Take it from a mom: Here’s what you should do for Mother’s Day in Sacramento

It’s coming, ready or not. Sunday, it’s time to celebrate all of the mothers and mother-like people in your life. What would your mother person enjoy? Time together? A fabulous gift? A wonderful meal? Good thing the Sacramento area has it all, and you have an official mom-writer to guide you through all of it. Here’s a mom’s guide to celebrating the big day in Sacramento.

Time together in Sacramento

I love some quality time with my kids. Especially if I don’t have to set it up, clean for it, or clean up after it. So these options really hit the mark.

Take Mom on the 35th annual UC Master Gardeners of Placer County Garden Tour. Whether your mom is looking for gardening inspiration or she just enjoys looking at gardens, this event would be a lovely way to spend the day. There will be six gardens featured in the tour: the Artist’s Garden, the Water Wheel Garden, the Inspired Garden, the Tranquility Garden, the Shared Garden and the Water-Wise Garden. Tickets are $20, and kids under 12 are free. For more information go to pcmg.ucanr.org.

If mom has an artsy side, maybe she would like to go to the Crocker Art Museum for Paint with Mom. This event is aimed at ages 4 to 104. You could tour the museum and then put your inspiration to work. Spend some time together creating art and memories. The best part is that there’s no extra work for mom. The event is $20 for museum members and $35 for non-members. For more information or to register go to crockerart.org.

Sacramento gifts

Certainly Mom might like a little something, right? I have some ideas for you. Also, don’t forget a card. Please. Handmade is more than acceptable.

I don’t know about your mom, but I would be thrilled with something from Serenity Spa. They have locations in Folsom and Roseville. From body massage, healing rituals and therapies to yoga to a boutique, they have plenty of options for mom to be pampered and relaxed. Trust me, she can’t imagine peace and quiet, and this is so much more.

Flowers and plants are a go-to Mother’s Day gifting option. Try a new spin on it at Propagate. If your mom is like me, she has no idea what to do with them, though. Propagate offers design services, either in-store or on-site. They will walk you through the whole thing until you feel comfortable and capable of taking care of your new plant. If things take a turn, Propagate has plant doctor services. They also carry pots and accessories, and host pop-up vendors.

If you’re looking for something unique and fabulous, head over to Details Mercantile in Land Park. It’s full of all the beautiful things that mom would love. Silk scarves, handmade jewelry, artwork, kitchen-ware, spa products, home goods — you name it, Details Mercantile has something lovely to show you. They’ll even help you put together a gift bag or basket.

Superbum Plant Co. is a plant shop that also has vintage items and artisan goods. There’s gorgeous jewelry, embroidery, ceramics, artwork, candles, macrame and home decor. Get Mom an air plant and a beautiful necklace.

Mother’s Day meals

There’s no shortage of great places to take Mom to eat on Mother’s Day. No cooking, no clean up.

Hawks Public House in East Sacramento has a Mother’s Day brunch menu to drool over. Scones with whipped goat cheese and strawberry jam? Yes, please. Brunch includes a choice of salad and one of three delicious entrees. Dessert is a shortcake with strawberries, fried black pepper and chantilly. Hawk’s sources their ingredients from small farms and local purveyors. It’s farm to fork at its finest.

If you’re looking for the perfect patio for brunch, Cafeteria 15L on 15th Street is the place. Time for a mimosa or bloody mary and maybe a chocolate banana waffle? I think so. Unless you’re looking for chicken and waffles or a farm skillet. Brunch is available Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Alaro Craft Brewery in midtown has your brunch covered, and for non-brunchers there are tapas, a great pub menu, and a soft-serve bar for dessert. Add some craft beer and patio seating, and you are set. I would like the bread pudding french toast, please.

No matter what you choose, your mom will be so glad to know she is thought of and appreciated.

This story was originally published May 4, 2022 at 5:00 AM.