New and unique culinary attractions are taking place this spring and make a perfectly flavorful addition to any vacation. Book a trip to these destinations below and enjoy these food and drink trails and festivals. There's something for everyone—from a "Southwestern Sonoma" and a fun hometown celebration, to trails featuring delectable treats and beachside beverages. Sip your way across the Texas High Plains Wine Trail Golden sunlight over the Texas plains by David Banning - Unsplash Visit Lubbock is excited to announce the launch of the Texas High Plains Wine Trail, a curated collection of local wineries and wine festivals offering participants the opportunity to explore, experience and celebrate Lubbock's award-winning wineries. As the leading grower of Texas wine grapes, with more than 85% grown and produced in the area, the Lubbock area is a pillar in the Texas wine industry. Participants who sign up will receive an interactive mobile pass to serve as a guide featuring a detailed map of the trail and information about each participating winery and event. Visitors to participating wineries will present a code to the cashier to earn points toward prizes and discounts. Those who visit four participating locations, earning 400 points, can redeem a one-time commemorative Texas High Plains wine and Visit Lubbock wine cork and cheese board. Each stop along the trails earnsparticipants 100 points. For 300 points, participants can redeem 50% off one general admission ticket to Lubbock Uncorked. The Texas High Plains Wine Trail aims to highlight the Texas wine industry, which got its start in the High Plains. Known as the leading producer of fruit for the state, the High Plains boasts award-winning wineries, a two-time James Beard nominated winemaker - Kim McPherson - and a climate conducive to growing a hearty grape worthy of all praise. Lubbock is home to not only Clinton “Doc” McPherson, also known as the Father of Texas Wine, but to the second oldest winery in the state, Llano Estacado Winery. Here, the legacy lives on through generations of talented winemakers. Throughout the Wine Trail, guests will have the opportunity to taste the High Plains through each sip of award-winning wine while learning more about the industry. Enjoy exclusive discounts from wineries and events including Llano Estacado Winery, Farmhouse Vineyards, McPherson Cellars and Uncorked Wine Festival. Participating wineries also include Burklee Hill Vineyards, English Newsom Winery, Idalou Harvest Co., Prairie Chick Winery & Milieu, and the McPherson Cellars' Texas Wine, Hops & Shops Wine and Beer Festival.For more information, click here. Rise and shine with the Jax Coffee & Donuts Trail Sippers coffee and a donut in Jacksonville - courtesy of Visit Jacksonville Home to the last remaining Maxwell House plant in the United States, those who live and work in Jacksonville are familiar with the regular fresh brewed coffee smell Downtown. It should come as no surprise then, that Jacksonville’s cup is overflowing with local coffee shops and fresh baked donuts for everyone, especially visitors, to enjoy. That’s why Visit Jacksonville is excited to announce the new Jax Coffee & Donuts Trail! The Jax Coffee & Donuts Trail invites coffee and donut lovers on a self-guided tour of more than 30 shops across the city, including local donut favorites Mini Bar, The Donut Shoppe and Old Soul Donuts, and quaint coffee shops like Sippers Coffeehouse, Show Pigeon Coffee and Tiki Java Jax. Those wishing to hop on the trail can download the Visit Jax app and select the Coffee & Donuts Trail icon. By checking in at each location visited, trail participants are eligible for free coffee and donut-themed prizes from Visit Jacksonville depending on the number of places they visit. “We regularly see new coffee and donut shops opening in Jacksonville and felt it was time to create something to help people discover those,” said Katie Mitura, chief marketing officer at Visit Jacksonville. “We are hoping the popularity of the Jax Ale Trail will flow over to the Jax Coffee & Donuts Trail as locals and visitors enjoy a freshly baked donut and fuel their day at one of our many local coffee shops.” The collaboration with local coffee and donut shops for the new trail gives Visit Jacksonville an opportunity to promote some of the best food and beverage spots in the city while at the same time giving visitors a unique destination experience that can only be enjoyed in Jacksonville. The full list of participating businesses is available at coffeeanddonutstrail.com. The Jax Coffee & Donut Trail Passport is free and available only on the Visit Jax App. Learn more at visitjacksonville.com/jax-coffee-donuts-trail/. Follow a beach-y beer trail in South Carolina The Beach Easy beer - courtesy of