Contact: Lisa Simmons, MOTT
617-973-8508
Vicki Cimino, Connelly Partners
617-521-5428
For Immediate Release
BOSTON, April 12, 2012 - Mother’s Day is right around the corner! Does the idea of a bouquet of flowers and a card seem a little underwhelming? These Massachusetts gift ideas and experiences are sure to switch things up and help make this year a very special mother’s day for the wonderful mother in your life.
For additional assistance in planning Mother’s Day activities, check out the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism’s “Ask a Local” iPhone application, which is now available on iTunes. This on-the-move guide provides travel information, “local” tips, and deals from Massachusetts hotels, attractions, restaurants, and shopping destinations.
Below is a sample; for a full list of activities visit massvacation.com and "Like" us on Facebook at Visit Massachusetts (http://www.facebook.com/VisitMassachusetts) and "Follow" us on Twitter @VisitMA (http://twitter.com/VisitMA).
Mother’s Day In and Around the Hub
Odyssey Cruises: Mother’s Day Brunch Cruise, Boston – This Boston Harbor delight includes a flower for every mom, Odyssey brunch buffet, children's activities, complimentary juice & soda for kids, complimentary glass of champagne or mimosa for adults, live entertainment and spectacular Boston skyline and harbor views. Price: from $64.90 per adult, $32.95 per child age 3-12.
Duckling Day Parade, Boston Common, Boston
Based on the book Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey, children and their families will retrace the steps of Mr. and Mrs. Mallard and their family of eight ducklings. Led by the Harvard University Marching Band, children relive the adventures of Mr. and Mrs. Mallard dressed as one of their favorite characters from the book. To participate in the parade there is a $35 donation per family.
Lilac Sunday, Arnold Arboretum, Boston
The Arnold Arboretum's large lilac collection comes into its glory in May, putting on an exuberant show of color and intoxicating fragrance. Visit on Mother's Day, a.k.a. Lilac Sunday, which is the only day of the year when picnics are allowed! Free and open to the public, activities and refreshments will run from 10 A.M. through 4 P.M.
SoWa Open Market, Boston
With opening day on Sunday, May 6, the SoWa Open Market takes place every Sunday afternoon through October in Boston’s South End. Overflowing with original works by local artists, artisans, and indie designers, there is also a farmer’s market, antique emporium, and much more. Each Sunday, SoWa is open from 10 A.M. through 4 P.M.
Fort Point Open Studios, ArtWalk, Boston
Join Fort Point artists as they open their studios to the public on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13, featuring paintings, sculptures, photographs, textiles, jewelry, ceramics, and much more, to help find the perfect unique Mother’s Day gift. The studios will be open from 12 Noon through 5 P.M.
Cambridge Open Studios, Cambridge
Artists throughout Cambridge open their doors to the public for the fourth annual city-wide Cambridge Open Studios (COS) during two weekends in May. Meet local artists and discover unique paintings, jewelry, fiber arts, ceramics, film, mixed media, literary works, and more, all for free.
A Delectable Brunch
Langham Hotel, Boston
“Bed, Brunch and Beyond Package” features luxury overnight accommodations, Sunday City Brunch for two in Café Fleuri, valet parking, and access to the fitness facilities, and indoor pool. Voted “Best Brunch in Boston,” the Langham’s City Brunch buffet is the perfect spot to celebrate Mother’s Day, offering an assortment of brunch stations from omelets to seafood, a Bloody Mary and Mimosa bar, and live jazz.
Peabody Essex Museum, Peabody
The Peabody Essex Museum will be hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch in the Garden Café from 11 A.M. – 3 P.M., prepared by Hawthorne Catering, served overlooking the museums peaceful Asian Gardens. After brunch, your family can head over to the award-winning Museum Shop to pick out the perfect gift for Mom. For reservations, please call 978-825-4311.
Showcase Live, Foxboro
Showcase live is hosting Mother’s Day Brunch featuring The Harlem Gospel Choir. The world famous, Harlem Gospel Choir, travels the globe sharing its joy of faith through music and fundraising. Show times start at 2 P.M., and tickets are $35 for adults and $12.50 for children under ten.
Verrill Farm: Mother’s Day Brunch, Concord
Celebrate Mother’s Day with an outdoor brunch along the beautiful setting of Verrill Farm, featuring live acoustic music, and children activities. $30 for adults and $10 for children under ten. Reservations required, for booking please call: 978-369-4494 by May 11.
