Being a mom is a 24/7, 365 days-a-year job, so when Mother’s Day rolls around, a regular old meal just won’t cut it. This year, OpenTable is helping you jumpstart your planning with a roundup of itineraries that appeal to a variety of moms, guides to the best Mother’s Day experiences in cities across the country, and a list of the Top 100 brunch spots in the country.
Let’s start planning!
Kick things off on a high note by starting the morning with the gift of flowers.
After that, book a classic brunch experience that the whole family can enjoy, like these standouts:
Zoe’s At Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Ottawa, ON: Take in a timeless tradition with the Fairmont’s famed afternoon tea, where kid sand parents alike can snack on the hotel’s famous English scones, open-faced sandwiches, and desserts.
Froggy’s, Highwood, IL: Sip champagne and sit down for a leisurely French-inflected brunch at a North Shore institution.
Commerce Kitchen, Huntsville, AL: Sign mom up for a taste of the South with a three course menu of classics such as fried green tomatoes and gulf shrimp and grits.
Give mom the space to fully enjoy her activity of choice, whether that’s a yoga class, a long bike ride, or a hike with the whole family. Then, surprise her with gifts that will help bring the outdoors in, like a dragon plant in a cheeky vase and a session at a local Bootcamp to help give her a boost to tackle all her big adventures.
Your best bet for dining? Anywhere with fresh air and sunshine.
Layla, Miami, FL: Flip the script and take mom out to dinner the night before—Layla offers a special rooftop tasting menu Thursdays through Saturdays, serving a mix of Mediterranean mezze in an al fresco setting.
Branchline, Watertown, MA: If everything is a competition in your family, book a patio table at Branchline on Mother’s Day, where you can square off on the bocce court in between courses.
Shadowbrook Winery, Walnut Creek, CA: After a day of activity with mom, book a wine tasting experience that guarantees you a cozy seat at your own personal fire pit while you sip.
Forget brunch—this mom has been there and eaten those benedicts—she craves experiences that serve up something new for Mother’s Day. Set her up with a sitter to gift her a proper date night or a fun time out with friends, and skip the tried-and-true tulips for an eye-catching bouquet of dried flowers.
The Melting Pot (Kansas City, MO + multiple locations): For a fun interactive meal with family or friends, book a special three course prix fixe menu for Mother’s Day featuring the restaurant’s signature fondue pots as well as appetizers and desserts.
Old Mill Toronto, Toronto ON: Send mom out on Saturday to experience Night Fever, a Bee Gees cover show that will have her dancing right into Mother’s Day.
Berber, San Francisco, CA: Spend the evening before Mother’s Day in a Moroccan speakeasy, where diners can nosh on North African dishes while watching a live cirque show.
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Give mom a bit of notice for this one so she can pick out a new outfit for a luxe night (or day!) out and book her favorite spa treatment—you’re going to want to dress to the nines for these experiences. You’re going to need five star florals to match, so give her the little black dress of flowers: an orchid.
Lilly Rose, Los Angeles, CA: Take mom to high tea with a modern twist at the sceney Wayfarer hotel in DTLA, where tea cocktails take the place of typical pours and the people watching is as good as the light bites.
Elements, Princeton, NJ: Start the Mother’s Day celebrations a day early by taking mom on a culinary adventure through Element’s 15 course tasting menu, which can be paired with selections from the restaurant’s renowned wine list.
Plume at the Jefferson Hotel, Washington, D.C.: While Plume only offers regular reservations, dining at this MICHELIN-starred restaurant is always an experience.
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