AOA birthday drawing #5 Albany Food & Drink
Crocuses-- one of the first local signs of spring.
This week, AOA celebrates our 5th birthday -- and you get the presents. Each day this week we'll hold a drawing for another birthday present. You can enter every day to win all kinds of good stuff.
Today's birthday drawing prize is a basket full of food and drink from Albany. It includes:
+A $50 gift certificate for The Wine Bar and Bistro on Lark
+A $25 gift certificate for Crisan
+A bottle of sparkling wine and $25 gift certificate for Capital Wine
+A $25 gift certificate to Red Poppies Polish Pantry
+A sweatshirt and bottle of Coal Yard New Make Rye from Albany Distilling Company.
To enter, just answer the question below in the comment section of this post.
We're finally noticing some signs of spring in the Capital Region. What's your favorite local sign of spring?
Maybe it's the warmer weather, or the crocuses or tulips, or the ice cream stands. Tell us what gets you excited about the season.
We'll pick one winner at random.
Important: All comments must be submitted by noon on Saturday, April 20, 2013 to be entered in the drawing. You must answer the question to be part of the drawing. (Regular commenting guidelines apply.) One entry per person, please. You must enter a valid email address (that you check regularly) with your comment. The winner will be notified via email by 2 pm on Saturday and must respond by noon on Tuesday, April 23.
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Comments
The grass greening up.
I know that's a pretty mundane answer, but to me, it's the first sign that Albany is going from B&W to color again. :)
... said SiobhanGK on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:23 PM | link
Outside patios at my favorite bars!
... said Sarah on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:26 PM | link
The Tulips coming up in Washington Park
... said Drew on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:27 PM | link
That moment when, all of sudden, the trees have leaves again.
... said k on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:27 PM | link
Outside seating at all of my favorite Saratoga restaurants. Also, the AOA birthday party, of course!
... said Tim on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:28 PM | link
My favorite sign of spring is when all of the birds start flocking to my bird feeders! I love waking up in the morning to their chirps.
... said heather on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:28 PM | link
Tulip Fest!
... said Shawn on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:28 PM | link
To me, it's the smell. I love that fresh smell of spring, especially in my parent's garden in Troy's East side. That and the blooming flowers and trees.
There's one particular cherry tree in downtown Troy (between 5th and 6th on Fulton St) that always seems to bloom earlier than the others and it's a gorgeous sign of warm weather to come.
... said Danielle Sanzone on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:29 PM | link
The return of soft-serve!
... said J on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:29 PM | link
My favorite sign is the first sight of little green buds on trees, trying to come out for summer.
on a side note- great party last night!
... said Julia on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:31 PM | link
Favorite local sign of spring would be the flower beds in Washington Park starting to bloom... But least favorite would be the pollen raining down from the trees, making my allergies go crazy. It's a love/hate thing with Spring.
... said Paul on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:33 PM | link
Seeing the beautiful tulips in Washington park!
... said mg on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:33 PM | link
Definitely the spring smell in the air!
... said julie on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:38 PM | link
Kurver Kreme opening day!
... said bb on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:38 PM | link
tulipfest!
... said Kelly on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:39 PM | link
Kurver Kreme opening for the season.
... said Lisa on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:39 PM | link
The re-emergence of outdoor dining!!!
... said Mike D on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:42 PM | link
Spring Break!
... said Bob on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:43 PM | link
Seeing my long johns in the drawer. Not on me. Freedom!
... said Randal Putnam on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:43 PM | link
My favorite sign is when the season ice cream places open up - especially Jericho right near me!
... said Erin M. on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:44 PM | link
when the coffee shops start putting tables outside.
... said innae on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:47 PM | link
Kurver!
... said Matt on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:50 PM | link
Patio drinks.
... said sk on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:51 PM | link
Warm sunshine.
... said ethan on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:53 PM | link
When the Red-winged Blackbirds come back! The first time see them during a run in Washington Park or at chilly early spring hike at Five Rivers, I get excited for the rest of the migrants, the tulips, the tree buds - all that nice stuff that comes with springing! Oh, and of course, the Spring peepers that I can hear outside my office window as I type right now!
... said Laura on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:54 PM | link
The food trucks are back.
