When you don't have kids, even if you've lived in Georgia your whole life there are only so many times you can say, "Aww" at the sight of yet another Atlanta-area egg hunt.
But you can stop making plans to hide on the sofa and hope "The Sound of Music" comes on (again) this Easter. Because the ATL activity roster has definitely expanded to include lots of Easter activities you can enjoy without a kid of your own— any kids on the premises at all. You can partake whether you're a secular sort or seeking spiritual sustenance, because both hipster-type Sunday Funday offerings and contemplative, rejuvenating Easter activities are possible.
They'll appeal whether you just don't have the kids this particular holiday weekend (hello, non-custodial father), are an empty nester and happy for it, or just the sort who hasn't found the right motivation to have offspring who would require vacuuming environmentally-friendly Easter grass for at least a week.
Where to start? Since the whole point is to go where the kids aren't, let's leave out that bunny trail reference and begin the week before Easter. One surefire way to get pumped for Easter season is to take in the Fathom Events rendition of "Ben Hur" 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 17 at the neighborhood NewVision theater in Lithonia or one of the handful of other metro Atlanta movie theaters featuring it. It's the 60th anniversary of the movie, which tells the story of a Jewish prince sent into slavery who seeks revenge. With a theater full of fellow adults, you can appreciate the artistry of the picture, which claimed a record 11 Academy Awards.
Also, since you don't have wee ones with bedtimes, you can also take time for some deep contemplation of the reason for the season during what's known as Holy Week to practicing Christians. One weeknight possibility is a mass said in English at 6 p.m. and Spanish at 8 p.m. at St. George Catholic Church in Newnan on Maundy Thursday, which would be April 18.
Catholics are wide open to anyone sharing in mass, just not Communion, and the presentation is stirring. And for late-night fans, the chapel is open for "Adoration at the Altar of Repose" until midnight.
If you'd prefer weekday contemplation, at 1 p.m. on Good Friday, same place, Father Henry Atem will speak on "The Virtues of the Cross" part of meditation on the Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ.
The weekend before Easter is another prime time to celebrate while celebrating your No Kids status.
For the kind of greenie activity that doesn't require voting for the Green Party (though that's certainly an option), try Cosmic Archery complete with glow in the dark targets on Friday or ranger-led Moonlight Mountain Hike at Panola State Park in Stockbridge 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20.
Or abandon the land of egg hunts and awkward Easter bunny photos altogether and head to a weekend away, but not too far away. Chateau Elan in Braselton should do the trick. It's offering an Easter weekend deal that involves a chef-curated gourmet buffet (Easter menu without the work, guys!) and overnight accommodations, including use of the Le Soleil Pool Bar, just open for the season.
And then, the big day. Yes, it was almost invented for boozy brunch. And you should do that if you like! But folks without kids can also take advantage of rejuvenating, sometimes spiritual events that are Easter-ideal but don't include chocolate bunnies with nibbled ears or fist-fights about egg hunting.
For those wanting to greet the day at sunrise, Panola has you covered. They start a Sunrise Mountain Hike at 6 a.m. on Easter Sunday. But bring your bug spray, this is not the time to rely on a miraculous lack of insects. If you'd like lavish natural beauty a little later in the day, hit up Gibbs Gardens for a riot of spring blooms and a fancy manor house, all while the families with small tots are occupied with egg hunts at other arborish places.
For the evening, try an adults-only vibe with Easter at Wrecking Bar Brewpub. It includes drinking, yes, but also deviled eggs. Winning!
