Spring has sprung and the current weather sure does prove it. Robins are bobbing along, soon the crocuses and daffodils will be poking up from the ground. This only means “hippity hoppity Easter’s on its way.”

A Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Christ, it is sometimes known as Resurrection Sunday. Easter is also called Pascha (Greek, Aramic, Latin). It is a “moveable feast or holiday” in that some years it will fall on the last Sunday of March or later in April. The day is determined by the full moon and is usually the first Sunday after the full moon closest to the spring equinox (this year April 4) and is closely linked to Passover (Passover begins March 27).

Like many other Christian holidays some of the non-secular trappings such as the Easter bunny, baby chicks and coloring easter eggs have their roots from more traditional pagan beliefs. The English word “Easter” comes from Eostre, the goddess of spring and/or fertility and both eggs and bunnies are considered symbols of fertility and rebirth.  Read More. 

No matter how you celebrate, there is always a feast of food and treats. Lamb is a traditional food for both Easter and Passover — Jesus is often referred to as the “Lamb of God” and in Hebrew tradition there has always been the “sacrificial lamb.”  However, in more modern times anything from ham to turkey may be served. 

Whether you wait for the Easter bunny to arrive, participate in a traditional Easter egg hunt or attend solemn religious services; you may be on the hunt for where to pick up some of those Easter goodies to fill your baskets or perhaps a place to dine out.  Blackstone Valley is ready — we have listed a few options below.

Easter Goodies

For treats you will need to pre-order: 

• Mapleville Farm – Order by April 1 for April 3 pick up – offering a variety of breads, pastries and desserts  including the traditional Hot Cross buns. They may also have eggs available this weekend. Hours:  Sat. 9 am – 5 pm; Sun. 9 am – 3 pm. Easter weekend Sat only 9 am – 6 pm. Call (401) 568-0544 or order online.
• Bake My Day – Order by March 31 for April 3 pick up – Cake pops, Easter basket goodies, cookie trays, etc. Call 401-374-2747 or stop in to place your order — hours are Tues-Fri, 9 am – 2 pm or Sat. 9 am – 1 pm.
• Wright’s Dairy & Bakery – In addition to their special spring pastry platters or bunny cakes for dessert, you can also order DIY Bunny cupcake kits or Easter cookie kits to do at home. You may also pick up some eggs for coloring in their dairy section. Visit their website for ordering.

Here are a couple more local farms where you may find some farm fresh eggs for Easter egg coloring or to serve for your sunrise breakfast. 

• Blackbird Farm, 660 Douglas Pike, Smithfield – Farm stand open Thurs-Sat, 9 am – 6 pm. In addition to eggs, you can also purchase fresh bacon and/or meat for Easter brunch/dinner.
• Butterfly Farm, 679 Great Road, Lincoln – Farm stand open Thurs-Sun 7 am – 7 pm, Phone: (401) 837-3300.. You may also get a chance to see some of the farm animals or take a walk at nearby Chase Farm. 

March 27 & 28 and April 3 visit Seven Cedars Farm for their Easter Fun Days that includes wagon rides, visits with the Chicken and Easter Bunny, and an egg hunt!  Or, order pre-filled (plastic) Easter eggs for pick-up for your own backyard egg hunt. More Info.

More Easter Events

Easter Dining

 Be sure to make your reservations early.

• Savini’s Pomodoro, 476 Rathbun Street, Woonsocket – Taking reservations for both Easter breakfast (8:30 am – 12:30 pm) or dinner (1 – 5 pm). Family style dining is on the menus. You can make a Blackstone Valley tradition your new Easter tradition of Family Style Chicken, one of several options for dinner. Click here for menu. Order by March 30 for take out from their catering menu.  Call for reservations. 401-762-5114.
• Andrew’s Bistro, 3755 Mendon Road, Cumberland – Dinner reservations available from 12 – 5 pm. Full dinner menu plus dinner specials available. Call 401-658-1515.
• River Falls Restaurant, 74 South Main Street, Woonsocket – Open  Easter for riverfront dining from 11:30 am – 5: 30 pm with a special holiday menu. Visit their website to make reservations or call 401-235-9026.

More Dining Options to Check Out

photo courtesy Mapleville Farm