What To Do: The Easter Bunny is ridin’ the rails

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times

The Easter Bunny is known for hopping around — but it is not always his preferred mode of transportation.

Sometimes, instead of bouncing along the ground, the big happy rabbit rides a train. The holiday bunny has just embarked on his two-weekend stint of riding trains all around the area.

The West Chester Railroad (610-430-2233, www.westchesterrr.net) is running its Easter Bunny Express on on March 27 and 28 and again on April 3 and 4.

On the 90-minute round trip along the beautiful Chester Creek from West Chester to the historic Glen Mills village, the Easter Bunny will be on board handing out treats to all passengers.

During the 20-minute stop at the historic Glen Mills station there will be plenty of opportunities for riders to take photos with the Easter Bunny.

Tickets are $27 for adults, $20 for children (ages 2-12) and $8 for toddlers.

The Easter Bunny will also be down in Delaware for trips on the Wilmington and Western Railroad (Greenbank Station, 2201 Newport-Gap Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-998-1930, www.wwrr.com) on March 27 and 28 and again from April 2-4.

On the special trains, the big bunny with the big ears will visit with all passengers and pose for pictures. Departure times are 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.

The Easter Bunny hops aboard the train for a 1½-hour round-trip ride to Ashland, and all kids will get a special treat. Bring your camera and have the Easter Bunny pose for a picture with your child. This is a great way to welcome spring and bring the family out for a fun time on the rails.

This event is powered by one of the tourist rail line’s antique steam locomotives.

Fares are $22 for adults, $21 for seniors (ages 60 and older) and $20 for children (ages 2-12).

The New Hope Railroad (32 West Bridge Street, New Hope, 215-862-2332, www.newhoperailroad.com) is running its annual “Easter Bunny Express” on March 27 and 28 and again on April 3 and 4 with departures at 11 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m.

The Easter Bunny is going to ride onboard the train where he will visit with each child, hand out special treats and pose for pictures.

The train ride departs from and returns to the New Hope Train Station. Riders can take in the sights of early spring as the Easter Bunny visits with all of the children — handing out special candy treats and posing for photos taken by the railroad staff.

Coach tickets are $38.99 for adults, $35.99 for children (ages 12-plus) and $9.99 for toddlers (under 2).

At the Strasburg Rail Road (Rt. 741 East, Strasburg, 717-687-7522, www.strasburgrailroad.com), the special “Easter Bunny Train” will be chugging down the tracks on April 2, 3 and 4 with departures starting at noon each day.

Riders can welcome spring with a ride through beautiful farmland with the Easter Bunny as your Conductor. The Easter Bunny will delight boys and girls with a special Easter surprise when they are greeted on board this memorable train.

BYOB (Bring Your Own Basket!) and set your youngster loose in search of Easter Eggs at the Strasburg Rail Road. An Easter Egg Hunt is included as part of each child’s Easter Bunny Train experience.

Trains depart at 11 and 11:45 a.m. and 12:30, 1:15, 2, 2:45, 3:30 and 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 11 a.m. and 12:30, 2 and 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $14 for children.

The Colebrookdale Railroad (South Washington Street, Boyertown, www.dynamicticketsolutions.com)  is running its “Easter Bunny Express” excursion on April 3 and 4.

A good way to make Easter memories that will last a lifetime is to join Peter Cottontail aboard the Colebrookdale Railroad. The Bunny brings gifts for all children and an Easter Egg Hunt right on board the train for all children up to 12 years of age.

“Easter Bunny Express” excursions will depart at 10 a.m. and 1 and 4 p.m. each day.

Tickets are $45 for adults, $35 for children (ages 2-12), $42 for seniors (65 and older) and $15 for toddlers (under 2; must be held; no seat).

The Allentown and Auburn Railroad (35 Railroad Street, Kutztown, 570-778-7531, https://allentown-and-auburn-railroad.square.site/) is running special “Easter Bunny Trains” on March 27 and 28 and again on April 3 and 4.

Families are invited to ride the rails this spring and enjoy a socially distanced train ride to see the Easter Bunny at the “Bunny Patch” (the railroad’s grove).

