Doors are open, patios are set up and Broadway is bustling with people eager to enjoy the warm, sunny weather. 

While the City of Saratoga Springs holds events throughout the year to bring people out and about, such as Winterfest, Chowderfest and First Night, nothing seems to work as well as cabin fever and the first signs of spring. 

“It was a long winter and we thought it would last forever, but I think we may have gotten through it,” said Raymond Morris, manager of Lillian Restaurant.

Meghan Thomas and Andrea LaRose, both students at SUNY Albany said they waited about 20 minutes at Cantina for an available seat on the outdoor patio when they could have been seated immediately inside the dining room.

“It’s too nice out to be inside,” Thomas said. She added that Broadway is a destination of choice when she wants to escape Albany. 

“It’s just a beautiful area, great shopping and places to eat. When the weather is warm and nice, I love to come see what’s going on here,” she said. 

According to Morris, the spring weather tends to draw shoppers, diners and walkers from neighboring cities, like Thomas and LaRose.  Morris set up his outdoor patio earlier in the month and said business has picked up, especially looking at last spring.

“Last April was cold and rainy.  This year, the jackets are off, people are getting out and walking around, and being able to sit on the patio for lunch or dinner is the icing on the cake,” he said.

“People are determined to get outside and enjoy the sun.”

It’s not just restaurants that benefit from the sunshine and spiking temperatures. A sign outside The Pink Paddock Boutique reads “Welcome Springtime! The wait is over!” and has drawings of palm trees and summertime drinks. 

“There is definitely more traffic coming in than in the last few months,” said employee Stacey Porterfield. “Kids are on vacation from school so families are getting out together, college-aged kids are coming to check out Skidmore, and the weather is bringing people out.”

Dan Clark and Heather Miller, both of Saratoga Springs, said they took a few days off together to enjoy their city.

“We always take a day or two off of work when the weather gets nice to take our time wandering down Broadway, shopping. Our next stop is Ben & Jerry’s for a cone and we’ll relax in the park. There’s no better way to spend a day off,” Clark said.

Members of the Downtown Business Association will hold a sidewalk sale as a kickoff to spring, said DBA President Dawn Oesch. Businesses will be able to set out tables, get rid of old merchandise and bring traffic into their stores.

“While Saratoga is always alive, once springtime hits it really wakes up around here. When people see the trees blossoming and tables out on patios, they get energized,” she said. “We can all feel the good mood and everyone benefits.”