{"id":18867,"date":"2016-03-25T11:16:08","date_gmt":"2016-03-25T15:16:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/?p=18867"},"modified":"2016-03-25T10:29:39","modified_gmt":"2016-03-25T14:29:39","slug":"what-to-do-get-hoppin-for-easter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/?p=18867","title":{"rendered":"What To Do: Get hoppin’ for Easter"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Easter Bunny is pretty much everywhere this weekend<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

By Denny Dyroff,<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Staff Writer, The Times<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"EasterBunny\"<\/a>Easter Weekend has arrived and that means that the Easter Bunny\u2019s daily schedule is shifting into overdrive. He will be at \u201cEaster Egg Hunts\u201d all around the area and he will be participating in a variety of special events.<\/span><\/p>\n

One activity that is always a hit with youngsters is a ride on an excursion train with the Easter Bunny.<\/span><\/p>\n

The West Chester Railroad (Market Street, West Chester, 610-430-2233, www.westchesterrr.net<\/span><\/a>) is running a special Easter Bunny Express on March 26. Trains will depart from the Market Street Station at noon and 2 p.m. and from the Glen Mills station at 12:45 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"easter<\/a>Entertainment on the trains will be provided by banjoist Greg Wright and Friends along with the Easter Bunny, who will be giving treats to all the kids. Adult fare is $22 while children (ages 2-12) get to ride for $17 and toddlers (ages 9-23 months) ride for $7.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"easter<\/a>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<\/span><\/a>) on March 25 and 26. On the special trains, the big bunny with the big ears will visit with all passengers and pose for pictures.<\/span><\/p>\n

Departure times are 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. and fares are $18 for adults, $17 for seniors (ages 60 and older) and $16 for children (ages 2-12). As an added attraction, every child on the excursion trains will receive a special treat from the Easter Bunny.<\/span><\/p>\n

The New Hope and Ivyland Railroad (32 West Bridge Street, New Hope, 215-862-2332, www.newhoperailroad.com<\/span><\/a>) is running its annual Easter Bunny Express on March 25, 26 and 27 with departures at 11 a.m., noon, 1,2,3 and 4 p.m. each day.<\/span><\/p>\n

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. Coach tickets are $28.95 for adults, $26.95 for children (ages 2-11) and $11.95 for toddlers (under 2).<\/span><\/p>\n

At the Strasburg Rail Road (Rt. 741 East, Strasburg, 717-687-7522, www.strasburgrailroad.com<\/span><\/a>), the special Easter Bunny Train will be running on March 25, 26 and 27with departures starting at 11 a.m. each day.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Easter Bunny will meet and greet all the kids on each train and have a special treat for all of them. Coach fares are $18 for adults, $11 for children (ages 3-11) and $3 for toddlers (under 3).<\/span><\/p>\n

Video for Strasburg Railroad\u2019s Easter Bunny Train — https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=pu1iz-wsAHc<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad (717-944-4435, www.mhrailroad.com<\/span><\/a>) will be running its Easter Bunny Express on March 25 and 26 at 1:30 p.m. each day.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fares for the ride are $17 (ages 12 and older), $14 (ages 2-11) and $4 (under age 2 and on lap). The Easter Bunny will have a sweet treat for every child. Reservations are recommended.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"highland<\/a>

Highland Orchards will be offering \u201cHayrides to Easter Bunny\u201d on March 25 and 26 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. each day.<\/p><\/div>\n

Highland Orchards (1000 Marshallton-Thorndale Road, West Chester) is presenting \u201cHayrides to Easter Bunny\u201d on March 25 and 26 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. each day.<\/span><\/p>\n

Participants can purchase tokens in the Farm Market, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

The event takes about half an hour and wagons leave about every half hour. No reservation is required and tokens can be purchased in the Farm Market on the day or in advance. The cost is $7 per person.<\/span><\/p>\n

On March 25 and 26, there will be a special event called \u201cHayrides to Bunnyland\u201d at Linvilla Orchards (137 West Knowlton Road, Media, 610-876-7116, www.linvilla.com<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

