If we had our way, we’d declare Mother’s Day a weeklong holiday and put laundry, cooking, grocery shopping, and the general work-life juggling act on lockdown. But since we’re not in charge (and since our plan would result in total chaos), we’ve pulled together our favorite ideas for celebrating Mother’s Day in an epic way. Keep reading to find out what to do and where, below.
For the Outdoorsy Mom
Take advantage of Atlanta's proximity to incredible hikes, bike paths, parks and playgrounds, and state parks to celebrate your mom who loves the great outdoors. If you're looking for a dramatic view (perhaps to match the drama the kiddos add to her life), check out Sawnee Mountain Indian Seats in Cumming, a roughly 4-mile trail that climbs over and around the sheer face of Sawnee Mountain, where you'll see breathtaking views of the distant Blue Ridge Mountains.
Gear Up: If you're thinking about making a weekend camping trip out of it, be sure to check out this camping gear before you go. It does basically everything except pitch the tent.
For the Foodie Mom
Pull together some of these awesome picnic recipes or pick up food to go from one of these local restaurants that offer family meal deals and head to one of Atlanta's best picnic spots. Be sure and bring books, a frisbee, and sunscreen, because you'll want to stay here all day long. For in-restaurant dining, head to Park Tavern, Lazy Betty, Le Bilboquet, and South City Kitchen, who are all offering a special brunch.
Park Tavern
500 10th St NE
Online: parktavern.com
Lazy Betty
1530 DeKalb Ave. NE
Online: lazybettyatl.com
Le Bilboquet
3027 Bolling Way NE
Online: lebilboquetatlanta.com
South City Kitchen
9000 Avalon Blvd.
Online: southcitykitchen.com
Gear Up: For a more sophisticated basket, check out these awesome Mother's Day baskets that include everything from pretty paper goods and gourmet spreads to flower bouquets and bubbly—offered by Lucy's Market in Buckhead.
Lucy's Market
56 E Andrews Dr. NW
Online: lucysmarket.com
For the Fancy Mom
If you're planning a day for the mom who really appreciates a cleaned-up act with manners on display, you'll rejoice to know that the Ritz-Carlton Atlanta is offering cuisines from around the world featuring recipes from the chef's own mothers during brunch (Reservations required, limited seating available. Priced at $110 per guest, $48 per children ages 3 to 12; complimentary for children two and under; exclusive of tax and gratuity. Complimentary valet included.), you can snag afternoon tea at the Waldorf-Astoria Atlanta-Buckhead, or you can make reservations at the swanky Swan Coach House for indoor or outdoor dining.
Ritz-Carlton Atlanta
181 Peachtree St. NE
404-659-0400
Online: ritzcarlton.com
Waldorf-Astoria Atlanta Buckhead
3376 Peachtree Rd. NE
404-995-7500
Online: hilton.com
Swan Coach House
3130 Slaton Dr. NW
404-261-0636
Online: swancoachhouse.com
Gear Up: Your kids will make your mother proud if they look over these 14 table manners for kids of all ages before hitting any of these fancier spots on Mother's Day.
For the Artsy Mom
With the Atlanta's world-class museums and galleries, you can spend a day checking out the Shaheen Collection of French Art at The High, perusing the newly opened Full Circle: Design without End exhibit at MODA, or simply strolling Castleberry Hill's Art District the Friday of Mother's Day weekend to see what's happening.
The High
1280 Peachtree St. NE
Online: high.org
MODA
1315 Peachtree St. NE
Online: museumofdesign.org
Castleberry Hill Art Stroll
Start at 51 Elliott St.
Online: castleberryhill.org
Gear Up: If you'd rather stay at home, set the backyard up for a mega outdoor art session and create some memories and Mother's Day keepsakes.
For Every Mom
Whether you're treating her to lunch, an art stroll, or a day outside, every mom will feel special with a beautiful bouquet. And if there's no place your mom of honor would rather be than at the ball field, then don't deny her that pleasure. Just be sure to honor her with some flowers by Atlanta moms at the helm of Farmhouse Orchids, Meredith McClure Floral Design, or from Atlanta Flower Bar, where you can even gift her a special floral arranging class (with or without kiddos in tow).
Atlanta Flower Bar
145 Sampson St. NE
404-431-0811
Online: atlantaflowerbar.com
Gear Up: Staying closer to home? Call some neighbors over and set up some mom olympics with these awesome back yard games that you don't have to do any prep for!
Featured image via iStock.
—Shelley Massey
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