7 ways to make your spring awesome in the Twin Cities

It may not feel like it right now, but spring is technically here.

Why it matters: You've probably forgotten what beautiful weather and warm temperatures feel like. Can we just stop with this whole snow thing?

• To get you prepped for the spring season, here's a look at what to do as the weather warms.

1. 💐 See the flowers

The Arboretum has 1,200 acres of gardens, plant collections and trails to see. There are also a number of events — from a pancake breakfast to a full pink moon hike — to participate in this spring.

• Axios' Audrey Kennedy recommends visiting Art In Bloom, a free exhibit April 27-30. Local florists create arrangements inspired by pieces in Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection.
• There's a free guided tour and plenty of family-friendly activities, like creating a fresh flower art project that you get to take home.

Of note: The Como Conservatory's spring flower show debuted Saturday. It's free and open daily through April 30.

2.🍹 Grab some grub

Enjoy the warming weather at these local outdoor spots.

🏖 For the view: Spring Park's Back Channel Brewing offers a beachy, open-air vibe on the shore of Lake Minnetonka.

🎶 For live music: Aster Cafe offers a variety of live music, like jazz Sunday brunches, on the courtyard patio.

🐶For the whole family: The eclectic Saint Paul Brewing, built in the historic Hamm's Brewery, has a spacious dog-friendly patio and outdoor pizza oven.

🍹 For drinks: Hai Hai's tropical craft cocktails are best served outside.

Here are some of our favorite places to eat this spring:

• 🍳 Brunch: Kalsada
• 🍽️ Fine dining: Mara
• ☕ Coffee: Disco Death Records
• 🍩 Sweets: Soga Mochi Donuts

Find more of Audrey's recommendations.

3. ⚾ Cheer for your teams

The Minnesota Twins return to Target Field on April 6 to play the Houston Astros in their home opener.

⚽ Minnesota United FC plays all summer at Allianz Field.

⚾ St. Paul Saints kick off their home season at CHS Field on April 4.

• While you're there, check out the new foods like Bloody Mary burgers and baseball-themed cocktails.

4. 🎨 Go on an art crawl

Dozens of private Twin Cities artist lofts, studios and galleries will open for the public to explore during this spring's art crawls.

• The IMS Art Crawl in Minneapolis May 3-4 hosts more than 20 artists, with live performances and plenty of art for sale during the back-to-back evenings.

• The Saint Paul Art Crawl — the nation's longest-running art crawl — spans 21 venues over four weekends in April and May.

5. ☀️ Get outside

Many of our favorite walking trails are open for the season, or take your dog to one of the local off-leash parks. You can walk those trails with or without snow.

• There are also plenty of local bike routes to explore, including one with skyline views of both Minneapolis and St. Paul.

6. 🥑 Stroll at a farmers market

Hmongtown Marketplace is an indoor/outdoor Asian market that has items available year-round. The outdoor market runs June to October.

The downtown St. Paul Farmers' Market is open every Saturday from 9am-1pm; the outdoor market is now heated on colder days.

Minneapolis Farmers Market— one of the largest markets in the state — will reopen its outdoor venue for three weekends in April, kicking off on April 1.

Yes, but: Don't expect to see much variety in the produce selection until June.

7. 🦁 Visit the zoo

Turn it up at the zoo with Zoo After Hours, a recurring ages 18+ night for zoo fans looking for a kids-free experience.

• Beer, wine and zoo-themed cocktails are available for purchase.