Visit Myrtle Beach Visit Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand Brewing Company are set to release Beach Easy beer, the official beer of The Beach. Beach Easy will be available beginning March 14, 2024, at Grand Strand Brewing Company and will soon be accessible at various local retailers and restaurants. “By creating Myrtle Beach's first-ever official beer, we're not only highlighting the area's growing reputation as a craft beer destination, but also inviting locals and visitors alike to enjoy a taste of our beach life, no matter where they are,” said Stuart Butler, Chief Marketing Officer, Visit Myrtle Beach. “It's a testament to our commitment to serving our residents and promoting Myrtle Beach as the ultimate destination for relaxation, enjoyment and community, encouraging enthusiasts to experience the joy of beach living through a refreshing local beer.” Beach Easy is an easy-drinking wheat beer that captures the essence of Myrtle Beach's laid-back, sunny lifestyle. Epitomized by the tagline, “Be you. Be happy. Just be.,” the collaboration with Grand Strand Brewing Company is designed to showcase the unique way of living and vacationing that can easily be found along the 14 coastal communities of the Grand Strand. The can's artwork serves as a warm, Southern welcome featuring the following invitation, “Welcome to The Beach! Here the sun is warm, time stands still and you can be your best self. Just sip this thirst-quenching liquid vacation in a can and you can have a beach day, anytime, anywhere.” “Myrtle Beach is a very grateful beer scene. People here are really excited about beer and excited about the breweries that have opened up in the past few years,” said Clayton Burrous, Owner, Grand Strand Brewing. “This is a great time for us to grow and for our entire beer scene to do some things that are really special. And we're excited to be part of that.” For those looking to explore The Beach's ever-evolving craft beer scene year-round, the Myrtle Beach Beer Trail offers a comprehensive multimedia guide featuring a dozen breweries and many beer-themed attractions. The trail is designed to take locals and visitors on a refreshing journey to the Grand Strand's finest local breweries, brewpubs and beer experiences. Along with a printed guide, the digital passport allows participants to “check-in” at featured locations using their mobile devices to unlock exciting prizes. To learn more about the Myrtle Beach Beer Trail and the vibrant beer scene at The Beach, go to: Visitmyrtlebeach.com/beer Try the Spud Run and eat delectable dishes at this festival A farmer with a handful of potatoes by JESHOOTS.COM - Unsplash The annual Hastings Cabbage, Potato and Bacon Festival is back and better than ever! Held in the heart of downtown Hastings, Florida, the Festival celebrates the town's agricultural roots through creativity and good, old-fashioned fun. Embark on an exploration of cabbage, potato and bacon from a culinary perspective with host Chef Hari Pulapaka. On Saturday, April 27, at 10 a.m., Chef Pulapaka and Chef Art Smith come together for a farm-to-table cooking demonstration and educational session. Beginning at noon, Farm to Diner, via Chef, is an intimate look at the farm-to-table journey through conversations with the area's farmers who grow and nurture the produce guests will be sampling. The panel conversation will feature moderators Lauren Titus of Edible Northeast Florida, Chef Genie and Jeff McNally of The Floridian Restaurant, and Chef Pulapaka. It's finally time to eat at the Taste of Hastings! From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., festival-goers can sample an array of delectable dishes prepared by popular local chefs, including Chefs Hari Pulapaka, Genie McNally, Michael Lugo, Ned Pollack, Ellie Schultze, Dejuan Roy, Sebastian Sikora, and Rebecca Reed. Each chef will craft their own plate using cabbage, potatoes, and bacon. Tickets to the Taste of Hastings are $35 for general admission and $100 for the VIP experience and may be purchased online at www.HastingsFL.org/meet-the-chefs. Sunday features the prestigious American Culinary Federation (ACF) Sanctioned Cooking Competition, where three accomplished chefs will showcase their skill and artistry using any or all of the three main ingredients. With all the flash and sizzle of televised cooking competitions, these chefs will race against the clock and each other to impress the judges. The ACF Sanctioned Cooking Competition begins at 1pm and tickets are $20 and may be purchased here. The Spud Run and Cabbage Crawl Fun Run on Saturday, April 27, is a hallmark of the Festival. Athletes of all ages can take on the 5K, 10K, 15K or 1-mile Fun Run. No matter the distance, runners, walkers, and joggers can enjoy the picturesque