While last week marked the official start of spring, it wasn’t until this week that I started getting those spring day vibes and that desire to blow off all responsibilities in exchange for a beverage and a book outside. If you too are actively seeking excuses to be outside, West Chester has you covered with more than a dozen, mostly bunny-themed, adventures to keep you occupied. Here are some of the highlights.
WEST CHESTER BOROUGH EASTER EGG HUNT
The Annual West Chester Easter Egg Hunt returns tomorrow with more than 5,000 eggs scattered around the fields and playgrounds of Everhart Park. Hunting – or rather the frenzied collecting of eggs not so much hidden as dropped in droves on the ground – begins precisely at 10 a.m. and ends roughly 5 minutes later. That is to say, don’t be late or you’ll miss it.
In addition to plenty of colorful plastic eggs, you look for Turks Head Sauce food truck with breakfast items and coffee, a face painter, and representatives from the Borough summer camp options for those of you still procrastinating that decision. No rain contingency plans have been announced yet. I was told to check social or the Borough website for updates.
East Goshen Easter Egg Hunt is also on Saturday at 10 a.m. So no double-dipping this year. Registration for that hunt is required, but when I checked earlier this week spots were still available. Want to make a whole morning of it? Brandywine Ace is hosting pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Bunny from 9 – 11 a.m.
West Goshen Egg Hunt and Decorated Hat Parade, originally scheduled for April 1 is now being held on April 8 starting at 10:30 am at West Goshen Community Park.
DOWNTOWN WEST CHESTER’S ADULT EASTER EGG HUNT
New this year, Downtown West Chester is introducing an adult Easter Egg Hunt. Why an adult Easter egg hunt, you ask? Well, why not?
“We decided to do an Adult Easter Egg hunt since a lot of our events are more family or kid themed,” said John O’Brien, Executive Director of the West Chester Business Improvement District. “The borough is doing an Easter Egg hunt for the kids, so we figured why not give the grown-ups some fun!”
The main difference between this and a traditional Easter Egg Hunt is the prizes. Instead of pieces of candy and gold coins, these eggs will be stuffed with coupons, gift cards, and wine vouchers.
Intrigued? The hunt, which will feature 120 oversized eggs hidden all over downtown, will take place on April 7 as part of First Friday events.
“They are six-inch eggs, so they are big and easily seen. We are hiding them on the main streets and in stores. We aren’t saying which stores they will be in, so people will need to explore a bit. And most importantly, we hope they shop and support the local businesses while they hunt for eggs!” said John.
BEERS, BUNNIES, AND OTHER THINGS – BUT ALWAYS BUNNIES
Now for an event, the whole family can enjoy. On Saturday, April 8, Thornbury Farm CSA is bringing back its Beers and Bunnies event for a second year. The Easter Bunny will be on the farm from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to take pictures with the kiddos. There will also be Southbound BBQ for lunch, Locust Lane Brewery for the adults, games for the kids, and a variety of local vendors to peruse.
Also, Highland Orchard is back with its Hayrides to the Easter Bunny. Hayrides start tomorrow at 10 a.m. and continue through next Saturday. The approximately 30-minute ride to the “Easter Bunny’s Burrow” is $8/person. Once at the burrow, the Easter Bunny will emerge to deliver a special egg to each child. A couple of notes on this one. Reservations are encouraged, but rides are weather permitting, and refunds are not given. So, if your scheduled ride is rained out, you’ll have to find another date or eat the cost of your ticket.
And, of course, who can forget the West Chester Railroad’s Easter Bunny Express? This seasonal favorite also begins tomorrow and continues through next weekend. Enjoy a 90-minute train ride in a decorated car with special guest appearances by Mr. Bunny himself. The trip includes a brief stop at the Glen Mills train station where you will have an opportunity for pictures. Check the website for price details.
Originally published, Mar. 31, 2023
This story is part of a longer weekly West Chester newsletter. Curious what else is going on? You can find the full issue here and the latest newsletter here. Even easier? Subscribe here to get the future issues delivered directly to your inbox.