Easter at the Jersey Cape heralds the beginning of a new season, bursting with anticipation for the upcoming summer. Event planners in the charming resorts of Cape May, the Wildwoods, Stone Harbor, Avalon, Sea Isle City, and Ocean City have curated a series of special events that might just tempt you to pack your bags and head to the Jersey Cape.

Even though a sun-soaked summer vacation is still a few months away, March and April present the perfect opportunity for a quick escape as winter-weary attractions reopen their doors, including restaurants, taverns, and stores.

For St. Patrick’s Day Weekend, the place to be is Carney’s in Cape May, March 14-17. Join brave participants in the St. Paddy’s Day Polar Plunge and 5K, part of a weekend of events starting on Friday, March 14. More details can be found at www.carneysnj.com

On Saturday, March 15, everyone at the Jersey Cape is Irish! Don your green attire for parades and celebrations in North Wildwood and Sea Isle City. Plan to attend both parades, beginning at noon on Atlantic Avenue, North Wildwood. Later, head to Sea Isle City, where the parade starts at 83rd & East Landis Avenue and follows Landis to 63rd St. Sea Isle’s celebration continues with a best-dressed contest and more. Check out the Wildwood’s www.wildwoodsnj.com and Sea Isle City's www.visitsicnj.com websites for more information.

For Easter fun, Stone Harbor kicks off festivities early for the youngest family members with an egg hunt hosted by the Volunteer Fire Company on Saturday, April 12, at noon at the firehouse.

If you're staying in “America’s Greatest Family Resort” on Easter Weekend, you can expect many of the famous Boardwalk eateries, shops, and other businesses to be open. On Easter Sunday, April 20, dress in your Easter best and meet the Easter Bunny for a photo in an Ocean City Lifeguard Boat from noon to 2 p.m. in front of the Music Pier at Moorlyn Terrace, where a Dueling Pianos Show by The Philly Keys will begin at noon. Don't miss the Great Egg Hunt on April 12 and again on April 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. at 6th to 14th Sts. along the boardwalk. Visit participating stores for treats, while supplies last. For more details, visit Ocean City's website at www.oceancityvacation.com

Cape May County Zoo’s Easter EGGstravaganZOO is set for April 18-25 at the zoo in Cape May Court House. Bring the whole family to one of your favorite summertime attractions and enjoy special events throughout the ten-day EGGstravaganZOO. www.cmczoo.com

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 19 for the Spring Fling Family Fun Day at Excursion Park, JFK Boulevard, and Pleasure Avenue in from 1 to 3 p.m. in Sea Isle City. Enjoy spring and Easter-themed fun, including a Dress to Impress Easter Stroll, photos with the Easter Bunny, music, crafts, face painting, games, and more. www.visitsicnj.com

In the Wildwoods, even though Morey’s amusement piers won’t be operational until later in the season, there will be plenty of shops, eateries, and arcades open on the popular wooden way. On Saturday, April 19, the beach at 19th Ave. in North Wildwood will host the annual Easter Egg Hunt beginning at noon. The Greater Wildwood Jaycees will also host an Egg Hunt on the beach at noon on the same day. After all, two Egg Hunts are better than one! www.wildwoodsnj.com

With spring beginning on March 20, many visitors to the Jersey Cape will be eager to prepare their gardens and yards for the coming season. Nurseries and home stores in the area will be stocked and ready to assist as the region sheds its wintry shawl and prepares for the beautiful bloom of summer.

While the beaches and waterways in the region are always open, the beaches will be unprotected until Memorial Day, primarily because the ocean temperature is 50 degrees or cooler. However, outdoor activities are not restricted. The area’s bicycle paths, tennis and pickleball courts, wildlife management areas, and beaches are available for outdoor enjoyment.