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Arts & Entertainment

Edible Book Festival, Hop to the Movies, Spring Blooms

Check out these picks for things to do this weekend in the Marple Newtown Patch area.

It’s Thursday, so it’s time to think about the weekend plans. Spring has certainly come in like a lion, and you never know what to expect with the weather. While we’re all itching to get outside, breathe in the fresh air, and get some sun on our faces, you just can't tell these days. If you plan an outdoor activity, it’s probably best to have a back-up plan especially if it’s too chilly and windy, or starts to sprinkle. Here are a few options for you for this upcoming weekend.

1.

Where/When: ; Sun., April 3, at 2 p.m.

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Why Go: Eating your words takes on a new meaning at this annual event. Participants are encouraged to cook up or bake up entries that are “bookish, through the use of text, literary inspiration, or form.” Celebrity judges will pick the winners. The best part is, the day wraps up with eating of the entries.

Pricing: Entry is free; $1 to vote in the People’s Choice category (proceeds benefit the Marple Public Library Endowment Fund).

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2. Night at the Movies

Where/When: Regal Edgemont Square 10, all weekend (check Web site for titles and show times).

Why Go: This weekend, movie-goers will gear up for the Easter holiday with the release of HOP, an animated comedy for the whole family. Also in the theatre are epic action fantasy Sucker Punch, techno-thriller Limitless, and crime drama The Lincoln Lawyer.

Pricing: Adults, $11; Children, $8 (Add a few dollars for the 3-D movies, and save a few bucks if you go before 3 p.m.); Book your tickets online.

3. Here Comes Peter Cottontail

Where/When: Springfield Mall; Mon. through Sat. from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sun., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Why Go: Hop to it. The Easter Bunny arrives Fri., April 1st to take pictures with the kids and kids at heart. This year, you can buy a FastPass to jump the line. For details, visit the mall Web site.

Pricing: Pricing varies depending on photo package.

4. Spring Blooms

Where/When: Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square; opens Sat., April 2; check Web site for hours.

Why Go: Despite the chilly start to this year’s spring season, it’s difficult not to get into the spring season when surrounded by thousands of colorful flowers, plants and trees. Longwood’s Spring Blooms opens the first weekend in April, and runs through the end of May. The Flower Garden Walk features tulips in rainbow colors, and spring annuals, including marigolds, snapdragons, azaleas and Virginia bluebells. The good news is, there are many delightful exhibits and events indoors too, just in case.

Price: Check Web site for pricing and special packages.

5. City Restaurant Week

Where/When: Wilmington, DE; all weekend (check Web site for participating restaurants and hours).

Why Go: For a change of scenery and to sample different cuisine, why not take a quick drive to try out some of Delaware’s great restaurants at affordable prices. You can choose from downtown and riverfront restaurants that offer discounted two-course lunches and three-course dinners.

Price: $15 for lunch; $35 for dinner.

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