Hendel: Where to soak up the summer during patio season

SUMMER, which started June 20, is in full swing.

In fact, we are going to hit the halfway point here in a couple weeks — the last day is Sept. 22.

There's so much to do outdoors from golf, tennis, and pickleball, to baseball, biking, walking in the park, outdoor concerts, roller skating, swimming, boating, old time drive-in movies, shopping at farmers markets, art fairs, and more.

Among the fun times are dining al fresco. Your backyard grill is nice but there are many restaurants around the area that have outdoor patios and you can let them do the cooking while you sip your favorite beverage and feast on your favorite foods.

Mmm ... maybe have some summertime favorites such as gazpacho, Lake Erie perch, a BLT, or bruschetta with fresh tomatoes, or a juicy burger. Iced tea, lemonade, root beer floats, or your favorite spirited beverage are all refreshing on a hot day or night.

There are so many places from which to choose including waterfront restaurants and places in parking lots where one can watch the traffic go by.

In uptown Perrysburg, there are many restaurants lining the street and all have outdoor patios. It's a popular place during the Farmers’ Market on Thursdays including Swig Restaurant. Levis Commons also has a few eateries with outdoor patios including Poco Piatti, Basil Pizza and Wine Bar, and Bar Louie.

Maumee includes Dale's Bar and Grill on the outdoor patio list. Ditto for Brandywine Country Club which is open to the public.

There's also Mancy's Bluewater Grille which has a patio facing the parking lot, but no one minds as they see friends coming and going.

Sylvania is host to Element 112 and Ciao, which both have nice outdoor areas.

In Toledo, there is Rosie's Italian which has a fountain on its patio. Loma Linda and El Vaquero also come to mind.

Also having a fountain-centered patio is San Marcos Restaurant in South Toledo.

Webber's Waterfront Restaurant overlooks the Ottawa River just over the border in Erie, Mich. and many boaters come there.

Jaunt a bit farther, and one can enjoy Dock’s Beach House in Port Clinton overlooking the lake. The Orchard Restaurant and Bar in Port Clinton has a great patio amid a garden setting and Gideon Owen Wine Company, formerly Mon Ami in Port Clinton has a popular deck.

In Vermilion is the Cafe Francois which also has a patio overlooking the lake and well manicured lawns of cottages.

There are so many more. Perhaps you have a favorite spot. Let me know.

Get out during the day or dine at night and enjoy watching the sunset. Or come after sundown to places open later and dine under the light of the moon.

Whatever you do, enjoy dining al fresco now before the cold weather sets in!