Each year, a traditional Easter egg hunt is held at Dunsmuir-Hellman Historic Estate, a time-honored tradition including introductions with the Easter Bunny, Easter egg hunting, games and mansion tours. In Montclair Village, the Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt offers prizes to top egg collectors.  The Terrace Room overlooking Lake Merritt serves up an Easter brunch each year, as well as the Meritage at the Claremont, which will include photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny, a petting zoo and more. For more Easter events, visit www.visitoakland.org.

All That Jazz at Oakland Marriott

The Oakland Marriott City Center has recently undergone a major renovation, incorporating an upbeat jazz theme throughout the hotel encouraging visitors to "Get Jazzed For Change!" The $17 million upgrade includes changes to the guest rooms, corridors, lobby, meeting and event space, exterior entry and concierge lounge. The design was developed with a sophisticated yet contemporary theme, including natural elements such as wood, glass and metal as well as a lively color palette. Throughout the hotel there are touches of the historic jazz culture in Oakland, including jazz and blues guitars, posters and other memorabilia.  The hotel is adjacent to the Convention Center, which is also undergoing a renovation that should be completed by 2012.  For more hotels in Oakland, visit www.visitoakland.org.