The hayride to Bunny\u2019s House features a ride in a hay-filled trailer that travels around Linvilla\u2019s grounds and eventually arrives at the house of Linvilla\u2019s Easter Bunny.<\/span><\/p>\n

Upon arrival, the big, happy rabbit emerges from his house to pose for pictures with his guests. There is a storytelling session, tours of the bunny\u2019s home and seasonal treats for all visitors. Other special activities include pony rides, train rides and face painting<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHayrides to Bunnyland\u201d run every 15 minutes from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. from March 28 until April 4. Tickets, which are $9 per person, can be purchased in the Garden Center.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"linvilla's<\/a>

Linvilla Orchard\u2019s \u201cFore! The Planet\u201d allows kids to tee off on learning.<\/p><\/div>\n

Linvilla Orchard\u2019s\u00a0\u201cFore! The Planet\u201d\u00a0is a highly interactive and playful museum exhibit created by the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. This exhibition, which is open until April 4, pairs important environmental issues with the fun of miniature golf.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It features 18 unique educational holes on a variety of topics — butterfly metamorphosis, a tropical rainforest, evolution, dinosaur extinction, food chains and more. Kids of all ages can enjoy playing miniature golf while learning about our environment on every hole.<\/span><\/p>\n

The mini-course is open daily from 9 a.m. -6 p.m. Tickets are $6.95 (ages 11 and over) and $4.95 (ages 10 and under).<\/span><\/p>\n

\"easter<\/a>An always-popular annual Easter tradition is the Easter Parade on South Street in Philadelphia (www.southstreet.com<\/span><\/a>).\u00a0 This year, the 85th Annual Philadelphia Easter Promenade will be held on March 27 from 12:30-2 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

The event will feature Mr. and Mrs. Peter Cottontail, the Easter Bunny and the Philadelphia Freedom band as well as contests for best-dressed children and adults and best Easter bonnet.<\/span><\/p>\n

This Easter would have marked the 11th anniversary of the Philly Zombie Crawl, which has been staged every year on South Street by Philly Zombie. But, nothing last forever (except maybe zombies).<\/span><\/p>\n

Fortunately, there still will be a special zombie event in Philly on Easter Sunday.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"philly<\/a>On its website, Philly Zombie (http:\/\/phillyzombie.com<\/span><\/a>) posted this mesage —<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSince last Easter, things have changed — not so much with us, but with South Street. We lost two of our most loyal watering holes (Dobbs and Lickety Split) and our zombie liaison within the District office.<\/span><\/p>\n

So — instead of trying to create a half-assed Crawl to just wither on the vine, we\u2019ve decided, now that we\u2019re entering our second decade of zombie love, to return to our roots.<\/span><\/p>\n

Join us Easter Sunday, March 27 at our original home for zombies all year long — Tattooed Mom (530 South Street) as we launch the Philly Zombie Party!<\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019ll have makeup artists on hand for those who want to leave the painting to the professionals \u2013 plus both floors will be open starting 4 p.m. with zombie drink and food specials all night.<\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019ll be awarding prizes to some of the most creative zombies of the night. We\u2019ll award two rounds of prizes: one at 6 p.m. and one at 10 p.m. We look forward to continuing the undead celebration this Easter — and we hope you\u2019ll join us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It seems like it\u2019s hard to keep a good zombie down.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are several top-caliber \u201cEaster Brunches\u201d in the area including ones at Winterthur and Longwood Gardens.<\/span><\/p>\n

