For some families and many Christian denominations, it's traditional to begin Easter Sunday with a sunrise worship service. Jacksonians without a particular church home—or looking to start the day with a more diverse congregation—can join together at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum at 7 a.m. March 27 with Dr. Dolphus Weary of Mission Mississippi as the speaker. Or, join The Journey at Smith Park at 10 a.m. for dance, music, worship and a free meal.
Traditionally, families follow their worship service with a meal, often at home but just as often not. Jackson restaurants offer a variety of options to area diners on Sunday. If you get a craving for Easter sweets before Sunday, you've got some options, too.
(Note: Some of your favorite restaurants, from Two Sisters to Scrooge's, will be closed Sunday. So call ahead.)
Amerigo, 6592 Old Canton Rd., 601-977-0563. Amerigo will serve from their regular Sunday menu.
Ameristar Casino, Vicksburg, 1-800-700-7770. The Heritage Buffet's Easter Brunch is all you can eat for $14.99, champagne included, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The Waterfront Grille opens at 5 p.m. and serves from its usual menu.
Archestratus Grill, 507 Springridge Rd., Clinton, 601-926-4422. Sunday's Buffet Brunch includes a breakfast bar, lunch/dinner bar and salads. There's a dessert table, too. Archestratus is open 11:30 a.m. –4 p.m.
Bravo! Italian Restaurant and Bar, Highland Village, 601-982-8111. Sunday Brunch at Bravo! means a variety of specials mixed with regular brunch dishes like shrimp and grits, a variety of omelets and special brunch drinks.
Broad Street Baking Company and Café, Banner Hall, 601-362-2900. Always a haven for those who crave sweets as well as artisan breads, Broad Street's baking hot cross buns for Easter.
Campbell's Bakery, 3013 North State St., Fondren, 601-362-4628. What could be cuter for Easter than bright yellow chick-shaped cookies. They're $10 a dozen at the neighborhood bakery.
Char, Highland Village, 601-956-9562. Jazz Brunch with Raphael Semmes has become a tradition at Char, one to be enjoyed along with the regular brunch menu plus the special, your choice of fried chicken or meat loaf, two vegetables and cornbread, all for $7.50 plus tax, drink not included.
Déjà Vu, 810 Lake Harbour Dr., 601-899-8690. French Quarter brunch is a tradition here from 11 a.m-4 p.m.
Edison Walthall Hotel, 225 E. Capitol St., 601-948-6161. Reservations are required for their Easter Sunday Dinner. The full buffet from 10:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. is $19.95 per person. Call quickly before all their tables are full.
Fahrenheit, 122 Byram Business Center, behind Mazzio's on Springridge Rd., 601-346-4935. They will be open for Easter with home-cooked meals from their menu plus specials that include duck, tilapia, ribeye, chicken, shrimp, tenderloin, pasta, vegetables.
Hilton Jackson, 1001 E. County Line Rd., 601-957-2800. The Hilton's Easter Brunch will be in the Grand Ballroom. For $25 per person, one may partake of the many offerings.
Fairview Inn and Restaurant, 734 Fairview St., 601-948-3429. Open for brunch every Sunday, at the Fairview Inn your choices are the Southern buffet for $18 or eggs benedict for $13.
Isle of Capri Casino, Vicksburg, 601-636-5700. Traditional Easter foods are featured on their buffet that opens at 11 a.m.
Julep Restaurant & Bar, Highland Village, 601-362-1411. Sunday from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Julep will serve their regular brunch menu.
Olga's Restaurant, 1679 Old Fannin Rd., near Dogwood Festival, 601-992-1092. There's a 10:30 a.m. and a 12:30 p.m. Easter Sunday Brunch at Olga's. Be sure to call for reservations so you won't miss out on the gourmet brunch. Featured on the menu will be homemade dressing with chicken, vegetables, a variety of meats, soups and salads as well as a fruit bar and a breakfast bar.
Primos Café, 2323 Lakeland Dr., Flowood, 601-936-3398. Though the restaurant will be closed Easter Sunday, you can get some cute and tasty Easter sweets there. Iced Bunnies, $1.91 each, come in white or pink. Egg-shaped Easter Egg Petit Fours iced in pink, white or chocolate are available for $2.73.
Que Séra Séra, 2810 N. State St., Fondren, 601-981-2520. Just as at their sister establishment, Deja Vu, French Quarter brunch is served from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Three Sisters and a Mixer, 5417 Highway 25, Brandon, 601-992-8110. Although you can walk right in and buy goodies from the display cases, you just might want to order your Easter cookies ahead of time. Decorated for the holiday, the bakery sells Easter-shaped cookies for $1.09 each and gaily decorated cupcakes for $.99 each. They're open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Fri. and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays.