Summer is over but it’s not too late to bask atop Oaksterdam in privacy in the autumn sun amid climbing vines to eat lunch and enjoy the skyline view, from the classic Fox Theatre to the downtown towers. Birds rustle and sing in the bushes and hanging vines while the traffic lies far below your feet. On a warm day you can enjoy a quiet conversation and balmy air.

Kaiser rooftop garden

It’s not wheelchair accessible and you have to bring your own lunch, but with all the restaurants nearby, the problem is choosing from among the variety of lunchtime options available.

View from Kaiser

So where, you may ask, is this Uptown oasis and lunchtime outdoor getaway? Atop the Kaiser Permanente parking structure, at  19th and Franklin Streets. With winter approaching, there will be fewer days to take the elevator up as far as it goes and make the extra climb to find a friendly, secluded and restful area to visit and cap off your Oaksterdam experience.

And please, always remember to drive responsibly when you head out of town.