Every Mother’s Day I find myself thinking the same thing: “Why don’t I celebrate my mom more often?” After all that my mom has done for me, she deserves a Caribbean cruise, a private island with endless margaritas, and a spa day (really, my mom is that great)! Then, when reality and a realistic budget set in, I often fall into the same routine⎯a thoughtful card, flowers, dinner and a gift certificate. Don’t get me wrong, our moms appreciate that stuff and we shouldn’t ditch the flowers and a card altogether, but why not change things up a bit?
When I think about the most memorable times with my mom, it’s not the gifts that come to mind⎯it’s experiences that last a lifetime. Keeping time, money, and simplicity in mind, here are three mother-daughter (or, son) experiences to have this Mother’s Day, this summer, or this year.
Go somewhere new
Take a day trip together. Visit Baltimore, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or anywhere in between. Setting a day aside to explore a new place is the perfect mother-daughter or son date.
You’ll always remember the first time you went to the Baltimore aquarium, saw the Liberty Bell, or went to a Pirates game⎯so why not experience it with your mom? Taking a trip on a tight budget? Sightseeing is (usually) free and is a great way to create new memories.
My mom and I went to Philadelphia for a mother-daughter date (and my aunt too) and these flowers were the prettiest thing we saw all day, because basically... we didn’t see anything. We got lost in Philadelphia for the whole day, and we never did find the shopping area, the Liberty Bell, or a cheesesteak, but we had a blast! We will always be able to reminisce the time that we went to Philly and saw absolutely nothing.
Go active
Start your day with an active hour. Go on a hike, practice yoga, or take a Zumba class. A morning workout and lunch is the perfect date if you are working around a busy schedule, a small budget, or you just like to get active. If exercise isn’t your thing, there are plenty of less vigorous activities that you can do. Buy a few flowers and work on your mom’s garden together, or just take a walk about the neighborhood. If conversation between you and your mom isn’t always easy, getting active is the perfect way to spend time together and spark conversation.
Go local
We can all learn a thing or two from our local professionals and luckily, a lot of them are more than willing to teach us. We are surrounded by local bakers, chefs, and artists who can plan an entire date for us.
Recently at Girlfriends Weekend in Downtown York, my mom and I took a soap-making class together at Sunrise Soap Company and it was a blast! We made homemade soap (we were even able to pick our own scents) and bath fizzies while enjoying wine⎯yes I said wine! Speaking of wine, tasting local wine is learning... right? Either way, local wineries are breweries are another great date mother-daughter idea.
So, join a class or plan your own, and here are a few places to try:
If you live in the Harrisburg area:
http://www.potomacbeads.com/Classes-s/2971.htm
Lancaster:
http://www.thebakerstable.com/lancaster-parties/
http://klpottery.com/Kevin_Lehmans_Pottery/Class_Information.html
http://www.waltzvineyards.com/
York: