With the air warming up and summer getting closer, pools are opening, birds are chirping, and restaurants are opening up their outdoor seating venues.

The environment is a huge part of restaurant dining, and the atmosphere of outdoor seating improves the experience.

“My favorite restaurant to eat outdoors at is Oaken Barrel. My grandma and I eat there after church almost every Sunday,” sophomore Oscar Sahm said. “They have big heaters for when it’s cold, but it’s definitely better in the summer.”

Oaken Barrel is just one of many local outdoor dining establishments. Another place with beautiful scenery is Richard’s Brick Oven Pizza in Franklin.

“I like Richard’s Brick Oven Pizza’s outdoor eating area because it is really pretty and surrounded by trees. At night, the whole place lights up,” sophomore Lila Thompson said.

Mrs. Curls is a place that lots of people hold close to their hearts. Their outdoor seating borders Old City Park and Pleasant Creek.

“I like Mrs. Curls because it’s kind of in the middle of everything. You can walk pretty much anywhere from there, the diamonds, the fieldhouse, the community center,” freshman Colin Burdine said. “Whenever I’m in the area or get a chance to go, it’s always a good experience, and I’ll take my ice cream to the park or eat by the creek,”

Maybe 500 yards away from Mrs. Curls is Jockamo Uppercrust Pizza, a place with a great outdoor venue with a view of The Suds and the car show every Saturday.

“I like the food as well as the Car show on Saturdays. It gets pretty busy, but I like watching the cars and enjoying the environment,” sophomore Derek Rockwell said.