The Mother’s Day gift experience

By Cassandra Mercier

Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 14) is just around the corner, so it’s time to start thinking about the perfect gift for your mom. Mother’s Day brunch is a time-honoured tradition, but what if you took your mom on an adventure in Kingston as well? Here are some of our ideas for a fun and memorable Mother’s Day. 

 

For foodies 

 

Memorial Centre Farmer’s Market  

The market is back outdoors, so if the weather’s nice, this is a great place to go for a stroll with mom. You can grab a snack, find some local natural products or handmade crafts and more while enjoying the fresh air and live music.  We recommend stopping by Churro Guy Plus for some freshly made churros, Natasha’s Ukrainian Cuisine for the most unreal perogies, and Fine Balance Brewery for some beverages to take home.  

 

The Secret Garden Inn  

The Secret Garden Inn is known for its incredible high tea, which includes tea, champagne and an arrangement of housemade baked goods and sandwiches.  Mom can also spend a night of relaxation at the inn and enjoy a complimentary breakfast and an afternoon tea experience for two between noon and 4 pm! Call (613) 548-1081 and use the code “TEA” to book. 

 

Delightfully Different Tea Room  

This tearoom is such a fun unique experience. Choose your own fancy tea pot and choose from a variety of black, green, and herbal teas. To go with your tea, choose from a selection of freshly made sandwiches, homemade soups, and baked goods. Enjoy the afternoon inside or on their outdoor patio in Martello Alley (open Wednesday through Saturday, 10:30 am to 4:30 pm). 

 

Kingston Food Tours  

Is your mom a foodie? Then you need to take her on a Kingston Food Tour  Spend time on a historical tour of Kingston and its culinary scene while stopping at downtown restaurants to indulge in Kingston’s popular dishes. There are two options to choose from. The Classic Kingston tour focuses on local Kingston restaurants and their architecture.  The Tapas tour offers four stops of small tastings paired with local alcohol. Want an even better experience with the Kingston Food Tour?  Why not take a look at some of our packages. Mom can get two tickets to the Food Tour, a $100 prepaid visa card, and a two-night stay with one of the following hotels; The Frontenac Club, Residence Inn Waterfront by Mariott, The Smith Hotel, Rosemount Inn, Green Acres Inn, and Holiday Inn Waterfront.

Explore available packages. 

For the arts and culture lover 

 

Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts  

Jill Barber is a three-time Juno Award-nominated singer and songwriter who began her singing career in Kingston as a student.  Jill is returning to Kingston to perform at the Isabel Bader Centre  just in time for Mother’s Day! She’ll be serenading the Kingston audience (which will include her own mom) with songs from her new album, Homemaker. We are offering a package including two tickets to the Jill Barber concert and a one-night stay at one of these participating hotels; The Rosemount Inn,  Green Acres Inn,  Donald Gordon Hotel, and Delta Hotels by Marriott  Kingston Waterfront.  Each hotel also comes with its own little special treat for mom.
Explore all the packages. 

 

The Screening Room  

The Screening Room will be playing Mamma Mia over Mother’s Day weekend for the movie’s 15-year anniversary. Grab some popcorn, drinks, and a sweet treat and let this love story musical get your mom in all the right feels! 

 

Tie One On Creativity Bar  

Paint and beer, beer and paint? Sounds like a fun Mother’s Day. Bring your mom to Tie One On Creativity Bar on May 14 where the two of you can each create an acrylic painting of a glowing forest. Enjoy a beverage and snacks while you get creative with mom.
Tickets are $65. 

Musiikki Cafe  

Musiikki has such a beautiful courtyard with a budding cherry blossom tree. This is the perfect place to take mom for cocktail hour. Choose from their selection of whiskey, cocktails, and delicious coffees; there is something for everyone. Musiikki also has live music every night.  

For rest and relaxation 

 

GLOW Skincare Co.  

If you are looking for rest, relaxation, and a refresher, GLOW is the place to take your mom. We recommend their thermotherapy spa treatment. This Nordic ritual is all about relaxation, reducing stress, and soothing aches and pains. Treat your mom to a package with a one-night stay at the Donald Gordon Hotel, three-hour thermotherapy spa retreat at GLOW, and enjoy the rest of the amenities the spa has to offer.
Book your GLOW package for mom. 

 

The Refinery Spa + Social House  

Treat your mom to an exclusive rest and relax package from the Refinery Spa + Social House, combined with an overnight stay.  Choose from the Rem State or Radiant Reset spa package at the Refinery with a luxurious stay at one of these historic inns: The Smith Hotel, Rosemount Inn, or the All Suites Whitney Manor.  Book your spa package for mom. 

 

For the adventurer 

 

Kingston Axe Throwing   

Want to do something different? Axe throwing is something everyone should try! Have a blast while indulging in a little friendly family competition.  Drop-ins are $30 per person, but reservations can be easily made online.  

 

Improbable Escapes 

Put your family skills to the test and see if you can escape before time runs out. This fun-filled activity is a great way to have fun with the family.  Utilize all the teamwork and problem-solving skills that your mom taught you! Improbable Escapes has a variety of escape rooms available with indoor and outdoor games, museum games, and online games. All games range from two or more players, so bring the whole family: the more the better! 

 

The Boiler Room   

Do you have an active mother who loves to try new things? Give The Boiler Room a try. There are different walls based on difficulty and speed: there is a wall for everyone! Spend the day testing your ability and learning how much core strength goes into this fun activity. Admission for adults is $12 a person. 

 

Kingston Penitentiary  

If your mom is a history fan, the Kingston Penitentiary tour is the activity for her. Choose from standard, extended, architecture, and film tours of Canada’s oldest penitentiary, dating back to the 1830s.
Book your tickets online.  

 

Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises  

After what feels like the longest winter ever, why not take your mom on the Sunset Dinner cruise? While taking in the panoramic views of the beautiful Thousand Islands, enjoy a fabulous three-course dinner, while being serenaded by live music. It’s the perfect place to eat, see and do. The cruise is set to “sail” for 6:30 pm on Sunday, May 14 (but runs every weekend in May.)
Reserve your table online. 

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