A nice patio is a worthwhile investment. Not only can you utilize the space for wining and dining while you are living in your house, but when it comes time to sell your place, your patio can make your house more appealing.

According to a 2007 survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors, patios were among the top 10 features that buyers want in a new house. More than half of surveyed buyers said that they would be willing to pay a premium for a house with a patio.

Patios add value to your house

Jim Lowenstern, broker and owner of Castles Real Estate in Newton, Mass., says that a well-designed, constructed and maintained patio may make your house more appealing to potential buyers.

"They consider it a bonus living area that will not be taxed heavily, doesn't need to be heated or cooled and is easy to manage all year long with all of its associated benefits," Lowenstern says.

What's so great about a patio?

So you know that building a patio may increase the value of your home, but is it worth the investment? Lowenstern points out that having a patio means your living space transcends the walls of your home. On a nice day, an outdoor sitting area is steps from your door. You can invest in some practical patio furniture or set up lounge chairs and take a break from your busy schedule without going too far.

Patios also allow you to take your cooking out of the kitchen. Throw some burgers on the grill and enjoy a pleasant evening in your backyard.

Peter Wollner, a broker at New Homes and Land Brokers in Torrance, Calif., says that patios are prime places for outdoor entertainment, especially when you can easily supply the music with your smart phone or iPod and a set of speakers.

"You can transform the outdoor patio space to an entertainers lounge, virtually overnight," he says.

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Add Value With A Patio

The 4th of July is all about the parties. On rooftops, porches and patios everywhere, Americans are firing up grills in preparation for our country's birthday, serving up tasty food and, of course drinks.

Instead of sipping on microbrews, expertly mixed cocktails or fine bottles of wine, why not bring a bit of nostalgia to the celebration with Jell-O shooters. These vodka-soaked squares of gelatin are all grown up since your college days and have morphed into tasty treats of sophistication.

It's true, the Jell-O shooter is back with a vengeance. The molecular mixology craze combined with the push among many higher-end bartenders to use fresh ingredients and find new and unique takes on cocktails have driven them to mine the bizarre world of gelatin. But no longer are these the day-glo concoctions found in the dixie cups of yore. No, these are made with the greatest of care, freshest of ingredients and with a sense of fun and whimsy that even the most demented frat boy intent on whipping up a batch of pina colada Jell-O shots would be hard pressed to match.

And best of all, they're available in bars and restaurants across the country, not to mention easy enough to whip up in your own kitchen.

The Gin & Tonic

Perhaps the quintessential summer drink, it was almost inevitable that this classic was mixed into gel form. And who better to do it than Michelle Palm, the woman who wrote the book on Jell-O shooters, literally. The author of Jelly Shot Test Kitchen, Palm has made a habit of translating a wide variety of cocktails into jiggly forms. Starting with a blog, she documented her search for gelatinized inebriation and eventually scored a book deal, where her catalog of boozy snacks is photographed to perfection. The blog continues on as well, her friends enjoying the fruits of her experimentation far too much to allow her to stop. Not that Palm minds, saying, I'll keep posting recipes as long as people have an interest, and probably for a good long time after that. It's terrifically fun.

Recipe: Click here for the Gin & Tonic

The Watermelon Shooter

While Palm wrote the book, the Internet abounds with how-to's on mixing up your own gelatin libations. Thom Scher, director of marketing for wikiHow.com, is justifiably proud of his site's catalog of slippery shooters. While the site features everything from caffeine Jello shots to Easter egg Jello shots, one of the most popular versions, according to Scher, is, a simple and delicious treat that's a step up from a normal college shooter, using muddled watermelon and premium vodka to take a familiar fraternity treat and turn it into something special.

Recipe: Click here for the Watermelon Shooter

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Adults-Only Jello

People will be able to enjoy a snack and a glass of wine in the sunshine this summer in downtown Abbotsford if all goes as planned.

Council approved a new proposal by the Abbotsford Downtown Business Association on Monday to allow patios on city sidewalks in the historic core. ADBA executive director Tina Stewart said the group has been pushing for patios in the area for a couple of years and hopes to see them set up within the next month or so.

