Easter Weekend Getaways

1. Fredericksburg

• What is Fredericksburg known for?
  • Fredericksburg, a city in central Texas, is known for its enduring German tradition that began with the town’s founding in 1847.
• What unique tradition takes place in Fredericksburg on Easter weekend?
  • On the night before Easter, everyone in town dresses up for the Easter pageant, and at a certain time of night, the lights all go out.
• What happens after the town lights go out?
  • Up on the hills surrounding the town, visitors will see the lights of the fires that spring up in the distance.
• What makes the Fredericksburg Easter Fires special?
  • Visitors can enjoy the strange and fun spectacle of the Fredericksburg Easter Fires while indulging in some of the amazing food and drink offered in the town during the festival.

Fredericksburg is 1.5 hours from Austin, TX.

2. Bay St Louis

• How does Southern Mississippi celebrate Easter?
  • Southern Mississippi knows how to celebrate Easter, with sunrise services, egg hunts, and plenty of events happening throughout the whole weekend.
• What Easter event takes place at Bay St. Louis Little Theater?
  • Each year on Easter Saturday, the theater hosts the annual Stella, Blues & Barbecue Festival, featuring live music, delicious barbecue food, and a unique yelling contest.
• What is the Stella yelling contest?
  • Contestants get up on stage and yell, "STELLA!" like in A Streetcar Named Desire (author Tennessee Williams was a Bay St. Louis native).
• What makes Bay St. Louis a great getaway destination?
  • This charming city is also a great place for any weekend getaway, with pleasant weather, historic architecture, and a friendly atmosphere.
• How far is Bay St. Louis from New Orleans?
  • Bay St. Louis is just one hour from New Orleans.

3. Big Sur

• What makes Big Sur a great destination for Easter?
  • The beautiful stretch of California coast that makes up the Big Sur region is a gorgeous part of America at any time of year.
  • Visitors to Big Sur around Easter will find pleasant, mild weather, stunning views of both the Santa Lucia Mountains and the vast Pacific Ocean.
  • The region is full of lovely state parks perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities.
• What Easter events take place at Big Sur River Inn Restaurant?
  • On Easter Sunday, visitors can enjoy a fabulous brunch at Big Sur River Inn Restaurant, complete with their famous Bloody Marys.
  • The restaurant also hosts an annual Easter Egg Hunt for the kids.
• What other activities happen during Easter weekend in Big Sur?
  • Surrounding areas and businesses feature a wide array of activities, including:
  • Visits from the Easter Bunny
  • Buffets
  • Live music

Big Sur is 2.5 hours from San Francisco.

4. Houston

• Is Houston a good destination for Easter weekend?
  • Whether you’re traveling with friends or family, Houston is ready for all visitors on Easter weekend.
• What Easter activities can visitors enjoy in Houston?
  • There’s a plethora of activities in this Texan city, including:
  • Festivals
  • Live music
  • The annual Easter egg hunt at Edgewood Park
  • Photo opportunities, an egg hunt, and free Easter baskets at the MD Kids Pediatrics Community Resource Fair
• What is the DAYBREAK Easter Party?
  • Easter weekend is also when Houston hosts the infamous DAYBREAK Easter Party, a 21+ event.
  • This event takes place all day long and includes performances from local and touring DJs for a day full of music and fun.

5. Charleston

• Why is Charleston called "the Holy City"?
  • Charleston is known as "the Holy City" for its many tall and iconic church steeples that historically have guided ships into its harbor.
• Why is Charleston a great place to spend Easter?
  • With a nickname like "the Holy City", it’s no surprise that Charleston is a great place to celebrate Easter.
• What is the Eggstravaganza event?
  • Each year on Easter Saturday, the city hosts "Eggstravaganza", an egg hunt where children can not only find eggs but also dye them and participate in fun games.
  • Games include an egg toss and egg rolling races.
• What other Easter events take place in Charleston?
  • Visitors can watch the annual Easter Promenade down Broad and Meeting Streets in downtown Charleston.
  • On Easter Sunday, visitors can enjoy an unforgettable Lowcountry brunch.

