More often than not, its the mothers of the family that do the most planning and details-handling for everyone’s activities. While mom might be in charge of the schedule, don’t let Mother’s Day sneak up on you this year. Plan a weekend getaway, day trip, or a just a special afternoon to celebrate and give mom some much-needed relaxation.
Is there anything more relaxing than a spa vacation? Head to Florida to try the Salt Spa St. Augustine for an unforgettable, but affordable, relaxation experience. Inspired by the Wieliczka salt mine in Poland, this 5-star halotherapy (salt therapy) health resort offers several different natural health services. A single session in their salt cave filled with 25,000 pounds of Himalayan crystal salt costs only $36 (45 minutes). Other services include a float sessions in a sensory deprivation tank filled with 900+ pounds of Epsom salt, infrared sauna sessions, massages, rejuvenating facials, and more.
For a more rural escape, take a short drive northwest of Santa Fe, New Mexico to the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa. The natural hot springs are surrounded by nothing but the rugged, desert landscape. Visitors can stargaze while enjoying one of the several outdoor thermal pools, swim in the saltwater pool, or take a dip in the natural mud fountain where guests can “bake” in mud before rinsing off.
If relaxing with a good book (or just simply having some peace and quiet) sounds like your mom’s ideal afternoon, plan a trip to New York City, where you’ll have your pick of beloved bookstores. The Strand is a popular spot in the East Village, famous for its “18 miles of books,” but there are several other wonderful establishments throughout the city. Bauman Rare Books on Madison Avenue keeps an ever-changing display of rare books in an assortment of subjects, and Argosy Book Store in midtown Manhattan is an antiquarian and out-of-print items. On the Upper East Side, Ursus Books & Gallery specializes in art books; and, in Brooklyn, Honey and Wax Booksellers offers rare first prints as well as more unique, whimsical editions and copies of books.
Treat your mother to a classy dining experience with high tea in a gorgeous setting. In Nashville, visitors can book a “delightfully southern” afternoon tea at The Hermitage Hotel every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The event, “Spillin’ Tea with Draper James,” is inspired by recipes from Reese Witherspoon’s cookbook, Whiskey in a Teacup, and includes champagne, tea sandwiches, pastries, scones, and a commemorative keepsake menu.
In Boston’s Back Bay, The Courtyard Tea Room overlooks the beautiful Italianate Courtyard at the Boston Public Library. The tea room serves a classic tea with a twist of New England culinary favorites, and also offers signature tea-infused cocktails “inspired by literary greats who were inspired by the great spirits featured in our menu.”
Unwind with a glass of wine and enjoy the idyllic scenery that comes along with a trip to wine country. Spend a weekend in Afton, Virginia with a stay at the The Farmhouse at Veritas, a bed and breakfast next to Veritas Vineyards and Winery and nestled in the heart of the Monticello American Viticulture Area. Explore other vineyards in the area, including Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyard, Afton Mountain Vineyards, Flying Fox, Hazy Mountain, King Family Vineyards, and more.
If a weekend trip isn’t quite in the cards, plan a special meal or tasting at a vineyard within driving distance. In Rhode Island, head to Newport Vineyards for a special Mother’s Day brunch, with a farm-to-table buffet crafted by executive chef Andy Teixeira. Or, head over to the finger lakes region of New York, where the Seneca Lake Wine Trail is hosting a Rosé in May event this year.
Some moms might cherish a weekend spent doing family activities together; others might be craving a little alone time. While the two options seem to be polar opposites, either one of these can be satisfied with a simple “staycation.” For family activities, pick a fun hotel in your hometown and “be a tourist” by trying new cuisine and activities. For alone time, book a kid-free hotel or a quiet Airbnb with a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for enjoying time to herself.
Both scenarios can be tailored to specific interests and budgets, but in either case, be sure to set aside extra to book a house cleaning service, schedule grocery deliveries, or simply just put in the extra work to make sure any household tasks that need to be done are still taken care of—the real key here is to not make mom regret taking time off by returning to a chaotic living situation.