ML Interest Tag: historic-house

Make Her Melt: 6 Fantastic Ways to Pamper Every Type of Mom

by Katie Brown

While Mom may genuinely treasure that painted macaroni necklace or handwritten haiku, we’re pretty sure she’d also treasure some solo TLC or a surprise adventure with her #1 fans. Here are our top local picks for celebrating the special women in your life (maybe it’s you!) this Mother’s Day.

Because she puts the “om” in “Mom”

Mama yogis and tiny yogis are both welcome at lil omm, a community yoga center in the Tenleytown neighborhood of D.C. that offers child care. Give Mom a reason to practice her downward dog or mountain pose with any of the following specials.

photo: Daku Resort via flickr

Mother’s Day Mini-Retreat
You’ve spent all the days of the year loving your family, now it’s time to share that love with yourself. Make it a well deserved day about you through yoga, journaling, meditation, and a luxurious night of relaxation at this mini retreat. Get stretched-out from limb to limb and finish the session feeling empowered. This retreat is also an introduction to lil omm’s MOM’S UP workshops.

Date: May 10, 7-9:30pm
Cost: $25/person
Online: lilomm.com/workshops

Rhythm of the Seasons Mini-Retreat
Discover how seasons may affect you and learn to incorporate yoga and meditation into your lifestyle. Get inspired by other amazing ladies and blossom in creativity and harmony together. As moms who’ve supported her fam through thick and thin, this pow-wow session is for moms of all ages and stages in motherhood.

Date: May 29, 7:30-9:30pm
Cost: $40/person
Online: lilomm.com/workshops

Moms Up! Series
This series combines yoga with life coaching to help moms manage some common challenges– balance, self-doubt, energy, and stagnation. The sessions will be led by studio owner Pleasance Silicki and Alexandra Hughes of In Essence Coaching, LLC.

Date: June 14-October 11
Cost: $50/per workshop, or $160 for all four with advance registration.
Online: lilomm.com/workshops

Because she’s just as cool as the Mother of Our Country

There’s a reason history labels all the beautiful characters of life as mother figures. This Mother’s Day take a leisurely, floral walk and remember Mother Nature along with the first First Lady, Martha Washington at this lovely estate.

photo: Sue Waters via flickr

Mother’s Day Weekend at Mount Vernon
Learn more about Martha Washington (portrayed by veteran character interpreter Mary Wiseman) on the piazza at Mount Vernon. All mothers will receive a free lavender sachet!  Be sure to make time to stroll through the estate’s beautiful blooming gardens, and stop for brunch or lunch at the charming Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant.

Date: May 9 and 10, 8 am-5 pm
Cost: $17/adults ages 12-61; $16/seniors; $9/children ages 6-11; free for children under 5

Mount Vernon Estate
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Mount Vernon, Va 22121
703-780-2000
Online: mountvernon.org

Because she can update her operating system herself, thank you very much

Bye, bye to that (only mildly true) stereotype that moms aren’t techy. Below is an ideal day out for moms and their mini-mes to get their computers on – literally.

Mother Daughter Hack-Day
Moms (and other maternal figures) can take 5th-8th grade girls to Mother-Daughter Hack Day at Thomas Jefferson High School in northwest D.C. Student organization “Inspiring Femgineers” is hosting free computer science workshops for mothers and daughters to learn how to program apps, games, and websites. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

Date: May 9, 11 am-5 pm
Cost: Free

Thomas Jefferson High School
6560 Braddock Rd
Alexandria, Va 22312
Online: eventbrite.com/e/mother-daughter-hack-day-tickets

Because she always cuts off the crusts

On Mother’s Day, treat your favorite culinary goddess to a delicious meal—we’re always partial to brunch! Here are three of our top picks, where Mom can get an adult libation (did someone say Mango Bellini?) or mussels drowning in garlic, and the kids can gorge on buttermilk masa pancakes.

photo: Ryan Dickey via flickr

El Chucho – Cochina Superior
Be it brunch or a dinner to impress, El Chucho is – dare we say it – possibly just as good as mom’s home cooking. If you’re heading there with the little ones, order up their new dish: chorizo enchiladas con huevo. It’s the delicious way to start off Mother’s Day right.

