Below are some ideas for how to celebrate the day and show her how much you care.
2012 Mother's Day Events in New York City
- Mother's Day Flower Workshop and Tea -- The Peninsula Hotel is again hosting a floral arrangement workshop on Saturday, May 12, from 2 to 5PM with partner Flowers of the World. Spend some bonding time with Mom over flowers and take the arrangement home to enjoy, then linger over the Peninsula's afternoon tea and champagne. The cost is $165 per person.
- Mother's Day Cruise Aboard World Yacht -- World Yacht is setting sail on Mother's Day cruises for the whole family. Choose from a brunch cruise (boarding 11:30AM) with a special buffet (tickets start at $50) or a dinner cruise (boarding at 6PM) with a four-course dinner and dancing (tickets start at $70). Cruises depart from Pier 81 (West 41st Street and the Hudson River) and include a close-up look at the Statue of Liberty.
- Mother's Day at The Met -- Family programs abound on Mother's Day, May 13, so check out programs ranging ranging from stained glass creating to silversmithing and works of bronze.The Met.
- Mother's Day with the Human Blockhead -- Treat Mom to an unusual and highly entertaining day at Ripley's Believe It or Not! in Times Square on her special Sunday. Moms get in free and can enjoy a special cupcake decorating workshop. While there, you and mom can also see the world's largest collection of shrunken heads, a six-legged cow, and much more.
Mother's Day Brunch or Dinner
If you’re not cooking Mom a spectacular Mother’s Day dinner, treat her to a fancy meal at one of Manhattan’s top restaurants.- Ristorante Asellina (420 Park Avenue South in the Gansevoort Park Avenue Hotel) is hosting an extravagant Mother's Day brunch. They've even got the flowers covered -- select a bouquet of fresh flowers for Mom from their on-site flower cart (each bouquet comes with a Rosolio cocktail made with Prosecco and muddled rose petals).
- Opt for an affordable and delicious Mother's Day Brunch at Lanksy's Deli on the Upper West Side on Saturday or Sunday. Each menu item is under $20 and your choices include Eggs Benedict, cheese blintzes, and more. All brunch entrees include a drink and choice of complimentary homemade banana bread with butter and jelly or coleslaw and pickles.
- Pier 9 in Hell's Kitchen is offering a seafood brunch hat includes unlimited mimosas, Bloody Marys, draft beer, and frozen sangria for $20. The a la carte brunch menu includes grilled salmon salad, blackened snapper soft tacos, and a chorizo and lobster Benedict with jalapeno corn bread. How about a lobster mac 'n' cheese starter?
- La Gazzetta at Villa Pacri on Gansevoort Street is serving up Italian specialties. Sunday brunch runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sit inside or out and dine on orzo, meatballs, Penne Pomodoro, Salmon Affumicato, and steak.
- Many other New York restaurants offer special prix fixe menus and deals for Mother's Day. Check out OpenTable's list of Mother's Day dinner specials in New York (269 at last count)and make a reservation.
- Enjoy the sunshine and dine with Mom in one of Manhattan's most beautiful outdoor garden areas or on a New York rooftop.
- Don’t forget about dessert! Mom may say she's watching her figure, but convince her to treat herself to a sweet dish from one of Manhattan’s favorite dessert spots. No one deserves it more than her!
Explore New York with Mom
A mid-afternoon stroll through a cute neighborhood or a sunny park creates the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with Mom.- Hit the streets of Tribeca and discover historic townhouses, cobblestone streets, and cozy lunch spots that Mom will love.
- You could also meander through Chelsea, check out a few galleries and impress Mom with your extensive knowledge of art trivia.
- Take advantage of a gorgeous day and wander into the nearest park for some fresh air or head to Central Park and show Mom the Bethesda Fountain or take her on a horse and carriage ride.
Take Mom to the Museum
If Mom is a culture buff, plan a museum-hopping spree to see famous works of art, interesting collections and entertaining exhibits.- Stop by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) to view spectacular modern and contemporary art pieces.
- Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art to discover art, photography, tapestries, and carefully preserved artifacts from all over the world.
- Check out the Whitney Museum, where Mom will recognize notable 20th Century works of art.
- A visit to the Museum of Natural History is always an adventure. This time around, tell Mom you’re taking her to see the dinosaurs.
- If you’re looking for a fun, slightly edgier and highly-entertaining museum experience, schedule a visit to a few of Manhattan’s off-Museum Mile cultural institutions (though you might want to skip The Museum of Sex to avoid awkward Mother's Day moments).
Go Shopping with Mom
Mom always took you shopping for new clothes, so now you can return the favor. Besides, shopping with her is always fun -- especially when everything she wants can be found under one roof.- Stop by a few of Manhattan’s favorite department stores and help her find the perfect pair of Manolos.
- If Mom enjoys bargain-hunting and discovering secondhand treasures, browse a few of Manhattan’s flea markets and help her find the perfect coffee table centerpiece.
