When I was growing up, Mother’s Day was all about brunch. We would put on our frilly, pastel dresses and spend what felt like hours waiting in diners to have a mediocre brunch to celebrate Mom. But, it’s what my mom and grandmom always wanted to do. We would create homemade cards and make (or buy with Dad) little expressions of our love. After all, Mom is your biggest fan and maybe even your best friend. Mother’s Day is her day and one to be purposeful in the celebration of the life and love she gave you.

I’m fortunate to have my parents living in Vermont. In fact, they’re within an hour of where I currently live. After college when they followed me to Vermont, the thought of family dinners and not having to travel for holidays, were most appealing. But, as an adult, it’s rare to have your parents so close. I’m grateful for it. And I’m sure I take it for granted. When I began “adulting,” having Dad to call to take care of a mouse (okay, maybe still now even), Mom to call to help throw a baby shower or join for me a pedicure, or having them both to share successes (and failures) is something I’m sure I will appreciate even more as time goes on.

Best Mother’s Day Activities in Vermont

Since my parents now lives in Vermont, we can skip diners and make Mother’s Day more than about brunch. In case you’re like me and want to be a bit innovative for Mothers’ Day, here are my picks for the Best Mother’s Day Activities in Vermont, beyond just brunch:

Hildene, Manchester, Vermont

I can’t imagine a better Mother’s Day activity for a history and antique-loving Mom. Hildene is a Georgian Revival mansion dating back to 1905 and was the summer home to Robert Todd Lincoln and his wife. Stroll the gardens, take a tour of the impressive home, and walk the gardens for a relaxing visit in Manchester. Take a walk in downtown Manchester afterwards and don’t miss Northshire Bookstore for the Mom who loves to read.

Paint & Sip, Burlington, Vermont

For Mother’s Day, Burlington Paint & Sip is offering three different times to paint with Mom (10am, 1pm and 4pm) with images of tulips, owls, and hummingbirds. For $30 a person, you’ll get all of the supplies you need along with professional instruction, while you sip some mimosas or other special libations. You’ll get to take home a visual to remember your celebration of Mom.

Mother’s Day Train Ride, Burlington – Middlebury, Vermont

Green Mountain Railroad runs between Middlebury and Burlington and provides scenic, train excursions for the whole family. Take the Mother’s Day Brunch Train, with coffees, mimosas, assorted pastries, crepes, and quiches, as you admire the Vermont landscape for a unique Mothers’ Day experience. Choo choo!

Support Lund with a Mother’s Day Ride and Walk

On Mother’s Day, Lund Vermont, an integrated, family centered adoption, education, treatment and family support agency serving over 4,800 Vermonters each year, is hosting a walk and ride benefit. With different length bikes and walks available, the ride starts in South Burlington. Pre-registration is available! Support local and get active with Mom this Mothers’ Day.

Hike Vermont

Leaves are popping, flowers are started to bloom, and the mud is finally subsiding. Mother’s Day would be the perfect time to take a leisurely hike with the mom in your life and spend some quality time outdoor, sans technology and distractions. Choose Mount Philo in Charlotte for an easy hike (with a paved road to walk up if that’s more your speed), Snake Mountain in Addison for an easy, five-miler with gorgeous views of farmland and the Adirondack Mountains, or Lye Brook Falls Trail for a scenic, steeper hike in Southern Vermont, just outside of Manchester.

Shelburne Museum, Shelburne, Vermont

Spend a day with Mom at the Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, Vermont, a museum of art, design, and Americana. The grounds are beautiful and the variety of exhibits has something that will interest everyone in the family. Don’t miss the Circus Building, General Store and Apothecary, or the Steamboat Ticonderoga, among many other buildings full of fun surprises.

Mother’s Day Brunch in Vermont

And if you must brunch in Vermont for Mothers’ Day, here are some top picks of where to dine:

• Simon Pearce Restaurant, Quechee, Vermont
• Tourterelle Restaurant, New Haven, Vermont
• Cafe Provence, Brandon, Vermont
• The North Hero House, North Hero, Vermont
• Waterworks, Winooski, Vermont
• The Dorset Inn, Dorset, Vermont
• Mary’s at Baldwin Creek, Bristol, Vermont

Where will you be taking Mom in Vermont for Mother’s Day this year? Share your ideas in the comments below!