3313 11th Street NW
Washington, DC 20010
202-290-3313
Online: facebook.com/pages/El-Chucho-Cocina-Superior

Morrison House
This Old Town Alexandria Restaurant is for the family that loves to make this special day a classical affair. Enjoy an afternoon tea fit for moms and daughters, or an exception tasting menu dinner with live piano music accompaniment. It’s also a chance to get a little dressy for the fun of it.

Morrison House Hotel
116 South Alfred Street
Alexandria, Va 22314
703-838-8000
Online: morrisonhouse.com

Republic
Love to instagram your fam (and food)? The Republic’s offbeat atmosphere and refined menu of raw seafood, instagram-worthy plates and creatively named drinks is any photo-taking mom’s dream come true. Each dish might sound a tad fancy for baby foodies, but there’s traditional sides like potato latkes and monkey bread to keep little tummies happy.

Republic
6939 Laurel Ave.
Takoma Park, Md 20912
301-270-3000
Online: republictakoma.com

Because she’s lucky to get a two-minute shower

She’s so used to resorting to dry shampoo that an hour at one of these spas will leave her feeling like the ten million bucks she is. It’s time for her to feel pampered for a change.

photo: Thomas Pompernigg via flickr

Hela Spa DC
Moms can indulge in the Mother’s and Other Package for a pure natural facial, a 50 minute hot stone massage and an eye contour treatment.

Cost: $220/package

Hela Medical Spa
3209 M Street NW
Washington, DC 20007
Online: helaspadc.com

Mommy and Me Spa Escape
Get super luxurious, even down to pampering your mini-me with the Mommy and Me Spa Escape. With overnight accommodations, one Spa Minerale Manicure and Pedicure for Mom, one Happy Hands and Feet Manicure and Pedicure for Child, you won’t even have to shower at home. Or if you happen to be able to book a sitter, the Supermom Spa Retreat offers the all-out treatment that every mom deserves.

Cost: Varies per package.

Lansdowne Resort
44050 Woodridge Parkway
Leesburg, Va 20176
703-729-4036
Online: lansdowneresort.com

Ohana Wellness
Take the weight off your shoulders (along with this $10 off any massage gift card for Mother’s Day) with a stress reducing session. Swedish to Thai massage, easing pregnancy to postnatal discomforts, or even bringing your infant for joint massages, Ohana Wellness knows exactly how to reset your body to refresh mode.

Ohana Wellness
4815 St. Elmo Avenue
Bethesda, Md 20814
301-215-6388
Online: ohanawellnessbethesda.com

Because she’s patiently attended countless teddy bear tea parties

A tea party for mom and their pals, from tiny to tall, who aren’t furry and made of porcelain. Everything is less imaginary (although just as magical) at our selection below.

photo: DC Gardens via flickr

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden
Overlooking Georgetown and the Potomac, Tudor Place is the perfect spot for moms and kids (ages 5 and up) to sip a cuppa and nibble on dainty sandwiches and desserts. During tea, have your silhouettes cut by a skilled local artisan—they’ll be matted and ready for an 8×10 frame upon departure. After tea, a guided tour of the mansion includes a look at 200-year-old silhouettes of the first children to grow up at Tudor Place.

Date: May 10, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Cost: $40/non-member adult; $35/member adult $20/child

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden
1644 31st St. NW
Washington, DC 20007
202-965-0400
Online: tudorplace.org

How do you plan on spending Mother’s Day in D.C.? Tell us in the comments section below. 

— Katie Brown

RELATED STORIES:

9 Local Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

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20 Fresh and Fun Winter Break Classes & Camps

by Anna Knoebel

Can’t get out of town for a warm weather escape this Winter Break? No problem! The city doesn’t stop just because school’s out. With these irresistible options for camps and activities, you and your kids will be cool with sticking around for an awesome stay-cation.

Mohrs Explorers

photo: courtesy of Mohr’s Explorers

1. Design and sew something for spring, visit Mood fabrics (where all the best designers shop) and learn to walk the runway with a professional model at The Fashion Class. Feb. 16-20, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 21 West 39th St., 4th Fl., Midtown, ages 6-12, $725.

2. Build snow sculptures and forts, play wilderness hide-and-seek and other outdoor games with Mohr’s Explorers. Feb. 16-20, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., SE corner of 81st St. and Central Park West, Upper West Side, ages 5-10, $85/day or $400/5 days.

