April 10, 2012

Spring in the South: Dining al Fresco

outdoor dining table

Since the weather in East Tennessee has gotten nicer, I’ve been bitten by the outdoor bug. Well, sort of. I’m not what you’d call an outdoorsy type, but lately I’ve wanted to eat as many meals as possible outside. Maybe it’s because it feels luxurious or a bit like vacation. None of the food I eat is particularly fancy, but even a plain Jane peanut butter sandwich feels a little more special when enjoyed with the breeze in your hair and the sun on your back.

I’ve noticed myself choosing restaurants based on whether they have a patio option…last night the beau and I dined at Panera for a simple salad, but munching on the patio made it feel sort of like a treat. I’m sure everybody doesn’t love dining al fresco as much as I do, but I’m curious how you feel about it!

Do you have a spacious patio or porch at your home that allows for outdoor dining? This is my dream, so if you do I’m totally jealous!

{image via flickr creative commons}