scenery of the region's rich agricultural landscape on a course that meanders through Hasting. Prices vary depending on distance and registration period. Runners can register here. The Great Hastings Mow Down Lawn Mower Races are a sight to be seen! With the course running straight down North Main Street, there's plenty of action. Racers can compete in two racing classes, Open Stock Adult (ages 18 and older) and Young Rider Open Stock (ages 15-17), with heats running from 12:30pm to 4:30pm. Mowers can then don their best decorations and join the Mow Down Parade. Who will win the title of Potato Queen? A long-standing tradition in the Potato Capital, this pageant is a local favorite. Contestants from surrounding counties participate in age categories from newborns to 23 years of age. The contest spans Saturday and Sunday, with Baby to Tiny on Saturday, Little Miss to Miss interviews on Saturday, and the pageant on Sunday. Artists, makers, and tantalizing bites will line North Main Street on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors will offer everything from curated clothing collections and jewelry to flowers and art. The best local food trucks are serving fall-off-the-bone barbeque, fried chicken, seafood, lemonade, and more. The atmosphere is complete with live music throughout the weekend at the Bozard Stage, featuring favorites like Bad Dog Mama, Damon Slaughter, and Billy Buchanan. Don't miss this hometown festival that celebrates the impactful contributions of the humble cabbage, potato, and bacon. Plan your trip to Florida's Historic Coast with our helpful trip planner.

April is Earth Month, culminating with Earth Day on April 22nd. If you're looking for a way to celebrate our beautiful planet, book a trip to one of the awe-inspiring destinations below.Stargaze in southern OregonThe Milky Way shines over the "Oregon Outback" - courtesy of Joey Hamilton/Travel Southern Oregon If you're looking for an amazing stargazing experience, head west to Oregon. A 2.5-million-acre area of southeastern Oregon was certified as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary recently by DarkSky International, making it the world's largest Dark Sky Sanctuary to date. The Sanctuary, which is approximately one-half the size of New Jersey and is located within an area commonly referred to as the Oregon Outback, has committed to protect its starry night skies for the benefit of visitors, residents, and wildlife. A Dark Sky Sanctuary is a certification given by the DarkSky International to public or private land that has an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected for its scientific, natural, or educational value, its cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment. To qualify as a Dark Sky Sanctuary, the area must meet strict criteria for sky quality, commit to protecting the night sky through responsible lighting practices, and provide public outreach. These sanctuaries provide opportunities for stargazing, astrophotography, and other nighttime activities that benefit from minimal light pollution. The Outback is located within the largest, contiguous, pristine dark sky zone in the lower 48 states, and this certification helps to protect a large portion of the designated zone. Within the Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary (OOIDSS) are the unincorporated communities of Adel, Plush, and Summer Lake, the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, a portion of the Fremont-Winema National Forest, nearly 1.7 million acres of land managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's Summer Lake Wildlife Area, nearly 80,000 acres of state-owned rangeland, and the Oregon Outback Scenic Byway. The intentions behind pursuing a large-scale sanctuary are to protect much of the unique, pristine, dark sky zone, to keep any additional dark sky recreation dispersed (as it is now), to allow a number of incorporated gateway communities to economically benefit from the same project, and to more effectively and efficiently manage a certification within a remote area. “As the population of Oregon and the trend of light pollution continue to rise, the unparalleled scale and quality of the Outback's dark skies will long serve as a starry refuge to people and wildlife alike,” said DarkSky Delegate Dawn Nilson, the environmental consultant who managed and authored the application. “This four-year collaboration brings together so many of the elements we try to achieve in regenerative tourism,” said Bob Hackett, Executive Director of Travel Southern Oregon. “It not only elevates the destination experience for visitors to Lake County and opens up opportunities for local businesses, but it also helps agencies and residents steward their lands in ways that celebrate a legacy of