At the “Bunny Patch,” boys and girls who are passengers on the train will be able to have a meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny and receive a chocolate surprise.

Trains depart at 10 a.m., 1 and 4 p.m.

Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors, $10 for children and $.01 for toddlers (ages two and under).

The Wannamaker, Kempton & Southern Railroad (42 Community Center Drive, Kempton, www.kemptontrain.com) will run its “Easter Bunny Express” on one weekend only this year and it’s this weekend.

On March 27 and 28, the Eater Bunny Express will have four departures each day – 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m.

The special express ride takes passengers to Wanamaker and the Easter Egg Patch where a friendly bunny will be anxiously awaiting the arrival.

Each child gets to select three eggs which may include a prize egg or a grand prize egg.

When the train returns to the station at Kempton, the rail line’s “Peeps” will have treats for everyone who rode the “Easter Bunny Express.”

Tickets are $15 for adults and children (age three and older) and $2 for children (age two and under).

The Easter Bunny will also be hosting friends at Highland Orchards (1000 Marshallton-Thorndale Road, West Chester, www.highlandorchards.net).

Highland Orchards is presenting “Hayrides to Easter Bunny” on March 27 and 28 and again from April 1-3.

Participants can enjoy a leisurely hayride to visit the Easter Bunny, hear a story about spring and receive an egg with a coupon for a treat to be redeemed back in the Market.

The event takes about half an hour and wagons leave about every half hour.

The cost is $7 per person and reservations are required..

Linvilla Orchards (137 West Knowlton Road, Media, 610-876-7116, www.linvilla.com) is presenting its “Hayrides to Bunnyland” event now through April 3.

Bunnyland at Linvilla Orchards is one of the area’s most popular early-spring attractions.

Visitors hop aboard a hayride which then carries them through the woods to visit the Easter Bunny’s house. Once there, they will be able to meet Linvilla’s Easter Bunny and listen as one of the Bunny’s friends tells a magical story.

Guests will receive a special treat. As an added attraction, the Easter Bunny likes to take pictures with all special guests.

“Hayrides to Bunnyland” will take place from March 27-April 3 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Tickets are $10 per person with toddlers (11 months and under) admitted free.

The Easter Bunny will also be hanging out with friends and chowing down at a special event in Norristown.

Elmwood Park Zoo (1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown, www.elmwoodparkzoo.org) is hosting a variety of special events – including several sessions of its annual Easter Brunch and Dog Days.

Easter Brunch sessions will be held on March 27 and 28 at 10 and 11:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. each day.

Altogether, the Zoo will be hosting eight dates of special brunches with appearances by the Easter Bunny. Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast, make Easter crafts, participate in an Easter egg scavenger hunt and meet one of the Zoo’s education animals.

Other activities include getting a photo taken with the Easter Bunny and then enjoy exploring the Zoo.

The menu includes: Carved Roast Beef, Stuffed Pork Loin, Sausage, Turkey Sausage, Red Bliss Potatoes, Fried Chicken & Waffle Bar, Pasta Primavera, Mac & Cheese Shells, Omelette Bar, Scrambled Eggs, Quiche, Danish Pastries, Cinnamon Buns, and a Dessert Cart.

Beverage choices are Orange Juice, Milk and Coffee while the “Brunch Bar” features Irish Coffee, Mimosa, Screwdriver, Bloody Mary and Champagne & Cranberry Juice

Ticket pricing is: Table of 2: $79.95; Table of 4: $129.95; Table of 6: $189.95; Baby (ages 0 – 2): $10.95; Additional Guests: $34.95. Ticket includes admission to the Zoo, brunch, an Easter egg scavenger hunt and a photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny.

Other dates for Easter Brunches are April 3 and 4.

On March 26, the Zoo will host “Dog Days.”

The Zoo posted this message:

Families often consider their pets as members, and many enjoy sharing adventures with their dogs! As animal lovers, we acknowledge that a love of wildlife often goes hand-in-hand with pet ownership. We are excited to encourage a deeper appreciation for all animals by inviting owners to bring their dogs to visit the zoo on select days.

