Does mom love brunch a bunch? Is she an active traveler looking to burn some energy on a pulse-quickening hike? Or, maybe she’d rather spend a Sunday roaming around one of New Hampshire’s shopping districts.
This Mother’s Day, treat the matriarch in your life to the ultimate day trip in our lakefront community — no matter what her perfect Sunday looks like, there’s a Lakes Region activity that fits the bill for a fun-filled spring day.
1. For the Brunch-Loving Foodie
When it comes to Mother’s Day brunches in the Lakes Region, we’re spoilt for choice this spring. Toast to mom with a Bloody Mary or mimosa at Newfound Lake Inn’s unlimited brunch buffet (think: a waffle station with fresh berries, deviled eggs, and cinnamon buns) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can also treat mom to farm-made pastries and classic brunch egg dishes at Beans & Greens Farm in Gilford from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or tuck in to a morning feast at The Dox on Winnisquam — complete with seasonal coffee flights — offered both Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
2. For the self-care seeker
Has mom been craving a relaxing spa day and dropping not-so-subtle hints about how she could really use a massage? Surprise her with an ultra-zen Mother’s Day and book a treatment at one of the Lakes Region’s many serene spas, from the luxurious WellNest Spa at Owl’s Nest Resort to Meredith Whole Living Center, where she can unwind in the float tank or infrared sauna.
3. for the trail enthusiast
This spring weather lends itself perfectly to an afternoon spent hitting the trails. The Northern Rail Trail is a popular choice for hikers and bikers alike, bringing you through historic villages and offering a glimpse at local wildlife. Of course, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Moultonborough’s Castle in the Clouds, where 45 miles of trails among the property’s 5,500 conserved acres afford some truly stunning mountain views. If mom really wants to break a sweat, plan to go for a hike up Mt. Major in Alton Bay — at the summit, you can admire views of Alton Bay to the south, Wolfeboro to the north, and Rattlesnake Island sitting pretty in Lake Winnipesaukee.
4. for the savvy shopper
Maybe mom’s overdue for some retail therapy. In that case, you’ll want to reserve a few hours of your Lakes Region day trip for scooping up some new goodies — whether that’s clothing, books, or antiques. Hit the Tanger Outlets in Tilton to shop classic brands like Banana Republic and LOFT, or stop by the Mill Falls Marketplace to peruse boutiques and bookstores (and don’t forget to snap a few photos of the marketplace’s 40-foot waterfall). For a mom who collects vintage treasures, the two-floor Laconia Antique Center — New Hampshire’s largest antique store — is a must.
5. for the beverage connoisseur
With numerous award-winning vineyards and innovative breweries, there’s no shortage of top-notch places to sip and swirl around the Lakes Region. For a vino-focused Mother’s Day, bring mom to Hermit Woods Winery for a guided wine tour and sample your choice of six 1-ounce pours at the tasting bar for $20. There’s also Front Four Cellars, where you can sip al fresco at the Wolfeboro winery’s patio, and Crazy Cat Winery, which will open Memorial Day weekend for any belated Mother’s Day outings. Is mom a craft beer lover who’s always looking for the next best thing on tap? Swing by Hobbs Tavern & Brewing Company for a pint in a cozy countryside brewpub, grab a brew inside a charming antique barn at Twin Barns Brewing Co., or sample some distinctly New Hampshire beer at Woodstock Inn Brewery.
6. for the arts admirer
Help mom unleash her inner artist this Mother’s Day! A trip to the Lakes Region Art Gallery or BayView Artisan Gallery is the perfect way to add a dose of creative inspiration to the day as you view original artwork and photography by New Hampshire-based artists. There’s also no shortage of theatres in the Lakes Region area, and luckily enough, the Capitol Center for the Arts is hosting a screening of Waitress the Musical on Mother’s Day at 2 p.m. (grab tickets here).