starry night skies for generations to come.” The OOIDSS is situated in the northern extent of the Basin and Range Province of the Western United States. It's sparsely populated, very remote, and primarily comprised of public lands. It's a high desert area characterized by sage scrub and abrupt changes in topography that alternates between narrow faulted mountain chains and flat, arid valleys and basins. Within this unique geography of geological wonders is priority habitat for an array of wildlife, including American pronghorn, bighorn sheep, sage grouse, white-tailed jack rabbit, and migratory birds navigating the Pacific Flyway. The region is also culturally significant and is home to a 13,000-year-old human occupation site. Dispersed within the OOIDSS are hot springs, wild horses, private rangelands, ranches, and cattle. Celebrate Earth Day in Sonoma, California Wildflowers in Sonoma County, California - courtesy of Sonoma County Tourism Celebrate Earth Day with Safari West as they proudly host 35 conservation organizations. Visitors can immerse themselves in interactive activities, informative displays, and captivating live animal presentations. Earth Day holds special significance at Safari West. Through initiatives like our Earth Day celebrations, Safari West strives to engage the community in meaningful discussions about sustainability and the preservation of biodiversity. This event is April 20th at 10:00 am. Chanslor Ranch, a historic dairy ranch on coastal route Highway 1 in Bodega Bay, was recently acquired by Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District for use as county regional park, and is now open to the public. Long a privately owned getaway known primarily for horseback trail rides, the 378-acre ranch across Highway 1 from Bodega Dunes and Salmon Creek state beaches is now in county hands and open to the public. Visitors can hike 4.5 miles of trail leading up coastal hills, down to Salmon Creek and around the rugged landscape, which is bounded in part by the creek. Horseback riding is available through Five Brooks Bodega Bay. The land is known for a diversity of habitats, from wetlands to coastal prairie, as well as many plants and animals. The wetlands are a stopover for migrating birds, as well. Hike, bike, and explore Williamsburg, Virginia A creek winds through the woods in Williamsburg, Virginia by Mayer Tawfik - Unsplash Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown offer adventure seekers plenty of reasons to get outdoors. Whether hiking scenic trails, biking unexpected paths, or exploring its waterways, Williamsburg has no shortage of outdoor activities. Walkers and more experienced hikers can find ample trails to enjoy. At Waller Mill Park, walkers explore a 3.7-mile paved trail with lake views and a 2.5-mile wooded path. There is also plenty to discover while walking through Freedom Park, where multiple trails wind around historic relics and Williamsburg Botanical Garden offers 18 different habitats along the pathways. Hikers can head to Lookout Tower and take in its panoramic views of the woods and lake or trek the Powhatan Creek Trail on a 696-foot-long timber bridge and take in some of Virginia’s most scenic vistas filled with ponds, wetlands, forests, and wildlife. For bikers, the Colonial Parkway links the three destinations with a beautiful 23-mile ride. In Williamsburg, cyclists on the Greensprings Interpretive Trail pedal its 3.5-mile loop, with markers along the way pinpointing environmental, historical, and area wildlife points of interest. For more adventurous mountain bikers, Williamsburg’s New Quarter Park is a six mile, single-loop trail that shouldn’t be missed. It follows the contours of a natural ravine before sliding into tight turns and climbing with elevated platforms and ramps. Multiple trails, ranging in distance and skill level, are also available at York River State Park. Black Bear Run is excellent for beginners, with only slight elevations and obstacles. For the advanced rider, the Marl Ravine Trail twists and turns as it follows steep ravines cut into ancient shell deposits. Bikers on the The Historic Jamestowne Bike Trail take in views of Jamestown island, James River, the marshlands, and regenerating forests. Also in Jamestown, The Virginia Capital Trail is a 51.7-mile, fully paved trail running through four jurisdictions, with dozens of attractions along the way. In Yorktown, visitors bike past quaint shops, beautiful river views, and a scenic beach. Several marked paths are also available to bicyclists on Yorktown Battlefield, including the seven-mile Battlefield Tour and nine-mile Encampment Tour. Surrounded by the James, York, and Chickahominy Rivers, visitors can explore the region’s shores. The water trails around Williamsburg are ideal