"We want to create more foot traffic in the area and make it more appealing to the eye," said Stewart.

"It fits into the downtown vision where people are comfortable walking around and fits with the community's character."

The proposal will draw more pedestrians to the core and create a vibrant, interesting atmosphere and streetscape, she said. People will see cafs or restaurants establish little patios on sidewalks but the seating areas won't block pedestrian traffic.

Area businesses made the push for the plan after enjoying success with test run patios set up during Berry Beat Festival last year, said Stewart.

"It's a huge draw. Sitting outside is something people really enjoy," she said.

Ken Baerg, director of economic development, said the patio plan will run as a pilot project in the downtown area and, if successful, will be expanded to businesses in the rest of the city.

City staff will establish the bureaucratic particulars including an approval process and licensing agreements, Baerg said. A draft set of guidelines for the design, construction, decor, lighting, plants and pedestrian access into and around the patios has been developed.

The cost being proposed by the city for a new patio licence would be $120 upon application and a $40 fee for each subsequent year.

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Abbotsford approves patios for downtown core

Chebucto Coffee Under the trellis on Chebucto, a London Fog in hand, is the perfect place to meet your neighbours and their friendly dogs. Conveniently located where multiple buses converge, within sight of a basketball court (to gently remind you of your summer resolution to try group sports), this sorely needed west end coffee shop is a little haven of calm on busy Chebucto.6430 Chebucto Road, 404-5885

The Chickenburger The sidewalk's sizzling and all you want to do is dunk an onion ring into some ice cream and eat it in the shade. We won't judge you and neither will the folks at the downtown location of The Chickenburger. Chicken Little provides for your ice cream cravings (watch for extended hours as it gets warmer) and The Chickenburger serves up burgers of the cheese, chicken and regular variety, fish 'n' chips, onion rings, et cetera. You know the drill, they know the grill. 1466 Queen Street

Just Us! Coffeehouse The flagship house at the corner of Spring Garden Road and Carlton Street has a huge bottom floor, a lovely upstairs and, most notably for our purposes, a handful of tables on the very busy street outside. Heavily trafficked by students during the school year, in the summer it becomes a beacon for java lovers, evening walkers and commuters. 5896 Spring Garden Road, 423-0856

Sawadee Tea House Down in the Granville Mall, where art students and marathon drinkers mingle, lies this lovely tea shop. It boasts a selection of leaves from all over the world, so pick your poison and snag one of the half-dozen seats out front. 1871 Granville Street, 422-4192

Second Cup Grab an Icepresso or one of the new blended fruit drinks---green apple, hello---snag a seat in the nook between the cafe and the old TD Bank, and watch it all go by. 5425 Spring Garden Road, 429-0883

The Smiling Goat This tiny sidewalk set is great for creeping gym-goers while you sip your high-end coffee. 1551 South Park Street, 446-3366

Steve-O-Reno's Cappuccino A meeting spot for students, post-yoga gossipers and underemployed musicians alike. It's a fight for a seat on the modest patio, but great for savouring iced coffee. Mmmmm.1536 Brunswick Street, 429-3034

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Booze-free patios

Argyle Bar & Grill On Argyle Street, in the summer months there's more patio to be seen than actual sidewalk. The Argyle Bar & Grill, then, sets off this patio strip right, with both a 25-table rooftop patio and a second street-level patio out front. While you've plenty of tables to choose from, you better beware: on a hot summer's day, you might be fighting your fellow patio-goers to snag that open table. Just be sure to beat the crowds and lay your claim early. After all, it's five o'clock somewhere.1575 Argyle Street, 492-8844

Celtic Corner You have a perennially smug friend visiting from out west and you want to shove our rich history in their face so they'll finally quit it? Celtic Corner has got you covered. Not only do you get to work in a ferry trip (do they have those in Alberta? If they do they're probably not as good), but you also get to show this chucklehead the delights of our hearty cuisine, accompanied by that cheerful lilting music we know so well. A fisherman's pie, some local tunes and the sunny skies of Dartmouth will have this fictional character wishing he was a Nova Scotian boy. 69 Alderney Drive, 464-0764

