The rapid approach of Mother’s Day brings the annual conundrum of finding a gift that acknowledges and applauds feats of parenting that, let’s face it, are practically impossible to reward.
The Herculean task is often attempted with flowers (that wilt), candies (that are quickly eaten and added to the day’s calorie count) or brunch outings where the rest of the city’s moms and their families are elbowing their way along the buffet line.
This year, consider giving your mom a gift that will last beyond May 11. Here are a few suggestions that might rock her world in ways she will never forget.
For the hardworking mom
She may be managing the house, chauffeuring kids and holding down a full-time job, so a relaxing, romantic weekend away from it all is a great way to say thanks. Book a weekend at Barnsley Gardens Resort, about 60 miles northwest of Atlanta in Adairsville. Built around the remains of an antebellum mansion, this resort offers an array of options: a stroll through the restored gardens around the ruins; an afternoon by the pool; a few rounds of golf; horseback riding and biking; or a variety of pampering spa treatments. Guests stay in Victorian-style cottages with claw-foot tubs, wood-burning fireplaces and beds made up in luxurious linens. Southern-inspired cuisine is served at the Rice House, a restored 1800s farmstead; a casual beer garden with picnic tables; and in the Woodlands Grill overlooking the Tom Fazio golf course. The culinary staff also will serve four-course meals by the fireside in a guest’s suite or under the stars in one of the resort’s natural nooks. Barnsley also boasts a “fairy godmother” — a personal concierge who can dream up ways to make mom’s stay a lifelong memory.
Barnsley Gardens Resort, 597 Barnsley Gardens Road, Adairsville. 770-773-7480, barnsleyresort.com.
For the adventurous mom
This outdoor adventure will take your mom to new heights. Balloons Over Georgia, based in Cumming, offers rides that soar over the northern suburbs — where, on a clear day, it’s easy to spot local landmarks from Stone Mountain to Kennesaw. The flights, directed by commercially licensed pilots, are usually scheduled around sunrise and sunset and last anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes. Depending on weather conditions and wind currents, balloons may brush the treetops or climb as high as a few thousand feet. Private excursions for two cost $425 per person; group rides with several passengers are $250 each. Gift certificates are available.
Balloons Over Georgia. 678-283-4033, 1-800-979-3370; balloonsovergeorgia.com.
For the artistic mom
Is your mom channeling the spirit of Georgia O’Keeffe? Pander to her inner painter with a membership at the Spruill Center for the Arts. This Dunwoody-based organization offers about 250 classes and workshops throughout the year. Sessions focus on jewelry-making, ceramics, sculpture, metalworking, decorative arts, glass, and painting in watercolors, acrylics and oils. Some one-day workshops include materials and instruction. Members receive discounts on course fees as well as on any purchases made in the Spruill Gallery or education center. An annual membership is $35; an average course is about $165. Gift certificates in any denomination are available.
Spruill Center for the Arts, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody. 770-394-3447, spruillarts.org.
For the funny mom
Sometimes mom thinks she is just so funny. Now’s your chance to help her hone the skill that has caused you to wince all these years. Sign her up for a series of improv comedy classes taught by the hilarious folks from Dad’s Garage Theatre, based at 7 Stages in Inman Park. Eight-week sessions lead participants of all ages and walks of life through the basics of off-the-cuff humor. The two-hour classes meet Sunday evenings. Being naturally witty isn’t a requirement, said Linnea Frye, the group’s marketing director. “The people who excel at improv are very open to the process and working with others,” she said. “They don’t have to be nervous, just willing to have fun.” Classes are $235, and gift certificates are available.
Dad’s Garage Theatre, 1105 Euclid Ave., Atlanta. 404-523-3141, dadsgarage.com.
For the theater-loving mom
Put a song in mom’s heart with a season subscription to Atlanta Lyric Theatre. This Marietta-based company performs some of Broadway’s best musicals at the 606-seat Cobb Civic Center Jennie T. Anderson Theater. Subscribers get first dibs on the best seats as well as the chance to purchase tickets to other shows, such as the wildly popular “Sanders Family Christmas.” This year’s subscription series includes “Cats,” “Chicago,” “Catch Me If You Can,” “Damn Yankees” and “Barnum.” Prices range from $115 to $215, depending on seat location, and gift certificates are available.
Atlanta Lyric Theatre, 548 S. Marietta Parkway, Marietta. 404-377-9948, atlantalyrictheatre.com.
