By Carol Cain, on May 2, 2014

Toasting Mom and Dad in NYC

 

Mother’s Day is getting closer (Father’s Day, too!), and adult kids everywhere are starting to think about what to get their beloved parents. Most will aim for brunch, because, really, who doesn’t love brunch? Some will go for flowers, which can be beautiful, but often come with a hefty price tag. In my hometown of of New York City, there certainly are thousands of options for celebrating the big day.

Personally, over the years, the gifts from my boys I have enjoyed most are the ones that have made any day feel like a holiday. Here are some ideas on how to celebrate mom—and dad—each and every day of the year in New York.

Spa treatments always make great gifts, this will never change. Though mom might be all for it, dad might be a bit more reluctant to give it a go. Bliss Spa, with locations all over Manhattan, offers services they can both enjoy. Mom will love the 60-minute stretch therapy massage, a treatment that will have her walking out feeling like (a brand new) Wonder Woman. A perfect gift for dad (and a nice way to introduce him to the joys of a pedicure) is a 30-minute Manly-cure, which will leave his toenails buffed and trimmed. I’ve learned over the years that once a man has a pedicure, he loves it.

The Metropolitan Opera House

Instead of choosing one of the busiest days of the year to tour museums with mom, get her a CityPASS, which she can enjoy any time she wants (and with anyone she’d like to take—even dad). There are passes available in major cities across the United States, such as Boston, Houston, San Francisco and more. In NYC, the pass includes access to fabulous museums including The Met, MoMA, and other beloved attractions such as the Empire State Building.

I think catching a performance at any one of the Lincoln Center venues is not only a pretty great way to experience New York, but also a great way to celebrate a parent whom you love. The Metropolitan Opera is by far one of my favorite Lincoln Center attractions. Everyone expects it to be boring and drawn-out, but just walking through the Metropolitan Opera House, with its velvet walls and massive crystal chandeliers, makes the experience feel magical.

Viewfinder Tip: Special occasions such as Mother’s Day require a little extra planning in the city. Don’t wing it. Make reservations.

Have an adventuresome mom or dad? Discover Outdoors has them covered with experiences offered both in and out of the city. Adventures include day hikes that take you through a wolf sanctuary, kayak trips along the Hudson River to abandoned castles, and photography journeys through Central Park. All excursions leave from Manhattan, and a portion of your payment goes to the Discover Outdoors Foundation, which helps to fund outdoor experiences for underserved student. These truly are the gifts that keep on giving.

Of course, if you insist on doing the brunch thing, make sure you go to some of the best spots. Laconda Verde (at The Greenwich Hotel) and Gramercy Terrace (at the Gramercy Park Hotel) are two of my faves; not only do they offer delicious menu options, but they also have rooftop views.

As a mom, I can say that anything my family does for me on Mother’s Day is pretty great. Nothing is more special than when they go all-out, just because. Hopefully this little list will give you ideas for ways in New York to tell your parents you love them for any occasion.

Where do you like to celebrate special occasions and holidays?