While unseasonably warm temperatures and sunny days are nothing new this winter, it’s feeling more and more like spring is here to stay. Maybe the longer days due to daylight-saving time or maybe it’s the tweeting birds and explosion of daffodils on neighborhood lawns. Or maybe it’s the events that make spring in Suffolk such an exciting time.

Like Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Stroll, which puts the best businesses in downtown Suffolk on display for all Suffolkians to discover.

It’s no secret that sometimes downtown doesn’t get its fair share of traffic, what with all the other shopping and eating opportunities in the rest of the city and beyond. But there has always been something unique about the downtown area that deserves celebrating and enjoying.

There are the art venues, including Shooting Star Gallery and Suffolk Art Gallery, that remind us Suffolk is home to some talented artists. On Saturday, you can even find your own creative voice through the Suffolk Art Gallery’s walking photo shoot, which offers an opportunity to explore and document some of the more unique areas downtown.

There are the quirky shops, like Uniquely Leo’s, where you might find that perfect item for that upcoming birthday or something to bring a little spring into your home.

Suffolk’s rich history will be on display along Main Street at the Visitor Center, Riddick’s Folly House Museum and the Seaboard Station Railroad Museum. Each place will offer its own unique take on the city’s history and a chance for some light refreshments.

Speaking of light refreshments, we can’t forget the food. The family-owned eateries that populate downtown provide some of the best food in the city and some of the coziest places to relax. Whether you grab some morning grub at The Plaid Turnip, chow down on some delicious carne asada tacos and an afternoon coffee at Rosa’s or share a pizza for dinner at Amici’s, you can feel great knowing you’ve helped support a fellow Suffolkian’s business. And your tastebuds will be happy, too.

The Shamrock Stroll is a reminder that downtown Suffolk offers a rich variety of experiences that all of Suffolk should enjoy. And springtime is a great time to get back outside and enjoy some of what makes Suffolk — and downtown — great.

For more information about the events planned for the Shamrock Stroll and other goings-on in Suffolk, visit www.suffolk-fun.com.