If you and mom can both be in New York on Mother’s Day, do yourselves a favor and spend the day together. There are so many unique things to experience that you can’t experience anywhere else and she’ll treasure the time you give her as the best gift of all.
Here are seven extraordinary places to enjoy a day to remember. They’re all Instagram-worthy so charge your phone, take lots of photos and have the happiest Mother’s Day ever.
Flower Shop
These flowers are all made of felt!
(Lois Alter Mark)
When you walk by this Prince Street permanent pop up, you’ll likely do a double take. Sure, the flowers are colorful and inviting and just plain gorgeous but they’re also made of felt! Artist CJ Hendry has created a warm and welcoming spot filled with the loveliest viral flowers and I spent a happy 20 minutes with my son picking out my Mother’s Day bouquet from his family. (Thank you!) I suggest you take your mom to do the same. The flowers are $10 apiece and the 10th one is free and I had the best time touching the different petals, stems and leaves and deciding between sunflowers, pom poms and roses. My bouquet was quite the conversation piece on my flight home and it’s so cheery, I placed it in a vase right near my desk so I can see it while I work. The best part? I’ll never kill these flowers! I’m definitely picking up more for myself next time I’m in New York because, as Miley Cyrus reminded me, I can buy myself flowers.
Mercer Labs
Maestros & Machines is a completely unique and immersive experience at Mercer Labs.
(Mercer Labs)
I had no idea what to expect at Mercer Labs, New York’s stunning Museum of Art & Technology, and I think that made my visit even more impactful so I’m not going to say a ton about it other than that you need to experience it yourself. I knew it would be immersive and high tech but, oh, it was so much more. My son, my three year old grandson and I went together and we each got different things out of it although nothing beat seeing it through the little one’s eyes. His joy and wonder were palpable and infectious and we spent a good 45 minutes with him happily swinging in the first room while Monet’s masterpieces came to life all around him. He’s never spent 45 minutes anywhere without getting bored! We literally had to drag him out of there, we spent another hour exploring the rest of the museum and he’s still talking about it a week later. That’s the biggest endorsement I can give! For the record, I’d like to go back myself to take more time with the other masters being highlighted — Mozart, da Vinci, Michelangelo, Beethoven, Hokusai — because I’m so interested in the influence of technology on creativity, a topic this exhibit imagines beautifully. If you take mom this week through Mother’s Day, you can use code MOM50 to get 50% off your second ticket.
TWA Hotel
The iconic TWA Hotel at JFK Airport in New York.
(Boarding1Now via Getty Images)
Take a trip back in time with mom at the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport, where it’s the 1960s all over again. The landmark hotel takes pride of place in the former TWA Terminal designed by Eero Saarinen and it’s as iconic as ever. A celebration of the Golden Age of Travel, you get a fascinating history lesson through vintage photos, uniforms and artifacts and can even enjoy a drink in an actual 1958 Lockheed Constellation plane. If you can’t stay overnight, buy a Daytripper pass and take her for a dip in the rooftop pool, treat her to a meal at Paris Café by Jean-Georges, play a game of Twister and pose for photos at the Sweet ‘N Glow Salon. If you can stay overnight, book a room with a runway view for a truly unique experience.
Dominique Ansel Bakery
This is what heaven looks like.
(Dominique Ansel Bakery)
Is there anything that says “I love you” better than a pastry from Dominique Ansel Bakery? I think not. Head over there together and let her decide whether she’s team cronut or team DKA — or, really, why choose when you can have both? The enclosed patio in the back is a lovely spot to sit and share sweet and savory bites and sip hot or cold beverages while watching people moan in delight as they’re introduced to the swoonworthy creations of the man who was named World’s Best Pastry Chef in 2017. And, whatever you do, don’t leave empty handed.
Hayato Japanese Head Spa
The Japanese Head Spa at Hayato Salons is a real treat.
(Hayato Salons)
Book this now and thank me later. Once you and mom have experienced the Japanese head spa at Hayato Salons, you will want to schedule them regularly. Not only is it super relaxing and stress reducing but it’s scientifically proven to improve the condition of your scalp, hair and mood. First, a specialist uses a microscope to analyze your scalp, which is fascinating in itself, and then the magic begins. There’s cleansing and massaging and misting and it all feels incredible. You’ll both walk out feeling blissful.
Style & Stilettos brunch at The Parliament
The Devil Wears Prada-inspired Style & Stilettos brunch at The Parliament at The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York.
(The Parliament)
Before taking her to see The Devil Wears Prada 2, get in the mood with the movie inspired brunch at The Parliament at The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York. Chef Rakmin Lee’s classic dishes are reason enough to go but he’s upped the ante in honor of the fashionistas. Share a stiletto-shaped decanter of a yummy cocktail, don the horned headbands and show off your stickers and “That’s All” makeup bag at the theater. Don’t be surprised when Mom channels her own Miranda Priestly and announces, “Everybody wants to be us.”
Museum of Modern Art
Mother and Child by Elizabeth Catlett, 1956
(MoMA)
Show mom your good taste by treating her to an afternoon at MoMA to take in the best of modern art. The Face Value: Celebrity Press Photography and Frida and Diego: The Last Dream exhibits are especially worth dishing about over lunch in one of the museum’s restaurants or while shopping for souvenirs at the beautifully-curated MoMA Design Store. Become members so you can join the Mother’s Day Gallery Talk for a deep dive into works of art that revolve around themes of motherhood and family.