitality Association even launched a #BYOBlanket campaign to encourage diners to take a blanket when dining outdoors at local establishments. Barring another shutdown, restaurants will continue to offer tables outside, including The Fifthelement in Newport, Bywater in Warren, and Troop in Providence, to name a few. Or reserve your own igloo at Gurney’s Resort in Newport. Create your own with your favorite takeout dinner under a backyard tent illuminated with Christmas lights and heated with blankets, pillows and throw rugs.

“We live somewhere with four seasons, so the way to engage in it is to get outside. Meet on Saturday and take a hike together with coffee and sandwiches, or return home and cook over the fire. Of course it’s cold,” but dress warmly, Mechtaly says. “Human beings fundamentally need to connect and gather, so I hope Rhode Islanders can rethink the way we safely engage with nature.”