The 8 Best Places to Celebrate Mother’s Day This Year

Mother’s Day is quickly approaching, falling on Sunday the 13th of May this year.

Have you already got something special planned?

If not, you’re in luck, because here is a round-up of the 8 best places to visit with your mom this Mother’s Day to celebrate all that she has done for you.

Sonoma, California

Sonoma is at the forefront of California’s thriving wine industry, and is the ideal place to take any wine-loving mothers.

There are a few special events happening here for this year’s Mother’s Day…

The Montalvo Arts Center will be hosting three different Mother’s Day brunches on the 13th, one in their outdoor Spanish courtyard, one in their historic villa, and one on their veranda overlooking the Great Lawn. All of them will feature a special champagne toast to acknowledge the big day.

Would your mom prefer an activity?

If so, then the Tesoro Flowers Workshop Mother’s Day Tea Party and Floral Crowns would be ideal. You will both have the opportunity to create gorgeous floral crowns, while also being able to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea. 

Of course, if you would rather just spend the day enjoying Sonoma, there is plenty for you and your mother to see and do here, with historic buildings, natural beauty and 425 wineries.

Not sure which to visit for a wine tasting?

Here are a few of the finest:

• Scribe Winery – wineries take place outdoors in picnic areas at this laid-back winery, and include fruits and nuts that have been harvested on-site along with their light and refreshing wines

• Hamel Family Wines – a family-owned, but modern and luxurious, winery, with primarily Bordeaux varieties

• Russian River Vineyards – built in the 1890s, this winery also boasts a highly-rated restaurant that uses locally-grown ingredients

• Jordan Vineyard and Winery – a large winery at 1200 acres, this one produces world-class chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon varieties

• Bella Vineyards – quiet and relaxing, the syrahs and zinfandels are the highlight here, with live music often accompanying the wine tastings 

New York City, New York

There is always so much to do in New York City, and Mother’s Day is no exception. 

For those travelling in from afar, the main sightseeing activities will always delight, from the Statue of Liberty to the Rockefeller Center.

Would you prefer a special Mother’s Day event?

Again, there are plenty to choose from, such as the Mother’s Day Brunch Cruise on a 1920’s-style yacht, complete with a brunch buffet and champagne or cocktails.

Another brunch with a view can be had at the Queens Botanical Gardens, where a picnic-style Mother’s Day Brunch will be held, serving everything from omelets and bacon to muffins and bagels.

Once you are done eating, walk off your meal by exploring the displays around the 39 acres of botanical gardens, featuring everything from roses and herbs to an arboretum and art gallery.

Would your mom prefer to do something a little more exciting?

If so, the Amazing Mother’s Day Scavenger Hunt begins at Slattery’s Pub, and will have the both of you racing around the city in search of clues and tackling obstacles.

For a more indulgent option, New York City is home to some of the finest spas in the world, such as:

• Great Jones Spa – this Noho spa is famous for their water lounge that features subterranean pools, steam rooms, saunas and even a waterfall, with the majority of ingredients used in their treatments being either marine or plant based

• Cornelia Spa at the Surrey – each treatment here is customized to your exact needs by personal therapists, with every visit beginning with a delicious amuse-bouche tasting

• Soho Sanctuary – a women’s-only spa, this haven not only offers the usual spa treatments, but also everything from makeup application to yoga classes

• Chuan Body and Soul – this spa focuses on techniques that are based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, designed to harmonize the mind, body and soul 

Miami, Florida

The vibrant buzz of Miami is the perfect vibe for an unforgettable Mother’s Day.

Does your mom like animals?

If so, Lion Country Safari is the perfect place to spend the day. This safari park features a four mile trail through which the two of you can drive, with mothers enjoying free admission on May 13th, as well as admission into the adjoining Safari World Amusement Park.

Another great place to spend the whole day is at the Deering Estate, where there will be an action-packed schedule of activities for you and your mother to take part in. From croquet to tours of the historic home to a champagne cruise, your mom will really feel so pampered here.

Of course, if your mom would prefer to just spend the day relaxing and soaking up the sun, Miami boasts numerous beaches at which you can do this, including:

• South Beach – ideal for moms who like people-watching, as this 2.2 mile stretch of sand can get quite busy, especially on weekends

• Mid Beach – features a raised boardwalk to stroll on, as well as a variety of beach and pool clubs to visit

• Surfside – a small, laid-back beach with a small town vibe

• Crandon Park – a family-friendly beach with picture-perfect views and a winding boardwalk

• Fort Lauderdale Beach – a wide stretch of sand complete with swaying coconut palms

Chicago, Illinois

For those who have been wanting to spend some time in Chicago, Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity.

While there are plenty of the standard Mother’s Day brunches to choose from here, Chicago also boasts quite a few other unique events.

For a one-of-a-kind brunch, head to Band of Bohemia, where you will be served everything from Peekytoe crab to duck confit hash. The brunch at Mindy’s HotChocolate is also worth checking out, as James Beard award-winning chef Mindy Segal will be cooking up this spread herself.

