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 bubbly mimosa at Junction Lakeport’s curated Sunday brunch experience, featuring elevated takes on classic dishes, or choose from one of two seatings at Arts Alley’s holiday brunch in Concord to sample dishes like roasted maple ham and chive scrambled eggs (reservations are required). Alamo Texas BBQ in Laconia and Dox on Winnisquam in Tilton also serve up a mouthwatering brunch menu, and the boathouse-inspired Canoe Restaurant & Tavern in Center Harbor will offer Mother’s Day specials from 12 to 6 p.m.
For a one-of-a-kind meal with water views, treat her to a spin on the first M/S Mount Washington cruise of the season. Departing at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the historic ship is serving up a Mother’s Day brunch buffet and will have professional photographers on board to capture memories of the outing.
2. For the self-care seeker
Has mom been 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 Seasons Spa at the Van Horn Estate to Lake Opechee Inn’s full-service day spa. There’s also the Lake Estate on Winnisquam, where mom can enjoy a sustainable spa day with treatments featuring botanicals harvested on site (and perhaps a little R&R time on the outdoor terrace). If she’d prefer to book her own treatment, the Cascade Spa at Mill Falls is having a gift card sale on Wednesday, May 6.
3. for the trail enthusiast
This spring weather lends itself perfectly to an afternoon spent hitting the trails together, and in our neck of the woods, you’ll find picturesque trails aplenty. 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.
Canterbury Shaker Village’s 6 miles of walking trails offer several brisk, one- or two-mile treks around the property. There’s also Prescott Farm, with three main loops winding around the scenic wooded areas of the environmental education center (take the Sugar Trail to check out the sugarhouse). Or, bring mom over to Squam Lakes Natural Science Center to traverse forests, fields, and wetlands; tickets are required to access the hiking trails.
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. 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 a bookstore (and don’t forget to snap a few photos of the marketplace’s 40-foot waterfall). For the mother figure who collects vintage treasures, the two-floor Laconia Antique Center — New Hampshire’s largest antique store — is a must.
If she’d rather browse an outdoor market for creative, handmade pieces, mark your calendar for Beans and Greens Farm’s Magical Mother’s Day Market on May 9 and 10. And for the foodies out there, you’d be remiss not to visit Kellerhaus (chocolate sweets and treats) and The Grove Shops (specialty food products).
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. To try honey wine, visit Sap House Meadery’s Ossipee taproom, with flights of seasonal and limited releases, plus unique mead cocktails.
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 sip some distinctly New Hampshire beer at Woodstock Inn Brewery.
6. for the arts admirer
Embark on a day of creative inspiration in Meredith, an arts hub that’s home to two must-visit fine art collections: BayView Artisan Gallery and Jeremy Noyes Gallery. In nearby Tilton, the Lakes Region Art Gallery offers an impressive selection of work from local artists. Mom can also find a new favorite piece at the Artistic Roots cooperative gallery in Plymouth, the Center Sandwich Fine Craft Gallery, or Squam Lake Artisans.
There’s also no shortage of theatres around the Lakes Region, and if you’re looking to catch a show, there are two great options this Mother’s Day. Witness for the Prosecution by Agatha Christie is playing at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse at 2 p.m. and promises to bring high stakes, the thrill of mystery, and a chance for the audience to deliver the final verdict. Plus, Songs & Stories of John Prine at the Capitol Center for the Arts will celebrate John Prine’s life in song through stories from his brother, Billy. Doors open at 3 p.m. and the show begins at 4 p.m.
