Coming this April: Philadelphians’ will to live returns amid sunshine

This everlasting bitter winter is coming to an end — no, really, it is.

Following a historic blizzard, several frosty nights, waist-high piles of dirty snow that took forever to melt down, and several mornings of asking ourselves, “why is it freezing?” April is on the horizon.

And with that, so is hope.

We know it feels fake. Fool’s Spring and Spring of Deception are real concepts that have bitten us in the backend far too many times.

But several milestones are upon us that will soon lead us to patio nights and the romantic VROOM-VROOM from the neighbor’s kid’s dirt bikes and ATVs.

So, even if it still feels like it’s a lifetime away, here are five things to look forward to that signify better days ahead — a heaping dose of hopecore.

EVERYONE REMAIN CALM.

The mainstay water ice stand announced it’s reopening for the season on April 6. It’s so close we can practically taste the lemon water ice and pretzels.

It’s among the oldest water ice companies in Philly and visiting is a tradition for many. John Cardullo was a Sicilian immigrant who delivered heating oil and coal in the winter and ice in the summer. His grandson, Anthony Cardullo Jr., runs it decades later.

Over the years, the business has expanded to several additional stands and food trucks.

We’re quickly approaching cold drink outside season, as evidenced by the return of rooftops and gardens dedicated to the task across town.

Bok Bar announced it will be back in April (an exact date wasn’t provided yet).

Other outdoor spots, including Morgan’s Pier, the Walnut Garden, and the Independence Beer Garden, say they’re ramping up to open this Spring, but haven’t said exactly when.

Meanwhile, the PHS Pop Up Gardens opened this month. See? We’re so back!

» READ MORE: Here’s your neighborhood guide to rooftop and outdoor dining

Rice balls, stuffed wings, and spicy papaya salads are in your near future.

The Southeast Asian Market (known as SEA) is back for another year at FDR Park starting April 4.

The massive open-air market is comprised of over 70 immigrant and refugee vendors and dates back to the 1980s.

» READ MORE: Tour the sights and sounds of Philadelphia’s Southeast Asian Market

Skip the long lines and tourists in D.C. and get ready for waves of pink flowers lining streets across Philly.

Barring a scary and extra late freeze, expert gardeners anticipate Philly’s cherry blossom peak bloom to occur in early April, as per usual. The trees have been budding on schedule.

As Inquirer weather aficionado Anthony R. Wood puts it: “[The cherry blossoms] are nature’s way of decorating Philly for spring, and about the only way to miss them is not to look.”

That’s because they’ll be pretty in pink all along the Schuylkill, around the Art Museum, at Morris, along Delaware Avenue, on the western flank of Fairmount Park, and elsewhere.

A sticky train ride to Citizens Bank Park leads you to the beauty of Crabfries, hot dogs, and soft serve in a mini helmet.

Theme nights and promotions this season include a Flo Rida postgame concert (during a matchup against the Miami Marlins, no less), the return of Hello Kitty night, and a country music night that comes with a stunning Phanatic cowboy hat.

Whether you’re in it for the game or the new cans of Stateside Vodka drinks that are inexplicably flavored like Gatorade, the Phils’ home opener is on March 26, meaning we’ll be revved up and back in our stride come April. Can’t wait.