Out and about for Mother's Day

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Mothering is not confined to one day in a year, or to a prescribed period in a lifetime. It is a never-ending responsibility and state of being that has hold of a mother’s heart and soul from the moment the good news of an impending bundle of joy is confirmed. However, this one day in the year is a universal acknowledgement and celebration of this truism, this relationship that is so overwhelming, so selfless and sacrificing, willing to pay the ultimate price.

The first step is to plan for what your mother would count as a day that gave her everything that she holds most dear. Undoubtedly, the company of her children, in harmony, going all out to give her a day to remember would be prime. So put aside all petty sibling rivalries and grievances, sources of friction and tension and place your own families and other expected guests on notice for strict good behavior. Making sure she does not have to lift a finger that day for anything at all is a given.

Of next importance is the program planned out for her. What does she prize above all? What is a signal celebration for her? It’s easy…just consider Mom’s idea of a good time and plan around that including activities, meals and locations. Visiting family and friends might be Mom’s idea of an ideal celebration. Giving her time with those she loves might be an unexpected and welcome gift. Plan picnics, hikes, games and activities that are fun and relaxing.

Make Mom the first priority, keeping her interests in mind, ensuring she has not one chore to worry about. Does she long for a glamorous trip into the Big Apple? Surprise Mom with a weekend of big city excitement, including a glamorous night on the town with a dinner and a show. Pool together for gift cards to the trendy stores, or tickets to the museum or opera. Arm her with a list of restaurants offering her favorite cuisines. Give her a taste of bohemia with trips to the hip cafes, used bookstores and art galleries.

Or treat her to a relaxing spa weekend, reveling in mud baths, herbal wraps, and massages. A weekend wine tour is a delightful and truly memorable Mother’s Day treat. This is a tour that can literally be taken in all the elements. Hire a limo, follow a planned route cruising through several wineries at a relaxed pace. Or, rent bicycles and take Mom on a cycling tour of the Wineries.

If wine-tasting is not the objective, but enjoying the scenery is, you can even take an aerial tour in a hot air balloon! Many wine regions also offer a Wine Train tour between wineries. A midday picnic overlooking a picturesque vineyard, enjoying cheese, crackers and a bottle from her favorite estate, fine dining in a French-style chalet, and a couple nights lodging in a romantic Bed & Breakfast, perfectly round off this treat.

If Mom is an adventurer, a nearby outdoor destination in its stillness and tranquility can provide a spectacular backdrop to the weekend. Take her backpacking in the mountains, camping on the beach, rafting on a river, horseback mountain trekking, exploring the countryside, bursting with springtime wildflowers, or even hang-gliding or bungee-jumping and make her dream come true. Bed and Breakfast getaways are a wonderful way to celebrate Mom. Quaint, luxurious, spacious rooms, delicious home-cooked menus and gracious hospitality set the scene for a relaxing weekend.

B&Bs are usually located in exciting locales, so additionally, she can enjoy a beach, a national park, the wine country, or the excitement of a large city. Take her to visit a luxury hotel that is a destination in itself. Like Langtry Manor, which once belonged to King Edward VII and actress Lillie Langtry, and was built as a romantic retreat. A weekend cruise can be a fun-filled, unique and restorative Mother’s Day getaway.

Pack a luxurious experience into the occasion: fine dining, exotic shows, dance clubs, relaxation, sunbathing, swimming and more. Along with the high of roulette wheels and slot machines, casino vacations often provide an all-in-one opportunity to view live shows, museums, nightclubs, fine dining, delicious buffets and even family-friendly amusement. If traditional casino destinations like Las Vegas, Reno and Atlantic City are out of reach, it is often possible to find a venue closer to home. Indian casino resorts provide a full package, including entertainment, luxury lodging, high stakes gaming, live shows, themed parties and fine dining. 

Mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, daughters; take this time to honor, respect and pamper the women who work so hard on behalf of their families with a special Mother’s Day celebration that is all about them. Make it exotic, or natural, active or laid-back. And don’t forget the card that says it all, the flowers that brighten the day and the special thoughtful gift that will make the day memorable forever.