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 counties, like Harbor Pines Easter Brunch 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 20.
2. Take the kids to an egg hunt
Ocean City’s two Great Egg Hunts will occur on Saturday, April 12 and Saturday, April 19 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. from 6th Street to 14th Street 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. Celebrate Easter at the Park on Saturday, April 12, noon to 3 p.m. at the Atlantic County Park at Estell Manor with an egg hunt, crafts and a wagon ride.
3. Enjoy amusement rides
Playland’s Castaway Cove on the Ocean City Boardwalk and Steel Pier on Atlantic City’s are open for the season, too.
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 6:15 a.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. St. Atlantic City’s 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 romp at Dog Beach (Malibu Beach) between Ocean City and Longport, or at Corson’s Inlet. There’s an abundance of great natural spaces in South Jersey!