Mexicali Rosa's If this isn't your favourite place to settle down in the sun with a double margarita, then I am NACHO friend! Ha! Heh!...And after that joke, you're probably happy about that. Moving on, then. With a 40-table rooftop patio, Mexi's provides the perfect pretend-tropical vacation for Haligonians. Heck, after a few of these margaritas, you won't even realize you're still in Nova Scotia. You might need a little siesta after this one. 5472 Spring Garden Road, 422-7672

The New Palace If you're lookin' for a place to cool off when you're dancing the night away, this is the spot. Shimmy from the dance floor to the patio for some fresh air. Or if you're looking to make a stop during the day, the patio's open then, too. Directly across from Citadel Hill, you can venture in after suntanning.1721 Brunswick Street, 420-0015

Pizza Delight Best known for its round-the-clock cheap drink specials and 24-hour operations, lest we forget that this new Pizza Delight location also boasts a 32-seat patio overlooking Spring Garden Road, which means watching people on one of the busiest corners in town at any time of the day. Imagine the changing tapestry, then go have a slice, grill some bread and watch it yourself. 5680 Spring Garden Road, 455-0990

Red Stag Tavern "Those who like it, like it a lot!" Why, yes. Yes, we do. The Red Stag Tavern---located in the old Keith's brewery---has an awesome rooftop patio. Serving up all Keith's has to offer, this 15-table patio is the perfect place to celebrate that Maritime pride. 1496 Lower Water Street, 422-0275

Your Father's Moustache With about 32 tables on its rooftop patio, it's great if you're looking to remove yourself from the chaos of Spring Garden Road. They also have a smoking area to save people from travelling downstairs to strike a light. Don't worry, though---it's separate from the food and drink area. 5686 Spring Garden Road, 423-6766

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Raised & rooftop patios

Bearly's House of Blues and Ribs The south side of Barrington Street is a friendly place in the summer. It's rare to stand about for any length of time without striking up a conversation, and if that's your thing, this is the place. Park it on Bearly's minimalist patio and soak up the sweet strains of local R&B, jazz and blues wafting outside from the bar (plus local comedy on Wednesdays before the ever-popular karaoke with Mimi), have a nosh (the kitchen's open to 10pm Tuesday to Sunday) admire some meticulously cared for motorcycles and drown your sorrows/toast your happiness with a drink. 1269 Barrington Street, 423-2526

Economy Shoe Shop Another classic Argyle Street joint, the Economy Shoe Shop is known for its nachos. So why not stop for a bite and quench your thirst on their patio? After those salty, spicy, cheesy mounds of goodness, you might need more than one. Like most Argyle hotspots, the view from the Shoe Shop might not be the most spectacular---hello, vacant lot---but hey, you'll probably be too busy chowin' down and drinkin' up to notice. 1663 Argyle Street, 423-8845

The Fireside Restaurant These 30 seats make some of the primest people-watching space downtown, with eyes on the Brunswick rundown, Spring Garden pass and library lawn. Drool over the passing Folklore Centre guitars and Taz Records finds in the day or marvel at the alcohol-to-heel-to-falling ratio at night. Plus: Martinis! 1500 Brunswick Street, 423-5995

Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market If you can find a more majestic south end view of the Harbour, you must live in the sky. Walk through the market and put yourself together a local spread, tote it all up the stairs and head on out to the rooftop patio for a lovely scene. It'll be open on Canada Day for the fireworks. 1209 Marginal Road, 429-6256

Hamachi Steakhouse Bar & Grill This harbourside patio has 30 seats upon which you can enjoy some late-afternoon sushi and/or a huge drink menu, featuring beer, wine, scotch, martinis and "exotic" cocktails. Or settle in for dinner---there's food that doesn't swim, too---and watch the booze cruises drift by. 1477 Lower Water Street, 422-1600

Q Smokehouse and Southern Barbecue A different sort of patio for Argyle Street---though there is a small selection of booze available, you're hanging out at Q for one thing: Meat. Watch the ladies and dudes do their various mating dances and dodge cabs all the way up and down the street while you sit, relaxed and full, the smell of hickory kissing the night goodbye. 1580 Argyle Street, 407-4006

