Easter in New York? 10 things not to miss!

As is well known, there is nothing in New York that does not exist. Isabelle Steichen, a Luxembourger living in the “Big Apple,” shares what to do while visiting New York these days – and where her favorite Easter brunch is.

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By Isabelle Steichen, New York

The Easter holidays are just around the corner and if you are ready for a spontaneous flight across the Atlantic or have already booked the plane, then I want you here 10 Things Here are some of the things to do in New York City this time of year:

1. Easter Bonnet Festival

The Easter Parade takes place on April 20th on 5th Avenue between 49th and 57th Streets. The eye-catchers of the parade are the shrill and crazy hat creations and costumes, which offer onlookers an entertaining show.

2. Oster Brunch

What’s better than a delicious Easter brunch on Easter Sunday? In NYC, the choices are endless: one of my favorite brunch spots is Friend of a Farmer in the Gramercy Park neighborhood. Between numerous egg dishes, pumpkin pancakes and French toast, you hardly know where your head is standing in front of delicious dishes.

3. Coney Island

Spring in New York invites you to take a trip to Coney Island with sunshine and pleasant temperatures. There the Luna Park opened again from the second weekend in April. The newest attraction, which will be available from summer 2014, is the “Thunderbolt” roller coaster, which is almost 40 meters high and has numerous loops and corkscrews.

4. Brooklyn Flea

The Brooklyn Flea Market kicks off the first weekend of April in Fort Greene and Williamsburg, bringing together hundreds of buyers and sellers every Saturday and Sunday. From handmade jewelry to inexpensive antique furniture to second-hand clothing, there’s something for everyone here!

5. Easter baking course

If you can’t get enough of American sweets, then it’s worth taking a cupcake class. Sur La Table is offering a themed Easter Cupcakes Baking Course on April 19th. On the menu are Bunny Banana Cupcakes, Egg and Nest Vanilla Cupcakes and of course Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting.

www.surlatable.com/product/CFA-1529312

6. Orchid show

The annual orchid show can be seen at the Bronx Botanical Gardens. This year, she whisks visitors away from the hustle and bustle of New York city life to the tropical splendor of the Florida Keys. More details on www.nybg.org/exhibitions/2014/orchid-show/index.php

7. Greenbelt Easter Fest

The Greenbelt Easter Fest, also known as the Quest for the Golden Egg, takes place on April 16th on Staten Island. A perfect afternoon for the whole family with lots of games and handicrafts.

www.nycgovparks.org/events/2014/04/16/greenbelt-easter-fest

8. Sakura Matsuri

For those visitors who are still in New York at the end of April, it is worth seeing Sakura Matsuri. The two-day Japanese festival takes place at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. Traditional and modern Japanese culture is celebrated there. However, if you want to experience the cherry tree blossom, you have to stop by the botanical garden a little earlier, probably in the week of April 7th.

9. Gazillion Bubble Show

If you don’t feel like seeing the classic Broadway plays or the traditional musicals and still want to see an impressive show, you absolutely have to secure tickets for the Gazillion Bubble Show. The Vietnamese artist Fan Yang impresses his audience with huge soap bubbles, which he fills with smoke and completes with light effects.