Yes, roses are beautiful and candy is dandy, but there are other ways to celebrate what Mom has done for you and show how much you love her.
Mother's Day is acknowledged as the most popular day of the year for families to dine out, so you can always treat her to Mother's Day brunch or dinner. But try picking from among her interests - jazz music, sports, original handcrafts, wine-tastings.
No matter how you choose to honor Mom on Sunday, May 12, remember this fact: What she really wants is just time spent with you.
ENCHANTED MOTHER'S DAY LUNCH
» Where: Rock City Gardens, Big Rock Grill, 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain
» When: 1 p.m. Sunday
» Admission: $39.95 adults, $23.95 children ages 3-12
Pamper Mom with a three-course meal and beautiful melodies from a harp performance, then stroll along the Enchanted Trail and enjoy the beauty of Rock City Gardens after lunch.
Adult tickets include admission to Rock City Gardens, lunch, one souvenir photo with Mom and fresh flower. Children's tickets include admission to Rock City Gardens, lunch and coloring sheet with crayons.
For reservations: 423-475-8988.
MOTHER'S DAY JAZZ DINNER
» Where: Granfalloon, 400 E. Main St.
» When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sunday
» Admission: $25 adults, $15 children 12 and younger
If Mom's a music lover, some cool jazz by the Ralph Miller Quartet will soothe her soul while she enjoys dinner from Adelle's Creperie.
Adelle's will provide an unlimited crepe bar with five types of sweet/savory crepes, green salad, fresh fruit, coffee, tea, soft drinks and mimosas. Other alcoholic beverages will be available for an additional charge.
Reservations are strongly suggested due to limited seating: 423-661-6185.
Mother's Day at Lake Winnepesaukah / Contributed PhotoMOTHER'S DAY AT LAKE WINNIE
» Where: Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park, 1730 Lakeview Drive, Rossville, Ga.
» When: Noon-6 p.m. Sunday
» Admission: $100 per carload of up to five guests
Let out Mom's inner child by spending Sunday afternoon with her at Lake Winnie.
The park is offering a special discounted carload rate of $100 for gate admission and unlimited rides. Additional guests will pay just $20 each. Parking is free.
Dare Mom to try the Oh-Zone's 14-story freefall or enjoy a leisurely countryside tour in the antique cars. Mom can enjoy classic attractions that have been part of the park since she was a kid: the carousel, boat chute and famous Cannon Ball Roller Coaster.
For more information: www.lakewinnie.com.
MOTHER'S DAY CELEBRATION
» Where: Chattanooga Market, 1826 Reggie White Blvd.
» When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday
» Admission: Free
Not sure what to get her? Visit Chattanooga Market, where she can choose what she likes from the wares of nearly 200 vendors.
Visitors will find fresh flowers, handmade jewelry and other gift items, a selection of wines and champagnes, handmade soaps and pampering products, as well as meat, produce and ingredients to cook Mom a special meal Sunday night.
MOTHER'S DAY AT THE ZOO
» Where: Chattanooga Zoo, 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave.
» When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
» Admission: All mothers admitted free; $10.95 other adults, $7.95 children ages 3-12, free for active military or veterans with ID plus half-price admission for up to three dependents
Join the zoo staff as they celebrate zoo moms and offer the following schedule of animal enrichment programs for their visitors:
10:30 a.m. Rock Hyrax (Deserts of the World)
11:30 a.m. Tamarins (La Selva Amazonica)
12:30 p.m. Snow Leopard (Himalayan Passage)
1:30 p.m. Fennec Foxes (Deserts of the World)
2:30 p.m. Komodo Dragon (Forests of the World)
3:30 p.m. Red Panda (Himalayan Passage)
» For more information: 423-697-1322.
MOTHER'S DAY ON THE RIVER
» Where: Southern Belle riverboat, 151 Riverfront Parkway
» When: 1-3 p.m. or 6-8 p.m. Sunday
» Admission: $39.95 ages 13 and older, $16.95 ages 3-12
Feast on prime rib and lemon chicken with assorted sides while enjoying a great time cruising the Tennessee River. Let Mom kick back and relax while listening to live music.
For more information: chattanoogariverboat.com
MOTHER'S DAY AT THE COLLEGEDALE COMMONS
» Where: Collegedale Commons, 4950 Swinyar Drive
» When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday
» Admission: Free
Pamper your special lady by choosing from an assortment of locally made treats, spring flowers, artwork by local artists or stocking her fridge with meats and produce from local farmers.
For more information: 423-648-2496.
MOM NEEDS A LAUGH
» Where: Tennessee Valley Theatre, 184 W. Jackson Ave., Spring City, Tenn.
» When: 1 p.m. lunch, 2 p.m. show Sunday
» Admission: $22 lunch and show per person, $12 show only
Comedian Tim Lowery brings his Tribute to Mothers to Tennessee Valley Theatre, where Mom can get a delicious meal then laugh her cares away.
After a lunch of pork and chicken, potato, salad, beverage and dessert, Lowery will present his family-friendly show.
The comedian grew up in southeastern Kentucky, where he learned the art of storytelling from Appalachian folk who spun yarns and told tall tales to entertain. He became known for his historical tales and laugh-out-loud personal stories. Although he once aspired to go to clown college, when he finally performed under a big-top tent, it was in Jonesborough, Tennessee, at the National Storytelling Festival.
Born with the gift of gab, Lowery likes to say his mother "prayed him into show business, not out of it."
For reservations: 423-365-7529.
MUSIC AND WINE
» Where: Georgia Winery, 6469 Battlefield Parkway, Ringgold, Ga.
» When: 2-5 p.m. Sunday
» Admission: $5
Georgia Winery presents Music in the Lounge on Sunday afternoon, when you and Mom can enjoy music from singer-songwriter Jason Lyles. Appetizers such as garlic cheese bread, artisanal cheese plates, hummus and bruschetta with olive oil dip will be available for purchase, as will wine by the glass, wine bottles and wine slushies.
For tickets: https://www.georgiawines.com/Events/Music-in-the-Lounge--May-12.
HELP MOM SHOW HER TEAM SPIRIT
» Where: Chattanooga Lookouts, AT&T Field, 201 Power Alley
» When: 2:15 p.m. Sunday
» Admission: $7-$10 adults general admission, $5 kids general admission
Take Mom out to the ballgame. The Lookouts play the Pensacola Blue Wahoos on Sunday afternoon, and Mom can get a free general-admission ticket with the donation of a canned good to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.
In honor of Mother's Day, the Lookouts are offering a 15% discount on select women's fan apparel on the team's website. There is also a $34.99 Mother's Day package that includes a stuffed bear, choice of jewelry, shimmer decal, pink hat and personalized message.
To order: https://lookouts.milbstore.com/store.cfm?store_id=37.
- Compiled by staff writer Susan Pierce