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A Mother's Day in New York
- by aliciak
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- May 07, 2009
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Like so many other holidays, Mother's Day has been commercialized and Hallmarkized to the nth degree, and all of us kids find ourselves swimming in a sea of generic cards, traditional bouquets of flowers, or long brunch lines. As far as I know, my mom, a teacher, won't be coming to New York this Mother's Day, what with it being on a "school night" and all. But, if she were, I'd be sure to take her off the beaten New York City path, away from most of the restaurant swarms and pampering spa packages. She does, however, like flowers, but that is where all the run-of-the-mill Mother's Day ideas cease to be relevant. Is your mom in town May 11? Do you want to do something extra-special and unique this year? Walk with me.
Hold mom’s hand, just like old times, and show her around.
Aimlessly Wander
Aimlessly wandering around the streets of New York without a clear destination is a favorite pastime of mine. Why not take mom along? Take a break from schedules, reservations, and finite plans and be wowed by the nooks and crannies of the city. Like Henry David Thoreau once said, “It is a great art to saunter.” (I am a nerd and have a t-shirt that says the same thing!) Here are my recommendations for specific neighborhoods where you are bound to discover a new restaurant, a dusty mom-and-pop antique store, or just a spectacular view.
- West Village: lower Manhattan is not part of the logical grid of numbered streets, which means it’s easy to get lost, to lose one’s sense of direction entirely, and best of all, to be surprised by what you may find. Start on Bleecker Street and 6th Avenue, and then make a turn here and there when you come across a narrow diagonal street.
- Tribeca: although it has become full of posh loft apartments and upscale dining options, Tribeca is steeped in historical buildings, bumpy cobblestone roads, and eclectic finds like Tribeca Treats and ole-timey Soda Shop.
- Hudson River Park: this park stretches 5 miles up Manhattan’s west side and has paved walking paths the entire way. Take in the sunset over the Hudson, or some gaming fun at Chelsea Piers, but steer clear of the loungey, glitzy bowling alleys! They are too scarily-cool and attract the B&T set.
Turkey sandwich and a chocolate milkshake at the Soda Shop.
Soda Shop
What I love about the Soda Shop is that I don’t feel guilty ordering such gluttonous foods, because that’s what old-fashioned soda shops and luncheonettes are all about. Comfort food at its best. Be sure to browse the candy counter, made up of familiar oldies and new goodies. I was surprised at how pricey they are ($7 for 3 packs of candy/chocolate???), but again, it’s worth the splurge. I hope I always feel like a kid in a candy store, no matter what age!
What mom wouldn’t want these chocolates from Tribeca Treats?
Tribeca Treats
94 Reade Street New York, NY 10013
Walking Tours
Walking Tours straddle the gray area between wandering and walking with a purpose, but a historical and educational tour through one of Manhattan’s many fascinating neighborhoods is good for those of us who want a little direction. Tours include the Italian Heritage Walk, the Upper East Side Millionaires Mile Tour, and Art on Display in Midtown.
Cherry Blossom season is upon us!
But I want to take mom to brunch!
Okay, okay, mom wants to go to brunch in the city and it’s up to you to find a place. Gauge her food preferences, take into account any allergies or dislikes, and pick up the phone to make the reservation.
The Mother's Day Restaurant Run-down
The Daily News’ Restaurant Girl rounds up your top dining spots for mom this year, and luckily, one of my favorite brunch places, Prune, makes the cut. Well, to be honest, Prune is on everyone’s “favorite brunch places” list because of its consistent fare and cozy atmosphere, so I am not being all that original here. Mother’s Day happens to be the ONE day Prune fans can make a reservation, so make haste!
Concrete Plans
Where to go on Mother's Day
Salt Marsh Nature Center
Salt Marsh Nature Center
East 33rd Street and Avenue U Brooklyn, NY 11234
My parents are the outdoorsy, hiking types, so a Mother’s Day Marsh Walk is pretty much the perfect “gift” for my mom on her special day. Join fellow kids and moms for a guided walk at 1pm, where you will learn all about how animal mommies care for their babies. Awww!
I know what you’re thinking, a marsh walk in Brooklyn? The neighborhood of Marine Park is a far cry from urbanity, and the nature center is like every other you’ve been to on a field trip. I will never forget the first time I biked up to it and said aloud, “I can’t believe I’m in Brooklyn!”
Cheesecake to be had on your Bateaux cruise.
Bateaux New York - Group Reservations
62 Chelsea Piers Suite 200 A, New York, NY 10011
One of the best ways to really see Manhattan is from afar, preferably on a swanky cruise ship. Well, you’re in luck! Bateaux New Yorks holds its annual Mother’s Day lunch cruise for $61.90 per person. Included is an elaborate buffet, fine wines, live jazz pianist, and of course, the many sights as you boat along. Come on, you know you’re curious!
One of the best ways to really see Manhattan is from afar, preferably on a swanky cruise ship. Well, you’re in luck! Bateaux New Yorks holds its annual Mother’s Day lunch cruise for $61.90 per person. Included is an elaborate buffet, fine wines, live jazz pianist, and of course, the many sights as you boat along. Come on, you know you’re curious!
Creative Gift-Giving
Salmon with Tangerine-Lemon Hollandaise Sauce, Artichoke and Rice Salad, and Lime-Ginger Coolers. Just another day in the life of Ms. Stewart.
Martha thinks you should MAKE brunch
Yep, if you really want to wow mom, you will cook up Martha Stewart’s elaborate brunch menu. Whenever my parents come to New York and stay with me, I concoct complicated dishes aimed to impress, but it’s also a nice change from the hustle and bustle of the city’s weekends scene. I usually head out to the nearest deli with flowers, pick out some fresh blooms, and recreate a calming dining atmosphere. Your dining companions will leave New York with memories of home-cooked meals, hopefully good ones at that.
Say it with Flowers
A lot of us will deliver our “Happy Mother’s Day” line with flowers, but this guy literally did so, by spelling out the words with individual plants. Impressive! I wish I had thought of it…
Kate's Paperie
72 Spring Street New York, NY 10012
Kate's Paperie to the rescue!
You’re out of time and you’d settle for a rad card for mom. Head to Kate’s Paperie, pick out a pre-made card, this Hot Flash Survival Kit, or better yet, choose from their wide assortment of pretty papers and stationery, and write a poem a la 3rd grade. No time for a poem? Haikus are brief, striking, and thoughtful. Here are a few that you are welcome to steal.
You are always there,
Taking care of me when I’m sick,
You are the best, mom!
Was thinking “flowers”,
But words last a lifetime, right?
This haiku’s for you.
Alternate Mother's Day Guides
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