Easter weekend is fast approaching. Why not make the most of the holiday by travelling to an exciting North American destination?

Here are the best Easter weekend getaways to take in 2019; all are accessible via a direct flight from Grand Cayman’s Owen Roberts International Airport.

 

New York City, United States of America

If you’re looking for a faster pace, look no further than the city that never sleeps.

Flying time: Approximately four hours.

Routes: Direct flights via Cayman Airways or Jet Blue.

Weather: Averages a high of 60, low of 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Things to do in New York in April: 

• With winter coming to a close, spring flowers are starting to bloom. Nature lovers can view the cherry blossoms at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, or see a range of orchid varieties at the New York Botanical Gardens’ 17^th annual orchid show.
• Warmer weather means rooftop bars are starting to re-open; sip a cocktail in the sky with a view of the city.
• Tour the floor show at the New York International Auto Show, which returns to Manhattan from 18 to 28 April.
• Don your best hat and take the family out to the Fifth Avenue Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival on Easter Sunday, or take part in one of the city’s Easter egg hunts.
• No trip to New York is complete without a visit to the theatre. Catch one of the season’s off-Broadway plays, or score tickets for beloved long-runners like the Lion King and Hamilton.

 

Havana, Cuba

If you’re after culture, vibrancy, and history, Havana is the destination for you.

Flying time: Approximately one hour.

Routes: Direct flight via Cayman Airways.

Weather: Averages a high of 85, low of 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Things to do in Havana in April: 

• Browse work by Cuban artists at the Havana Biennial, one of the region’s foremost art shows.
• Havana is known for its collection of classic 1950s automobiles. Tour the city while driving top-down in one of these beautiful vehicles.
• Seven days of salsa start on 22 April at the International Cuban Dance Festival. Join a dance tour of local companies, salsa in the sand or party all night at an evening session.

 

Denver, United States of America

Cayman Airways opened its new route to Denver in March, cutting travel time to this eclectic city in the Rocky Mountains by half.

Flying time: Approximately four hours, 30 minutes.

Routes: Direct flight via Cayman Airways.

Weather: Averages a high of 60, low of 35 degrees Fahrenheit.

Things to do in Denver in April: 

• Tour the Coors factory or enjoy craft beer at one of the city’s many breweries and pubs.
• Head to the Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Park to hike nature trails or see an outdoor concert with a stunning view of Denver’s red rock formations. Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube play the venue on 18 April, followed by Method Man and Redman on 19 April, and Stick Figure on 20 April.
• Denver boasts many exceptional art galleries. Visit the well-known Denver Art Museum, where you’ll find works by Warhol and Monet alongside Pre-Colombian sculptures and African textiles. For a smaller gallery experience, opt for the Dikeou Collection or the Robischon Gallery.
• Ride the rollercoasters at Elitch Gardens theme park, which re-opens on 20 April.

 

Toronto, Canada

This multi-cultural city is perfect for exploring on foot.

Flying time: Approximately four hours.

Routes: Direct flights via Air Canada and Westjet.

Weather: Averages a high of 54, low of 39 degrees Fahrenheit.

Things to do in Toronto in April: 

• Put on your bunny ears and head out to the lake for the Beaches Easter Parade on Easter Sunday.
• Visit Allan Gardens or High Park to marvel at newly bloomed spring flowers. If you’re lucky, you might catch early cherry blossoms at High Park.
• The brand new International Fan Festival takes over the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from 19 to 21 April. Celebrating anime culture, the event schedule includes a cosplay contest, meet-and-greets with voice actors and live music concerts.
• Shop for vintage and handmade goods in the colourful Kensington Market.

 

There are so many wonderful destinations within a few hours of Cayman. This Easter weekend, take a break from the island and visit one of these North American locales.

 

Sources: Loving New York, Cayman Airways, Trip Savvy, Time Out, Events 12, Narcity, My Life’s A Movie, Cayman Islands Airports Authority, Lonely Planet, The Planet D, Denver.org, blogTO, and U.S. News Travel.