6. Flagstaff

• Why is Flagstaff a great place to spend Easter weekend?
  • Spending Easter weekend in Flagstaff means experiencing one of the most gorgeous parts of the United States.
  • Visitors are surrounded by jagged mountains, a hot sprawling desert, and dense forests of ponderosa pine trees.
• What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Flagstaff?
  • Visitors can take advantage of the slopes at Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort.
  • Hiking on or around Humphreys Peak offers amazing views.
• Where can visitors enjoy an Easter brunch?
  • In the city itself, restaurants like Josephine’s Modern American Bistro and many others offer an amazing Easter brunch.
  • This allows everyone to have a wonderful Easter Sunday under the Arizona sun.

Flagstaff is 2.5 from Phoenix.

7. Galveston

• What makes Galveston Island a unique Easter destination?
  • Galveston Island, off the coast of Texas in the Gulf Coast, is a quaint and unique city where visitors can enjoy a mix of amusement and nature.
• What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy?
  • Visitors can experience amusement park rides on the water at Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier.
  • For nature lovers, hiking and bird watching at Galveston Island State Park are great options.
• What Easter events happen at Moody Gardens?
  • On Easter Saturday, visitors and locals can visit Moody Gardens, an iconic amusement park featuring three glass pyramids and even an aquarium.
  • The event includes a free Easter egg hunt, photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny, and games with various prizes.
• Are there special dining options for Easter?
  • On Easter Sunday, Moody Gardens hosts a delicious buffet.
  • Many other restaurants around town also offer great brunch options for the holiday.
• How far is Galveston from Houston?
  • Galveston is just one hour from Houston.

8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

• Why is Great Smoky Mountains National Park a great Easter destination?
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a fantastic destination at any time of year.
  • On Easter weekend, the park and the surrounding area become the perfect place to spend a holiday.
• What special event takes place on Easter Sunday?
  • Visitors can enjoy a free ride on the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, leading them up the mountain to a gorgeous sunrise service at Ober Gatlinburg.
  • From there, they will be able to truly appreciate their stunning surroundings and breathtaking views.
• What is the Great Smoky Easter Arts and Crafts Show?
  • This event is hosted every year around Easter and features a wide variety of art, crafts, and goodies.
  • These handcrafted items make for great Easter basket gifts.
• How far is Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Knoxville?
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just one hour from Knoxville.

9. Honolulu

• Why is Honolulu considered a perfect vacation destination?
  • The Hawaiian capital is practically listed under the textbook definition of a “perfect vacation destination”, with sandy beaches, gorgeous landscapes, and beautiful weather year-round.
• What are some key attractions in Honolulu?
  • Honolulu is the most populated place on the island of Oahu.
  • It is home to Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, and the incredibly scenic Makapuu Point.
• Why is Honolulu a great place to spend Easter?
  • Honolulu is a great place to spend Easter, offering stunning natural beauty and festive events.
• What is a great way to start Easter in Honolulu?
  • There’s no better way to start the holiday than with a gorgeous sunrise Easter service on the beach or surrounded by the lush green wilderness of Oahu’s nature.
• Where can visitors enjoy Easter brunch in Honolulu?
  • Afterward, Easter brunch options abound in Honolulu, featuring endless mimosas and all-you-can-eat breakfast buffets.

10. Lake Powell

• What makes Lake Powell a popular vacation destination?
  • Lake Powell, which forms part of the state border between Arizona and Utah, is a popular vacation spot all year round.
  • It features incredible rock formations like Horseshoe Bend and Rainbow Bridge.
  • Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities on the lake, the Colorado River, and in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
• What Easter events take place near Lake Powell?
  • The nearby town of Page, Arizona, hosts an annual Easter event for families.
  • The event includes an egg hunt, Easter Bunny photo opportunities, and even a petting zoo.
• What if visitors prefer an alternative to Easter brunch?
  • If the prospect of Easter brunch doesn’t appeal, there’s plenty of fish to be caught in the waters of Lake Powell.