By this weekend, you may be able to see some of the first signs of spring -- the forecast is for sun and warmer temperatures.

But if you can't wait, there's a few restaurants in Utah Valley that can give you a taste of spring right away. There's gurgling brooks full of melting snow, new flowers and gardens and even birds back from warmer climes. See if going to one of these spring-like restaurants doesn't put a little spring in your step.

Wildflower Grille

Forget the roses -- stop and smell the homemade root beer, shakes and fresh french fries at this family diner. Here, April showers bring made-to-order burgers and a number of other homestyle dinners, complete with familiar sides such as mashed potatoes and Texas toast.

You'll enjoy the thick shakes and the homey decor that looks and feels like Grandma's kitchen.

-- 785 E. 100 North, Payson, 465-4260

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers

You know it's spring when you see a red-breasted robin bouncing around the yard looking for worms.

The restaurant version of this springtime bird serves tall gourmet burgers with endless refills of thick steak fries and lemonades flavored with real fruit. There's a burger for every occasion here and most are big enough to share.

-- 1200 Towne Centre Blvd. #1100, Provo, 852-8093

Whispering Springs BBQ

This babbling brook of a restaurant sits among fields of lavender and several kinds of flowers on a farm near Mona. It just opened for the season and serves lunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Diners get a choice of the cook's special of the day or a heaping turkey sandwich, both served with wolfberry cheesecake and lavender lemonade.

The lemonade itself is good enough to merit the trip south, and the cheesecake will make you want to come back.

-- 3700 N. Highway 91, Mona, (800) 371-0819

Ginger's Garden Cafe

It's a little early to be picking things from your garden -- maybe you're just getting ready to plant -- but this cafe can give you an early taste of what's to come.

With a menu consisting mainly of homemade soups, smoothies, sandwiches and salads, the food is a lighter fare perfect for warmer temperatures. The food is all organically grown and the service is friendly.

-- 188 S. Main St., Springville, 489-4500