for canoers, kayakers, and paddle boarders. Visitors can rent rowboats, canoes, and pedal boats at Waller Mill Park, or kayaks and canoes from Chickahominy Riverfront Park’s facilities, while Bay Country Kayaking offers guided excursions. Those looking to explore by boat can enjoy sightseeing cruises with York River Charters, Jamestown Discovery Boat Tours, Yorktown Sailing Charters, and Williamsburg Charter Sails. Fishing for bass, perch, catfish, and other species is popular in the waters around Williamsburg. Little Creek Reservoir Park is a scenic spot overlooking a 996-acre reservoir. Freshwater and saltwater meet at York River State Park, a marshy preserve with three different areas for anglers. And Jamestown Beach Event Park benefits from a newly restored beachfront, paddle-craft launch, and a designated fishing area.Go birding and see nature-inspired art in FloridaA spoonbill feeds at the sunset in St. Augustine Beach, Florida by Alla Kemelmakher - Unsplash Enjoy fresh ocean air and the beautiful coastline of Florida. Sailors can mark their calendars for St. Augustine Race Week from April 6th to April 13th. If two feet on land is more your speed, there are a host of road and trail runs! Check out the Spud Run 5K and Cabbage Crawl and Race to the Taste 5K. For a two-wheeled adventure, the 12th Annual Spoonbills and Sprockets Cycling Tour on April 20th starts at Marineland and winds its way through St. Augustine, the Hammock, and Flagler Beach. Spoonbills are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the 2024 Florida's Birding & Photo Festival on April 24th through 28th. This jam-packed festival has over 100 events focused on birding and outdoor photography. For those interested in more terrestrial pursuits, the Earth Day Celebration at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park celebrates the symbiotic relationship between us and the Earth. The Plein Air Paint Out on Apr 24th to 28th is a favorite of artists, encouraging painters to venture outdoors and be inspired by the beauty of Florida's Historic Coast. Makers, artisans, and crafters offer their finest products April 13 & 14 at the Arts & Crafts Show at St. Augustine Beach.

As the seasons change, campgrounds will begin to fill up with families and outdoor adventurists looking to take advantage of warm weather and sunny days. While camping itself offers plenty to do on its own — including nature activities and bonding with family and friends — booking a location near other fun events or entertainment can break up the monotony of a typical trip. This spring, add a little extra flair to your average family camping adventure and make a plan to visit these campsites below, which include access to unique music festivals, Easter celebrations, and more. Experience other-worldly cave tours and a unique festival A campfire by Matt Whitacre - Unsplash In Pelham, Tennessee, CaveJam, a new 3-day, multi-stage camping festival features headliner The String Cheese Incident and an incredible line-up of bands both above and below ground at The Caverns over Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-26, 2024. CaveJam will offer a variety of VIP glamping options in addition to everything else that makes The Caverns such a unique destination venue, from otherworldly cave tours and a spacious campground with a vibrant vendor alley to the stunning views surrounding the venue’s outdoor amphitheater where guests can spread out, dance, savor food truck fare, and enjoy the music. And of course, the crown jewel of The Caverns experience remains seeing live music inside a beautiful cave. General admission tickets begin around $149, but kids 12 and under are admitted free to the event. For those looking to book a glamping experience, CaveJam VIP packages include four nights of lodging in yurts, canvas bell tents, or large pitched tents, VIP tickets, and the following:Thursday early access Yurt Village or VIP Village.Exclusive viewing areas at the Amphitheater Stage including viewing from the VIP tent close to the stage as well as exclusive access to an elevated tier at rear of the venue for a unique bird’s eye view of the stage.Guaranteed tickets to The String Cheese Incident’s special late night cave set on Sunday night (5/26).Exclusive access to VIP Restroom Trailers in the campground and amphitheater, and VIP Shower Units in the campground.Catered brunch each morning (Sat., Sun., & Mon). Roll out of your yurt/tent to a nice, locally sourced meal to start each day off right.Locally sourced catered meals each evening (Fri., Sat.,& Sun.) in the tent overlooking the stage. We’ll keep you full & energized.Private VIP cash bar & daily Happy Hour discounts, late night campground snacks & activities on Friday and Saturday, and free canned drinking water in the