All guests visiting the zoo with a furry friend must complete an online waiver and submit required documents before visiting the zoo. You must upload a copy of your most recent veterinary visit, including proof of vaccine and heartworm test here. All items will be required for you to attend Dog Days.

The “Dog Days” event is slated for March 26 from 1-4 p.m. and April 7, 9, 21 and 23 from 1-5 p.m.

Pricing is $10.95 per dog with each additional dog at $9.95. Regular zoo admission is required for all humans.

On March 27 and 28, Chaddsford Winery (632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, 610-388-6221, http://www.chaddsford.com) is hosting an event called “Dog Days at Chaddsford.”

Visitors will be able to spend a day at the Winery with your best four-legged friends.

Chaddsford’s 2018 Presage, 2018 The Red Standard and Sangria will be featured in “Puppy Wine Flights” ($14 for a 2-ounce pour of each) and “Puppy Wine Packs” ($47 for all 3 bottles) available for one weekend only.

The winery will donate 10 per cent of all “Puppy” purchases to the Brandywine Valley SPCA.

Admission is free, but this outdoor event is subject to 20% maximum capacity restrictions to ensure social distancing.

There are two seating options – “Reserved Seating” booked in advance on Resy with table service.  Each reserved table will receive one complimentary welcome gift for your furry friend and “Open Field Seating” available on a first-come, first-served basis with walk-up ordering.

Featured pet vendors are Loulou Clayton Portraits, Otis & Roo Dog Collars and Brandywine Valley SPCA and the participating food trucks are The Munchy Machine and Albie’s Burgers Food Truck .

Live music will be performed on Saturday by Sam Capolongo from noon-2 p.m. and Joshua Howard Band from 3-6 p.m. On Sunday, music will be provided by Matt Spitko from noon-2 p.m. and The Road Tapes from 3-6 p.m.

Spring officially arrived in the Brandywine Valley on March 20. Now, spring is arriving at Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org) with “Spring Blooms,” whichruns March 27-May 2.

Spring unfolds at Longwood Gardens as millions of geophytes color the March landscape, while flowering trees and thousands of blooming spring bulbs create a lush tapestry of color, fragrance, and warmth across the Gardens’ 1,100 acres throughout April.

Indoors, Longwood’s Main Conservatory is bursting with spectacular color as jasmine, anemones, lilies, and hydrangeas take center stage.

During peak bloom, expected in mid-April, weather permitting, Longwood’s historic 600-foot-long Flower Garden Walk boasts more than 200,000 tulips and other seasonal blooms in a patchwork of color.

In the Idea Garden, a combination of pink, peach, and yellow tulips are complimented by a ribbon of blue flowering bulbs providing a harmonious vista.

In the Ornamental Kitchen Garden, frost-tolerant spring vegetables—peas, broccoli, kale, arugula, cabbage, spinach, carrots, radishes, scallions, cilantro, and lettuce—begin to take form.

Guests will also want to soak in Longwood’s inviting and expansive Meadow Garden as Carolina silverbells, Eastern redbuds, flowering dogwoods, and sweet azaleas spring into beauty. Grand treehouses, whimsical topiaries, and tranquil forests add to the beauty of spring.

In addition to the glorious spring color, Longwood fountains also begin to jet back to life.

In mid- April, the Italian Water Garden and Open Air Theatre fountains delight guests, while Main Fountain Garden daytime and evening performances return May 6.

As always, admission by “Timed Ticket” — tickets issued for specific dates and times. Timed ticketing limits the number of people in the Gardens at any given time and allows guests to enjoy minimal lines and a better viewing experience.

You may enter the Gardens up to 30 minutes prior and 30 minutes after your designated time. Make every effort to arrive at your designated reservation time. Earlier or later arrivals may not be accommodated.

Admission to Longwood Gardens is $25 for adults, $22 for seniors (ages 62 and older) and college students, $18 for active military and veterans and $13 for youth (ages 5-18).

Another great location for walking outdoors and enjoying flowers in bloom is Tyler Arboretum (515 Painter Road, Media, 610-566-9134, www.tylerarboretum.org).

