May
09

How To Celebrate Mother’s Day In DC

Lifestyle

We all know the purpose of Mother’s Day: To show mom we care. The less obvious part of this storied holiday? The way we go about showing it.

So, whether you’re looking for the right brunch spot or seeking inspiration for something different to do, here are our top tips for celebrating the most important mothers in your life this year.

Treat Her to Brunch

Forgo the kitchen cleanup in favor of these classic brunch spots that are pulling out all the stops!

L’Ardente: The playful Italian hotspot is always indulgent (see: 40-layer truffle lasagna), and mornings are no different. Tiramisu is the springboard for the brioche French toast with espresso custard and mascarpone, the benedict is upgraded with lobster, and you can always count on the pastas and Caesar salad. 

Le Diplomate: No Mother’s Day brunch list would be complete without this classic institution, where delicacies include a lobster omelette, poached eggs Basquaise, croissants, and a dazzling (but pricey) fruits de mer plateau.

Nama Ko: By night, Michael Schlow’s 14th Street corridor Japanese place turns out creative maki, easy-drinking sake cocktails, and Insta-famous soft-serve. On weekend mornings, the kitchen puts a Japanese spin on American classics: chicken karaage with waffles, a crab-stuffed Japanese omelet with Bearnaise, and steak and eggs with yuzu soy. Or, just gorge on dumplings and bao.   

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace: Late morning is arguably the best time at Jeff Black’s Logan Circle hangout. The star of the brunch menu is the poached eggs Pontchartrain with crawfish (or, right now, crab), corn, Tasso ham, and zesty hollandaise. Runners up: the smoky clam chowder, huevos rancheros, and shrimp and grits. 


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Get Outdoors

Does mom prefer nature to brunching? Instead, try taking her on a hike or stroll to make the most of this special day. See flowers in bloom, tramp in places with scenic views, walk and explore history at interesting locales, and enjoy a day of active fun. Here are our favorite places in the area to escape into the outdoors!

Huntley Meadows: The park in Alexandria has an easy, scenic loop through woods and wetlands.

Riverbend Park to Great Falls: The hike is a particular favorite for a special day, though parking can fill up fast, so go early and have a Plan B just in case.

Patapsco Valley State Park: It’s huge with a great variety of hiking trails, including one to waterfalls, lots of nice picnic spots, and more opportunities for active recreation.

Pohick Bay Regional Park and Fountainhead Regional Park: Both parks in Lorton, VA, have nice hiking trails as well as paddling rentals.

The National Arboretum: This 446-acre property aims to elevate the aesthetic, environmental, and economic importance of plants. The Arboretum presents a stunning collection of plants, with each given its own display. One of the most popular is the Gotelli Conifer Collection, which features conifers that hail from a range of climates, including the Arctic and subtropical regions.

Need some gear for your hike? Find out where to buy the best outdoor gear in DC right here.

Shop, Picnic, and Sip

For the mom who loves a good experience, DC has plenty to offer not just on Mother’s Day itself, but all year long.

The Tidal Basin, one of the most beautiful areas in the city, serves as a great picnic spot during the spring and summer. You can enjoy the view of nature and the water, then take a paddle boat ride or simply relax on the grass and enjoy the day. Check out Colada Shop for their Mama’s Picnic Box, which includes two Cubans, two guava pollo sandwiches, six empanadas, six croquetas, plantain chips with black bean dip, three dulce de leche brownies and three oatmeal guava cookies.

In the mood to sample some vino? Head over to District Winery for its elegant ambiance and picturesque views of the waterfront that make it the perfect spot for a Mother’s Day celebration. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, helping you select the perfect wine to pair with the delectable food offerings. From light and fruity rosés to full-bodied reds, there’s something for every palate … even if mom is a little picky.

Always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, you can’t go wrong with a tour of charming and historic Georgetown. First up? The gorgeous Tudor Place. The historic landmark has been a fixture in DC since 1816, serving as a home to descendants of Martha Washington for six generations. Discover furnishings, household items, and fascinating Washington-related artifacts inside the elegant house. The five-plus acres worth of gardens on the estate make for a wondrous and scenic outdoor experience. Then, check out Georgetown’s historic charm by taking mom on a shopping excursion before ending the day at Washington Harbour. SequoiaTony and Joe’s Seafood Place, or Farmers Fishers Bakers are a few of our favorite spots to try!


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Looking to browse the latest listings in between stops? Check out our lineup of the hottest homes live on the market today!