Mother’s Day is this Sunday. Finding the perfect gift can be a challenge. And while flowers are the go-to gift for many of us, here’s a look at six uniquely Atlanta ideas. (Make any of these ideas extra nice by letting mom sleep in and giving her a homemade card.)
Experience Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities’
Set in the latter half of the 19th century, Cirque’s 35th production is named for odd but benevolent characters who inhabit the Seeker’s Cabinet of Curiosities, a fantasy world where, as Cirque’s ad pitches, “seeing is disbelieving.”
This is the last week to see “Kurios,” with the last Atlanta performances on Mother’s Day.
Now through May 8. Various day and evening showtimes most days, including 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. performances on Sunday (check website for more details). $35-$495. Under the blue-and-yellow big top at Atlantic Station. Atlantic Station, 1380 Atlantic Drive N.W., Atlanta. 1-877-9-CIRQUE (1-877-924-7783), www.cirquedusoleil.com/usa/atlanta/kurios/buy-tickets.
‘Chihuly in the Garden’ at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
“Chihuly in the Garden” returns, and it’s hard to imagine how this won’t impress mom.
Enjoy a cocktail, and get a bite to eat at the newly opened restaurant, Linton's. You can also see Chihuly glorious glass art bathed in light at night.
"Chihuly in the Garden." Now-Oct. 30. Daytime admission: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays. $21.95 adult (member free), $15.95 ages 3-12 (member free), child under 3 free. Night admission: 6-10 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays (last ticket sold at 10 p.m., garden remains opens until 11 p.m.). $21.95 adult (member $15.95), $15.95 ages 3-12 (member $9.95), child under 3 free. Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-876-5859, www.atlantabg.org/visit/events/chihuly.
A day at Jeju Sauna
If you want to give your mom a day of relaxation and a very different kind of spa experience, treat her to a day at Jeju Sauna in Duluth. It's a place where moms can step inside an igloo-shaped sauna encrusted with gemstones or take a nap on yellow jade-tiled floors (heated by water below). Jeju Sauna, which stretches over 35,000 square feet, is a gender-segregated traditional Korean public bathhouse, furnished with hot tubs and showers. The coed community space houses hut-shaped saunas where temperatures can sizzle as high as 145 degrees and a traditional Korean restaurant. $25 covers admission. (Food, massages and other services are extra.) Jeju Sauna is open every day — 24 hours a day. 3555 Gwinnett Place Drive. Duluth. 678-336-7414, http://jejusauna.com/.
Local, artisan chocolates
A Cacao Affair in Marietta combines artistry with scrumptious, hand-crafted chocolates to create a special treat. They currently offer a dark chocolate purse and matching high heel shoe ($27 for the purse; $50 for both), which are (almost) too pretty to eat. A Cacao Affair offers delivery throughout metro Atlanta: $10 for purchases of less than $50; free for purchases over $50. The store hours vary, and it is recommended people place orders online and call ahead of time to pick them up. 825 Jamerson Road, #527, Marietta. 678-903-4534, http://acacaoaffair.com/.
Cooking classes at Vino Venue in Dunwoody
If mom loves to cook (and drink wine), Vino Venue (a restaurant/wine bar that also has event space with a full kitchen) offers fun nights out combining hands-on cooking classes and wine. Roll up your sleeves, and chefs will walk mom through preparing the meal. Then, sit down and enjoy it with wine pairings. Upcoming cooking and wine pairing series include "Under the Tuscan Sun" and "French Steak House Classics." Most classes are $79 per person. Vino Venue, 4478 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody. 770-668-0435, http://atlantawineschool.com/shop/Cooking-Classes/.
Movie and dinner at CineBistro
Treat mom to a movie and dinner at CineBistro, a swanky theater that boasts a from-scratch kitchen with all items prepared in-house. All dinner service ceases at showtime to minimize disruptions during the film. Adult (4 p.m. and later): $16. Matinees (before 4 p.m.): $13.50. Child (3-12): $13.50 Please note: Ages 21 and over only for all shows beginning at 6 p.m. 1004 Town Blvd., Atlanta. 404-333-0740, www.cinebistro.com.
