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Sunday is Mother’s Day, and there are lots of options for gifts and pampering Mom.
It might be tough to find reservations for special events or to track down a special gift at this late date, but it’s not impossible. Several local eateries and businesses are going the extra mile for mom on Mother’s Day.
For instance, special Mother’s Day brunches are being offered at many local restaurants, including La Fernandez Cafe and Zaharakos. You might want to call ahead for availability, though. Some special events, such as a Mother’s Day Tea at Irwin Gardens & Inn, were booked up with waiting lists earlier in the week.
Naturally, flowers are a perennial favorite and are far more available than last-minute brunch reservations. Well, maybe.
“Mother’s Day is always the busiest day of the year, as it is for any greenhouse,” said Doug Whipker, co-owner of family-run Whipker’s Market & Greenhouse, 5190 S. US 31, Columbus.
That the holiday falls right at the start of the spring planting season means business is blooming for Whipker’s and other flower and garden markets.
Whipker said hanging baskets of petunias, impatiens and begonias are popular gifts for Mom, as are combination baskets and patio pots.
It turns out that if you take mom out to eat or her bring flowers, you’re a good kid, according to a survey of 500 American moms. YouGov.com found these were the most preferred Mother’s Day activities: 36% chose being taken out for drinks or a meal and 31% said flowers would be the most welcome gift.
Moms being moms, though, fully 60% said what they really wanted most was to spend time with their kids. And plenty of moms said they are perfectly happy with something their child made them or a card.
And while 17% of moms in the poll chose “Do nothing” as their favored Mother’s Day activity, more than that, 20%, wanted to do some other activity.
For those moms, Pure Barre Columbus, 1315 N. National Road, might be an option. They are offering a “Moms & Mimosas” event, featuring a free fitness class at 9 a.m. Sunday for anyone who hasn’t tried the exercise regimen.
General manager Stephanie King described Pure Barre as a “low-impact, high-intensity full-body workout for all ages and fitness levels” that can be modified for every individual. Plus mimosas after the workout. Reserve a spot online or by calling or texting (812) 799-6067.
If mom’s a golfer, Clifty Creek Golf Course near Hope has a deal: a half-price nine-hole round on Mother’s Day.
Looking at the forecast, O.J. Thayer, longtime owner/manager of the family-operated course, said, “It’ll be cooler, but it’s still going to be all right. … Let’s just hope the sun’s out.” He noted Clifty Creek offered the special last year only to be rained out.
Mother’s Day can get hectic, but Whipker offered some good advice for last-minute gift-seekers.
“No matter where everybody goes, just be patient,” he said. “Everyplace is going to be packed.”
