As military spouses, we sometimes dread holidays. Whether your sailor is home or not, unpredictable boat schedules make it hard and nearly impossible to make plans in advance. And is it just me or does Mother’s Day creep up every year? With the big day only four days away, do you need plans? Or better yet… do you need to send a certain someone some ideas for plans?
We’re all different, but if you need some inspiration or ideas of how to spend the day, here’s a few ideas to consider:
Go Out For Brunch
Brunch just feels quinteseentially Mother’s Day, whether it’s breakfast-in-bed or a special morning out. While stationed in Groton, we frequented Shipwright’s Daughter, RISE and Engine Room in Mystic. Here in Washington state, I’ve heard great things about Oak Table Cafe, Butch & Baker Provisions and Green Light Diner. If you’re looking for a fun, boozy brunch in Norfolk, check these out. Other places mentioned on the blog: Wild Plum (Monterey), Cedar Oak Cafe in St. Mary’s (Kings Bay), Founding Farmers (D.C.), and these great coffee joints on Oahu. We also spotted some great promotions for brunch on Oahu – here and here.
Since reservations might be hard to come by, consider a to-go order and surprise mom at home or with a nice picnic at a park or beach (weather permitting).
Sneak Away to the Spa
You likely can’t make an appointment this weekend, but a gift certificate to look forward to is just as great! Near Groton, I loved the Spa at Norwich Inn. Here in Washington state, the womens-only Korean spa Olympus Spa (Lynnwood & Tacoma) is worth the drive to either locations, it is divine. I’ve also heard great things about Woodhouse in Charleston, Capital Blossom Day Spa in D.C. and Angsana Spa at the Shertaon Laguna Guam in Guam. If a spa visit is out of budget, maybe splurging for a slightly more expensive pedicure would the trick? Self care is always special time and I’m confident to say most of us never do it enough.
Check Out Some Family-Friendly Events
If you can’t get a sitter but still want to do something special, get out of the house and explore your local duty station! Here’s some family-friendly events happening this weekend:
NORTHEAST
- Groton: Queen For a Day at Olde Mistick Village, Wicked Tulips Flower Farm, Mother’s Day at Stonington Vineyards
- Portsmouth: Mother’s Day Tours at Strawbery Banke Museum, and other ideas here
- Saratoga Springs: Mother Lovin 5K Run/Walk, Not Your Mothers Party at Saratoga Winery (not kid-friendly), and a full list of brunch spots here
MID-ATLANTIC
- D.C.: Mother’s Day Sail, Mother’s Day Candle-Making Brunch, Mother’s Day Flower Bar, Mother’s Day Crab Feast
- Norfolk: Mother’s Day Bowling, Mother’s Day Brunch or Dinner Cruises, Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival
SOUTHEAST
- Charleston: Blossoming to Bloom Mother-Daughter Tea, Mom + Me Watercolor Workshop, Sunday Brunch Farmers Market, and a big list of brunch spots here
- King’s Bay: Mother’s Day Brunch at The TRIPLEX
WEST
- Bangor: Family Fun Day in Seqium, Annual Plant Sale, Kiana Lodge Mother’s Day Brunch, Mother’s Day DIY Fairy Garden Workshop
- San Diego: Carlsbad Flower Fields, Mother’s Day Gondola Ride, Mother’s Day at Torrey Pines, Belmont Park
ONCONUS/OVERSEAS
- Bahrain: MWR Mother’s Day Bowling
- Guam: TNT Mother’s Day Lunch, Mother’s Day Bowling Special, Military Spouse Appreciation Day & Mother’s Day Event (May 5)
- Oahu: Mothers Day Brunch at Tradewinds, Rockin’ Moms “Rock-A-Hula,” Mother’s Day Star Dinner Cruise, Mother’s Day at House of Mana Up
Go on a Surprise Date Night
I love the gift of not having to plan something. Maybe your sailor could coordinate a night out for the two of you? Alternatively if the boat is gone, you could throw your own girls night out? Either way, some fun ideas could be: Tacoma Comedy Club near Bangor, dinner or a show at Mohegan Sun, bougie bowling at the High Rollers Luxury Lanes at Foxwoods Casino. Check our other articles about date night ideas in Charleston, Norfolk, Oahu, and Guam.
How do you like to spend Mother’s Day? Comment below!