... said John M. on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:57 PM | link
The blossoms of the weeping cherry tree in Washington Park along Willett Street!
... said Heather on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:59 PM | link
i personally like the fashion that comes with northeast springs: hoodies with flip flops. best weather ever.
... said colleen on Apr 19, 2013 at 12:59 PM | link
Opening day at Snowman
... said derryX on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:00 PM | link
Ultimate frisbee coming back to Troy! Check it out at www.facebook.com/troyufc
... said Jay Walker on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:00 PM | link
Baseball season begins
(I enjoy watching my son's school baseball games)
... said Michelle on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:01 PM | link
Kurver Kreme :-)
... said Lisa on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:01 PM | link
Grackles....pooping on my pool cover - the sure sign of spring!
... said -R. on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:01 PM | link
The e-billboards from APD on Lark St. with notices about the noise ordinances, and the cars with windows down blasting music as they roll past them.
... said Patrick D. on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:01 PM | link
Waking up to all the birds first thing in the morning - they get me up at least a half hour earlier and my dog appreciates the extra time for morning walks.
... said Lola on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:01 PM | link
Jumpin Jacks OPENS
... said Guy on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:02 PM | link
The landscaping trucks around the capital, because that means the tulips and greenery are being planted and ready to bloom!
... said jenn on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:02 PM | link
The return of Kurver Kreme (even if it was delayed this year: so was spring!)
... said LB on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:03 PM | link
Soft serve and spring migration of birds! So excited for both!
... said Naomi on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:04 PM | link
Allergies... Or being able to enjoy being outside again.
... said Scott on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:04 PM | link
Got to be the tulips. Not just in the park, but all over town.
... said 518townie on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:04 PM | link
When I look down the streets of Center Square and the Pine Hills and realize how big and beautiful the trees are when covered in leaves. It's like a canopy!
... said Kate on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:04 PM | link
Starting to see garlic and onions pushing through my garden!
... said Jessica R on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:05 PM | link
Seasonal beers on tap at the local brewpubs.
... said Chris on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:05 PM | link
Peepers! You know, those little frogs that "sing" on warm, damp Spring nights. They sound like sleigh bells.
... said Rhea on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:05 PM | link
Fresh air and enjoying being outside
... said Scott on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:06 PM | link
When the red-breasted robins start showing up on the lawns in my neighborhood - I finally saw one yesterday!
... said xina on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:06 PM | link
Oh I miss those patio drinks... and my garden thawing, and the option of camping without freezing!
... said bonster on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:06 PM | link
My favorite sign of spring is when I see great blue herons returning. Spotting them overhead is exciting, with their large wingspans and long legs. I can be having the grumpiest of days, but seeing a heron always makes me smile!
... said Lissa on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:07 PM | link
First day without a coat!
... said Valerae on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:07 PM | link
Having cocktails outside!
... said Lauren H. on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:08 PM | link
When they fill the reflection pool at ESP.
... said Mark on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:08 PM | link
Riverfront Bar & Grill (the Barge) opens! It's usually freezing for the first month but you go anyway just to enjoy the feeling of having a drink outside :)
... said Linnea on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:08 PM | link
The sun hanging low over the horizon well after 7pm.
... said abby on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:08 PM | link
Eating outside. Whether in my back yard or on a patio at a restaurant.
... said Michael on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:08 PM | link
Daffodils, tulips and Kay's Pizza! :)
... said Laura Perfetti on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:09 PM | link
Hearing all the birds in the morning! You know warmer weather is right around the corner.
... said RI on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:10 PM | link
Snowman opening!
... said Justin on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:10 PM | link
When the ice cream stores open!
... said Brian on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:11 PM | link
Tube tops.
... said Brendan on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:12 PM | link
My favorite sign of spring is the smell of grills going on those first few mild evenings. Everyone is so eager to enjoy being outdoors and that smell signals they are just about here for good.
I also love the massive bed of tulips at the convergence of Western and Madison. So pretty when that's in full bloom!
... said Jeff D on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:12 PM | link
the best part of spring in the capital region is when the patios open for happy hour!
... said KH on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:14 PM | link
Everybody putting away heavy winter coats.
