When the pandemic closed down indoor dining and kept customers away, restaurants that could adjusted by creating or expanding outdoor dining.

Now that trend seems to be here to stay throughout the Philadelphia region, writes Erin McCarthy for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Customers have always enjoyed dining and drinking outdoors, and that experience accelerated because of COVID-19.

But Media Borough got into the game early, 15 years ago, before anyone ever heard of COVID-19.

Dining Under the Stars closes down four blocks of State Street to vehicles Wednesday night May to September. 

Residents and visitors can dine al fresco at tables set up on the street, choosing meals from participating borough restaurants.

 Live music is provided and some stores are open for shoppers before and after their meal.

The event draws in thousands every summer. It is now in its 15^th year.

Dining Under the Stars began in 2007 as a way to make Media a “destination” town by increasing summer visitors midweek.

While turnout was low during its debut, it has grown into a hugely successful venture, according to a presentation by the Media Business Authority.

Read more at The Philadelphia Inquirer about Media setting the regional trend for outdoor dining.

Here’s some Dining Under the Stars testimonials from Live Love Media.