Rogues Roost While it might be tiny---six tables---there's nothing like people-watching on a patio with a microbrew in hand. And if Spring Garden Road isn't the best spot for that, then I don't know what is. With five ales to choose from, feel free to sit and people-watch all day. After all, you really should sample them all...5435 Spring Garden Road, 492-2337

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Patios for people-watching

Outdoor boulevard patios and parking will co-exist on Main Street Unionville this summer. However, about half of the existing 25 street parking spaces could be axed and merchants who want patios will be required to enter into an encroachment agreement with the town. The interim compromise, OKd by Markham council, doesnt sit well with the local councillor and some merchants on the street who say they want to see parking stay and boulevard patios gone. You cant suck and blow at the same time, Councillor Don Hamilton said at Tuesday nights council meeting. If something is dangerous, then they are all dangerous. Mr. Hamiltons comment was directed to Sharon Taylor Wood, owner of What Girls Want. Ms Taylor Wood said she was asked by about 40 merchants on the street to urge that town council not remove parking and ban boulevard patios. They are unsafe, she said of patios. Asked if she thought parking on the street is also unsafe, Ms Taylor Wood said there have been no complaints about car doors hitting pedestrians or accidents on the street. We want the street the way it is, she said. Paul Vasilovsky of The Unionville Arms expressed similar concerns to the towns general committee Monday. Removal of parking on the west side of the street will only congest the east side further, he said. Id rather see handicapped parking than patios, Mr. Vasilovsky said. However, town staff saidthere have been six reported accidents on Main Street Unionville in the last three years. About 6,000 vehicles use the main stretch of the street every day, said Paul Ingham, Markhams director of operation. Mr. Ingham said with the sidewalk measuring about one metre wide, car doors often open into pedestrians and cars are parked right up to flower barrels on the street, making it difficult for staff to maintain the flowers. Not only that, but cars parked on the boulevard can restrict sight lines for drivers turning onto the street. The compromise will improve sightlines by eliminating some parking spaces at driveway access points along the west side of the street, between Carlton Road and Station Lane. Mr. Hamilton said if the town was to remove some parking, extra spaces should be provided on the east side, behind shops or on town-owned land in close proximity to Main Street. If you can do that over the summer, youll be the biggest hero Unionville Main Street has ever had.

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Patios, parking to co-exist in Unionville for summer

More and more restaurants are staying open, serving desert lovers who enjoy the warm nights on misted patios with chilled soups, fresh cocktails and delicious deals.

Even restaurants that have never closed during the summer Melvyn's Restaurant at the Ingleside Inn has been open every day for the past 37 years say more and more residents and visitors are sticking it out through the heat.

A lot of people will not travel overseas or make other expensive trips since the economy is still not as good, she said. Since we have great hotel packages and good restaurants with affordable prices in Palm Springs, visitors love to come here during the summer time.

Pinocchio's boasts cheap eats and drinks all year-round, with bottomless champagne at $3.95.

Bargain hunters should also watch for special prix fixe menus.

The three-course menus at Escena Lounge & Grill in Palm Springs, at Acqua Pazza California Bistro in Rancho Mirage, and at Pacifica Seafood in Palm Desert are a great excuse to get out of the house.

Here's a taste of The Desert Sun's favorite summer offerings throughout the valley:

Johannes, while closed on Mondays, will be open all summer long with deals like a three-course $34 prix fixe menu or $28 two-course summer menu.

Eat at the bar for schnitzel starting at $10.