The Publick House, Sturbridge
Enjoy a delicious Mother’s Day brunch at this historic inn with traditional breakfast pastries, omelet station, and much more. A dinner buffet will also be offered this Mother’s Day, which will feature New England classic comfort food.
Hotel Northampton, Northampton
Enjoy brunch this Mother’s Day with a Grand Ballroom brunch. Traditional brunch includes, but is not limited to, an assortment of fresh pastries, salads, carving stations, omelet station, bacon, sausage, eggs benedict, a decadent Viennese sweet table, and a complimentary Mimosa or Bellini. Cost: $32.95 adults, $15.95 children under 12.
Mother’s Day Active and Outdoors
Zoar Outdoor, Charlemont
On Sunday, May 13, Zoar Outdoor, one of New England’s premiere providers of white water rafting, kayaking, and zip lining, will offer moms a free raft or zip with two paying members. Book activities and lodging and receive a ten percent discount off of the combined price.
Cape Cod Kayak
Cape Cod Kayak offers guided kayak tours for all ages. This Mother’s Day, embark on a Popponesset Island getaway to take in the beautiful sites of Cape Cod.
Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, Sharon
Celebrate Mother’s Day at Moose Hill. Start with a guided hour-long nature walk featuring signs of spring; after your nature walk enjoy a hearty breakfast. Tickets are $8 - $10.
Island Spirit Kayak, Martha's Vineyard
Pamper mom with some time off to relax with a wonderful outing for her and the whole family! This adventure will bring you out to enjoy the island you love from the water. You will paddle in calm waters out to a beach brunch picnic, complete with champagne and flowers for mom! No experience necessary, single & tandem kayaks available.
Music and Entertainment
Boston Ballet’s Fancy Fee, Boston
This Mother’s Day, see why Jerome Robbins’ first ballet has proved to be one of America’s favorites. Peter Martins’ Barber Violin Concerto and Harald Lander’s beloved Etudes complete this outstanding program. Playing May 10 – 20. Half priced tickets available.
Boston Center for the Arts Presents Xanadu, Boston
Running May 11 - June 9, at the Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts and presented by the SpeakEasy Stage Company, the New York Times calls this musical “Relentlessly, hysterically funny.” Half priced tickets available.
The Lyric Stage Company of Boston presents Avenue Q, Boston
This musical will be running May 11 - June 9, with a 3 P.M. showing on Mother’s Day. The New York Times calls this musical, “a savvy, sassy, and eminently likeable, breakthrough musical.”
Wheelock Family Theatre Presents The Miracle Worker, Boston
A play by William Gibson, "The Miracle Worker" is a remarkable tale of strength, courage, dedication, and love. It is a celebration of a young woman's rebirth into the world around her, following the inspiring story of Helen Keller and her devoted teacher, Annie Sullivan. This prize-winning play illustrates our very human need to connect and to communicate. Half priced tickets available.
The Wellesley Symphony Orchestra, Wellesley
This Mother’s Day, the Wellesley Symphony Orchestra is presenting Lisa Park with violin favorites -- Massenet Thaïs, Saint-Saëns Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso & Havanaise, and In the Forests of the Night by Howard Frazin. Plus two orchestral blockbusters Liszt Les Préludes and Ravel's Bolero. Price: $25 for adults and $20 for seniors and students, free admission for children under $12. Half priced tickets available.
Worcester Art Museum, Worcester
The Worcester Art Museum is hosting a Mother’s Day Chamber of Commerce concert, with an unforgettable performance from Oboe and Harpsichord, with Michelle Graveline and Stephen Hammer in the European Galleries. The concert will feature an intermission talk with WAM Director, Matthias Waschek, followed by complimentary desserts and an opportunity to meet the musicians.
Mother’s Day Along the Shore and Islands
Cape Cod Irish Village, Yarmouth
The Cape Cod Irish Village is offering its Mother’s Day package again this year. Book two nights during the weekend of May 11, and stay until Sunday at no additional cost. Each guest will receive complimentary breakfast and complimentary dinner on Friday and Saturday, with live Irish Entertainment.
Cape Cod Central Railroad “Mother’s Day Brunch Train,”
Take Mom back in time to when rail travel was the only way to celebrate a holiday. Enjoy a three-course brunch, while viewing the traditional New England views of Cape Cod. Many of these terrific views are only accessible by railways.
About MOTT
The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) is the state agency dedicated to promoting Massachusetts as a leisure-travel destination. An integral part of the state’s economy, tourism generates more than $915 million in state and local taxes and $14.4 billion in travel related expenditures and supports 121,500 in-state jobs. Web site: http://www.massvacation.com/
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