Sign of Spring: Beachside Restaurant Reopens in Neighboring Swampscott

What with Tuesday's snow day and icy conditions on the roads this morning, it's easy to forget that today is the first day of spring.

For a tangible sign that the season really is changing, Marbleheaders need look no further than the next town over.

The open screen door and ice cream cone sign now hanging outside Popo's Hot Dogs signaled two things for the Swampscott landmark: spring is upon us and Popo's is open.

Actually, the Humphrey Street restaurant has been open since March 9 — a welcome sign for hot dog aficionados and ice cream lovers.

Store Manager Jackie Coppola said Popo's/Kell's Kreme is serving a relatively new product — it was introduced late last season — called Dole Whip.

It tastes like a soft-serve sherbert and is lactose/gluten/fat/cholesterol-free.

Jackie said customers have been asking for lactose-free and gluten-free products so Popo's found Dole Whip to serve.

The restaurant by the sea also has a fresh fruit bar with an array of berries and melon to top ice cream and frozen yogurt.

You'll maybe notice another change inside Popo's. A new color.

Where once a Brazilian yellow colored the walls a paint called paprika covers them now.

Popo's is open seven days a week, its doors open at 11 a.m.

What seasonal businesses are you looking forward to seeing open in Marblehead itself?