We’ve all heard mom say that the best Mother’s Day gift doesn’t come in a box necessarily but she cherishes the time you spend with her. We totally agree! And it doesn’t have to be on the actual designated Hallmark day. FYI it’s Sunday, May 14th this year. So, here are some of our staff picks as for time well spent with mom.
GEORGIA O’KEEFFE Exhibition at the AGO: This will be the final and only North American stop for this major retrospective of one of the most significant painters of our time. With over 80 works it is the largest exhibition this artists has ever presented in Canada. Known for her iconic paintings of flowers in particular, O’Keeffe’s exhibition offers a glimpse of her life in her own words. Treat mom to brunch or dinner at FRANK restaurant and be sure to order up the stunning floral Georgia O’Keeffe inspired cocktail. Take in the exhibition with one of the special talks or enrol with mom in one of the flower themed adult art courses like Abstract Painting Inspired by O’Keeffe, Watercolour Explorations: Flowers, or Giant Painting. Georgia O’Keeffe exhibition opens April 22 – July 30,2017.
SAKURA SPRING CHERRY BLOSSOMS: Take a beautiful walk in High Park for the annual viewing of the cherry blossoms that usually peak around Mother’s Day. You can track the blossom progress on the High Park Sakura Watch Facebook page. Also venture near Robarts Library (UofT) for the treelined walkway of blossoms. Then head to Miku Restaurant to continue the celebration for their Sakura themed Omakase 10 course meal and Sake pairing (until May 11). Menu includes premium nigiri, smoked lobster salad, Sakekasu marinated Japanese Wagyu beef and much more. Limited space and this special dinner available on several dates.
TORONTO BOTANICAL GARDEN: (777 Lawrence Avenue East). Hosts many workshops and events. Learn how to create, and take home, a lovely and fresh centrepiece arrangement using spring flowers on April 13. Or visit on Mother’s Day for their annual Spring Plant Sale and bring back a few perennials, annuals, herbs and veggie plants to get mom’s garden going for the season. Gardening advice offered by the Toronto Master Gardeners at the event. The popular Woman to Woman : Lunch in the Garden annual garden party will be held on May 30th.
THE BODYGUARD MUSICAL: A friend of ours mentioned that she has a seasonal subscription for her and her mom. We loved that she’s committed to at least one night every few months to take her mom to see a show. But for a one-off, book in to see The Bodyguard (on stage until May 14 with Mirvish) where the storyline and the music is familiar to multi-generations. Don’t be surprised if mom wants to sing along.
SPADINA MUSEUM: discover the historic tradition of The Language of Flowers. Design and create your own floral “talking bouquet” where each flower bears a secret message. Explore the historical Spadina mansion and enjoy 1920s refreshments in the East Sunroom. (for ages 14 and up) Pre-registration required. Call 416-392-6910.
TORONTO ZOO PANDAS: When was the last time you had visited the zoo? Over the past year there have been several animal babies born but we can’t get enough the mommy panda and her two cubs. You’ll want to take a visit because you know, they grow up so fast. Until you find time to make the trek, check out the Telus Toronto Zoo PandaCam live feed.
MURDOCH MYSTERIES ESCAPE ROOM: Mom is a fan of the show? Take her to explore the Secret of Station House No. 4 in the latest escape room experience in the city. Step into the world of the global hit series with a mission save Detective Murdoch. You’ve got an hour to piece together the clues and crack the case. Working as a team is key.
MUMMY & ME PERFECT PIE CLASS AT LE DOLCI: For the little ones, this is a fun class to do with mom (or grandma). Spend a morning or afternoon learning how to make the perfect crust and enjoy seasonal fruit fillings. Then take the pie home to bake for dessert. Le Dolci also has workshops for cinnamon buns and French macarons. For adults we love the idea of introduction to cake decorating or a croissant class.
MIRAJ HAMMAM SPA by Caudalie Paris: Sure she’s been to the nail salon, but to be pampered at a luxurious spa is something she probably won’t do for herself. I went with mine and it was an afternoon of pure joy for both of us. Hammam style spa here is like being on a mini-vacay. From the moment you walk into the spa you are taken care of and mom will be the envy of her tennis social group. French line Caudalie is used for facials and customized to skin needs. By the way, the new Vine[Activ] is perfect for that youthful glow. Linger in the quiet lounge after your treatments and indulge in the house-made treats. Spa is located in the Shangri-la Hotel.
