7 Weekend Trips for Mother’s Day

We know you love the mother(s) in your life and you're looking for a special way to show her what she means to you.

This Mother's Day, instead of a funny mug or another decorative picture frame, get her the gift of travel. You definitely won't have to wonder if she likes it or not.

Calistoga, California

What could be finer than taking your mother, your wife, or both to California's Napa Valley wine country? Lean back in that mud bath, take a sip of your wine and relax as the green rolling hills glow under the golden setting sun. This beautiful setting is the perfect location for some serious R&R for mothers with busy lives. Take her to the Solage spa and let her be pampered by professionals with seaweed wraps then treat her to some dinner at the Michelin-starred spa restaurant, Solbar. For some culture, tour the Castello di Amorosa then head to the Lava Vine Winery for an entertaining wine tasting experience.

St. Louis Skyline Public Domain

St. Louis Skyline Public Domain

St. Louis, Missouri

Though the American frontier has been explored, St. Louis remains the Gateway to the West. This city's conglomeration of smaller ethnic communities makes for an interesting array of diverse business. Explore the Hill, the Italian community where you will find Zia's restaurant and Missouri Baking Company where the cannolis are as mouthwatering as they are authentic. Tour the Arch, pet live stingrays at the Zoo, catch a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium, or a concert at the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. The Muny is an excellent outdoor theater for warm weather visits while the Art Museum beckons your group with paintings by Van Gogh, Degas, and Rembrandt among others. Your feet may ache after a day of touring, but St. Louis always promises a good time.

Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Martha's Vineyard is a classic option for weekend trips with mom. Relax on the beach, charter a sailboat, and try some leisurely shopping before you head out for lunch at the Among the Flowers Cafe. L'etoile is a French fine dining option for mothers with excellent taste while 20byNine is a rustic and laid back gastropub serving craft beer and grilled cheese with gruyere and basil among other delicious plates. Take the mother in your life to the Granary Gallery to peruse the local art, tour the lighthouse, and end up at Aquinnah Cliffs around sunset for some beautiful sights. Bonus: Mother's Day is in their light season when businesses are gearing up for Memorial Day weekend so there are fewer people.

Las Vegas Public Domain

Las Vegas Public Domain

Las Vegas, Nevada

For mothers who have some spunk and enjoy unconventional destinations, Las Vegas may be just the ticket. Gamble, attend a show, shop at the deluxe stores of the Venetian, and more in this Nevada oasis. Tour the fantastic designs and sites at the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio where you will see giant twelve-foot tall daffodils, an indoor glass greenhouse, and oversized ants fighting among psychedelic, neon mushrooms. Restaurants abound in this city of fun but for something special, try Mon Ami Gabi, Park on Fremont, or the expensive but fascinating Le Cirque where the ceiling is decorated to look like a circus tent.

San Antonio, Texas

For a gorgeous southern destination, look to Texas and San Antonio's blend of Latin culture and an American love of decadence. Tour the historic sites with your mother and explore the Alamo, the Missions National Historical Park, and the oldest religious community in Texas, the Cathedral of San Fernando, built in 1731. Shop at the luxurious La Cantera where she can find every kind of store from Brookstone to Burberry. The River Walk runs adjacent, and sometimes onto, the tree-lined San Antonio River where colorful umbrella-covered tables mark restaurants and the soft glow of light and laughter is the signature of serenity.

St. Augustine, Florida

This beautiful resort city was originally founded in 1565, making it the oldest in the country. This intriguing mix of old and new benefits everyone with a unique sophistication of cultural influences from England, Spain, and Cuba all located in a place where the year-round temperature average is 79. The beaches on Anastasia Island are certainly recommended as is a visit to the historic Castillo de San Marcos and the Ximenez-Fatio House. Old City shopping is sublime but make sure you stop by the restaurant at the Old City House Inn for a romantic brunch or classic fresh seafood dish, all set in a Spanish Colonial style home originally built in 1873.

Aspen Colorado Public Domain

Aspen Colorado Public Domain

Aspen, Colorado

Some mothers would rather spend their days out of doors than go to wine tastings or shop in a mall. For the active, outdoorsy types, head to the scenic Aspen, Colorado where the ski slopes and hiking trails are second to none. Take a day or two to hike Buttermilk Mountain, visit the Maroon Bells, or go horseback riding among the blooming spring scenery. There is little more beautiful than spring in the mountains but for a break, perhaps your mother would enjoy a performance at the Wheeler Opera House. A brunch-time treat is recommended at Peach's Corner Cafe where you can enjoy a mimosa with your quiche Lorraine or mozzarella Caprese sandwich.


What better way to give the mother in your life everything she wants and deserves than to take her on a lovely Mother's Day weekend getaway trip? She'll be thanking you for weeks afterward.