... said Jeff M on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:14 PM | link
Tulip Fest! (& ice cream)
... said jason on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:15 PM | link
Outdoor farmers markets :D
... said Josie on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:15 PM | link
Tulip Fest of course!
... said Andrea Gregory on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:16 PM | link
The smell of warm rain fallin on asphalt.
So much betther than wintery mix falliing on asphalt.
... said Spoon on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:18 PM | link
more smiles on people's faces
... said meg on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:20 PM | link
Seeing my neighbors on their front porch again!
... said KD on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:20 PM | link
Crocuses pushing up from the snow, and when the Troy Farmers' Market moves outside!
... said Kendra on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:20 PM | link
My garlic coming up.
... said Paul C. on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:22 PM | link
The smell of first warm rain showers
... said Moe on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:23 PM | link
Birds, daffodils, and suddenly seeing the parks and streets fill up with people coming out of hibernation.
... said Chrissy on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:23 PM | link
Rock and roll with the windows down in the car on the drive home from work.
... said Westfall on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:24 PM | link
May seem weird but, yard work.
... said Dave on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:24 PM | link
exploding magnolia blossoms - my favorite tree for sure
... said karamia on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:25 PM | link
Tulipfest
... said Emily on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:25 PM | link
On the Farm is now open, woo!
... said John Costello on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:25 PM | link
More daylight...
... said B S on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:25 PM | link
Suddenly I'm not blue when I drive top down.
... said -S on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:26 PM | link
My favorite sign of spring is the sound of the birds tweeting.
... said Sanda on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:26 PM | link
the smell when driving by Jack's drive-in
... said Ed on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:27 PM | link
Forsythia.
... said chrisck on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:27 PM | link
Being able to dine outside at local establishments.
... said Zac on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:29 PM | link
There are rocks around my building instead of grass (lame). My favorite sign of spring is when flowers push their way up through the rccks as if to say "eff you rocks i win!"
... said nIcole K on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:30 PM | link
The budding leaves on the trees on Lark St.!
... said Suz on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:30 PM | link
Socializing with friends outside at McGeary's!
... said MP on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:31 PM | link
The opening of the local restaurant patios!
... said julie on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:32 PM | link
The tulips blooming!
... said Chrystal on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:32 PM | link
My favorite local sign of spring is the opening of Hoffman's Playland!
... said Graceful J on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:33 PM | link
Being able to open the windows to let fresh air inside. And the cats love it too!
... said Karin on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:33 PM | link
The food trucks at the Capitol!
... said Kay on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:35 PM | link
When I I see chrome & leather and hear the choppers hum, I know winter is over and spring has arrived in the Capital District!
... said Maria on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:36 PM | link
I don't know that it's my favorite, but a sure sign that spring is coming for me, is when the yearly congregation of bikers start meeting at the DD on the corner of Lark and Madison
... said Bee on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:37 PM | link
I always love when the first crocus start coming up. As a kid I always used to say "Hocus Crocus!"
... said Jeff on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:37 PM | link
Tulipfest!
... said Evan on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:38 PM | link
Magnolia's blooming.
... said Albert Gnidica on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:38 PM | link
The carts by the Cap (even if I no longer work over there).
... said Melissa M on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:40 PM | link
Fresh mulch on the Washington Park tulip beds!
... said ajw93 (@ajw93) on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:40 PM | link
My favorite local sign of spring is my neighbors, my husband and the wee one all being in our communal backyard on lounge chairs with cold drinks, each grilling something for dinner, chatting and soaking up the sun while cooking.
... said Kizzi on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:41 PM | link
Growing mint for libations!
... said Kelly on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:43 PM | link
in this order jumpin' jacks, tulip fest, TV (movie) on the deck.
... said mike on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:43 PM | link
My favorite sign of spring is all about nature. I absolutely love it when the first buds appear on the trees!
... said Kelly on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:43 PM | link
Definitely seeing the soft ice cream stands opening up...that and going to little league games. Play ball!
... said Debi on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:44 PM | link
Leaf buds on the trees in Washington Park.
... said Sarah on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:46 PM | link
The crocuses in my yard...
(P.S. Today is MY birthday -- do I get any extra points? :)
... said WendyG on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:46 PM | link
Daffodils
... said Dan on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:47 PM | link
Tastee Treat in New Scotland opening up for the season.
