5 memorable gift ideas for Mother's Day
Mother's Day is all about flowers, cards, gifts and brunch. And there's nothing wrong with those things. If you have all those bases covered, how about giving mom the gift of time with (or without) you. Here are five ways you can give her a special treat or outing:
1. Mom's Nite Out
Let her start celebrating Thursday with an evening of pampering and shopping discounts at Roosevelt Field, Smith Haven and Walt Whitman malls. The first few hundred moms to visit guest services will get a swag bag of goodies and extra discount offers. Display tables will be set up around the mall for ladies to pick up samples and enter raffles. Mini fashion shows will be held throughout the evening.
WHEN | WHERE: Thursday: 6-9 p.m. at Roosevelt Field, Garden City; 4-8 p.m. Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove and 4-9 p.m. at Walt Whitman Mall, Huntington Station; simon.com; Free
2. Guided North Fork wine tour
Touring Long Island's wine country is more relaxing this way. Board a tour bus in Hicksville, Commack or Holstville for a daylong, guided tour that includes tastings with the winemakers at three vineyards -- Clovis Point in Jamesport, Macari Vineywards in Mattituck and Laurel Lake in Laurel. The tour includes a three-course lunch at A Mano Restaurant in Mattituck as well as cheeses, meats and snacks along the way.
WHEN | WHERE: Bus pickups 9:30-10:20 a.m. Saturday at designated points. Tickets can only be purchased online in advance.
INFO: 866-946-3268, longislandwinecountry.com (must purchase tickets online)
ADMISSION: $149 (includes tour, tastings and meal)
3. Renaissance Faireat Chelsea Mansion
Visit Chelsea Mansion for a taste of the life of a musketeer as the Kingdom of Acre historical re-enactment group turns the grounds into a French Renaissance village. "We give a historically accurate portrayal of the Renaissance period," says group president Robert Fox. You'll see swordplay and can take part in games. There also will be crafts and vendors.
WHEN | WHERE: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday and May 14-15 , Chelsea Mansion, Muttontown Preserve, 34 Muttontown Lane, East Norwich
INFO: 914-664-2733, kingdomofacre.org
ADMISSION: $7 ($4 ages 4-12)
4. The Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival
Mom can spend an afternoon immersed in Japanese culture at this festival, which includes demonstrations of traditional tea ceremonies (1-2 p.m.) and origami paper folding plus performances of Japanese drumming, singing and martial arts. About 35 vendors will set up a marketplace. A fashion show is at 3 p.m. "You can see beautiful Japanese kimonos and how they can fit into your lifestyles," says festival director Gerard Senese. Boxed lunch of sushi, rice and other traditional fare will go for $6-$10.
WHEN | WHERE: Noon-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Charles B. Wang Center, Stony Brook University
INFO: 631-698-2467, matsuri.ryushukan.com
ADMISSION: Free (theater/chapel performances $10 adults, $6 5-12)
5. Spa Science Day
Kids who want to make something with mom would enjoy the Long Island Science Center's spa-themed workshop. Parent/child teams will make soap, bath balls and lip balm. "We are a science museum, so . . . we talk about the science behind the items," says executive director Delia Gibbs. Tables will be decked out with battery-operated candles, sparkling juice and cookies.
WHEN | WHERE: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, L.I. Science Center, 11 W. Main St., Riverhead. Preregister.
INFO: 631-208-8000
ADMISSION: $22 parent/child ($18 each additional person)
