10 great places for memories with Mom
— -- Take Mom on a getaway for Mother's Day and the memories will keep on giving long after you return. Marybeth Bond, author of 50 Best Girlfriend Getaways, (gutsytraveler.com), and her 91-year-old mother often reminisce about the rafting trip they took together 20 years ago. Bond shares her choices with Kathy Baruffi for USA TODAY.
AlexandriaVirginia "This chic town is steeped in history," Bond says. "You can walk everywhere or ride on the free trolley" in Old Town. Moms can have their photo taken with Martha Washington at the Spring Garden party she's hosting at her home, Mount Vernon, 8 miles to the south. The event includes a tour of the house, wagon rides through George's orchard, heritage gardening seminars and a free seed packet. 800-429-1520, mountvernon.org
Door County Wisconsin "Three hundred miles of coast with dunes and historic lighthouses surround this 75-mile peninsula between Lake Michigan and Green Bay," Bond says. "Often called the 'Cape Cod of the Midwest,' there's great antiquing, art, food and outdoor fun." Everyone else in the family can get creative with paint, glass, metal, wood and clay at Hands On Art Studio, housed in a converted barn. All skill levels welcome. 888-868-9311; handsonartstudio.com
AustinTexas "Unwind with Mom in this ranch-style setting amid the rolling hills of central Texas," Bond says of the area's Lake Austin Spa Resort. "Attend lectures or exercise classes in the Treehouse or on the yoga dock." Among the many classes in the spa's Discovery Program, you can learn the art of gardening, healthy cooking or de-stressing techniques. Guilt-free gourmet meals incorporating vegetables from the property's organic garden make this feel like the Garden of Eden. 800-847-5637; lakeaustin.com
Quebec CityQuebec, Canada "Canada is a bargain again with an exchange rate favoring the U.S. dollar," Bond says. "A vacation here feels like being in France. Mom will love Old Town's vibrant street life and boutique shopping." Fairmont's Le Château Frontenac, an iconic hotel, is offering a 'Pamper Mommy! Package,' and it includes Mother's Day brunch at Le Champlain restaurant overlooking the St. Lawrence River. 800-441-1414; Fairmont.com/frontenac
