Despite a few lingering snowflakes Monday, Wednesday marks the first official day of spring.

The vernal equinox, or spring equinox, is one of two times a year when we have nearly equal parts day and night, according to Almanac.com. March 20 marks the 2013 spring equinox and with it brings the promise of warmer days and more hours of sunshine.

Westminster restaurants are quick to embrace the slightest hint of warm weather by opening outdoor dining areas; the owner of Rafael's said his tables are set up on his deck just waiting for the weather to cooperate. 

Outdoor dining areas as Rafael's, Maggie's, O'Lordans and Paradiso will be opening soon. 

What is your favorite place for dining outside in Westminster? What other spring Carroll County traditions do you have? Tell us in the comments.