You don’t have to be a die-hard foodie to appreciate a good meal at your favorite restaurant. And when you combine a tasty dish with fresh air and the beauty of the outdoors, the entire experience is elevated.
Some of the country’s best restaurants and cafes have embraced open-air dining, and with summer in full swing, rooftop and patio dining has never been more popular.
Whether eating at your local brewery, bistro, or family-style grill, here are some key benefits of enjoying summertime meals and drinks in a fresh-air environment.
Enhances ambience and overall experience
After a long day in the office, nothing feels better than dining out on a beautiful patio with good company. Maybe you’re listening to live music, feeling the cool breezes, or simply appreciating the quality of the cuisine and service. Everything comes together for a pleasurable outdoor dining experience, where the food seems to taste better.
Improves mental well-being
Scientific research shows that being outside is good for our emotional health. Exposure to natural sunlight boosts Vitamin D and serotonin levels, helping to relieve anxiety and depression. You don’t have to live in a rural area to get the mood-lifting benefits of outdoor dining. Visual stimulation with any type of greenery – even potted plants – provides a sense of well-being and happiness.
Being outdoors has also been proven to help reduce stress levels, improve concentration and memory—just another reason to enjoy your favorite outdoor dining spots this summer.
Good for your physical health
A late afternoon meal under a pergola roof is a full sensory experience in the summertime. Sitting in the dappled shade, you can’t help but feel more relaxed as you take in the fresh air and surroundings. Along with improving our emotional well-being, spending time outdoors helps our physical health as well. Being outdoors can help reduce heart rate, blood pressure, and the production of stress hormone, cortisol.
Helps you sleep better
Struggling to sleep through the night? Research from Stanford Medicine suggests that the more time we spend outdoors, the better and more deeply we rest. This is because exposure to nature and sunlight helps maintain circadian rhythms, which can promote more restorative sleep.
Encourages socialization
Summer is the unofficial outdoor dining season, and it’s always a social event. Sitting out on the patio is great for people watching, enjoying live music, and just catching up with friends. After the sun goes down, treat yourself to a refreshing cocktail under the warm ambient lights.
Luxurious alfresco dining at home
When it comes to dining in the summer months, there’s nothing better than heading outside. Want to recreate your favorite alfresco scene right in your own backyard? Outdoor Elements USA has pergolas with built-in lights, designer fans, and other innovative features for unparalleled customization.
Contact us to learn more about our pergola products for residential and commercial settings.
