Mother’s Day, My Way: Nycci’s Guide to Celebrating Mom (Hint Hint)

As a mom of five, I can tell you, there are plenty of ways to spend Mother’s Day celebrating me. And honestly, I’ve earned it.

Restaurants and hotels across the region are offering fabulous ways to make Mom feel special everything from brunches, teas, bubbles, (you can find all that here) but if you ask me, I want an experience. Something that brings us together, gets us out of the house includes really good food and wine.

So I went through everything happening for Mother’s Day weekend and pulled together the experiences I’d actually want to have. 

Consider this both a guide and a gentle nudge. And now I’m sharing it with you. Because Mother’s Day is for all the moms, stepmoms, bonus moms, chosen family, grandmothers, and anyone who shows up with love and care:

A Perfect Spring Day: If you want something that feels easy, inspired, and just a little indulgent, start at the Bethesda Fine Arts Festival. Set in Woodmont Triangle, this is one of those events where you can truly take your time, wandering through rows of artists, discovering everything from ceramics and jewelry to photography and sculpture, and actually talking to the people who made it all. And once you’ve done your part supporting the artisans (as you should), the next move is obvious: eat. Slide over to The Salt Line and settle in for oysters or how about a bowl of perfectly cooked strands of pasta at Aventino? And because no perfect day ends without something sweet, finish it off at Dolcezza. Gelato in hand.

City Day Done Right: If staying closer to home is the move, give me a day in Georgetown. No rushing, no agenda, just walking and popping into shops. My people call is shmying. I’d start with a stroll, maybe pick up flowers from Atlantico Floreria (because yes, I should be going home with flowers), then wander through some of the newer spots like the just opened Sézane and of course my indie faves like Curated by Cecilia and Alas Eius - my new obsession. And then lunch. You can go big and buzzy at Osteria Mozza for a full-on see-and-be-seen or tuck into La Bonne Vache for something a little more cozy, lots of rosé, and classic brasserie fare.

Take Me to the Country: If we’re doing Mother’s Day right, we might just get out of town. Start with a walk at Lost Mountain, an easy, beautiful hike where you can keep it light around the pasture or go a little further through the woods if you’re feeling ambitious. Then it’s wine time. Settle into spots like Barrel Oak Winery, Three Fox Vineyards, or Arterra Wines all perfect for taking in those vineyard views. And if you really want to do it right, make a reservation at the James Beard nominated, Field & Main. The cooking is thoughtful, the wine program is outstanding, and those crispy potatoes re so good.

A Vineyard Experience That Feels Like a Getaway: I finally made it out to Burnt Hill Farm, and let me tell you, this is not just a winery, it’s a whole world. You roll up and it feels like you’ve landed somewhere between Iceland and Maryland. The wines are serious, Pét-Nat, Cabernet Franc, Gamay, but the real reason to go is the Chef’s Counter with Tae Strain. A multi-course tasting as the sun drops behind the vines, dishes that are beautifully executed. It’s one of those experiences you don’t forget, and exactly the kind of thing I want for Mother’s Day.

Pampered, Please: If the goal is to truly relax, Balian Springs is offering a full reset of body scrub, massage, and a few hours where no one is asking you for anything. Yes, please.

Or head to Virginia wine country for a beautiful brunch at Boxwood Winery, a full spread of pastries, prime rib, omelets, and wines, all set against those rolling vineyard views.

For something equally thoughtful but a bit more casual, Crimson Lane Vineyards is offering a curated brunch board of savories and, sweets, and perfectly paired with a glass (or two) of wine.

Make a Weekend of It, At Goodstone Inn & Restaurant.. Think horse-drawn carriage rides through the countryside one day, then a farm-to-table, multi-course meal the next. It’s like a true escape.

And for something a little different (but still very much on theme) Josephine is hosting a wine class focused on women winemakers. It’s educational, and a lovely way to celebrate the women behind the bottle.

In case you haven’t figured it out. There’s no one way to do this and it’s so easy to make me or your mom feel special. 

So consider this your list. Your inspiration. Your hint.

And to my family, you’re welcome.