FAMILY ACTIVITIES

When the kids have hopped till they drop hunting Easter eggs, revive them with an outing. Gates are closed today at Lake Winnepesaukah, Chattanooga Nature Center, Reflection Riding and Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, but most attractions are open. Here are a few places to keep in mind.

• Blue Moon Cruises: Eco-cruise into the Tennessee River Gorge, with a barbecue buffet, leaves at 1 p.m.

• Chattanooga Ducks: Trips at noon, 2, 4 and 6 p.m.

• Chattanooga Zoo: Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Coolidge Park Carousel: Open 1-6 p.m.

• Creative Discovery Museum: Open noon-5 p.m. Current exhibit is "Good for You: Healthy Fun on the Run."

• Imax Theater: Screenings of the super kid-friendly "Born To Be Wild" at noon, 2, 4 and 6 p.m. today. "Ultimate Wave: Tahiti 3D" is also showing.

• Incline Railway: Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

• River Gorge Explorer: Sets sail at 3 and 5 p.m. today. The last cruise is a three-hour Sunset Special.

• Rock City: Open 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. EarthDayz events, including raptor shows and make-and-take recycling projects, are offered 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Ruby Falls: Open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. The ZipStream Adventure is open 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

• Southern Belle: Easter lunch cruise with a bountiful buffet sets sail at 1 p.m.

• Tennessee Aquarium: Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

- by Lisa Denton

Easter bonnet comeback

If you've ever wanted to don a glamorous Easter bonnet but couldn't work up the nerve, now is your chance. Thanks to soon-to-be princess Kate Middleton, hats are back in big fashion.

In the mid-20th century, hats were as stylish as the little black dress. But in the last few decades, hats declined in popularity.

Award-winning milliner Carol Schaffeld of Chickamauga, Ga., said women gave up hats for hair.

"Women didn't like the way hats messed up their hair," she said. "There's long been a rumor that hats went out of fashion when hairspray was introduced."

But things are changing.

Middleton, who has become one of the most notable fashion trendsetters in recent history, is a big fan of hats.

Easter Sunday has historically been one of the most popular days of the year to wear a hat. In fact, women routinely modeled their decorative and fashionable hats in Easter parades held in cities across America. Though the tradition ceased in most cities, there are some that still hold Easter parades, most notably New York City.

- by Karen Nazor Hill

EASTER SWEETS

For those who might tire of marshmallow Peeps but still want something sweet for Easter, consider treats from local confectionary artisans.

• The Chocolate Box on East Brainerd Road is offering chocolate bunnies that can be personalized with the recipients' names. "Anything can be for Easter," said owner Nichelle Patel. Other selections include chocolate-covered fruit arrangements, chocolate shoes and chocolate rubber ducks.

• Whipped Cupcakes on River Street will embrace the Easter spirit by decorating all their treats this weekend in pastel colors, said baker Sunny Burden. Specialties will include a carrot cake cupcake, and birds' nest cupcakes, which Burden described as vanilla or chocolate cake topped with chocolate buttercream frosting made to look like a nest. Pastel malted milk eggs complete the look.

- by Holly Leber