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  • 7 Ways to Spend Mother’s Day That Are Not Brunch
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7 Ways to Spend Mother’s Day That Are Not Brunch

Surprise her with a thoughtful activity that suits her interests.

By Kate Oczypok May 6, 2024 at 11:15 am

Tired of the same brunch reservations every year? This Mother’s Day, treat mom to an experience that best fits her interests. Whether it’s helping her pick plants if she likes to garden, or having a spa day for some afternoon pampering, here are eight things to do with mom options. 

For the mom who loves to garden 

Pick your own plants at Betty’s Azalea Ranch 

Family owned and operated for over 60 years, this garden center has annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, and more. The business also offers garden supplies and lawn needs perfect for moms with green thumbs. 12507 Route 29, Fairfax

For the mom who appreciates the arts 

Enjoy the Melodies of Love Concert at The Commentary

The Commentary is celebrating moms with a concert. It will feature musician Marcus Johnson with special guest El Lambert. Doors open at noon and the show begins at 1 p.m. There will be food available paired by Executive Chef Francecil Ponte, along with FLO Wine. 801 N. Glebe Rd., Arlington, starting at $40 

Take in May Flowers at the Torpedo Factory Arts Center

The exhibit May Flowers in the Van Landingham Gallery celebrates the beauty and symbolism of the season. It runs through May 31. Artists include Dina Wise, Andrea Cybyk, Anna Yakubovskaya, and Victoria Barnes. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, free 

For the nature loving mom 

Hike Riverbend Park in Great Falls 

Riverbend Park is located on a Potomac River bend (hence the name) and boasts a spectacular amount of plant life, wildlife, and more. An easy, out-and-back hike to try with mom is Riverbend Park to Great Falls Overlook. 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls

Picnic at Hidden Oaks Nature Center 

After an afternoon of exploring Hidden Oaks, pack a meal to enjoy among the trees. If you’re up for some pre-Mother’s Day fun, the center is hosting a class on May 11 called “Animal Moms and Babies.” Guests can meet young animals and learn how they grow and develop. 7701 Royce St., Annandale, free

For the wellness-obsessed mom  

Have a spa day at Moon Lake Spa 

Treat mom to a day of pampering at Moon Lake Spa. With acupuncture, body treatments, facials, massages, and more, there’s a treatment for whatever mom is in the mood for. The spa is currently offering three different Mother’s Day packages. 503 Maple Ave. W., Vienna, prices vary 

Get a mani-pedi at Sesen Spa 

Voted in the 2023 Best of NoVA series for Readers Pick: Top Tier Beauty Services, Sesen Spa is a great place to take mom for a manicure and pedicure. The “ultimate pedicure” is a great treat for mom, and now includes an improved callus treatment. Pair it with a “never basic” manicure for a luxurious treat. 112 Pleasant St., NW, Ste. A, Vienna

Feature image, stock.adobe.com

For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Things to Do newsletter. 

Kate Oczypok

Kate Oczypok

Contributing Writer

Kate Oczypok has been a freelance writer since 2011, and is proud to be a regular contributor to Northern Virginia Magazine in digital and print since 2020. Her bylines have appeared in The New York Times, People.com, Better Homes and Gardens, and locally The Georgetowner and Washingtonian Magazine, among others. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Print Journalism from American University and a M.Ed. in Education from Penn State. She also teaches virtual piano lessons in the after school hours and does portrait photography on weekends.

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