With Mother’s Day just around the corner, many families are starting to plan the perfect ways to show Mom how much she is appreciated. All the holiday events in Oregon this year make it easy to plan a very special day.
Taking Mom out for brunch is probably the most popular way to celebrate her special day. Although there are options for brunch celebrations at countless restaurants throughout Oregon, you can transform this traditional idea into an event by embarking on a brunch cruise.
People setting off on
Portland Spirit River Cruise Dining have several options for their celebrations. Two boats, the
Portland Spirit and the
Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler, will host special holiday brunches on Mother’s Day. Buffets include Northwest favorites, champagne and sparkling cider and live entertainment, all included in the price. Make your reservations at www.portlandspirit.com/cruiseskd.php?q=Brunch.
Another creative brunch idea is to combine delicious food for all ages and amusement to keep children enthralled. This perfect combination of fun and food can be found at the Oregon Zoo’s Mother’s Day Brunch. Families can enjoy a full menu of hot and cold brunch favorites like French toast, made-to-order omelets, salads and fantastic desserts. Zoo admission is not required for the brunch. Reservations for this event, held May 8, 2011 at the Cascade Crest Banquet Center, can be made by calling 503-525-4299. Visit www.oregonzoo.org/Events/brunch.htm for more information.
If Mom is a wine lover, take her to Eola Hills, a winery that has award-winning wines and was even voted as a top brunch spot by the Statesman-Journal in 2009. Eola’s Mother’s Day Brunch, May 8, 2011, includes two complimentary glasses of wine and a commemorative wine glass or coffee mug for those over 21, a fact that Mom will enjoy almost as much as the beautiful scenery and relaxing setting. Find all the information you need to make reservations at www.eolahillswinery.com/events.php#brunches.
Nature-loving Moms will enjoy a trip to Silver Falls State Park for the Mother’s Day Birding and Wildflower Festival, May 7 and 8, 2011. The whole family can brush up on their ability to identify native birds and plants on guided walks and information sessions. After hiking, Mom can select her favorite flowers to take home and start her own truly Oregonian garden. Additional information and directions can be found at www.oregonstateparks.org/park_211.php.
For mothers who have always had a bit of a competitive spirit, bowling is an activity that can involve the whole family. Large families can play in teams, and many bowling alleys will allow you to reserve lanes in advance. A list of places to bowl throughout the state can be found at www.bowling2u.com/centers/find_list.asp?m=s&s=OR. You can turn this activity into a whole theme day by adding board games, mini golf or a group crossword into the mix.
Find a special way to show the mother in your life how much she means to you.
