Easter in Irvington, Virginia

To Christians, Easter is the holiest day of the year, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christian Easter and the Jewish festival of Passover are related, as the Last Supper is thought of as a Passover meal. Further, many modern Easter traditions originate in the pagan celebration of the spring equinox and the rebirth that the season represents. "Eastre" (or "Eostre") was a Saxon goddess of fertility and spring and a festival honoring her was held on the spring equinox.

Whatever one's beliefs, Easter, one of civilization's oldest holidays, is the perfect opportunity for families to spend time together, celebrating the end of winter--and a very difficult, unprecedented pandemic year.

Here are some ways to enjoy Easter in Irvington, VA, and create traditions that can be passed on to future generations. (Continuously updated.)

Annual Easter Weekend at The Tides Inn

The Tides Inn welcomes the return of spring with its Annual Easter Weekend. Family-fun events are scheduled at the resort beginning Friday, April 2, with a Managing Director's Social to welcome guests.

Saturday, April 3, pick up fresh produce at Irvington Farmer's Market. Create a Gloucester Daffodil Vase in Tides Inn's Maker Space. Decorate Easter eggs. Challenge each other at Family Fueding Team Trivia. Enjoy a Virginia Master Chef Wine Dinner.

Kick off Easter Sunday with Meditation and Yoga at Hughlett Point. Hunt for Easter eggs with the Easter Bunny. Take a Seasonal Flower Arranging Class. Feast on an expansive Easter Buffet.

Hope & Glory Inn and The Dog and Oyster Vineyard

Irvington's newest restaurant, The Colonnade, located at romantic boutique hotel Hope & Glory Inn, is serving a special four-course Easter menu Friday-Sunday. Choose from Rappahannock River Oysters or Pan Seared Scallops with Black Truffle Oil. Second course is a Cabernet Poached Red Pear Salad. Choice of Duck Breast with Cherry and Shallot Sauce or Rack of Lamb Persillade for the third course. Topping off the meal is Crème Caramel.

Hope & Glory's winery, The Dog & Oyster Vineyard, will be open Easter weekend. Where the terroir of the grape meets the merroir of the oyster, SIP features award-winning wine flights and bottle sales. SLURP serves up the freshest oysters and other local seafood delights (as well as a few sweet treats!)

Compass Entertainment Complex and Meridian Bar & Grill

Compass Entertainment Complex is the place for family fun indoors and out. Multi-screen movie theater, climbing walls, adventure course, bumper cars, arcade, batting cages, go-karts, miniature golf and more!

Plus, Compass is offering Easter-themed specials in its Meridian Bar & Grill: Deviled Eggs, Ham Biscuits, Teriyaki Glazed Grilled Salmon, Lemon Herb Chicken, Jelly Bean Cheesecake, and Chantilly Fruit Salad Shortcake.

Out of the Oven Bakery

In neighboring White Stone, pick up sweet treats such as a traditional southern Hummingbird Cake, an Easter Egg-Shaped Cake, Hot Cross Buns, or Easter Cookies at Out of the Oven Bakery.

Cherish the Memories

Take home a representative Northern Neck souvenir of Easter in Irvington, VA. Known for its fresh, local oysters harvested from the Rappahannock River and Chesapeake Bay, local artisans reuse oyster shells to create memorable keepsakes.

Photos: (L) Cecil's C Shells, (R) The Fancy Oyster