From cruises to 5Ks, Urban Agenda outlines a myriad of events in New Jersey and NYC to celebrate Mom

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

Mother’s Day cruise around the NYC Harbor: Hornblower Cruises is offering a family brunch cruise on Mother’s Day. At 10am the yacht leaves Pier 40, located at 353 West Street, for a two-hour ride along the Hudson. The cruise includes a brunch buffet, a dessert station, coffee and herbal teas, a live jazz band, and a DJ.

They also offer optional roses just in case you forgot to buy a card. Tickets are $70/adult and $61/child.

Mother’s Day at Presby: According to the Presby’s “Bloom Status” on their website, the miniature and standard dwarf iris should be on full display come Mother’s Day weekend. On May 8, the Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens will host a live jazz concert and outdoor picnic where sandwiches, lemon square desserts, chips and drinks will be offered in boxed lunches. Lawn chairs will be provided, but guests are welcome to cozy up with their own picnic blanket. The event runs from 10am to 3pm and includes access to the Bloom Room Gift Shop and a plant sale. Tickets are $20/person.

Summit Area YMCA Mother’s Day 5K: Burn some calories before your Mother’s Day Brunch at this 5K run/walk benefitting LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, a free 12-week recovery program specially designed for adult cancer survivors. The annual race includes a Tot Trot for children five and under, bouncy houses, face painting, and balloon animals. The race starts at 7:30am at Memorial Field at 29 Park Avenue in Berkeley Heights. Register online for $25.

Mother’s Day Weekend Garden Party at the Botanical Gardens: The New York Botanical Garden celebrates mothers and springtime during this annual event, held this year on May 7 and 8 from 10am to 6pm. Acres of gardens will host special events and activities for the entire family like mini golf, live music performances, poetry readings, floral design demonstrations, and garden walks and tours. Patrons can also enjoy a picnic on Daffodil Hill or reserve a spot at a sit-down brunch. Tickets are $30/adult, $15/child, and include all special weekend activities plus All-Garden Pass admission, which provides access to special exhibitions in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, Tram Tour, and more. The Botanical Gardens are located at 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx.

Mother’s Day Weekend at Crystal Springs Resort: Celebrate mom for an entire weekend at this award-winning resort at 1 Wild Turkey Way in Hamburg, NJ. The Sussex County golf resort offers a Wine Reception for Mom and a complimentary Mixology Class on Friday, May 6. On Saturday, May 7, there’s a complimentary family portrait opportunity, and on Sunday, May 8, there’s an Artisan Trunk Show and free game of golf for Mom. The resort is also offering a Mother’s Day Brunch, spa-credit opportunity, and dining and entertainment experiences for the entire family.

The NYC Spring Wine Festival: Mom can fully relax at this three hour wine tasting offering over 150 wines at their sampling tables. The May 7 event runs from 2 to 10pm at NYY Steak, located next to Rockefeller Center at 7 W 51^st Street. Attendees will enjoy a live jazz performance from the Brazilian Jazz Journey and a custom etched tasting glass to keep after the event. Tickets start at $99, with group discounts available.

Mother’s Day Brunch at Winberie’s: Winberies at 2 Kent Place Boulevard in Summit is taking reservations for their Mother’s Day Brunch and Dinner Buffet on May 8 from 9:30am to 7:30pm. Feature entrees include Grilled Chicken Tenderloins in Citrus Chardonnay Sauce, a Saffron Rice & Spring Vegetable Medley, and a Waffle and French Toast Station. Moms can also enjoy a complimentary bloody mary, screwdriver, peach bellini, or mimosa. $36.95/adult, $16.95/children.

Mother’s Day at the MET: Head to The Metropolitan Entertainment Center on May 8 between 10am and 2pm for their Mother’s Day Brunch at the Winnipeg, 281 Donald Street. The elegant-themed brunch will include silent movies and a $1.99 mimosa bar. The brunch features an omelette station, deluxe salad bar, a variety of cured meats, and a chef’s deluxe dessert display. $39.99/adult, $14.99/child.

Flic Spa Mother’s Day Package: Flic Spa at 2 South Avenue West in Cranford, NJ is offering a Spring Renewal special that’s perfect for Mother’s Day. It includes a full body massage with heated Shea butter infused with lavender and mint botanical oils, an anti-oxidant facial, a Rose foot soak, a marmalade foot scrub, and tea service. $195/2 hrs.

Mom Day at CMA: The Children Museum of the Arts is offering creative activities for moms and their kids. Located at 103 Charlton Street in Soho, the Museum will be holding portrait-making class called Portraits of Our Mothers from 10am to 5pm on May 8. There will also be special Mother’s Day art-making workshop, also from 10am to 5pm, where children can make their mom a special hand-made gift.   Admission is $12/person.