The first signs of spring in Ann Arbor

What's that giant glowing thing up in the sky? Could that be the sun? From our vantage point at AnnArbor.com, with windows that look out on Fifth Avenue and Liberty Street, we've been watching the transformation that takes place in the city as winter slowly releases her grip. North Face puffy coats are suddenly gone, replaced by trench coats and hoodies. (A friend recently reported that Brooklyn hipsters have been spotted wearing Members Only jackets, but I haven't seen them here ... yet.) Frappuccinos and iced coffees are replacing cappuccinos and lattes. And downtown restaurants are dragging their patio furniture out to the sidewalk.

You don't have to be downtown to keep tabs on the food and drink happenings in town. Here's a few of the first signs of spring from Ann Arbor food and restaurant blogs, Facebook posts, and Twitter feeds:

Linda Diane Feldt reports: "Downtown Home and Garden sold out of taps for maple syruping yesterday. That means a lot of people are trying it out, I think that is great!"

and: "Another quart of syrup made from sap. Used up more black raspberries in cornbread. Yellow dock sprouting all over my garden. Spring!"

Grizzly Peak: "Our patio is open today!! Come join us for great food, great beer and sunshine!!"

David Bardallis: "It must be spring... Dominick's is open!"

Jefferson Market: "Heck if the weather keeps up like this we'll be putting the chairs outside the market this week! Hurrah!"

Ed Vielmetti gives us a report on goings on at the Farmer's Market, complete with a list of all produce on offer.

Linda Lombardini is inspired by a robin to start thinking about gardening and eating local foods.

We're expecting rain for the rest of the week, which will wash away the last traces of the piles of dirty snow. Spring starts in earnest with the vernal equinox on March 20th. For now I'll look out the window and dream of tulips, fresh local produce, and Tigers baseball.

Jessica Webster oversees Food & Drink coverage for the Community Team at AnnArbor.com. Contact her at jessicawebster@annarbor.com.