With all the changes happening in our world this year, now, more than ever, it is important to find bursts of comfort and familiarity. One thing that I have learned from all the social distancing and COVID-19 craziness is that it’s the little things that can brighten your day (or month). While it can be easy to let all the new rules and regulations get you down or stress you out, I would suggest focusing on what we still have, such as restaurants and outdoor eating!

There are many positive aspects to outdoor eating, especially now when it’s harder to find a place to hang with friends. First, and perhaps most importantly, it’s an easy way to enforce social distancing. Outdoor seating areas provide more space to spread out tables and ensure customers are only coming into contact with members of their party and servers, who are presumably wearing masks. This allows patrons to feel safe and practice COVID-19 prevention methods while still being able to enjoy their meals. Along with at least six feet between each table, the open air environment also ensures a steady air circulation. 

Besides practicing safe etiquette during the pandemic, eating outside is just a fun environment! Not only can you sit outside in the fresh summer air and enjoy a nice breeze, but being outside also provides great photo opps in natural lighting,which we all know is the best lighting. If getting fun and cute pics isn’t enough to sell you on how great eating outside is, maybe the fact that you can bring along a furry friend will! Many restaurants that offer outdoor seating will have areas that are pet-friendly.Some will even provide water bowls on days when it’s a little warmer outside. 

Even though this can seem like uncertain times, just remember to focus on the positive things! Since restaurants are still providing normalized experiences, take advantage of that. Grab a few friends, enjoy a good meal and just know that we’ll get through this crazy time together.