The calendar says Spring, and the restaurants concur. Spring is an uplifting time of the year to enjoy a special dinner, take advantage of just-picked produce, and celebrate the season.

The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm in Lovettsville has added Sunday Suppers to its specialty lineup. This is the perfect excuse to take a Sunday drive into the region and then end the weekend with the farm fresh menu. Or if you want to begin your Sunday with the restaurant’s organic and seasonal cuisine, sign up for Jazz Sundays from 11 AM- 2PM. Whatever your choice, remember reservations are required (540-822-9017). Check out their website for a full list of wine dinners and upcoming cooking classes. Both sell out quickly.

Over in Middleburg at Market Salamander, bring the kids as they eat free (from the kids’ menu) this month with an adult meal selection. For the passionate salmon lover, there is no greater spring ritual than the run of the King Salmon. Market Salamander celebrates the Pacific Northwest with a special Willamette Valley wine pairing dinner on Thursday May 14th. Check out the website for the monthly specialty dinners presided over by Todd Gray, culinary director of Salamander Hospitality and owner/chef of Equinox Restaurant in D.C.

Over at Tuscarora Mill in Leesburg, there is a special Spring Party wine dinner Saturday, May 16th celebrating favorite early springtime foods such as fiddlehead ferns, morels, and softshell crabs.

Magnolia’s at the Mill in Purcellville does not want to be left out of the Spring Food tour as they celebrate with several 5-course beer dinners.

Start your engine, your table is waiting.