Mom is a kisser of scraped knees, a bedtime storyteller and an expert cutter of crust. She means so much to your family, and Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show Mom just how much you appreciate her! We’ve compiled several options for different types of moms. Choose one that would appeal to your special mom, pair it with a homemade or store-bought card, and you’ll be sure to give her a day that will make her feel loved and cherished!
FOODIE MOM
A foodie mom loves to create works of art in the kitchen or try the latest restaurant. Food is her love language, so treat your foodie mom to a day that honors her, but still pleases the palates of her pickiest dining companions:
- Have a picnic. Voted Austin Chronicle’s favorite farmer’s market four years in a row, Texas Farmer’s Market at Mueller is the place to go. Sample some of the delicious offerings and then pick up picnic supplies to enjoy by Mueller Lake. Bonus points if you bring oats or seeds to feed the ducks.
- Channel Julia Child. Sign up for a cooking class to make treats with Mom. One option is Foodie Kids’ Mommy & Me Afternoon Tea Party class, where participants will make scones, quiche and petit fours.
- Get fancy. Spoil Mom with Mother’s Day brunch at the historic Driskill hotel. Buffet service includes breakfast classics, seafood, sides and desserts, creating a memorable experience for the whole family.
OUTDOORSY MOM
Does good weather find your mom puttering around in the garden or heading out for a hike? If your mom feels her best when she is active outside, then these ways to enjoy our wonderful city will be sure to leave her feeling both loved and invigorated:
- Take a hike. Austin has no shortage of hiking trails, ranging from easy to more challenging. Visit Austin Family magazine’s online article “Take A Hike!” for a list of 12 great hikes.
- Hop on your bike. Load up your bikes and enjoy the 3.1 mile (5K) Veloway bicycle tract at Circle C Ranch Metropolitan Park.
- Get out on the water. Head to Lady Bird Lake where you can rent a canoe, kayak, paddleboard or even a swan pedal boat from one of several watercraft rental companies.
ARTSY MOM
Artsy moms see beauty in the ordinary, and they love to create their own art or admire the art of others. Feed your mom’s soul by taking her to see some of Austin’s unique artistic displays.
- Stick together. Head to Pease Park to view the Stickworks creation “Yippee Ki Yay” by internationally-renowned artist Patrick Dougherty, who creates natural sculptures out of local tree saplings and sticks.
- Keep Austin weird. Visit Austin’s well-known murals and take pics with Mom at each. Google “Austin murals” for a short list of great sites.
Have some Hope. Visit the Hope Outdoor Art Gallery, known to many as Graffiti Park, Austin’s community paint park, to take in the many large-scale art pieces. This may be Mom’s last chance to visit the park before it moves in October to a new location near the airport.UPDATE: Hope Outdoor Art Gallery has closed at the Baylor St. location and will reopen at a future date near Carson Creek Ranch.
MUSICAL MOM
Does your mom dance around the house when she thinks no one is watching? Does she turn on the car radio before she even takes her foot off the brake? If so, take in one of these family-friendly options and give your Musical Mom a Mother’s Day she won’t forget:
- Add a side of waffles. Make a reservation at Stubb’s Gospel Brunch. A view of the band ensures the small ones will stay entertained, and the killer buffet will make everyone happy.
- Visit Neverland. Catch the Ballet Austin performance of Peter Pan at the Long Center featuring music by Debussy, Bizet, Faure and Ravel.
- Pack a picnic dinner. Grab a blanket or chairs and head downtown to attend the Austin Symphonic Band Mother’s Day concert at the Capitol.
ADVENTURE MOM
Does your mom’s dream day consist of exploring out-of-the way places to discover something new? If so, then hit the road, because these daytrips are close enough that everyone will still be in good spirits when you arrive:
- Go south. Less than an hour south of Austin, the historic town of Gruene offers charming shops selling antiques, gifts, clothing and more. When you’re all shopped out, stop in for a meal at the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar. Afterward, be sure to pop in to Gruene Hall, the oldest continually run dance hall in Texas.
- Head west. An hour and a half west of Austin is the historic German town of Fredericksburg, where you can spend the day shopping and munching on schnitzel and strudel. Be sure to save time to visit the National Museum of the Pacific War, an incredible complex dedicated to all those who served in World War II in the Pacific.
- Travel north. An hour and a half north of Austin via I-35 is Waco, the home of The Silos – an entertainment/shopping/dining complex created by HGTV “Fixer Upper” stars Joanna and Chip Gaines. Mom can browse the decorative items in the Magnolia market, and everyone can enjoy delicious food from several food trucks parked nearby. Pick up a sweet treat at the Silos Baking Co. and enjoy it on the lawn as you play games provided for everyone to enjoy.
Alison Bogle is an Austin-based freelance writer and mom of three.
