When we built the carport, we also built a wooden deck with a covering over about half of it, and keep our BBQ grill and a set of table/chairs under it. When it's too windy in the front yard swing, this back covered deck is usually perfect to sit on, depending on if you want to be in the sun or shade will depend on which half you sit on. I also shifted from having a HUGE above-ground vegetable garden in our back 1/2-acre to having this small one next to where I park, so I could take care of it easier, (although when I took this picture it needed weeding).