By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
Easter is a celebration of renewal and resurrection, and our beach community springs back to life. So how exactly can we welcome new life? Here are a couple of activities to add to your holiday itinerary this upcoming Easter:
1. Eat a Celebrational Brunch
Wear your Sunday best at an elegant Easter brunch, available at multiple locations around Atlantic and Cape May County. Renault Winery will host a champagne brunch in the Vineyard Ballroom. The Flanders Hotel in Ocean City will also host their annual brunch, made special by the centennial celebration of the historic seaside resort. The Claridge, Harbor Pines and Atlantic County Country Club also have great specials.
2. Take the Kids to an Egg Hunt
Ocean City’s Great Egg Hunt will occur on March 23 and 30 on the Boardwalk, with the help of participating seaside shops. On Easter Sunday, children can meet the Easter Bunny at the Music Pier from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. On March 24, check out the Mays Landing Egg Hunt at the 4H Fairgrounds for a $10 admission fee.
3. Enjoy Amusement Rides
Storybook Land’s fantastical whimsy perfectly fits the Easter vibe. Meet Mother Goose on any day of Easter weekend, which includes special seasonal offerings. This is the opening weekend for Playland’s Castaway Cove, which has thrills for all ages. Steel Pier on the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk opens with special holiday deals.
4. Savor Sweets
South Jersey is overflowing with classic candy shops and bakeries. Stop by Chester’s in Somers Point for some freshly baked doughnuts, or grab some sticky buns from Beach Buns. The Fudge Kitchen makes homemade fudge and saltwater taffy, perfect for a sweet treat after Sunday Mass. Jagielky’s in Ventnor has chocolates to delight your senses.
5. Enjoy an outdoor concert. The Philly Keys will perform their hit Dueling Pianos Show starting at noon in front of the Music Pier, while the Easter Bunny will meet and greet children and be available for photos in an Ocean City lifeguard boat from noon to 2 p.m.
6. Visit a Farm
Easter is synonymous with lambs, chickens, and cute animals. The Cape May County Zoo EGGstravaganza is a week-long festival full of scavenger hunts, Bunny Meet and Greets, HOP-stacle course, and princess and superhero sightings. Check Facebook for updates of offerings from Misty Meadows (known for Lamb Camp) and the Funny Farm for petting and play.
7. Attend a Church Service
In Ocean City, attend a nondenominational Easter sunrise service scheduled for 6:30 a.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Atlantic City’s St. Andrew’s By the Sea Lutheran Church will also offer a sunrise service at 6:30 a.m. at the 16th Street Pavillion in Brigantine.
8. Get Outside
Easter is the unofficial celebration of spring, so breathe in some fresh air on this special holiday. Let the dogs swim at Dog Beach (Malibu Beach) between Ocean City and Longport, or wander through dunes in Brigantine. There’s an abundance of great natural spaces in South Jersey!
Sarah Fertsch is a journalist, proposal writer and poet. You can find her chasing dogs across the beach and trying new recipes.