Campground.Free chair massages from our roaming massage therapist. Sit back & enjoy a relaxing massage while enjoying amazing tunes.Charging stations in The Caverns Amphitheater and campground.Two (2) CaveJam commemorative T-shirts; two (2) CaveJam commemorative posters; two (2) CaveJam VIP lanyards; two (2) CaveJam stickers.VIP Liaisons to assist you during your stay. Hunt for Easter eggs (even after Easter) Easter egg hunts are being held through late spring - courtesy of Jellystone Park-Camp Resorts With more than 75 locations across the United States and Canada, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts feature fun attractions such as pools and water slides, non-stop family activities, up-close fun with Yogi Bear characters, and glamping-style accommodations. Easter egg decorating contests, egg hunts with Yogi Bear, visits by the Easter Bunny and Easter-themed games are just a few of the activities that await families at Jellystone Park Camp-Resort locations across the country during Easter weekend. “Our Easter-themed activities are so popular that some of our northern locations with later opening dates offer them in May and June so families don’t miss out on the fun,” said Trent Hershenson, vice president of marketing for Camp Jellystone, the Southfield, Michigan-based company that franchises Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts. While most Jellystone Park locations offer Easter egg hunts and craft activities, specific activities vary by location. Here’s a sampling of some of the Easter-themed events and activities taking place at Jellystone Park locations across the United States this year: Caledonia, Wisconsin: This location celebrates Easter the first weekend in May with a blending of springtime and Halloween festivities called “Spring-o-Ween.” Dress up in your favorite spring-themed or spooky costume and strut your stuff through a costume parade and then trick-or-treat throughout the park. There will also be an Easter egg hunt and candy bar bunny races.Bostic, North Carolina: This location celebrates Easter with an Easter egg hunt and a visit by the Easter Bunny.Burleson, Texas: Easter weekend events at this location include Easter-themed crafts, Easter egg relay races, a “Tip the Easter Basket” group game,” a scavenger hunt, a marshmallow eating contest, and a “Hop & Treat” event, the park’s spin on a traditional Easter egg hunt.Horn Lake, Mississippi: Easter weekend at this location includes an Easter egg hunt and a visit by the Easter Bunny.Lodi, California: This location will have an Easter egg hunt and a visit by the Easter Bunny.Mill Run, Pennsylvania: Activities at this location include egg coloring, cookie decorating, a jelly bean guessing contest, an Easter egg hunt, candy bar bingo, an Easter basket raffle, and a magical Easter basket ride.Sioux Falls, South Dakota: This location celebrates an Easter Eggstravaganza Week beginning May 28th. Activities include Easter crafts, bunny games, and a flashlight Easter egg hunt with Yogi Bear. Parents can also order Easter baskets to be delivered by the Easter Bunny.Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin: This location celebrates Easter the weekend of June 7-9 with an Easter egg hunt with Yogi Bear and a dance party on Saturday night.Tabor City, North Carolina: This location celebrates Easter with egg hunts for all ages — and even one for dogs. The Jellystone Park characters will be delivering Easter baskets and there will be games of “Chocolate Bunny Bingo.”Williamsport, Maryland: This location celebrates Easter with an Easter egg hunt and a visit by the Easter Bunny.Waller, Texas: An Easter egg hunt and a visit by the Easter Bunny top the list of activities planned at this location. Listen to bluegrass, jazz, and more A camping tent in the mountains by Christopher Jolly - Unsplash Several the Spacious Skies campgrounds along the eastern US are near excellent local music festivals. The Blooms, Bluegrass and BBQ Festival near Spacious Skies Belle Ridge in Monterey, Tennessee takes place in early May. To the north in Winchester, Virginia, and near the Shenandoah Views campground in Luray, there's also Fiddles & Fifths in early June which combines bluegrass and bourbon tastings. Further south, Savannah Oaks is conveniently located near The Savannah Music Festival, a multi-week event from late March to mid-April with top jazz, classical and acoustic artists. Bringing along pets? You can take in Adirondack Woof Stock in early June near Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks in North Hudson, New York where events include blessings of the animals, K9 police demonstrations, pet adoptions and grooming, costume contests and more. There will also be music that you would have heard from the original Woodstock.

