Add these Easter specials to your “basket”

Celebrate the season’s most glorious feast day in style! Find out where to go for sunrise walks, fine dining, and egg hunts.

Dawn’s early light

At 876 feet above the New River Gorge, the scenery is spectacular. Forested mountains spread into the distance, water glistens far below, and crisp clouds seem close enough to touch.

It’s a rare place to be — particularly if you’re standing in the middle of it all. But a Bridge Walk tour gives you the best view in West Virginia! Guides safely strap you to the catwalk beneath the New River Gorge Bridge, which runs 3,030 feet. Trips are leisurely, with ample time for photos and soaking in the horizon-to-horizon panoramas.

The Easter Sunrise Bridge Walk on April 16 makes a great thing even more stunning. For one thing, the tour starts at 5:30 a.m. That means you’ll be crossing the Gorge as pale light lifts and glows. For another, tickets will cost just $39 a person (plus tax). This is a steep discount from the usual price.

Reservations are available, so book a spot for this majestic outing. You don’t want the Easter bunny swipe your ticket!

A “Best of West Virginia” brunch

Tamarack, a spacious art center in Beckley, is a regional hotspot for local craftsmanship and delicious cuisine.

It’s also a delightful spot for Easter. Starting at 11:30 a.m. on April 16, chefs will have traditional breakfast and brunch dishes, plus coffee and orange juice. Specialties include Belgian waffles with local preserves and Chantilly cream; muffins and pastries; cold salads, spring greens, and hot rolls; and fresh fruit.

You’ll also be treated to gourmet entrees like Atlantic salmon fillets, carved ham, and beef tenderloin tips, plus classic side dishes. Count on an ample dessert table, too. After all, what’s Easter without something sweet?

Brunch tickets are $33 for adults and $17 for kids aged 4-11.

Egg hunts!

Head to Pipestem Resort State Park for 2 days of festivity. On April 15, kids aged 1-12 may search for eggs on the headquarters lawn. Rangers will have 2 sections to ensure fair hunting and gathering for everybody. Bring your own basket and be there by 2 p.m.!

You can also visit Pipestem on Easter. There will be a nondenominational sunrise service at 7 a.m., followed by breakfast in the Bluestone Dining Room. It’s a treat to sip coffee by the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows; the wilderness views are exquisite.

Pipestem will also have a buffet from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fill your plate at the carving station with ham or lamb, or try salmon, fried chicken, and creamy butternut soup. Traditional side dishes, from roasted garlic mashed potatoes to deviled eggs, will also be available. Chefs will bake cakes and pies, too.

Tickets are $25.99 for adults and $12.99 for kids aged 4-10. Babies 3 and younger eat free with a paying parent. Spaces often sell out before Easter, so contact Pipestem for reservations.

Easter at The Resort at Glade Springs

Slip away to this luxurious retreat for 2 blissful days. The Resort at Glade Springs makes Easter the celebration it ought to be, thanks to a package brimming with goodies: overnight stays, breakfast, and a generous buffet spread.

Kids are also welcome to hunt for prize-filled eggs at 1 p.m. There’s a chance you’ll meet the Easter Bunny, too! Call the resort for tickets and reservations.

A sunrise Easter service

Celebrate Christ’s resurrection with Pastor Gene Miller at Exhibition Coal Mine, a restored campground in Beckley. Everybody is welcome! This religious service starts at 6 a.m., followed by refreshments.

How will you celebrate Easter in Southern West Virginia?