![Boat parking at The Crow’s Nest in Venice [Photo: Lauren Jackson]](/sites/default/files/styles/popular_stories_teaser/public/2023-import/The-Crow%2527s-Nest-cropped__OPT.jpg.webp?itok=ycs37M-O)
Celebrating Mom This Mother's Day in Sarasota
It's that time of year when Sarasota gardens are reaching full bloom and the waters are warming up for summer swimming—and that means Mother's Day must be just around the corner.
Treat Mom, Grandma or that special guardian figure in your life you wish to say, "I appreciate you for all that you do" to the best that Sarasota has to offer this coming Mother's Day weekend. Special brunch menus, spa-day events, springtime sunsets or a long walk on the beach, floral arrangements, a box of heart-shaped chocolates and family activities offering discounts means there are endless ways in Sarasota to say thanks to the beloved maternal figures in our lives.
Special Sunday Brunches
President Woodrow Wilson made a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day in 1914, but it wasn't until the 1940s that treating mom to a luxurious brunch became holiday tradition. Today, approximately a quarter of adults treat mom to a special meal on Mother's Day (Sunday, May 12, 2024).
Mother's Day Brunch at Selby Gardens is a perennial tradition that features a special performance by female vocal trio, The Volalitas, and an exquisite buffet catered by Michael's on East on the garden lawn overlooking Sarasota Bay. Stroll the beautiful botanical gardens together before or after your brunch seating (10:30 am; 12 pm; or 1:30 pm), explore artful Spring Exhibitions on view and shop the new gift shop for unique Mother's Day gifts.
Also an annual tradition, the Mother's Day Grand Ballroom Brunch at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota celebrates Mom with a scrumptious spread of savory spring favorites in the resort's Grand Ballroom. Tickets reserve your spot and include all the culinary offerings fit for a queen. Additionally, you can enjoy the marina views and bottomless mimosas by reserving seats at the onsite restaurant for Mother's Day Breakfast Buffet at Jack Dusty.
Enjoy some time with the ones you love at GROVE's Mother's Day Brunch Buffet. From 10am - 3pm, enjoy a wonderful spread featuring a variety of delicious dishes and expertly prepared stations. From customizable omelets, breakfast favorites and sweet pastries to southern-style shrimp & grits and even sushi rolls, Mom will certainly not be leaving hungry.
Mother's Day Blooms & Bouquet Making
Roses are red, violets are blue… buy Mom some of those roses, and succulents, too! Spring is the best season to shop for plants—and two local plant sales that are traditionally held on Mother's Day weekend are sure to delight mamas of the horticultural persuasion.
Bring your motherly figure to The Ringling's enchanting rose garden for a change of pace. Mable Ringling's Rose Garden is one of the most fragrant and bloom-beautiful spots on the Ringling estate. The garden is Italian-inspired and neighbors the scenic Sarasota Bay. And just north of Ca’ d’Zan is what is known as Mable’s Secret Garden, where visitors can enjoy another eclectic garden that includes colorful bromeliads, succulents, variegated bougainvillea and other Florida-friendly varietals.
Treat Mom to a trip to one of the most charming secret spots in Sarasota. The Sarasota Succulent Society, housed at a unique Depression-era house tucked away in the Rosemary District, hosts just four sales per year that are free and open to the public—one of which takes place on Mother's Day Weekend. The big annual plant and flower sale will be held on May 11, 2024, from 9 am to 1 pm.
Down in Venice, opt for a Mother's Day Bouquet Making Class where you can learn to make beautiful bouquets for/with that special lady in your life. This free event takes place on Thursday, May 9, 1 pm - 3pm at The Kathleen K. Catlin Senior Friendship Centers. All you need to do is sign up and bring your creative minds to create some gorgeous floral arrangements!
Spa & Beauty Offerings
Not sure any woman will turn down a special spa day or petting puppies. On May 3, 2024, head to Harmony Med Spa for the ultimate Mother's Day Celebration. This free event, from 5pm to 7pm, includes an exquisite blend of pampering, indulging and heartwarming moments. Enjoy gourmet bites and beverages as well as floral masterpieces from an onsite florist creating bouqets. There ill even be a local animal rescue there for you to meet some furry friends (or potentially a new family member) up for adoption. Add sparkle to your evening with Mom by getting matching "forever linked" permanent jewelry, and take advantage of exclusive day-only specials at the spa for signature wellness and aesthetics services!
At The Mall at University Town Center, check out the annual "Treat Yourself Like a Queen" Women's Expo on Saturday, May 11, from 10am - 3pm. This fun female-focused event features 40+ exhibitors from the health, beauty and fashion industries. Enjoy live entertainment, dance performances, fashion shows with Mall at UTC retailers, a mother-daughter look-a-like contest, raffle prizes, giveaways and more!
More To Do With Mom
While there are plenty of opportunities to brunch til you pop and shop til you drop on Mother's Day weekend, another option is to simply spend some quality time outdoors together to explore the sights and scenery. And what better way than to catch a famous Gulf Coast sunset. Quality time on the beach during Sarasota's spring is hard to beat. Pack a couple of beach chairs and encourage mom to relax, sink her toes into the soft sand and catch a glimpse of that elusive "green flash" over the horizon.
What woman doesn't love chocolate? Gift your mama with a decadent box of chocolates and you just may become her "favorite" kid. Norman Love Confections offers special Mother's Day gift boxes, filled with 10 specialty chocolate hearts filled with all her favorite flavors. Gift boxes are thoughtfully packaged in ornate, jewelry store-inspired green gift boxes. Get your orders in by May 9!
Mom might have scolded you at least once growing up for letting your bedroom turn into a jungle. Mothers and grandmothers receive 50% off admission to the exotic animal exhibits of Sarasota Jungle Gardens on May 11 & 12, 2024 if booked online with promo code MD24. Moms and Grandmoms can also hold a bird for free!
There are all kinds of mothers out there, and myriad ways to say "I love you." No matter how you choose to celebrate Mother's Day this year—be it with a traditional brunch, a beachside stroll, a box of fudge, playtime with the flamingos or a potted cactus—there's no shortage of opportunities to say thanks to the ladies who have nurtured us and continue to do so.