Mother's Day Weekend Picks

It's Mother's Day weekend! The rain, rain is supposed to go away by Sunday so you'll have a nice 70-degree day to spend with Mom. There are plenty of fun events all weekend long that you can enjoy with or without the woman who gave you life.

Here are our top event picks for the weekend of May 9-11, 2008:

• NYC Street Fairs and Festivals -- There are plenty of street fairs and festivals scheduled for this weekend -- from Wall Street to Mulberry Street to Amsterdam Avenue.



• Chelsea Hotel Through the Eyes of Photographers -- If you share my fascination with the legendary Chelsea Hotel, you'll love this weekend's photography exhibit celebrating the Chelsea's 125th anniversary. Visit the Chelsea Hotel (222 West 23rd Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues) to check out work by 60+ photographers and shots of famous Chelsea residents like Patti Smith and Dee Dee Ramone. Exhibit hours are Noon-6PM through Sunday. And for more Chelsea Hotel scoop, check out Ed Hamilton's fascinating book, Legends of the Chelsea Hotel.



• Continental International Restaurant Week -- Through Sunday, enjoy special deals from twelve New York City restaurants, each specially selected to represent the unique culinary style of a particular country -- from Tabla representing India to Megu representing Japan. Special offerings for International Restaurant Week include behind-the-scenes kitchen tours, unique menus, complimentary tastings and take home treats. Sounds like a great way to make Mother's Day dinner a special one.



• Children's Book Week Kick-Off -- Visit the Bryant Park Reading Room on Saturday afternoon for readings and signings featuring your kids' favorite authors and illustrators. It's the beginning of Children's Book Week in New York City, which will include seven days of fun events to encourage New York kids' love of reading.



• Self Magazine Workout in the Park -- Get out and play at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park (enter the park at Fifith Avenue and 69th Street) on Saturday with the exercise gurus from Self Magazine. See demos of the latest fitness trends, get beauty tips, and pick up lots of freebies. Jillian Michaels from The Biggest Loser will also be there to help kick your butt into shape. Admission is $25 ($20 in advance) and proceeds benefit women's health organizations.



• Mother's Day in New York City -- Check out our ideas for last-minute Mother's Day outings in our fair city. Take Mom out for a fabulous meal, a little pampering, a bit of culture, or just a lovely day exploring New York with the apple of her eye (that would be you).