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Celebrating Mom in Sarasota

 

It's that time of year when Sarasota County gardens are reaching full bloom and the Gulf of Mexico is warming up for summer swimming—and that means Mother's Day must be just around the corner.

Treat Mom, Grandma—or whomever you wish to say, "I appreciate you for all that you do"—to the best that Sarasota has to offer on Mother's Day weekend. Scrumptious special brunch menus, Mother's Day sales, and family activities offering discounts for moms means there are plenty of ways in Sarasota to say thanks to the beloved maternal figures in our lives.

Mother's Day Dining

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.

Mother's Day Brunch at Selby Gardens (May 13) is a perennial tradition that features an exquisite buffet from Michael's on East on the garden lawn, overlooking Sarasota Bay.

Also an annual tradition, the Mother's Day Tea Party at Powel Crosley Estate (May 13) provides breathtaking views of the bayside, featuring an assortment of breakfast and brunch items, finger foods, live music and activities on the mansion lawn.

Mother's Day at Marina Jack offers a multitude of waterfront dining options. Notably, a special Mother's Day brunch will take place in the main dining room from 10:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. with traditional breakfast and brunch items, a carving station and a waffle station. Marina Jack will also offer two cruises featuring live music and fine dining buffets.

Mother's Day Sales

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.

The Sarasota Succulent Society, housed at a unique Depression-era house tucked away off Myrtle and 38th St., hosts just four sales per year that are open to the public—one of which takes place on Mother's Day Weekend. Attend the 2018 Mother's Day Succulent Sale being held on May 12 from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., and treat Mom to a trip to one of the most charming secret spots in Sarasota.

The Mother's Day Weekend Rose Festival takes place annually at Phillippi Estate on the Saturday before Mother's Day. This year, the festival begins at 10:00 in the morning on Saturday, May 12. The Rose Festival features rose plants and arrangements for sale, as well as easy rose growing classes.

In downtown Venice, a Mother's Day Weekend Sidewalk Sale takes place annually from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on the Friday and Saturday preceding Mother's Day, with downtown vendors offering spring specials and discounts. The 2018 Sidewalk Sale dates are May 11 and 12.

More to do on Mother's Day Weekend

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 spend some quality time going out together to see the sights. Moms and grandmas win big this weekend, with free admission to some of Sarasota's favorite spots.

Mom might have scolded you at least once, growing up, for letting your bedroom turn into a jungle. Get one free ticket for Mom or Grandma with the purchase of a regular admission ticket at Sarasota Jungle Gardens on May 12 and May 13, 2018—and for goodness sake, clean your room, ya animal.

Moms also get in free on Mother's Day weekend with the purchase of a child's admission ticket at Historic Spanish Point. This is a great spot to learn local history that dates back to the prehistoric area, and to simply explore and enjoy southwest Florida nature along Little Sarasota Bay. Be sure to pay a visit the enchanting gardens created by Bertha Palmer—who could be called the "mother of modern Sarasota" in her own right!

Up for an athletic challenge? Invite your mom to the Great Mother's Day Race 5K walk/run. This unique 5K takes place in its entirety on the sands of Siesta Key Beach. Whether you decide to do the run, or use the opportunity for a 5K beachside stroll—the view is gorgeous, and with Mom by your side, the company couldn't be better.

Pro-tip: sweeten the beach stroll with a post-5K breakfast treat at Another Broken Egg—or perhaps a daiquiri from the Daiquiri Deck is more Mom's speed. Mama knows best!

Love Your Mom!

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, or an invigorating beachside stroll, box of fudge or a potted cactus, or even a phone call to say "hello"—there's no shortage of opportunities to say thanks to the ladies who nurture us.

Mark your calendar with "Mom" on May 13, 2018 and make your plans to celebrate her today—and every day!