It’s spring and, although the weather in the Red River Valley doesn’t appear to have gotten the memo, warm weather adventures are on everybody’s minds.
I hosted a #PrairiePlaces Twitter chat a few days ago and asked readers about their favorite spring things. Here are their recommendations.
Please let me know your suggestions in the comments at the end of the post too! Just look for the questions in bold throughout the post to get ideas about what to comment on or chime in with your own thoughts and opinions. I get my best tips from readers like you.
What do you consider to be the first sign of spring?
“Robins! And all the other outside critters, but robins most. Love seeing them back in the neighborhood!” – @Katey911
“First thundershower of the season!” – @NaomiOrre
“The Como Zoo spring flower show is always our first sign.” – @saintpaul
“As soon as that snow melts, it’s flip flop time for me.” – @AmandaHofland
“Seeing a blooming crocus!” –@FeistyEats
“I’ve always loved the mourning dove’s song, I equate that with spring’s arrival. Confession: for many years I thought they were “morning” doves because I always heard them in the morning!” – @ccarolson
I don’t judge — I totally thought that too. And now they’re a sound I always associate with the Midwest.
Do you have mourning doves where you are? (That’s totally not a question I thought I’d be dying to know, but it is. Sometimes these things surprise me.)
What spring events are always on your calendar?
“Hoping to check out a vintage car shows…Toppers and any other vintage cars events.” – @NaomiOrre
“We’re ready for @stpaulcinco!” – @SaintPaul
Photo provided by @SaintPaul
Where do you go to see — or buy — spring flowers?
“Any Farmers Market = good choice. Or local grocer. Saint Paul Farmers Market is my all-time favorite. Trader Joe’s (Woodbury) had pretty ones too” – @NaomiOrre
“The Garden Mill in Beulah. This event is another sign of spring”. – @FeistyEats
“Cashman’s! And the spring garden show. And Faulkner’s. No place is safe.” – @Katey911 (Editor’s note: These are all in Bismarck/Mandan.)
“This year, I’m hoping to grow some of my own flowers. Planting a small balcony garden so I have fresh flowers all season!” – @DoYouEvenPaleo
What are your favorite places to get outdoors during the spring?
“Road bike, gravel grinders & just bought a mtn bike too. Really want to check out @DetroitMountain.” –@Markus_Fargo
“Lots of walks and visiting @TheForks. Winter lasts too long here in Winnipeg. It’s time to get out!” –@accordingtomio
“Biking, hiking or running outside. Getting out to Hazen Bay to kayak hopefully.” -@FeistyEats
“Getting your fitness on outside is way better. Another place — outside city limits for storm chasing.” -@NaomiOrre
Photo provided by @SaintPaul
What are the best places to eat and drink outdoors in your city?
“Patios. The answer is always patios.” – @SaintPaul
“I love the patio at Doolittles. Nice n cozy.” – @AmandaHofland
“Only experience I had so far is the patio at Rhombus Guys Pizza (Fargo). More places to explore this year. When you go back to St. Paul, the @WAFrostCompany patio = OMG AMAZING..” -@NaomiOrre
“JL Beers is also nice. I mean let’s face it, there are LOTS of great places to eat outside in Fargo!” – @DoYouEvenPaleo
“Knights Lodge in Riverdale had a cute little patio for dining.” – @FeistyEats
So what are your favorite spring things? What would you respond to the questions above? What did I forget to ask about?
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