... said Sam gold on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:48 PM | link
People eating/drinking outside - restaurants, bars, parks...even standing in front of the food trucks. Love it.
... said Adam W on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:49 PM | link
Spring peepers!
... said s on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:51 PM | link
Outdoor dining!
... said Nick on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:53 PM | link
My allergies are acting up....
... said Sita on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:55 PM | link
The sound of birds chirping in the morning!
... said Leigh on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:55 PM | link
Food trucks at the Capitol!
... said Caroline on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:56 PM | link
My favorite sign of spring is the warmer temperature and the longer days so that I can come home from work and still be able to take a walk, get ice cream, or just relax!
... said Schuyler on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:56 PM | link
Definitely when Kurver Kream opens for the season!
... said jep on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:59 PM | link
The return of robins would be my favorite
... said Hock41 on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:59 PM | link
The drive-in's opening for the weekends!
... said Heather on Apr 19, 2013 at 1:59 PM | link
Short skirts on college girls!
... said The Amazing Dr. Science! on Apr 19, 2013 at 2:00 PM | link
Yummy - I am so looking forward to a Lark Street outing!
... said Elissa on Apr 19, 2013 at 2:03 PM | link
All the flowering trees blooming in Lincoln Park.
... said cheesewhiz33 on Apr 19, 2013 at 2:04 PM | link
The bunnies returning to my street, and the bird that sounds like R2D2 that has taken up residence in the tree in front of my house!
... said Allie on Apr 19, 2013 at 2:05 PM | link
The sun's still up when "Wheel of Fortune" comes on.
... said CC on Apr 19, 2013 at 2:06 PM | link
When the Snowman and Kurver Kreme open and the tulips are blooming in Washington Park!
... said Jen on Apr 19, 2013 at 2:06 PM | link
The tulips, the tulips, the tulips
... said KatherineSass on Apr 19, 2013 at 2:07 PM | link
Patio dining and tulips!
... said Amandasue on Apr 19, 2013 at 2:09 PM | link
Outdoor patios opening up at local bars!
... said Mike on Apr 19, 2013 at 2:10 PM | link
Afternoon walks in the Pine Bush
... said Adam on Apr 19, 2013 at 2:11 PM | link
definitely all the bulb flowers popping up everywhere!
... said jess (jamesjake) on Apr 19, 2013 at 2:14 PM | link
Patio is open at Hattie's in Saratoga!
... said james b on Apr 19, 2013 at 2:14 PM | link
Taking my dogs on a nice long walk and all the beautiful flowers!
... said Emily on Apr 19, 2013 at 2:16 PM | link
The robins and cardinals that invade the sand creek corridor behind our house!
... said Aaron on Apr 19, 2013 at 2:16 PM | link
The city full of people out and about.
... said mehna on Apr 19, 2013 at 2:21 PM | link
jim's tastee=freeze opening
... said jalarson on Apr 19, 2013 at 2:23 PM | link
Tulip Fest!
... said KGB on Apr 19, 2013 at 2:27 PM | link
My favorite sign of spring is seeing the fountains being filled and turned on at the Empire State Plaza!
... said Diana on Apr 19, 2013 at 2:29 PM | link
The magnolias in bloom...
... said E. on Apr 19, 2013 at 2:29 PM | link
Restaurants finally opening their patios for outdoors dining!
... said mark on Apr 19, 2013 at 2:36 PM | link
Definitely the opening of Jumpin Jacks and ice cream stands!
... said Keri on Apr 19, 2013 at 2:44 PM | link
When the trees start budding and the tulips bloom. Also, my first trip to Country Drive-in!
... said Kristin on Apr 19, 2013 at 2:58 PM | link
Stooping
... said bird on Apr 19, 2013 at 3:00 PM | link
Signs of life at local farm stands! Saw a greenhouse going up today
... said Molly on Apr 19, 2013 at 3:02 PM | link
Ice cream trucks!
... said Cori on Apr 19, 2013 at 3:06 PM | link
Patio Time!
... said Kate on Apr 19, 2013 at 3:15 PM | link
I love seeing everyone walking around with their dogs and strollers. Everyone that was in hiding from winter comes out to take in the fresh air and walk around the city. Its a nice change since you don't really see anyone during those long months of winter.
