When you really think about it, there should probably be more than one day a year devoted to Mom. After all those years of changing diapers, helping you with your science projects and pulling her hair out after your first fender-bender, 24 hours don't quite seem to cut it. That being said, I suggest you go the extra mile to make every Mother's Day even more special for all the mothers in your life.
From Manhattan to the East End, here are some places to go, things to do, and gifts to get that will be sure to make this Mother's Day is one mom won't soon forget...
Manhattan
On Sunday May 8th, MoMA is hosting a special (by reservation only) celebration that includes a private breakfast reception overlooking the Sculpture Garden, a guided group tour and a day together in the galleries. Tickets ($70 for nonmembers, $65 for MoMA and corporate members) include admission for the day, discounted parking, an additional discount in the cafés, and a gift-wrapped copy of The Modern Garden. Call (212) 708-9685 or email groupservices@moma.org for reservations.
For an extra special three-star treat right downstairs from the museum, head downstairs to Danny Meyer's restaurant The Modern for lunch, where a four-course prix-fixe tasting menu ($125) will be offered from 11am to 3pm. Call (212) 333-1220 or visit www.themodernnyc.com for reservations.
A little further downtown, in the heart of Hell's Kitchen, Chef Eric Hara's seafood-centric Pier 9 restaurant will be offering their brunch menu and specials, as well as unlimited brunch cocktails for $20 per person. Signature dishes to try include mini laughing bird shrimp tacos and the Chicago style lobster hot dog, as well as the Smores Doughnut, for dessert. Call (212) 262-1299 or visit www.pier9nyc.com for reservations.
Indulge mom's chocolate cravings with "The Hot Chocolate" treatment ($110) at Haven, a serene day spa in the heart of Soho. Way better than a box of chocolates, this 45-minute body treatment begins with a cocoon of warm milk mask, followed by a delicious cocoa/salt scrub, and finally a mouthwatering glaze of chocolate scented hydrating cream. Call (212) 343-3515 or visit www.havensoho.com to book an appointment.
The North Fork
If you're looking for a way to say thank you to your better half—AKA the mother of your children—take her wine-tasting in the North Fork, where Mattituck's Lieb Family Cellars will be hosting "Chocolates & Charities", a special tasting of gourmet chocolates paired with wines they produce for select charities, on May 7th & 8th from 11:30am to 5pm. Make sure to pick up a bottle of their signature Reserve Pinot Blanc ($20), a perfect white for Spring and Summer. 35 Cox Neck Road, Mattituck (631) 298-1942 www.liebcellars.com.
In Cutchogue, the Peconic Bay Winery will feature live music from 1pm to 5pm both days, and a surprise treat for moms on Sunday.
Make it a romantic getaway by spending the weekend at The Harborfront Inn at Greenport. A special discounted package ($369) available Friday, May 6th through Sunday, May 8th, includes two nights accommodations in a deluxe room with views of the Mitchell Park Carousel and partial views of Greenport Harbor, a complimentary Continental breakfast, a bottle of North Fork wine and a box of chocolates. Call (631) 477-0707 or www.theharborfrontinn.com for reservations.
The South Fork
Southampton
For one-stop shopping, check out The Elegant Setting's new bungalow style shop just off of Main Street. Whether your mom is the perfect hostess or a beach-lover (or both) you're sure to find more than one perfect gift. 27 West Main Street, Southampton (888) 277-8837 www.theelegantsetting.com.
Give mom a tastefully sophisticated gift from PLAIN-T, a boutique-style tea company specializing in hand-crafted and loose leaf teas from all around the world, including a large selection of green, black, oolong, pu-erh, flavored, rooibos and white teas, and a collection of tea accessories. If you're not sure what to get, a PLAIN-T gift box ($60) is a great way to get started. Comprised of three 2oz packages of premium teas and a stainless-steel strainer with bamboo handle, they make an elegant and modern gift that's wrapped and ready to go. Call (631) 251-6316 to order or to make a showroom appointment. www.plain-t.com.
Sag Harbor
Jazz it up at Sunday brunch with mom at Chef Laurent Tourondel's LT Burger in the Harbor, a stylish yet casual and family-friendly spot where the Jim Turner Band, a three-piece jazz band, will perform. Festive food and drink specials will be offered from noon to 3pm. Be sure to try "Mom's Burger" made with salmon and skinny fried onions, and the crème brulée shake. Call (631) 899-4646 or www.ltburger.com for reservations.
East Hampton
Get active with mom and go stand-up paddleboarding with Paddle Diva's Gina Bradley on May 8th! Inexperienced paddlers can opt for a lesson at 10am ($75) while those with more paddle confidence can check out the group tour at 11am ($60) at Maidstone Park Beach (weather-permitting). Be sure to make a reservation. Precise location and time will be confirmed the night prior. If you or mom are unable to make it on Mother's Day, call to purchase a gift certificate for future use. Mention "Diva Moms" and get 10% off and a Paddle Diva T-shirt. Call (516) 383-2296 for reservations. www.paddlediva.com.
For a quick fix, drop by the Tory Burch boutique and splurge on the Oversized Dipped Tote in Natural and Tory Navy ($350), a chic gift that will be perfect for mom whether she's in the city or at the beach. 47 Newtown Lane, East Hampton (631) 907-9150 www.toryburch.com.
If you've gotten this far and just realized it's past May 8th, at least you're ahead of the game for next year...mark your calendar! Mother's Day will be on Sunday, May 13th, 2012.