“Weekday Bird Walks: Limited Edition” are scheduled for every Wednesday in March from 8-10 a.m. Participants can join Sue Lucas and Sara Boucas-Neto on morning bird walks at Tyler.

With acres of unbroken forest interior and extensive meadows, Tyler is recognized by the Pennsylvania Audubon Society as an Important Bird Area. Participants are asked to bring their own binoculars and be prepared to walk on all types of surfaces. Walks are rain or shine. Tickets are $15 and include admission to Tyler for the day.

“Weekday Wildflower Walks, Limited Edition” are also scheduled for every Wednesday in March from 11:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m. each day.

Participants will join wildflower experts Dick Cloud and Richard Brenner and discover the multitude of wildflowers that are in flower, fruit and perhaps a stage in-between. These walks are for those who have a love of plants, their role in ecology, or for those who want to learn more.

Instructions are to wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring a camera and/or a wildflower guide and enjoy a botanical-filled walk.

Tickets are $15 and include admission to Tyler for the day.

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (Route 52, Wilmington, Delaware, www.winterthur.org) has now opened its 2021 season with access to the Museum, Galleries, Garden, and 25 miles of walking trails.

The March Bank turns blue this week as more of the delicate flowers of glory-of-the-snow open. Early daffodils and the Cornelian Cherry dogwood add a touch of yellow.

At the Quarry, ‘February Gold’ daffodils and Cornelian cherries repeat the yellow along with more of the blue glory-of-the-snow. Spring snowflakes put on a spectacular display at the Icewell Terrace.

Almost 60 years ago, collector and horticulturist Henry Francis du Pont (1880–1969) opened his childhood home, Winterthur, to the public. Today, Winterthur is the premier museum of American decorative arts, with an unparalleled collection of nearly 90,000 objects made or used in America between about 1640 and 1860.

The collection is displayed in the magnificent 175-room house, much as it was when the du Pont family lived here, as well as in permanent and changing exhibition galleries.

Winterthur is set amidst a 1,000-acre preserve of rolling meadows and woodlands. Designed by du Pont, its 60-acre naturalistic garden is among America’s best, with magnificent specimen plantings and massed displays of color. Graduate programs and a preeminent research library make Winterthur an important center for the study of American art and culture.

Winterthur’s 1,000 acres encompass rolling hills, streams, meadows, and forests. Founder Henry Francis du Pont (1880-1969) developed an appreciation of nature as a boy that served as the basis for his life’s work in the garden.

He selected the choicest plants from around the world to enhance the natural setting, arranging them in lyrical color combinations and carefully orchestrating a succession of bloom from late January to November. Du Pont translated his love of the land into a unified work of art that embodies a romantic vision of nature’s beauty.

Admission to Winterthur is $20 for adults. $18 for seniors and students (with valid ID), $6 for children (ages 2-11) and free for infants (under 2).

Another attractive Delaware destination is the scenic town of Odessa.

Historic Odessa (Main Street, Odessa, Delaware, 302-378-4119, www.historicodessa.org) is a Delaware attraction known for being both a scenic and an historic site. On March 2, Historic Odessa celebrated the beginning of its 2021 season.

Known in the 18th-century as Cantwell’s Bridge, Odessa played a vital role in commercial life along the Delaware River as a busy grain shipping port.

Today, visitors can stroll along tree-lined streets and admire examples of 18th- and 19th-century architecture in one of the best-preserved towns in Delaware.

They can also tour a remarkable collection of antiques and Americana preserved in period room settings and quaint exhibits.

Historic Odessa is open to the public from March through December, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1-4 p.m.  The site is also open Monday by reservation.

Historic Odessa is closed January and February, Easter, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

This is the final weekend to check out the Historic Odessa Foundation’s first art exhibit of the year.

“Our Delaware: Local Art Collected by HOF Staff,” is running now through March 28.

The assorted artworks from the personal collections of several Historic Odessa Foundation staff members were either created by a Delaware artist or illustrate subject matter in Delaware or both.

The diverse collection includes watercolors, oil paintings, and a few limited-edition prints. The title of the art exhibit comes from the official Delaware state song, “Our Delaware,” which was written as a poem by George B. Hynson and adapted to music by Will M.S. Brown. It was adopted as the state’s official song on April 7, 1925.

