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Hopefully, by now, everyone has had their “Mother’s Day is coming up!” moment of panic and has started to plan. While breakfast in bed is always a crowd pleaser, why not show a little extra appreciation with a fun getaway? Mustering up a special amount of effort and planning a relaxing (or exciting) weekend trip can really show the Moms in your life just how much they are loved. To help alleviate the stress of organizing, here are a few suggestions to get your inspiration flowing:
Flower Fields in San Diego and Carlsbad
Flowers are always a great go-to gift for Mother’s Day. But what’s better than a dozen roses? Millions of flowers! Located in Carlsbad, just to the north of San Diego, are The Flower Fields. This 50-acre plot of land has been providing flowers to thousands of florists for some 85 years. Cultivated along a hillside, the area draws flocks of crowds due to its striking splashes of color that can be seen from long distances. Mother’s Day on May 12 is The Flower Fields’ final day of being open to the public for the season. Visitors can enjoy guided tours both on foot and in a tractor-pulled wagon.
The south coast of California also happens to be one of the most ideal places to take Mom. With long stretches of sandy coastline and perfect weather that makes the rest of the country envious, San Diego is a fantastic escape. Between The Flower Fields of Carlsbad and Downtown San Diego is the area of La Jolla, known for its upscale neighborhoods and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. For something extra special, book the Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa which boasts incredible facilities (including a wine bar) and pampering spa treatments.
Stunning Nature in Vancouver
For anyone who likes the idea of a flower festival but would rather stay a bit further north, we recommend a Mother’s Day Weekend in Vancouver. Just over an hour drive east from Vancouver are the Chilliwack tulip fields. Chilliwack flaunts over six and a half million tulips that come in 30 different varieties and colors. The Tulip Festival and bloom are always scheduled to end at the end of April but depending on factors like weather, they often extend their dates to Mother’s Day. Besides the picturesque flowers, the festival also includes kids’ activities and food trucks. For any mothers who can’t get enough of the Pacific Northwest fauna, visit Stanley Park and Queen Elizabeth Park in the city.
Even for those who aren’t interested in the flowers, Vancouver is still a premium destination. From the nearby, snow-capped peaks of Whistler down to the city’s seaside and modern skyline, British Columbia’s biggest city is one of the most aesthetically pleasing. For great views and a little taste of luxury, the Fairmont Waterfront and the Four Seasons are great options. Both provide champagne and brunch on arrival for visiting Moms.
Activities in Austin
Once existing in the shadows of big brothers Dallas and Houston, Austin now is the most coveted place to visit in the Lone Star State. A blend of college students, rising tech giants, cowboys, and oddballs, the culture of the 11th largest city in the U.S is both eclectic and fun.
A Mother’s Day getaway in Austin can go a lot of different ways as a result of the city’s varied vibes and entertainment. There can sometimes be pressure to go a big event or fancy meal when planning a getaway, when really, a couple of hours of Patrick Swayze screen time might do the trick. For that, the Texas-based Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas has you covered. For Mother’s Day, three of Drafthouse’s six locations in Austin are hosting a special Mother’s Day brunch, where guests can choose from an exclusive menu in the theater as favorite flicks play, including Mama Mia and, of course, the Swayze masterpiece Dirty Dancing. Meanwhile, Moms who want a little time outside can give paddle boarding or kayaking a try on Lady Bird Lake.
Seaside Pampering in LA
Sometimes there is no need to overthink things. And a spa in front of the ocean seems like a no-brainer. Those within driving distance of the Los Angeles area can book their loved ones into Terranea. Located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, one of Los Angeles’s best-kept secrets, the resort’s location is shockingly beautiful and quiet in comparison to the rest of the Southern California megacity. Named a four-star spa on Forbes Travel Guide, the resort provides world-class spa and salon treatments, plus packages that rival those provided by even the biggest name hotels. The seaside resort additionally has nine dining venues serving a variety of delicious dishes. While most of their restaurants have a special Mother’s Day brunch, Nelson’s, one of their more casual eateries, has live music planned for sunset.
NYC’s Mother’s Day Brunch & Boat Tour
Unsurprisingly, The Big Apple is packed with tons of fabulous brunch options for everyone’s Mom. However, a couple of companies have thought of a unique new way of experiencing Mother’s Day Brunch; some tour companies are now hosting brunch aboard ships that navigate around the island of Manhattan. Hornblower’s offering includes a breakfast buffet with “free-flowing mimosas” and a live jazz band. Meanwhile, CourseHorse treats Moms to exquisite food on a 1920s’ yacht. Guests enjoy an intimate atmosphere with their Mom while taking in New York City’s best-known sites like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Brooklyn Bridge from a unique perspective.
Zion National Park in Utah
Moms, as we all know, are superhumans. So don’t be surprised if a few of them might want to opt out of the traditional champagne services in favor of getting their feet in the dirt. Electing to go outdoors for a hike or an adventure can be a rewarding way to bond with Mom, especially if she loves trudging along trails. Besides, it’s always a fantastic idea to spend a few days at one of the many National Parks in the United States and Canada.
Since the springtime brings with a temperate climate, visit one of the desert-based US parks. Southern Utah’s Zion National Park has a selection of hikes that include walking up a river in The Narrows, thrilling cliffside scrambles on Angel’s Landing, or easier routes like the Canyon Overlook Trail. Not to mention, The Zion National Park Lodge also allows visitors to stay right in the park and wake up to nature’s most stunning landscapes.