Where: Johannes is at 196 S. Indian Canyon Drive

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Summer dining in the desert

SAUGEEN SHORES-

In response to a growing number of inquires from local restaurants about placing tables, chairs or patios on public property in front of their businesses, town staff drafted a policy for council's consideration which was presented at the June 11 committee-of-the-whole meeting. Town clerk Linda White, who presented the information report, said the policy itself differentiates between a sidewalk patio and a sidewalk caf. A sidewalk patio is a fenced-in area on public land between the building facade and pedestrian sidewalk, a caf would also be located on public land between the building facade and the pedestrian sidewalk, but would not be fenced in. Further, where the sale and consumption of alcohol is allowed within the patio area, no sale of alcohol would be permitted on a sidewalk caf. Business owners who are interested in placing a patio or caf out front of their building would have to apply for an encroachment agreement and provide a blueprint of the proposed area. If met, the encroachment agreement would remain in effect provided the business is not transferred or sold, White continued. As outlined in the recommendation report, the Town or business owner has the right to terminate the agreement upon 10 days notice and the agreement gives the business owner the right to use the land for the purpose of a patio or caf and nothing more. Moreover, the current fees and charges by-law establishes a nonrefundable administration fee of $250 per application and an annual fee of $100. The sidewalk patios would have to follow certain requirements such as how far the patio can extend from the building to ensure a minimum two metre unobstructed pedestrian corridor is maintained; that it can only be open during regular business hours and no later than 11 p.m. unless granted by the town to operate until 1 a.m; that it can remain open from April 1 to Oct. 30 and that black iron fencing is required within those months and removed in winter months for snow removal. The requirements for the sidewalk cafs are the same as the patios with the following exceptions: no fence is required; no alcohol can be served; no umbrellas are allowed and furnishings must be removed from the area after regular business house. The sidewalk cafs are also permitted year round in compliance with snow removal. Vice deputy mayor Doug Gowanlock thought the recommendation was an excellent idea. "We have had a number of encroachments that we have dealt with bit by bit... and I think a policy provides our staff with the ability to get out there and deal with these as they come up," he said. "I think it's an excellent amenity in the town." Deputy mayor Luke Charbonneau agreed. "This is a great policy and we have had some great success, such as Allan's (Fireside Grill), a great patio," he said. "We have others that are on private property which is great now. I think this says to the community... this is something that the municipality is going to accept." One item however that did not sit well with Charbonneau was the suggested fence for a sidewalk patio and the instruction for it to be black iron. "I think if its tastefully done, and in keeping with the direction of the downtown areas, then it doesn't necessarily need to be black iron," he said. "It doesn't need to be mandated." When questioned on behalf of the Port Elgin BIA, president Jeff Carver said anything the town can do to assist businesses by easing fees and stipulations with regard to patios in the downtown is needed and welcome. "This could include waiving fees and removing guidelines and restrictions," he said. "Instead, the appearance of these patios should be governed by the concepts and designs put forth in the streetscape plan." According to Carver, the more activity on main street the better it is for all businesses. "The reality is, that patios and the restaurants attached to them, bring visitors and locals to main street creating positive economic spin-offs for the community at large," he continued. "The BIA welcomes anything the Town and council can do to make operating a business in Port Elgin more cost effective and less regulated." Councillor Diane Huber asked White about the coffee shops that currently exist on the main streets and whether they would be grand-fathered into the policy or not? "I would like to see them all treated the same under this policy," replied White. "There are some existing businesses that would be expected to put up the fee."Huber further questioned White on the need to charge participants $100 on an annual basis when a sign encroachment is only $50. Charbonneau echoed Huber's remarks, noting he would be fine waiving the fee as it does not offset any municipal expenses. Councillor Taun Frosst did not see it that way. "One hundred dollars is not a whole lot of dough, and if you support (development charges) you should support this fee," he said. Gowanlock was also reluctant. "I don't think $100 is out of line," he added, noting his concern was more concerned about liability. Huber also made it known there was no mention of smoking within the draft encroachment policy and said she would take issue if it enabled smoking areas outside restaurants and coffee shops. "I'm not so confident in my initial comments if patrons have to walk through smoke to gain entrance," she said. "I don't think we have to get into that now, this is economic activity on the main street, that's the long and short of it," Charbonneau rebutted. With respect, Huber said she would appreciate knowing what is acceptable, so council can share with the public whether it's in the policy or not. The recommendation that council adopt a sidewalk patio and sidewalk cafe draft encroachment policy was carried.

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News Local

The patio. Nothing is more synonymous with summer in the city. Heres a collection of Torontos favourites.