3. Visit some of NYC’s best ice skating rinks including Central Park, South Street Seaport and Prospect Park.

4. Discover the winter survival strategies of Prospect Park wildlife and play some nature games with the Prospect Park Audubon Center. Feb. 16-20, 12 p.m.-3 p.m., free. Bad weather? Shuffle through the snow to Lefferts Historic House 1 p.m.-3 p.m. (also Feb 16-20) and learn to play Nine-Man Morris, a strategy board game invented during the Roman Empire, $3 suggested donation.

5. Learn to manipulate Minecraft code or print in 3D at Pixel Academy. Feb. 16-20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., with extended day options,163 Pacific St., Cobble Hill, ages 7-12, $680.

Alice in Wonderland Follies

photo: Richard Termine

6. Build a diorama with miniature rooms inspired by the Helena Rubinstein: Beauty Is Power exhibit at the Jewish Museum. Feb. 17, 1 p.m.-4 p.m., 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side, $15/adult, free for kids under 18.

7. Spend a day at Brooklyn Robot Foundry in Manhattan making robot crocodiles, submarines, lighthouses and more. Feb. 16-20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 528 Canal St, TriBeCa, ages K-4th graders, $170/day.

8. Combine gymnastics, art, music, and dance at LIC Kids. Feb 16-20, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., with half day sessions available, 5-02 50th Ave., LIC, ages 2 and older, $70-$125/day depending on child’s age and schedule.

9. Unwind and warm up with one of our favorite cups of hot cocoa on offer in NYC, including a must-try cup served in a chocolate dipped waffle cone. 

10. Engage in dramatic play, explore dance and movement and create artwork in the Aladdin-themed drama and dance camp at Treasure Trunk Theatre. Feb. 16-20, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (optional extended hours for additional fee), Xtend Barre Studios, 147 Remsen St., 2nd Fl., Brooklyn Heights, ages 3-7, $70/day, $375/week.

11. Dust off your toboggan and head to one NYC’s best sledding hills for a thrill.

homage brooklyn

photo courtesy of Homage Brooklyn

12. Spend five days skateboarding at Homage Skateboard Academy, with games, arts and crafts and educational clinics all included. Feb. 16-20, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with half day and extended day options, 615 Degraw St., Boerum Hill, ages 7-14, $400.

13. Join the Staten Island Museum Curator of Natural Science, Will Lenihan, for a fun family hike through a Staten Island park. Feb. 19, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 298 Satterlee St., Staten Island, all ages, free.

14. Learn claymation, pixelation, cutout animation and more at a filmmaking camp created by The Good School. Feb. 16-20, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. with extended day options, PS 89, 201 Warren St., TriBeCa, ages K-9th grades, $650.

15. Take a culinary tour of cheese, spices, and salts from around the world with tastings, hands-on cooking and crafting at Freshmade NYC, Feb. 17, 18, and 19, 12 p.m.-3 p.m., 636 Broadway, 5th Fl., ages 5 and older, $75/day, $200/3 days.

Guggenheim Winter Break Camp

Photo: Guggenheim Museum

16.Explore works of art and hone new artistic techniques at the Guggenheim’s 5-day vacation camp. Feb. 16-20, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., 5th Ave., btw. 88th & 89th, Upper East Side, ages 8-11, $500 ($400 for members), snacks and materials included.

17. Speak, sing and play in Spanish at Juguemos a Cantar. Feb. 16-20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. with half day and extended day options, 463 6th Ave., Park Slope, ages 4-8, $85/day.

18. See the family matinee performance of Keith Michael’s The Alice-in-Wonderland Follies. Feb. 21 at 2 p.m., 219 W 19th St., ages 3 and older, $15/child, $30/adult.

19. Experiment with equilibrium, make a parachute, meet scientists and more at the Intrepid Museum during Kids Week. Feb. 16-20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 46th St. at 12th Ave., Midtown, all ages, free with $12-24 admission fee, children under 3 free.

20. Dissect a pinball table, press metal, or witness the donut making process with Science Teacher Sarah. Feb. 16-20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 112 W 14th St., Buzzer 5, West Village, ages K-5th grades, $90/day or $400/week with snacks, transportation and prizes included.