... said Jennifer on Apr 19, 2013 at 3:18 PM | link
Love the tulips -- my dog stops at each one on our morning walk and drinks the water that collects inside each one. Adorable!
... said natasha on Apr 19, 2013 at 3:19 PM | link
I drive on the Thruway every day, and when I notice the banks of the highway turning green with new grass, I know spring is really coming!
... said t.e. on Apr 19, 2013 at 3:20 PM | link
sun dresses
... said Tom on Apr 19, 2013 at 3:21 PM | link
When Kay's Pizza is open you know spring is coming!
... said Bri on Apr 19, 2013 at 3:23 PM | link
People sitting out on the patios downtown!
... said Jackie on Apr 19, 2013 at 3:25 PM | link
Being able to play with my dog at the park
... said Brie on Apr 19, 2013 at 3:26 PM | link
The plastic bollards and blinking signs that mark the beginning of construction season!
... said tomato(e) on Apr 19, 2013 at 3:26 PM | link
TulipFest and the lunch trucks returning to the Capitol!
... said Katie on Apr 19, 2013 at 3:29 PM | link
Definitely seeing the food trucks at the Capitol!
... said A.C. on Apr 19, 2013 at 3:31 PM | link
The Tulip Festival!
... said Katie on Apr 19, 2013 at 3:38 PM | link
those flowering trees starting to bloom on MLK Blvd in Lincoln Park, between Morton & Park Ave. just pointed them out to my 3-year-old.
and Tastee Freez opening, of course.
... said Off Whitehall on Apr 19, 2013 at 3:55 PM | link
Hoffman’s Playland opening!
... said Travis on Apr 19, 2013 at 4:00 PM | link
outdoor farmers markets
... said anne on Apr 19, 2013 at 4:06 PM | link
All the Summer concert announcements!
... said GMF on Apr 19, 2013 at 4:22 PM | link
Sunshine when I leave work!
... said RMH on Apr 19, 2013 at 4:22 PM | link
Bathrooms reopening at Lions Park.
... said StanfordSteph on Apr 19, 2013 at 4:26 PM | link
All the local pale ales and IPAs that are put on tap at the plethora of great beer bars in our fair city: Lionheart, City Beer Hall, Midtown Tap and Tea Room etc.
And of course, no more snow in the ADKs. Time for some hiking!
... said Josh K. on Apr 19, 2013 at 4:27 PM | link
Definitely the soft serve ice cream stands! :)
... said Cat on Apr 19, 2013 at 4:40 PM | link
Coltsfoot, trou lily and all the lovely spring ephemerals! Bloom on...
... said Laura on Apr 19, 2013 at 4:41 PM | link
The geese returning to the lake across the street from my house after it thaws.
... said Shaun on Apr 19, 2013 at 4:42 PM | link
The tulips in Washington Park!
... said Amy on Apr 19, 2013 at 4:50 PM | link
Kids rolling down the sidewalk in cardboard boxes.
... said Ryan on Apr 19, 2013 at 4:57 PM | link
kurver kreme and tulip fest!
... said bee on Apr 19, 2013 at 4:58 PM | link
Hearing the ice cream man/woman for the first time!
... said Kristina on Apr 19, 2013 at 5:13 PM | link
The garage door at wolfs biergarden opens up!
... said tallguyy on Apr 19, 2013 at 5:18 PM | link
Tulipfest and soft serve ice cream stands!
... said Beth on Apr 19, 2013 at 5:27 PM | link
Driving home from work, and seeing all the people out running/walking. It changes my mind from "I don't really want to exercise" to "I've got to get out there and do something!"
... said Dan on Apr 19, 2013 at 5:45 PM | link
It's a toss up- growing up downstate it was always crocuses but now it's tulips! Just saw some outside the visitor center and they made my whole week! Spring is FINALLY here!
... said Susan on Apr 19, 2013 at 5:45 PM | link
I scream spring -- you know, with ice cream. (Bad pun!)
... said jayme on Apr 19, 2013 at 6:00 PM | link
Soft serve ice cream outside!
... said Josh on Apr 19, 2013 at 6:05 PM | link
Lilacs and the farmer's markets moving outdoors!