If you’re more in a city mood than a country mood, Philadelphia always has plenty to offer.

The Betsy Ross House (239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, http://historicphiladelphia.org/betsy-ross-house/what-to-see/) is set to celebrate Women’s History Month with special events throughout the month of March.

The iconic site is the only place in Philadelphia dedicated solely to telling the stories of Colonial women and their contributions to our nation and embraces the month as a way to highlight even more women throughout history and to share some of the lesser-known details of Betsy Ross’ story.

One of the highlighted special events is “Tipsy History: The Little Rebel,” which will be held March 25-27 at 5, 6, and 7 p.m.

During “Tipsy History: The Little Rebel Thursday,” visitors will hear from Betsy, herself, how she earned her “Little Rebel” nickname.

Then, they will head into the House for a special women’s history-themed tour. The final segment will be a walk around the corner to Art in the Age to enjoy a delicious, handcrafted cocktail and raise a glass to the ladies, past and present.

Tours, which run about 90 minutes, will be timed and tickets limited to allow for proper social distancing.  Masks are required. Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased in advance.

The final entry in the “Storytelling Sundays” series will be held on March 28. The last two weekends in March focus on taking visitors into the trenches of the fight for women’s suffrage.

On March 28, visitors will have the opportunity to meet Frances Harper, an abolitionist, suffragist, poet, teacher and public speaker, who was one of the first African American women to be published in the United States.

Storytelling is included with admission to the Betsy Ross House.

Philadelphia is known as one of America’s most historic cities. So, it is no surprise that there are always history-related events on the city’s activities schedule.

Grim Philly’s “Dark Philly History Tour” (www.grimphilly.com) will be held every Friday and Saturday night in March at 8 p.m. each evening. Beginning in April, the tour will be presented every evening.

Participants can walk with tour guides from the grounds of America’s first White House, Congress, and Liberty Bell to homes and sites of Hamilton, Washington, Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and more than 10 other Founding-Fathers. The surprising dirt of espionage, murder, sexual license and blackmail highlight the secrets of 1776 with a ghost story or two along the way. This tour is highly researched. And your guide is a historian.

Grim Philly will also be presenting “Serial Killers & Cemetery Tour” every Saturday at 2 p.m.

Participants will have the opportunity to experience unconventional sightseeing off the beaten path. They can enjoy Betsy Ross House, Christ Church, Elfreth’s Alley, and Benjamin Franklin’s Grave, together with tales of serial slayings and psychopathic killers like the Corpse Collector, Frankfort Slasher, and H.H. Holmes.

Ghost Tour of Philadelphia (215-413-1997, www.ghosttour.com), Ghost Tour of Lancaster (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com) and Ghost Tour of Strasburg (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com) operate throughout the winter and offer an eerily entertaining evening of true ghost stories and real haunted houses.

The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia, which is based on the book, “Ghost Stories of Philadelphia, PA.,” is a candlelight walking tour along the back streets and secret gardens of Independence Park, Society Hill, and Old City, where ghostly spirits, haunted houses, and eerie graveyards abound.

Participants can discover the ghost lore of America’s most historic and most haunted city with stories from the founding of William Penn’s colony to present-day hauntings.

The activity is open year-round – weekends, December-February; every night, March-November. Tickets are $24.

The Ghost Tour of Lancaster and the Ghost Tour of Strasburg are based on the book, “Ghost Stories of Lancaster, PA.”

Participants in the Ghost Tour of Lancaster explore the long-forgotten mysteries of one of America’s oldest cities, with haunting tales of otherworldly vigils, fatal curses, and star-crossed lovers. The tour provides the opportunity to experience 300 years of haunted history from the Red Rose City’s thorny past. Tickets are $18.

The Ghost Tour of Strasburg is a candlelight walking tour of the quaint and historic town of Strasburg in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Visitors will experience an entertaining evening with a costumed tour guide spinning tales of haunted mansions, eerie graveyards, and spirits that roam the night … in a town lost in time. Tickets are $18.