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (Route 52 just south of the Pennsylvania state line, Wilmington, Delaware, 800-448-3883,\u00a0http:\/\/www.winterthur.org<\/span><\/a>) will host \u201cEaster Brunch with the Bunny\u201d on March 27 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and the Easter Bunny will make several appearances starting at 9 a.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some of the featured menu items are House-Smoked Filet of Beef, Strawberry, Red Quinoa & Baby Kale Salad, Caramel-Banana Waffles, Bacon-Broccoli Crunch Salad, Farro Salad, Four-Cheese Tortellini with Locatelli Cream, Peas, Prosciutto & Broccoli Rabe, Chocolate French Toast, House-Smoked Salmon, Roasted Asparagus Bouquet, Lychee-Lime Fruit Salad with Vanilla Yogurt & Toasted Coconut, and \u201cAssorted Breakfast Breads, Pastries, Bagels & Spreads.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tickets are $34.95 for adults and $17.50 for children.\u00a0Reservations are required.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"longwood<\/a>

Brunch and orchids are on the menu at Longwood Gardens this weekend.<\/p><\/div>\n

The Easter Buffet at Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org<\/span><\/a>) will be held on March 26 and 27 with seatings every half hour from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.<\/span><\/p>\n

The cost is $62 for adults, $32 for children (ages 5-11) and $23 for children (ages 4 and under). Ticket price includes Gardens Admission and reservations are required.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Main Buffet Menu includes Longwood Gardens Signature Mushroom Soup; Local Spinach Salad, Dates, Gorgonzola, Hazelnuts, Citrus; Artichoke Risotto Cakes; Roasted Baby Vegetables; Herb Roasted Potatoes; Roasted Salmon; Slow Roasted Leg of Lamb; Rosemary Demi-Glace; and Dijon Maple Glazed Ham.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Brunch Selection includes French Toast Bread Pudding, Blueberry Compote; Asparagus, Smoked Ham & Gruyere Cheese Frittata; Bacon; Sausage Patties; Home Fries and Tropical Fruit Salad.<\/span><\/p>\n

There will also be an Omelet Station, a Southern Grit Station, a Kids Station, a Dessert Station, a Beverage Station and a Candy Station with a variety of candies for guests to enjoy there and take home.<\/span><\/p>\n

The \u201cOrchid Extravaganza,\u201d which is running now through March 27 at Longwood, features approximately 5,000 orchids in bloom along with a variety of displays and special exhibits throughout its four-acre conservatory.<\/span><\/p>\n

The orchid is one of the most beautiful, delicate and graceful flowers in the world. And, the orchid family is the largest family of the flowering plants. The Royal Botanical Gardens of Kew list over 20,000 accepted species with about 800 new species added each year. There are displays of orchids in planting beds, containers and innovative exhibits.<\/span><\/p>\n

Early spring flowers have arrived just in time for the holiday weekend. Visitors can wander around the Outdoor Gardens and discover flowering trees, early bulbs peeking through the grass, and vibrant pansies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Inside Longwood\u2019s four-acre Conservatory, visitors will be greeted by bursts of color with Easter lilies, pink foxgloves, blue hydrangeas, and pink tower of jewels all in spectacular bloom.<\/span><\/p>\n

Easter at Longwood will also include live entertainment from noon-3 p.m. both days. Music will be performed by Ann Fontanella on violin, Charles dePasquale on cello and Ardath Belczer on viola.<\/span><\/p>\n

Admission to Longwood Gardens is $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and $10 for students.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now that spring and mild weather have arrived, Mother Nature is starting to awaken and show her colors. Flowers in all shapes and colors are beginning to brighten up landscapes.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is a great time to visit gardens and there are quite a few great gardens to visit in the area. The list includes Tyler Arboretum in Media, Chanticleer in Wayne, Morris Arboretum in Chestnut Hill, Bartram Gardens in West Philadelphia and Jenkins Arboretum in Devon just to name a few.<\/span><\/p>\n

For the next five weeks, there is also another special garden that you should check out — \u201cThe Secret Garden.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Candlelight Theater (2208 Millers Road, Arden, Delaware,\u00a0302- 475-2313,\u00a0www.candlelighttheatredelaware.org<\/span><\/a>) is presenting \u201cThe Secret Garden\u201d now through April 24. The show, which retells Frances Hodgson Burnett\u2019s beloved Victorian classic, won three Tony Awards in 1991 — including \u201cBest Musical.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"secret-gaden-gallo2\"<\/a>