... said matzahballsoup on Apr 19, 2013 at 6:11 PM | link
Hearing that Snowmans in Lansingburgh is open!
... said Katie on Apr 19, 2013 at 6:25 PM | link
Dogs in the Moses fountain
... said Jason on Apr 19, 2013 at 6:47 PM | link
At my house, the garlic bursting up in bits of green and in the city, the food trucks on Washington Avenue
... said Kate on Apr 19, 2013 at 6:52 PM | link
Kay's Pizza and soft serve ice cream stands
... said emily on Apr 19, 2013 at 7:19 PM | link
opening day of jumpin jacks - used to also be PJs BBQ but now they are open year round.
... said Dave R. on Apr 19, 2013 at 7:46 PM | link
Kurver Kreme and the bunnies hopping around in my yard
... said Vicky on Apr 19, 2013 at 7:53 PM | link
Warm weather and rain...better than ice and snow!
... said Stella on Apr 19, 2013 at 7:55 PM | link
More sunshine and outdoors events!
... said Raymond on Apr 19, 2013 at 7:59 PM | link
Patio bars!!!
... said Dan on Apr 19, 2013 at 8:37 PM | link
ice cream stands opening, restaurant patios opening, people outside and smiling!
... said Mike R on Apr 19, 2013 at 8:49 PM | link
tulips and daffodils and hyacinths are lovely, but the crocus is the unsung hero that braves the mercurial northeastern spring first. I smiled out loud when I saw their purples and whites 2 weeks ago!
... said Chris on Apr 19, 2013 at 10:04 PM | link
The daffodils and the grackles...both are a welcome sight!
... said Bob W. on Apr 19, 2013 at 10:51 PM | link
Squall lines, heavy rain, and lightning! Opening up the windows in my apartment without a coat on.
... said Sandra on Apr 19, 2013 at 11:28 PM | link
Blooming lilacs are my favorite sign of spring.
... said Jennifer on Apr 20, 2013 at 1:27 AM | link
Bicycle rides without frozen ears and noses.
... said David on Apr 20, 2013 at 6:08 AM | link
Being able to go outside and begin to lose that winter weight. Something about the warmer air and nicer weather makes me want to get on my bike and ride. Maybe it's the impending swim suit season......
... said Margie C on Apr 20, 2013 at 7:49 AM | link
Oddly, the smell of magnolia trees blooming. It's just sort of my mental signal that warm, fun outdoor times are a'comin'.
... said Matt on Apr 20, 2013 at 8:28 AM | link
Daffodils have been everywhere this spring, and are a sweet sunny contrast to the greyness. Welcome back colors!!
... said Sarah on Apr 20, 2013 at 8:40 AM | link
Hearing the peepers on a country road
... said Cindy on Apr 20, 2013 at 8:48 AM | link
soft ice cream
... said Theresa on Apr 20, 2013 at 9:47 AM | link
Late afternoon sunshine in our kitchen. I love how the light changes throughout the year.
... said Liz on Apr 20, 2013 at 10:07 AM | link
All of the above :)
Although I grew up Jumping Jacks I'd have to say Bumpy's opening in Schenectady - they open up earlier then most, and I love a longer spring. Other close finishers are the return of tables to cafe's outdoor patios, events in Washington Park, and local road walks for charity or just fun!
... said Aubrey on Apr 20, 2013 at 11:00 AM | link
Crocuses!
I plant them just for this reason.
... said jakari on Apr 20, 2013 at 11:09 AM | link
all the garage and yard sales popping up!
... said matt on Apr 20, 2013 at 11:30 AM | link
tulip fest! the warmer weather, the start of more sunlight in your days. the ability to open up your sunroof/windows. fresh colors.
... said Alex on Apr 20, 2013 at 1:26 PM | link
I should have said when all the SUNY students go back home! That's so i wouldn't hear them on their bar hopping trips. Can you please tell us the comments, and names of the 5 winners?
... said mg on Apr 22, 2013 at 12:45 PM | link
Watching the grass turn a rich emerald green in the dog park near my house is great. We get to turn our water garden & waterfall back on after a long nap, and the birds love to come and splash around in it. The flowers and the smells and the warming sunshine. Spring in Albany can be magical.
... said Summer on Apr 22, 2013 at 1:44 PM | link