Every year around this time, I start to get a little anxious for the consistent sunshine and warmth of spring. Daylight savings is around the corner. Daffodils are popping up in yards and floral shops everywhere. Even the redbud trees are gearing up to grace us with their purplish blooms.

Truth be told, we are pretty lucky here in Dallas when it comes to spring. Winter is short and rarely as prone to freezing as it has been the last couple of years. We don’t have to endure anything like the bitter temperatures of the Great Plains or the greyness that persists beyond spring break in most of New England.

As lucky as we are, I know I’m not the only Dallasite ready to usher out the last freeze in favor of the bright greens and sunny skies of spring. Nature gives us plenty of signs, but I’ve also noticed a few other regular signs that spring is coming to Dallas…

The Opening of Dallas Blooms

According to the Dallas Arboretum‘s website, Dallas Blooms is “recognized as ‘One of the Top 14 Places in the World to See Spring Flowers’ by MSN.com in 2010” and the “largest floral festival in the southwest with over 500,000 spring-blooming bulbs. Tulips, daffodils and hyacinths abound in the 66 acre garden with vibrant colors creating an amazing backdrop to the city of Dallas.”

Dallas Blooms runs from March 5th to April 10th. This year’s theme is “It’s a Fairy Tale World” featuring castles drawn from the pages of classic fairy tales like Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel. Visit the Arboretum at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218, or call 214-515-6500 for more information.

The Seven Best Bar Patios in Dallas

We in Dallas love our patios! At the first sign of anything resembling warm weather, we flock to the TABC, but be prepared to sneak out of the office early to get a table because I’m not the only one who feels this way!

Once the warm weather actually arrives, you’ll have plenty of time to also visit the patios at The Gingerman, Taco Diner or Mi Cocina at West Village, Matt’s Rancho Martinez, BarBelmont, and Ozona Bar & Grill.

The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

The annual Greenville Avenue Saint Patrick’s Day festivities this Saturday, March 12th will bring together thousands of people for the 5K Dash Down Greenville, the infamous parade, a concert by the Toadies, and even an After Party by the Observer. The crazy floats, over-the-top costumes, shot tents, and crowds roaming from the official party to house parties throughout Lakewood (and back) make this an event to remember.

The 5k starts early and most revelers camp out to get the best parking spot along Greenville. So don’t wait too late to get moving on Saturday or you may find yourself unable to even enter Greenville once the event hits capacity!

Social Media Migration to Austin for SXSW

Each year in early March, the social media mavens, designers, and interactive gurus in Dallas pack up their smart phones and other digital paraphernalia and head to Austin for the South by Southwest film, music, and interactive festival. SXSW Interactive features “five days of compelling presentations from the brightest minds in emerging technology, scores of exciting networking events hosted by industry leaders.” Startups are launched, keynotes are given, core conversations are lead, and millions of tweets and status updates will catalog the whole thing! Millions?!

This year the event runs from Friday, March 11th to Tuesday, March 15th. For more information, click here, and let us know in the comments if you’re attending SXSWi.

These were just a few of the events that always seem to remind me that warm spring days are around the corner.

What are your favorite signs of spring?