Easter is a big consumer holiday that rakes in billions and gives Americans toothaches on an annual basis. In fact, 81% of Americans celebrated the holiday last year, and consumers are expected to spend $22 billion on it this year. Outside of this consumerism, though, Easter is an especially important day for Christians everywhere. In order to determine the best cities for celebrating Easter, WalletHub compared the 100 most populated cities across four key dimensions: 1) Easter Observers, 2) Easter Traditions, 3) Kids’ Easter and 4) Easter Weather. They then evaluated those dimensions using 11 relevant metrics, such as the number of churches, the size of the Christian population, the number of chocolate shops and gift shops, and Easter weather forecasts. “The best cities for Easter cater to the religious nature of the holiday by offering plenty of opportunities for Christians to attend services, and they also provide the resources for people to have a great time with their family regardless of religious affiliation. That means lots of places to get some sweet treats or dine out, as well as good weather conditions and nice open spaces for Easter egg hunts," says Cassandra Happe, WalletHub analyst. Don't want to travel far? Don't worry—there are cities all over the country with great activities and ways to celebrate. Take some notes from Dr. Kerri Camp, professor at the University of Texas at Tyler: "Travel costs during the Easter Holiday are impacted by supply and demand. Costs this year are expected to be slightly higher than last year due to rising fuel costs and increases in baggage fees for flights. If Easter travel plans include driving, consumers should consider carpooling with others to share the costs of travel or consider closer destinations. For those consumers wanting to travel by air, comparison shopping of airlines and the days of the week for travel could result in some savings. Additionally, because of recent increases in baggage fees for several airlines, consumers should try to travel lighter than normal and carry their luggage rather than checking bags at an extra cost." Some of the top spots to celebrate this holiday are below—but for the full report on how each city fared, head to WalletHub. #7. Honolulu, Hawaii Scoring 5th place in the "Easter traditions" category and 4th for kid-friendly activities, this Hawaiian city makes a festive destination for an Easter celebration. This tropical destination also tied in first place for most flower and gift shops per capita, making it easy to put together fun Easter baskets and gifts, or simply decorating for an enjoyable holiday weekend. Honolulu also tied for first place when it came to the most candy and chocolate stores per capita—but don't worry, parents; you can always counter all the sweet treats with healthier island cuisine featuring fresh fruit and seafood catches! #6. Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta, Georgia by Joey Kyber - Unsplash Atlanta took first place in the Easter traditions category; the city has a plethora of options for Easter meals and brunches at restaurants, as well as options for purchasing sweets and decor. Being located in the South, Atlanta also ranked 22nd in the "Easter observers" category, thanks to its churches and Christian population. Many places are throwing special holiday brunches, Easter egg hunts are plentiful, and other themed activities can be found all over the city this holiday weekend. #5. El Paso, Texas This border city ranked well in almost all categories, scoring a 7th place rank in "Easter observers," 11th in "Kid's Easter," and 17th in "Easter traditions." El Paso has the 3rd largest Christian population by percentage, and especially has a strong Catholic population in part due to its larger Latin American immigrant community. #4. Orlando, Florida Easter decor by Sebastian Staines - Unsplash Okay, Orlando is always a good place to celebrate, holiday or not. It ranked 2nd in the Easter traditions category, and tied for first place for the most flower and gift shops per capita. With its typically warm weather and a local population that celebrates the holiday, it can be a uniquely fun time of year to visit this family-friendly destination. #3. Buffalo, New York Buffalo is the third-best city for celebrating Easter, boasting the second-highest number of churches per capita and the fifth-highest share of the population identifying as Christian, at over 55%. Buffalo residents also search Google for “Easter dinner” more than residents of many other cities, which shows that a lot of people are planning celebrations. The city has a lot of candy and chocolate shops per capita, too. #2. Birmingham, Alabama A church decorated for Easter by Tucker Good - Unsplash Birmingham is the second-best city for Easter, largely due to the fact that it’s a very Christian city. It has the most churches per capita, and over 52% of the population is Christian, the sixth-highest rate in the country. There are lots of choices when it comes to Good Friday and Easter Sunday services as a result. On top of that, Birmingham has a lot of flower and gift shops per capita, allowing people to spruce up their celebrations. See where all the Easter bunny sightings, egg hunts, and more are happening here. #1. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Pittsburgh is the best city for celebrating Easter, in part because it has some of the most churches per capita and a very high share of the population identifying as Christian, so there’s a lot of people celebrating and plenty of places for them to worship. The Steel City also has some of the most candy shops per capita and a high number of chocolate shops per capita, so it’s easy to sweeten the celebration. Pittsburgh also has some of the most flower and gift shops per capita, so decorating is easy, and Easter is projected to have pretty good weather as well. Here's a list of family-friendly events happening in Pittsburgh this year. —For the full rankings, visit WalletHub.