When I was growing up, Mother’s Day was all about brunch. We’d put on our frilly pastel dresses, pile into the car and spend what felt like hours waiting for a table at a diner, only to have a fairly mediocre meal.
But that’s what my mom and grandmom wanted to do, so that’s what we did. There were homemade cards, little gifts we’d made at school and the occasional present purchased with Dad’s help. Looking back, I don’t remember much about those brunches, but I remember the traditions and the time we spent together.
I’m fortunate that my parents live in Vermont, less than an hour away. They followed me here after college, and one of the things I appreciated most was knowing we’d be able to have family dinners and celebrate holidays without getting on a plane.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate that proximity even more. Having Dad nearby when there’s a mouse to deal with (yes, I still call him), Mom available for a pedicure or to help plan a family celebration, and both of them around to share the good news and the occasional not-so-good news is something I don’t take lightly.
An Annual Girls’ Weekend Away for Mothers’ Day in Vermont
These days, we’ve traded our traditional Mother’s Day brunch for something I look forward to even more: an annual girls’ weekend away. Every Mother’s Day, we plan a getaway filled with new experiences, great meals, a little pampering and plenty of time together. It’s become one of my favorite family traditions, and I love that we’re still finding new places to explore and things to try together.
I’m a big believer in experiences over things, and our Mother’s Day weekends are a perfect example of that. I’d much rather spend a weekend making memories with my mom than exchange another gift we don’t really need.
And Vermont has plenty of ways to celebrate, particularly in May when the flowers are starting to bloom, the days are getting longer and everyone is eager to get outside again.
Here are some of my favorite ideas for celebrating Mother’s Day in Vermont, including a few excellent brunch options if your mom still insists on keeping the tradition alive.
Visit Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home | Manchester
If your mom loves history, architecture or gardening, I’d put Hildene high on the list.
Built in 1905, this Georgian Revival mansion was the summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln, President Abraham Lincoln’s son, and his wife, Mary. Today, visitors can tour the beautifully preserved home, explore the gardens and walk the estate’s trails.
I love visiting Hildene in the spring, particularly as the gardens start coming back to life. The formal peony gardens are spectacular, although peak blooms typically arrive a little later, from late May into June.
There’s also Hildene Farm, a restored Pullman railcar and a wonderful museum store.
I’d allow at least a couple of hours to explore, then head into Manchester for lunch and a little shopping. Northshire Bookstore is always one of my favorite stops, especially if your mom loves to read. Hildene is open on Mother’s Day, and Vermont residents receive discounted admission with a valid ID.
Take a Painting or Pottery Class Together
I love giving experiences as gifts, and a creative workshop is a fun way to spend Mother’s Day together.
Look for a painting class, pottery workshop or other hands-on activity where you can learn something new and enjoy a few laughs along the way.
Farmhouse Pottery in Woodstock offers wheel-throwing experiences that would make a wonderful outing. You could also check local art studios for Mother’s Day painting classes or workshops.
And don’t worry if neither of you is particularly artistic. Half the fun is seeing what you end up creating. I’d much rather spend an afternoon doing something together than exchange another gift we don’t really need.
Spend an Afternoon at Shelburne Museum | Shelburne
Shelburne Museum is one of my favorite places to spend a beautiful Vermont afternoon, and Mother’s Day is a great excuse to visit.
The museum’s 45-acre campus includes 39 buildings filled with art, Americana, historic collections and some pretty incredible examples of Vermont craftsmanship.
I could easily spend hours exploring the historic General Store and Apothecary, the toy collections and the carriage exhibits. The restored steamboat Ticonderoga is another favorite.
And if your mom enjoys gardens, there’s plenty to appreciate as the grounds begin blooming in May.
One of the benefits of visiting Shelburne Museum is that admission is valid for two consecutive days, so you don’t have to rush through everything.
Vermont residents also receive discounted admission.
Just check the museum’s opening date before planning your visit. Its regular season generally begins in early May, often right around Mother’s Day.
Take a Spring Walk or Easy Hike Together
By Mother’s Day, I’m usually eager to spend as much time outside as possible. The days are getting longer, the grass is finally turning green and the first flowers are beginning to bloom.
If your mom enjoys being outdoors, plan a walk or hike followed by lunch.
Mount Philo in Charlotte is one of my favorite options for beautiful views without committing to a particularly long outing. You can walk the paved summit road or take one of the hiking trails, depending on conditions.
Snake Mountain in Addison is another option, with expansive views across farmland toward Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. It’s a more substantial hike, so I’d save it for someone who enjoys spending a few hours on the trail.
In Southern Vermont, Lye Brook Falls near Manchester is a beautiful destination, although the trail is longer and can be muddy in May.
A word of caution: Mother’s Day falls during Vermont’s spring hiking season, when many higher-elevation trails are still vulnerable to damage. Check trail conditions before heading out, and stick to lower-elevation walks if the ground is particularly wet.