How will your kids stay busy this Winter Break?

–Anna Knoebel

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Free for Fall! No-Pay Activities to Add to Your Must-Do List

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Leave your pocketbook at home. All you will need for these no-cost outings is a camera to capture the fun that your family is having. These happenings prove that more bang for zero bucks is totally doable.

#1 Kids Euro Festival
If your little bit is a star-in-the-making, D.C.’s Kids Euro Festival, the country’s larges performing arts festivals for the under 12 set, is just for them. They’ll be able to check out more than 200 free shows featuring performers with acts that range from bubble blowing to virtual orchestra.

When: Oct. 24-Nov.9
Online: kidseurofestival.org

#2 Rock Creek Park Nature Center
Surprise, surprise—Rock Creek Park, contrary to popular belief, is a year-round destination in D.C. Duck into the park’s Nature Center when temps drop where kids can meet and mingle with live turtles, fish, snakes, and birds. If your crew can handle the chill in the air, stroll the half-mile self-guided interpretive trail, starting at the Nature Center.

Open: Mon.-Sun., 9 am-5 pm
Rock Creek Park Nature Center
5200 Glover Rd., NW
Online: nps.gov/rocr

#3 Marine Corps Marathon
There’s no doubt that this annual 26.2 mile race brings out the athletic types, but it’s also an awesome family-friendly event. Not only are there multiple opportunities to cheer your heads off, there’s also a Kids Run (additional cost) and a free Finish Line Festival.

When: Oct. 26 Start Time: 7:55 am
Online: marinemarathon.com

#4 Story Time at the National Postal Museum
This new program caters to tots ages 2-3 with readings, crafts, and songs (that often lead to dancing). The activities help pre-pre-schoolers explore shapes, colors and sizes. Afterwards let them wander the museum halls, which is full of hands-on exhibits, until the eye rubbing starts.

When: First Monday of every month (10:30 am-11 am)
National Postal Museum
2 Massachusetts Ave., NE (Union Station)
202-633-5555
Online: postalmuseum.si.edu

#5 GORGEOUS Foliage
One of the coolest things to do during the fall also happens to be absolutely free. Take a drive (or a hike) down a fall foliage lane—think: Seneca Creek State Park, Skyline Drive, or Blue Ridge Parkway—and ohh and ahh your way through a beautiful rainbow of leaves. If you’re lucky you may even run into piles of fallen foliage to leap into and over.

#6 Fairy Tea and Treats
Little Tinkerbells (ages 4+) will love dressing up with tutus, wands and wings for this kid-friendly high tea. They’ll talk tea and crumpets, and then tour Tudor Place’s fairy gardens and get crafty with a hands-on art project.

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden
1644 31st St., NW
202-965-0400
Online: tudorplace.org

What other free activities should we pencil  in this fall? Tell us in the comments section below.

—Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Photos courtesy of Kids Euro Festival via Facebook, Seth Lemmons via Flickr, Marine Corps Marathon via Facebook

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Just Opened: A Natural Playground in Prospect Park

by Julie Seguss

Prospect Park’s newest playground doesn’t have swings, slides or a jungle gym, but your kids won’t miss the traditional equipiment. Instead, this playground offers plenty of good ol’ fashioned play-in-the-woods kind of fun. The just opened, Donald and Barbara Zucker Natural Exploration Area is a unique park play space filled with recycled logs to climb, paths to explore, sand to sift and even a water feature. Click through the following slideshow to see highlights of the innovative Prospect Park Natural Playground.

What's the Story Behind Prospect Park's Natural Playground?

Last October, when Hurricane Sandy whipped through New York City, it took down more than 500 trees and 1,000 branches in Prospect Park. Now a year later, some of those damaged trees have new life as part of the Zucker Natural Exploration Area. Materials found throughout the Park were also used to create this playground along with additional recycled trees that were damaged in other recent storms.

Now a little history - Prospect Park's northeast region, which also houses the Zoo, Carousel and Lefferts Historic House, was originally named "The Children's Playground" by Park co-designers Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. They wanted this part of the Park to be primarily for kids, yet a playground was missing. Now, kids have a beautiful and unique place to play.