The Secret Garden runs at the Candlelight Theater now through April 24. Photo by Tisa Della -Volpe.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cThe Secret Garden\u201d features book and lyrics by Marsha Norman and music by Lucy Simon. Most of the action takes place at Misselthwaite Manor in North Yorkshire, England.<\/span><\/p>\n

Orphaned in India, 11-year-old Mary Lennox is sent to Yorkshire to live with her embittered, reclusive uncle and his invalid son. Misselthwaite Manor, a cold and bleak estate haunted by spirits and secrets of the past, is far from a comfortable place for a little girl to live.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary has a brave heart and a strong will — and is too spirited to let the circumstances defeat her. She finds spiritual comfort in a locked-up, hidden garden, and shows hope that love can bloom in even the darkest places. Mary discovers renewed purposes for herself, bringing her sickly cousin, her uncle, and a long-forgotten secret garden back to life.<\/span><\/p>\n

As always, the production at Candlelight features a stellar cast of actors — young and old. The role of Colin, the sickly boy, is shared by Luke Plunkett and Scott Angelides. The role of Mary Lennox is shared by two very talented young actresses — Katelyn Gallo and Samantha Deutsch.<\/span><\/p>\n

The role of Mary is the major role in the show. In every production of \u201cThe Secret Garden,\u201d a young actress is put in a position of having to carry the show. At Candlelight, both Deutsch and Gallo are proving to be equal to the task.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gallo, a middle school student making her Candlelight Theater debut, has played in 19 musicals since she began at age eight. She has performed a number of key roles, including Little Cosette in \u201cLes Miserables,\u201d Jane in \u201cMary Poppins,\u201d Sally Brown in \u201cPeanuts\u201d and Little Red in \u201cInto the Woods.\u201d This time, Gallo was more than ready to take on the role of Mary Lennox.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMary Lennox is a big part but I wasn\u2019t intimidated by the role,\u201d said Gallo, during a phone interview Wednesday from her home in Pittsgrove, New Jersey. \u201cI do think she carries the show but it wasn\u2019t really a challenge for me to play the role.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is my first show at Candlelight. One of my directors from Wilmington Drama League knows Bob (the show\u2019s director Bob Kelly). Bob told him about the show so I came and auditioned about three months ago.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI had never seen the show but I had read the book. I like reading a lot. Once I got the role, I watched videos about the show on YouTube.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Gallo obviously has discovered who Mary Lennox is, how to portray her onstage and how to add some of her own personality to the role.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI like Mary because she\u2019s strong and independent,\u201d said Gallo. \u201cIn the beginning, she is really strict. But, by the end of the show, she\u2019s making friends. It is easy for me to make the transition from strict to friendly. My favorite scene is when Mary meets Mrs. Winthrop, the headmistress of the Aberdeen School, and throws a tantrum.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe cast of this show is amazing. They\u2019re all really good actors and they\u2019re really supportive of me. They help me with lines and blocking. Everyone works together really well.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think audiences like \u2018The Secret Garden\u2019 because it teaches them a lesson about how to welcome strangers and be respectful. And, they like the way the play shows how spirits do live on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings (doors 6 p.m.\/show, 8 p.m.) and Sunday afternoons (doors, 1 p.m.\/show, 3 p.m.). Tickets, which include dinner and show, are $59 for adults and $33 for children (ages 4-12).<\/span><\/p>\n

This is the last opportunity to check out the March event of the Brandywine Artisan Wine Trail (http:\/\/www.brandywineartisanwinetrail.com<\/span><\/a>). All through March, the trail\u2019s wineries have been celebrating \u201cThe Art of Photography\u201d with photography art shows.<\/span><\/p>\n

Galer Estate Vineyard and\u00a0Winery is showcasing the work of Antelo Devereux who has created photography books on Philadelphia and\u00a0Chester County.<\/span><\/p>\n

Robert Lott is the exhibiting photographer at Ten Gallon Hat Winery. Lott is displaying many of his images from Philadelphia, Chester County and the Eastern Shore.<\/span><\/p>\n