If a physical activity would be appreciated, book yourselves a place at the Athletica Mother’s Day Yoga and Brunch session, which also features a private shopping session in the Athletica store.

For a spot of shopping, there will be a Mother’s Day Gift Market held in Ravenswood, with everything from handmade jewelry to fresh flowers available to purchase.

Would you prefer to spend the day at a spa?

Then let the Forbes Four-Star Waldorf Astoria Spa and Health Club be the one you choose, as they are doing a special promotion for Mother’s Day, with a customized two hour restorative spa treatment.

If you would prefer a more culture-filled day, Chicago has many museums worth exploring, including:

• Field Museum of Natural History
• Art Institute of Chicago
• Museum of Contemporary Art
• Chicago History Museum
• National Museum of Mexican Art

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

For moms who like to keep fit, spending Mother’s Day in Milwaukee will definitely not disappoint.

Why?

Because this city hosts an annual Mother’s Day 5K and 10K Walk/Run, with a special one mile course for younger children.

The run starts at 8am on May 13th, and provides some fantastic incentives for finishing, such as cake pops and fresh roses.

If your mother would prefer something more laid-back, the Milwaukee Art Museum will be hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch with some classic dishes, while the brunch at the Pfister Hotel features everything from a carvery to a seafood display to a mouthwatering dessert table.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Hawaii is known for being a tropical paradise, making this such an idyllic place to spend this year’s Mother’s Day. 

The Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch Cruise is a fantastic way to make the most of your surroundings, as it takes place on-board the Star of Honolulu, complete with multiple observation decks. In addition to the champagne and scenery, this cruise also includes authentic Hawaiian activities, such as lei making and hula lessons, as well as presents for mom. 

For an evening celebration, Rock-a-Hule will be hosting an event called Legendary Moms. With gourmet food, specialty cocktails, the biggest show in Waikiki and roses for moms, this is an event that you will not want to miss out on.

Of course, the natural beauty of Hawaii is not to be missed, so if you would like to spend Mother’s Day making the most of the great outdoors, Turtle Bay has some great options. Give their Mother’s Day Horseback Riding Special a try, where mothers can ride the morning trail ride for free, or the Mother’s Day Golf Special where mothers can enjoy 50% off a day on the course. For watersports, the Mother’s Day Kayaking Special is the one to sign up for, as this is the perfect way to explore the North Shore.

Would you prefer to spend the day exploring Honolulu instead?

Here are some of the city’s must-visit spots:

• Waikiki Beach
• Lanikai Beach
• Kailua Beach Park
• Koko Crater
• Honolulu Museum of Art
• USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park
• Manoa Falls
• Iolani Palace 

Phoenix, Arizona

The best Mother’s Day events in Phoenix are centered around food, but this is definitely not a bad thing.

Start your morning in a memorable way by spending it at the Phoenix Zoo, making the most of their Mother’s Day Breakfast. This event is only open to members of the zoo, but membership can easily be purchased online, and also grants you admission to the zoo for a year, so you can take a tour of it too after your breakfast.

Another delicious event is Mother’s Day Brunch in the Grove, which is being held at The Farm at South Mountain. This is an annual event that has actually received national recognition from USA Today, due to its incredibly decadent buffet spread, along with gorgeous views.

If you have young children with you, head on over to the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, which is as much fun for adults as it is for kids.

Charleston, South Carolina

There are quite a few events taking place on Mother’s Day weekend in Charleston, so you are bound to find something that appeals to the whole family.

One of the most popular is the Greek Festival at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity. This is an annual event, and 2018 will be its 48th edition, with everything from Greek food and wine to Greek music and dancing. 

On North Myrtle Beach, the 13th Annual Mayfest will be held, with live music and performances to celebrate the beginning of summer, while Mother’s Day Brunches can be found all over the city, with one of the best being at High Cotton Charleston.

Never been to Charleston before?

Here are a few of the best things to do around town:

• A walking tour of the city to explore is mansions and cobblestone streets
• A boat tour around Charleston Harbor, where you may even spot some dolphins
• A visit to the historic Middleton Place, which was built in 1755
• Shopping at the Charleston City Market
• Exploring the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
• A visit to the beach-front town of Sullivan’s Island
• A tour of Drayton Hall, which was built in 1738 and is one of the oldest surviving plantations in the South

If you would like something to do on the Saturday before Mother’s Day, head to the Deep Water Vineyard, the one and only winery in Charleston. Every Saturday, they host their Weekend Wine-Down, with wine and food tastings along with live tunes from local musicians. 

Mother’s Day only comes around once a year, and while many may say that this is such a commercialized holiday, it is still so important to find a way to show your mother just how much she means to you. Whether this means spending the day at the wineries of Sonoma, or racing about doing a scavenger hunt around New York City, these destinations will no doubt make Mother’s Day 2018 one of your best ones yet.