— Julie Seguss

All photos by Julie Seguss

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Six Super Scenic Places to Fly a Kite

by Beth Shea

Remember the final scene in Mary Poppins, where the Banks family skips merrily down the lane while singing “Let’s Go Fly A Kite” before launching one into the sky with utter glee? Those simple pleasures are still just as fun, and just as available.  In a day and age where iPads give your kids the world at their fingertips, technology still can’t replace the jubilant feeling of channeling a gust of wind and making a kite soar in the sky with your own two hands. Here are six easy, breezy places to fly a kite in the city for some good old fashioned fun in the great outdoors. Bonus: Each place has views of the city and the ocean that will make your kite-flying adventure the perfect photo opp.  Now take that kite up to the highest height, and send it soaring…

Bruce’s Beach
Where: Manhattan Beach at Highland and 27th Street
Insider Tips: Don’t be fooled by the name. Bruce’s Beach is really a public park, not a beach — but the views of the ocean and the sunset from the oldest park in Manhattan Beach are spectacular. Spread out across three acres, Bruce’s Beach boasts plenty of open space and a tiered, sloping grassy hillside that is perfect for kite-flying — or rolling down sideways and laughing until your sides hurt.

Silver Lake Meadow
Where: Silver Lake Boulevard
Insider Tips: Dubbed by locals as LA’s version of NYC’s Central Park, Silver Lake Meadow is a lush and expansive grassy field that’s a breath of fresh air in an urban jungle. Signs posted in Silver Lake Meadow let you know that “bare feet are welcome.” Kids will love running across the grass as it tickles their toes, with the hope of catching enough wind to make their kites soar in this often breezy locale. Take a blanket and pack a picnic because you will definitely want to linger in this peaceful setting that offers a serene respite from city life. (However, the one thing this park doesn’t have is potty’s, so go before you go!)

Korean Bell of Friendship and Bell Pavilion
Where: Angels Gate Park, 3601 S. Gaffey Street, San Pedro
Insider Tips: You’ll most likely be amongst fellow kite fliers at the Korean Bell of Friendship, which is a popular kite-flying destination due to its renowned windy conditions. In addition to taking advantage of the wind-factor, you can add to your knowledge of history by visiting the 17 ton, 12-foot tall bell, which was donated by the Republic of Korea in 1976 to celebrate the bicentennial of the United States and to honor American veterans of the Korean War.

 

Burton W. Chace Park
Where: 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina Del Rey
Insider Tips: Voted one of our favorite spots in LA to have a picnic, Burton W. Chace Park is comprised of 10 acres of lawn set against the magnificent backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Take advantage of the cool sea breezes and the wide open space to fly a kite. Captains in training will also love taking in the sights of all the boats in the harbor, and hopping on the Marina Del Rey water bus for a ride around the marina that costs only $1!

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
Where: 6300 Hetzler Road, Culver City
Insider Tips: This kite-flying locale is most appropriate for older kiddos because climbing to the top of the 511-foot peak entails walking up a very steep staircase on uneven terrain… and it’s not for the faint of heart. But the panoramic view from the top, of the entire Los Angeles basin and the Pacific Ocean is worth every step. Additionally, there are beginner to advanced hiking trails on which you can not only fly your kite, but behold wildflowers, birds and other wildlife in a beautiful natural setting.

Will Rogers Polo Field
Where: 1501 Will Rogers Park Road, Pacific Palisades
Insider Tips: Not only are you in a gorgeous spot, surrounded by hiking trails, horses, and ocean breezes that drift up Sunset Blvd., you have an entire luscious green field with nothing on it (a polo field is roughly 10 acres, or the size of 9 football fields!) to run unfettered while you fly your kite.  Hike up for ocean views, hike down to a rushing stream, or tour the historic house.  And on weekends in the summer, you can catch a polo match, too!  Parking in the lot is $12.

Psssst: Stop by Sunshine Kite Company in Redondo Beach if you’re looking for a great selection of kites! They even sell “easy” kites that require no kite competence to fly!

Do you love flying kites with your kids? What’s your fave neighborhood spot to fly a kite?

– Beth Shea

Photo Credits: john k in buffalo via Creative Commons, katrinket via Creative Commons, Michael Newton via Creative Commons, Brandon O’Conner via Creative Commons, and Orin Zbest via Creative Commons

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