Whether she’s trekking across the globe or simply taking the 15 to the 5 to the 405 to the 10, it looks like mom is coming to town for Mother's Day. If that's the case, we'd better crack open our piggy banks to shower her with all of the unique experiences and gifts Los Angeles has to offer because she deserves it. Who else would have taught us to use our pleases and thank yous, to dance, to fold fitted sheets and pretty much everything else that humans are expected to know how to do. The only thing is: No two moms are alike, so we've plotted 10 different activities for 10 different types of Moms.
Do your homework, plan outside the norm, and get it poppin’ like the champagne in your brunch mimosas.
For the Mom You Need to Impress But Forgot to Make the Reservation For
Cora's Coffee Shoppe
Santa Monica, $$
It's your turn to pick the restaurant for your Zagat-obsessed mom who once deemed a mediocre hollandaise sauce an "abomination." Take her to Cora's in Santa Monica, where you'll be seated in a secret garden patio steps away from the beach. Chef Bruce Marder (
Capo,
Marvin,
Red Rooster) will be behind the griddle, so you're in particularly good hands. Order bruschetta poached eggs or the best huevos rancheros in LA with a cappuccino. No reservations required.
For the Mom Who Might Be Tricked Into Buying You Gifts for Mother’s Day
Unique LA (13th Floor of the CMC)
Downtown LA, $-$$
Chances are if you bring your mom to a Unique market for a shopping spree replete with punny stationery and peach bourbon jam, she might just buy you a gift even though it's her special day. Unique LA is a two-day seasonal pop-up market dedicated to supporting local artists, makers, and designers. When you need a break from shopping, chow down on a fresh acai bowl from Amazebowls or get a scoop from Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams.
If you have a change of heart, break open the piggy bank and gift her a little something something. After all, she did bring you into this world …
To learn more about Unique LA, check out our Palm Springs PlaceList with event producer Suraiya Nanji HERE ...
Image courtesy of J Wiley Photography
For the Recently Divorced Mom in Cougar Mode
Cafe Habana
Malibu, $$
When the divorce papers are officially signed and your mother is on the prowl, head to Cafe Habana in Malibu. With spacious indoor and outdoor seating, there is plenty of room to get loose with a margarita in hand ... and maybe find her a new (wo)man. The menu is stacked with tasty Cuban and Mexican dishes with a twist and the restaurant itself is teeming with sunkissed DILFs and MILFs.
For the Philanthropic Mom Who Doesn’t Care About Brunching or Gifts
Griffith Park & The San Gabriel Mountains
When your mom spends 98 percent of her free time at charity events, chances are a boozy brunch by the beach or a brand new Michael Kors bag is not going to excite her. Spend the day volunteering with Tree People to plant trees and restore fire-damaged areas in
Griffith Park. If you only have a little time to spare, show the park some love in the
East San Fernando Valley between 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
If you still want to get her a gift, honor with a grove of trees from Tree People HERE ...
For the Mom All Your Friends Prefer to Kick It With
Jumbo's Clown Room
Los Feliz, $$
Turns out, your mom is cooler than you. No sweat, you’ve accepted your fate and decided to treat her to an evening that will leave your piggy bank asking for mercy. Jumbo's Clown Room is one of LA's smallest strip clubs, but what it lacks in square feet, it makes up for in dancers and affordable booze. Heck, go all the way with it and buy her a lapdance on stage.
For the Mom Who Wants to Get Down and Dirty for Dinner
Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ
Long Beach, $$
This one goes out to the moms who love the taste of real, down and dirty BBQ, where the ribs slide off the bone like butter. Lucille’s offers a variety of BBQ from slow-smoked Texas style brisket to lean juicy pork ribs. Don’t forget about the sides—the cornbread and mashed potatoes will destroy you in the best possible way! When in doubt, bib it out.
For the Mom with a Better a Body Than You
The Raven Spa
Silver Lake, $$
The Raven Spa is perfect for the mom who shows up in yoga pants with a mat at 7 a.m. because she can’t afford to miss her workout. Yet, if you’d prefer to lay horizontal while she gets limber, make a reservation for a Thai massage, acupuncture or a reiki healing and become one with the universe and yourself. The energy of the spa screams Thailand, so it's just like taking a trip minus the 24 hours of travels.
For the Mom Obsessed with the Latest Health Craze
Cryohealthcare
Beverly Grove, $$
Living in LA is equivalent to keeping up with the Joneses and the new hottest craze is cryotherapy. Take a step into a cryosauna and allow the extreme cold temperatures to decrease pain and muscle spasms, improve recovery, slow cell aging and improve health.
For the Mom Who Wishes She was on Real Housewives
Kyle by Alene Too
Beverly Hills, $$$
Beverly Hills, home to Pretty Woman, Rodeo Drive and The Real Housewives. If your mom binge watches the show every time it airs on Bravo, allow her to chance to live the life of luxury for a day by taking her shopping at Kyle by Alene Too ... or maybe just window shopping if you're not rolling in hundies.
For the Mom Who is One With Mother Nature
Griffith Park
Griffith Park offers a slew of activities, from hiking and picnicking to stargazing at the Griffith Observatory. For the moms in peak physical condition, hike up the Wisdom Tree Trail to Cahuenga Peak. For the lazier moms, try the East or West Observatory Trail. Throw a frisbee on the grassy plains in front of the abandoned Old LA Zoo and stare at the graffiti that now fills the old concrete cages.
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LA-born, Georgia-bred and one-half of a set of identical twins, Casha Doemland spends her days writing and exploring. She’s a classic film enthusiast, runner, dog walker and collector of quotes and tattoos.