You know that saying about how house parties always end up in the kitchen? Well, all of Torontos best parties between June and September end up outside. On Saturday night, for example, my friend and her neighbours overtook the roof of a Sobeys, because on a warm night, you wouldnt dare want to be anywhere but under the skies. Yup, just say the word and youll notice patios are now selling points: youd get dizzy at the number of patio opening parties that have become actual occasions. And I dont just mean people being cute with their backyards. (I was even invited to something actually dubbed a partyio, or patio party.)

Since all the days and alfresco nights are permanently glued together now, lets see if I can remember all the new additions everyones been talking about and/or drinking for free at. First there was the opening of DEQ, the Ritz-Carltons opulentyet somehow underwhelminghalf indoor/half outdoor space. Its fine, and there are fire pits, but it stops being expansive just as you realize it overlooks, I believe, the back of another building. (But the amazing hand-shaken minimalist daiquiri is like chloroform, so youll forget.) And Italian restaurant Piola opened a sorely-needed front sidewalk patio on West Queen West, just shy of Dufferin, creating a feel someone described to me as a taste of Little Italy without the obnoxious. The Thompson Hotel also re-unveiled its rooftop pool space, slightly re-designed with new finishes and, look, more fire. (I also get confused when people bitch that its so exclusive. I think its pitch perfect for Toronto views on any non-weekend day because everyones at work. Just elevator up.) Then Grand Electrics patio opened (yay!) and it looks so cute and side-of-the-road taco stand-ish, but I still see people waiting in line. Tomorrow night, Yorkville-adjacent Malna Restaurant at Avenue and Davenport will open its 14-seat outdoor space, too, andsurprisingly and welcomingly way-off-trendwill take reservations! (Protip: thats just in time for Summerlicious, and the restaurant is participating.)

And last Friday, the Drake Hotel celebrated the opening of its newest summer theme, the carnival-meets-amusement park Drakeland. The Hotel is continuing its tradition of transformation hot off the sizzling successes of last years Summer School and, before that, their first instalment of the seasonal series with Camp Drake. I remember when the buildings Sky Yard was as good as it got for rooftop bliss. Now, weve got healthy competition and more than enough favourites to go around. And I think back to mine: weekends with board games (fine, Scrabble) and half-price wine at The Roxton (379 Harbord Street), Tuesday afternoons hiding at La Hacienda (640 Queen Street West) with those lick-your-fingers nachos, or the ridiculously legit tapas in the velvet night at Julies Cuban (202 Dovercourt Road). Or The Done Right Inn.(Thought: why arent there any rooftop patios that host actual dance parties? We cant be that lame with noise laws.)So, in the spirit of the season and because I am so sick of Best Of lists, I once again surveyed some of Torontos social-est butterflies for a quick compilation favourite outdoor spots worth a trip this summer. And yes, lets have some fun and compare by adding your own recommendations below and comparinglike, maybe, some spots in the east end?

Easy Question. Bairrada (1000 College Street). The back patio is a hidden gem; I almost dont even want to tell the people about it. Its all picnic benches, the food is to die for, the sangria is cheap and if youre down for Euro Cup they have screens for the games. Hands down my favourite patio in Toronto. A close second is probably still the Green Roomalthough, is that place still open? Stefania Yarhi, photographer of the stylish and woman behind Textstyles.ca. (And, yes, according to a Yelp review from May 2012, the Green Room is still poppin.)

I met my guy on the Teatro (505 College Street) patio (well, at the bar technically) so its always been a favourite of mine. Tati Bistro (124 Harbord Street) feels like a treehouse in the very best way. And the Toronto Island Cafthe most idyllic spot in Torontojust got a liquor license so the good just got even better. Alison Lawler-Dean, senior PR manager, Joe Fresh

The Gem Bar & Grill(1159 Davenport Road) is my favourite patio by far. I am a bit biased because its mere blocks from me, but despite my clear subjectivity, its beautiful at night and offers patrons a secluded space adorned with multi-coloured LED lights. (Plus, theres tons of loud-mouth conversations, making for hilarious, overheard, out-of -context scenarios.) Navi Lamba, social media at GCI Canada, and a bystander to last weeks MMVA meltdown

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The Night Shift: Toronto’s favourite patios