Treat Mom to a Spa Day
I can’t think of many moms who wouldn’t appreciate a little pampering. Book a massage, schedule pedicures together or plan an afternoon at one of Vermont’s wonderful spas.
The Spa at the Woodstock Inn is one of my favorites, particularly for its beautiful facilities and outdoor hot tub. It’s a lovely setting for a relaxing afternoon, and Woodstock has plenty of restaurants and shops to explore afterward.
Topnotch Resort in Stowe is another option, with massage treatments, facials and spa amenities.
You could also purchase a gift certificate and let Mom choose her own appointment date. Sometimes that’s the better option, particularly if her Mother’s Day weekend is already busy.
Mother’s Day Brunch in Vermont
And if your mom still wants brunch, I’m certainly not going to argue with tradition.
Fortunately, Vermont has some wonderful restaurants that make the experience considerably more enjoyable than those crowded diners I remember from childhood.
Tourterelle Local favorite: Tourterelle Restaurant & Inn | New Haven
Tourterelle is one of my favorite French-inspired restaurants in Addison County, and its farmhouse setting is beautiful for a special occasion. The restaurant has offered a dedicated Mother’s Day brunch with dishes like crab cakes, steak Benedict and French toast. Make reservations early.
The Dorset Inn Local favorite: The Inns of Dorset | Dorset
For a traditional Vermont inn experience, The Dorset Inn is a wonderful option. I love the historic dining rooms and the opportunity to spend a little time exploring Dorset Village afterward. Check the inn’s current Mother’s Day dining offerings before making plans.
Simon Pearce Local favorite: Simon Pearce | Quechee
Simon Pearce is one of my favorite special-occasion restaurants in Vermont. The dining room overlooks the Ottauquechee River and waterfalls, and you can browse the beautiful glassware downstairs before or after your meal. The restaurant currently serves lunch daily, so confirm whether a special Mother’s Day brunch menu will be offered.
Vermont-Made Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift for Mom, Vermont has plenty of wonderful options. I love the idea of a handblown vase from Simon Pearce filled with fresh flowers, skincare from Ursa Major, a cozy throw from Vermont Flannel, or a beautiful piece of handmade pottery from Farmhouse Pottery. Add some Lake Champlain Chocolates Local favorite: Lake Champlain Chocolates or a gift certificate to her favorite local restaurant, and you’ve got a pretty great Mother’s Day gift. I’m always a fan of supporting Vermont businesses, particularly when the gifts are things Mom might not splurge on herself.
A Few Tips for Planning Mother’s Day in Vermont
Make reservations early. Mother’s Day is one of the busiest restaurant days of the year. Popular brunches, spa appointments and special events can fill up weeks in advance.
Check spring opening dates. Some Vermont attractions and seasonal restaurants don’t open until mid-May or Memorial Day weekend.
Be flexible with the weather. May can bring beautiful sunshine, chilly rain or lingering mud. Have an indoor alternative if you’re planning outdoor activities.
Don’t overlook the little things. Bring flowers from a local florist, write a handwritten card or stop at a bakery for Mom’s favorite pastry. Sometimes those are the details she’ll remember most.
Making Mother’s Day a Tradition of Your Own
We’ve come a long way from those childhood Mother’s Day brunches in frilly pastel dresses. These days, I look forward to our annual girls’ weekend, planning new experiences and spending a few days together without the distractions of everyday life.
I love that our Mother’s Day tradition has evolved as we’ve gotten older. We’ve traded long waits at diners for weekends away, trying new restaurants, exploring different parts of Vermont and occasionally treating ourselves to a little luxury.
And while I appreciate a thoughtful gift, I know I’ll remember the places we’ve visited and the time we’ve spent together far longer than anything wrapped in a box.
So if you’re looking for something different to do for Mother’s Day this year, consider planning an experience together. Better yet, make it an annual tradition.
Although there’s certainly nothing wrong with fitting a really good brunch into the weekend, too.
How do you celebrate Mother’s Day? Do you have a family tradition, or is there a Vermont experience you’ve been wanting to share with your mom?
The places in this guide, on the map
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Directions to Tourterelle Restaurant & Inn (opens in a new tab)
Restaurant · New Haven, VT
Just outside of Middlebury, Tourterelle is one of the area's best restaurants. Don't miss the bouillabaise! There are six rooms upstairs as…
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Directions to The Inns of Dorset (opens in a new tab)
Inn · Dorset, VT
At the Dorset Inn, settle in for dinner without leaving the property; the tavern has a wood-burning fireplace.
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Directions to Simon Pearce (opens in a new tab)
Shop or general store · Burlington, VT
Simon Pearce is my go-to Vermont-made gift. Use code ERIN online or in store to save on your order. Keep an eye…
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Directions to Lake Champlain Chocolates (opens in a new tab)
Shop or general store · Burlington, VT
Try the frozen hot chocolate instead of hot chocolate on a warm day.
Talk with locals
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