New Jersey Vineyards

Having been a mom for awhile, I can say with some confidence that the occasional (daily) glass of wine makes the parenting go down nicely. Apparently, this has not been missed by the many vineyards here in the Garden State. For instance, Alba Vineyard will be hosting a Mother's Day Festival, with hot air balloon rides, horse drawn carriages and wine tastings for the adults, and face painting, moon bouncing and pony rides, for the brood. Pack a picnic, or enjoy the gourmet food on site. It's like a trip to Napa, without the joys of flying with children. Admission is $10.00 for adults 21 and over; $5.00 for young adults ages 12 to 20; and FREE for children under 12. Parking is FREE, and wine tastings will be available throughout the day for $10.00 per person. For further information, call 908-995-7800.

For a complete listing of all the vineyards hosting Mother's Day events, go to http://newjerseywines.com/events.html. Many include complimentary wine glasses, plants, and fudge. Yes, fudge. Another one of mommy's little helpers.

Brunch and Art

About that brunch, maybe it's just me, but I think it's the best meal for celebrating, especially if you have the kids with you. Grounds for Sculpture, an innovative and interactive garden/museum, is offering two different options for brunch, one a traditional sit down meal at Zagat-rated Rat's Restaurant, and the other a picnic lunch from the Peacock Café, that includes smoked salmon, quiche and other delectables. For pricing and further information, please call 609-584-7800.

Beach and Concert

Sometimes the soothing squish of sand between your toes is all the gift necessary for a great day. And sometimes flowers, shopping and music are also nice. Spend the day in Ocean City enjoying the table sales on the boardwalk and downtown (14th Sts. on the boardwalk and Asbury Ave.), followed by the 14th Annual Mother's Day Family Concert at the Ocean City Music Pier, featuring the West Chester District Senior Strings at 4 pm. Mothers Are Special in O.C. day also includes complimentary flowers for us moms, while supplies last. The whole event is FREE, not including what you spend adding to your summer wardrobe. For further information call 609-391-1208.

Crafts and Music

If you are just looking for a few simple ways to remind your kids how awesome you are, the Greenville Branch Library in Jersey City  will be offering Mother's Day arts and crafts at 3:30 on Thursday, May 5, and the Hoboken Public Library will feature a  special Mother's Day concert  featuring children's musicians Presley and Melody on May 7th, at 2 pm.

Old-Time Mamahood

And now for something completely different... If you want to do your best Caroline-Ingalls-on-the-Prairie imitation, Cooper Gristmill is doing 1880 Mother’s Day at Milltown where you can play a 19th century mom washing clothes, doing dishes, mending, and (hey... don't we do that the other 364 days of the year?) and Fosterfield's Living History Farm is Remembering Mama where your kids will learn how to cook a 1920's Mother's Day breakfast. Saturday, May 7, 1pm to 3:30pm.

And don't forget to give yourselves a Mother's Day break and enroll your kids in summer camp. Check out our NJ Summer Camp Guide!