Where to enjoy Mother's Day brunch in North Central Mass., plus fun things to do with Mom
Now that the calendar has rolled over to May, the season of baseball, graduations and weddings has begun.
But before we get too caught up in all those lovely celebrations, let's be sure to thank the one who makes it all happen - mom. Mother's Day is the second Sunday in May. This year it's May 12, so you have just over a week to organize a celebration or activity that lets Mom (or Grandma or Nana or Auntie) know how much you love and appreciate them.
To make it easy on you, we've got some great ideas here, although many require reservations, so don't wait too long.
Mother's Day brunches
Why risk getting crumbs in the sheets when you serve Mom breakfast in bed? Instead, take her to brunch, and not only will she avoid spilling coffee on her pillow, she won't have to clean up the kitchen.
Colonial Grille, 625 Betty Spring Road, Gardner. Located inside The Colonial Hotel, Mother's Day brunch will be served from 8 to 11 a.m. The menu will feature French toast, waffles, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, muffins and cereal. The Colonial Grille will also be open for dinner from 4 to 9 p.m.
The cost for brunch is $18.95 per person. Reservations are recommended and can be made through RESY or by calling 978-630-2322.
Gardner Ale House, 74 Parker St., Gardner. Brunch will be served from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. In addition to the Ale House's usual brunch fare, the Mother's Day Brunch will feature several specials, including ahi tuna salad, lobster cobb salad, lobster roll, roasted bruschetta chicken, and a pan-seared prime sirloin filet.
Reservations are recommended. Call 978-669-0122.
King Phillip Restaurant, 33 State Road, Phillipston: Brunch will be served from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and will feature breakfast favorites: cinnamon French toast, blueberry stuffed pancakes, eggs benedict with Hollandaise sauce, as well as whole fried clams and popcorn shrimp, salmon Florentine, salads and vegetables, plus carving stations for ham, Canadian bacon and prime rib.
The cost is $34 per person; children under 10 are $15 and toddlers are $8. Reservations are required. Call 978-249-6300.
How to attend Sip 'N Shop
Even before Mom's big day, you can make sure she feels special by taking her to the Gardner Ale House's Mother's Day Sip 'N Shop. On Thursday, May 9 from 5 to 9 p.m., take Mom out and enjoy craft brews from Moon Hill Brewing and savor delectable bites from the Gardner Ale House while browsing an array of local vendors offering unique treasures.
What to know about Lunenburg's car show
If Mom is a gearhead, or just loves cars or coffee, head over to Smokestack Roasters, 39 Mass. Ave., Lunenburg, for Mother's Day Cars and Coffee from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. There's no admission charge and you can check out the cool wheels while grabbing a great cup of coffee.
Where you can paint pottery
Art on the Rocks in Gardner and Leominster are hosting a Mother's Day Tea Party where participants will get to paint a piece of pottery, take photos together, collect some swag and enjoy some refreshments.
The event runs from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, and advance tickets ($10 per person) are required. The cost of pottery is in addition to the admission and everyone who attends must have a ticket.
This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Mother's Day fun in North Central MA: Brunch, car show, shopping event
