Where to take mom on a date on Mother’s Day

Mother and child/ Photo by Din Jimenez/ CC BY 2.0

She carried you in her womb for 9 long months. She took good care of you until you were ready to stand on your own two feet. She loved you from the day you were born. And she will continue to do so for the rest of her life. Yes, that’s mom.

Having said all of that, wouldn’t it just be fair to spend time with her on the special day that’s made to celebrate all mothers?

Mom will appreciate anything you give her for sure, but the gift of time and the gift of experience would mean so much more. Here’s a whole day worth of activities you and mom can do together in Toronto on Mother’s Day:

A royal brunch for the queen of your life

Sitting room in Lady Pellats Suite at Casa Loma/ Photo by Steven V. Rose/ CC BY-SA 2.5

Bring mom to a place fit for a queen. Start your date by taking her to Canada’s majestic castle, Casa Loma, and treating her to a royal, sumptuous brunch. Guests are allowed to explore the castle after the meal. Seats get sold out fast, so make sure to call ahead of time and make a reservation before coming.

Location: Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace

Tea for two and chocolates too

Photo source: www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca

Tea and chocolate pairing is something no one can ever resist. The Toronto Botanical Garden will be hosting a Mother’s Day Tea and Truffle Pairing event from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. While you enjoy fine tea in vintage china, a certified tea sommelier will demonstrate the versatility of teas paired with certain types of chocolate and give you tips on tea selection and brewing.

Location:Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence Ave. East

Play dress up in your imagination

Christian Louboutin Red and Gold Rhinstone Pumps/ Photo by erichazann/ CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

You must have loved playing dress up when you were young. Maybe, mom did too when she was little. Reminisce those memories and satisfy your imagination by seeing the historic shoe and clothing collections on display right now in museums.

Visit the Bata Shoe Museum to see a collection of over 13,000 shoes, ranging from Chinese bound foot shoes and ancient Egyptian sandals to diamond-encrusted Christian Louboutin pumps. All footwear on display will surely make you and mom feel Imeldific.

Photo source: www.textilemuseum.ca

The Textile Museum of Canada, on the other hand, has an ongoing exhibition showcasing the kimonos worn by famous geisha and singer Ichimaru. Aside from her magnificent kimonos, other personal effects are on display too.

Location: Bata Museum, 327 Bloor St. West

Textile Museum of Canada, 55 Centre Ave.

Get closer to mom, discover her talents

Photo courtesy of Viva Tastings

It is safe to say that almost all Filipino moms love to cook—and they are talented in it. Why not attend a class where mom can enjoy her passion and where you can learn new skills as well? Viva Tastings at St. Lawrence’s Farmers Market offers two-hour classes in a professional catering kitchen, where you learn cooking techniques from experienced chef instructors. You will also get the chance to taste each dish prepared at the end of the class at a communal table with a glass of wine. An experience like this will make you feel closer to mom.

Photo source: www.paintlounge.ca

However, no matter how close you are, there may still be a few things you don’t know about her until now. What if she has a hidden talent? What if she can paint like Picasso? On Mother’s Day weekend, the Paintlounge in Toronto will be offering a discount on freestyle painting sessions. Get creative and discover the hidden artist in mom.

Location: Viva Tastings, St. Lawrence’s Farmer’s Market, 92 Front St. East (It’s catering kitchen facility is located at 52 Henry St.)

Paintlounge, 784 College St.

Go cruising together

Jubilee Queen docked in Islands/ Photo source: www.jubileequeencruises.ca

They say cruising is made for love, so why not take mom on a cruise for dinner? Jubilee Queen Cruise Lines has a three-hour dinner tour on Mother’s Day. Feast on a fabulous meal prepared by an award-winning chef while enjoying a tour of the Toronto Islands and Toronto Harbour. A caricature artist will be on board as well, offering free sketches for moms.

Location: Jubilee Queen Cruise Lines Office, 249 Queens Quay West

Jubilee Queen Cruise Ship, 539 Queens Quay West

After spoiling her all day, there is one more thing left to do. That is to tell her: “Happy Mother’s Day, Mommy! Happy Mother’s Day, Inay! You are the best. I love you.”