Flickerwood Winery has been featuring the work of two photography artists — Linda Amonitti and Andrew DiMaio.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stargazer\u2019s Vineyard and\u00a0Winery is featuring Karl Weygandt, whose expertise is photographing the natural wonders of our local Chester County in close-up images and in aerial views.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kreutz Creek Vineyards has its spotlight on Liz Crowthers, who is a well-respected Local portrait and fine arts photographer<\/span><\/p>\n

The Chaddsford Winery (632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, 610-388-6221, www.chaddsford.com<\/span><\/a>) will host an \u201cAdult Easter Egg Hunt\u201d on March 26 with sessions at 10 a.m., noon, 2 and 4 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

Participants can scour the Winery\u2019s property to find hidden Easter eggs containing tons of great surprises, including candies that are perfect for wine pairing, tickets to\u00a0future Winery events, vouchers for\u00a0Chaddsford gear (tee shirts,\u00a0hats, corkscrews, and more), coupons towards wine purchases and free wine tastings, glasses of wine, and bottles of wine.<\/span><\/p>\n

All participants are guaranteed to win at least one prize<\/i>. Pizzaria Pronto will have a food truck at the event and live music will be provided by Larry Roney from noon-3 p.m. and McChords from 3:30-6 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tickets, which are $15, include participation in one of four timed hunts and one glass of wine from the winery\u2019s traditional tasting menu.<\/span><\/p>\n

Philadelphia\u2019s Cherry Blossom Festival may still be a few weeks away but cherry blossoms are already starting their 2016.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can get a good look at cherry blossom trees right before they are in full bloom by visiting Japanese House and Garden (Lansdowne Drive and Horticultural Drive, Philadelphia, 215-878-5097, http:\/\/www.japanesehouse.org<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

Shofuso is a 1.2 acre Japanese garden listed as the third best Japanese garden in North America by Sukiya Living, and named the \u201cBest Hidden Tourist Attraction\u201d by Philadelphia Magazine.<\/span><\/p>\n

The site features a viewing garden with koi pond and island, a tea garden, and a courtyard garden located inside the 17th century-style Japanese walled and fenced garden of this historic museum. The newly-restored, historic 1876 Sakura Pavilion is year-round space for programming, classes, meetings, events, and exhibitions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Visiting hours now through October are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for senior citizens, children (ages 3-17) and students.<\/span><\/p>\n

The 40<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Annual Gap Fire Company Mud Sale & Auction will be held on March 25 and 26 at the Gap Fire Company (<\/b>802 Pequea Avenue, Gap, 610-593-2480, http:\/\/www.gapfire.org<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

The Gap Fire Company\u2019s annual spring \u201cMud Sale\u201d auction will be held on the fire company grounds on March 25 — starting at 5 p.m. for crafts and 6:30 p.m. for shrubbery and flowers. The auctions on March 26 will start at 8 a.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

The list of items that will be on the auction block includes antiques, nursery stock, lawn furniture, quilts, wall hangings, crafts, needlework, farm machinery and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

For shoppers who get hungry, there will be Chicken Bar-B-Q, homemade soft pretzels, ice cream, strawberry pie, baked goods and other homemade food on sale both days on the fire company\u2019s grounds.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Easter Bunny is pretty much everywhere this weekend By Denny Dyroff,\u00a0Staff Writer, The Times Easter Weekend has arrived and that means that the Easter Bunny\u2019s daily schedule is shifting into overdrive. He will be at \u201cEaster Egg Hunts\u201d all around the area and he will be participating in a variety of special events. One […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":18858,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[25,4],"tags":[2153,7258,4750,4742,7259,6377],"class_list":["post-18867","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","category-featured","tag-easter","tag-easter-bunny","tag-highland-orchards","tag-linvilla-orchards","tag-south-street","tag-west-chester-railroad"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18867","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=18867"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18867\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18868,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18867\/revisions\/18868"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/18858"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=18867"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=18867"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=18867"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}