Picture yourself on a patio. There’s a tranquil river flowing along the walkway, and a gentle breeze ruffling your hair. The white wine in your glass is almost as delicious as the sun on your bare shoulders, and the soft melody of an acoustic guitar ripples out over the water.

Sound dreamy? You can make that dream a reality if you’re visiting Bend in the warmer months when outdoor dining abounds. Pack the whole family around a big wooden table with killer views of the Cascades, or schedule that special anniversary dinner at more than a dozen restaurants with views of the sparkling Deschutes River.

Visiting in the wintertime when outdoor dining holds less appeal? You’ll stay nice and toasty at the outdoor fire pits at stops like Crux Fermentation Project, McMenamins, and Worthy Brewing along the Bend Ale Trail. There’s even an area devoted to year-round outdoor dining at The Lot, which features heaters and warmed bench seats to keep your booty from freezing.

Want to skip the restaurant scene? Stock your picnic basket at Newport Market, then head for one of more than 80 parks in the Bend city limits.