Mother's Day is Sunday, May 12! Plan the perfect day to celebrate Mom this weekend. Whether she'd enjoy a delicious brunch, museum adventure, shopping spree, or relaxing cruise, there are plenty of great ways to spend the day. Or plan to attend one of the Mother's Day events taking place throughout the county this weekend. Take a look through this blog for some ideas to add to your itinerary.

Spots to Grab Coffee, Breakfast, or Brunch! 

Start Mother's Day off right and treat mom to coffee, a quick breakfast, or a sit-down brunch!

Popular Albany coffee shops include Stacks Espresso Bar on Broadway or Lark Street, Alias Coffee, or Uncommon Grounds located in Stuyvesant Plaza. All spaces have some tasty bakery items to pair with your drink. Or indulge in a specialty treat like a box of doughnuts from Cider Belly Doughnuts or the pancake of the month from Excelsior Pub (offered exclusively on Sundays!). Visit Peaches Cafe in Stuyvesant Plaza for another quick breakfast stop. Or sit down and enjoy a delicious brunch from Nine Pin, O'Toole's, Olde English Pub or The Hollow. 110 Grill in Crossgates Mall is also offering a special brunch buffet on Mother's Day from 10 AM to 3 PM. 

Try Something New Together

You've learned new things from mom your whole life, now it's time to learn something new alongside her! Whether it's a baking class, an adventure among the trees, or a way to let your creativity flourish, there are plenty of places to try something new in Albany County and the surrounding region. 

Travel up to Clifton Park on Saturday to learn a new skill at the Blooming Artist. The gallery is hosting a workshop on the art of Pallette Knife Painting. Or stay in Albany and visit the Albany Institute of History & Art during their Art for All workshop on Saturday. Looking for an activity that younger kids will enjoy? Reserve a spot for one of Nelly's Treats' Mommy and Me Tea and Cookies classes.

On Sunday, head to WildPlay Elements Park located on the Thacher Park grounds and take on their adventure obstacle courses. WildPlay is celebrating the day with free climbs for all moms! Or let your creativity flow and spend the afternoon painting your own pottery at The Pottery Place in Stuyvesant Plaza. Nine Pin is also offering a way to use your craft skills this Mother's Day with their Craft Night: Mother's Day Plant Arrangements event. 

Celebrate a Timeless, Mother's Day Tradition in Albany 

The Tulip Festival has been a Mother's Day weekend tradition in Albany for generations. Plan to spend some time this Mother's Day in Washington Park wandering the beautiful tulip beds showcasing more than 100,000 flowers. Browse artisan goods from hundreds of vendors, enjoy delicious food and beverages, and dance to live music during this springtime celebration. 

Want to see the blooms but can't make the festival? Explore the gardens planted throughout the city with our Self-Guided Tulip & Garden Driving Tour. Or invite mom to a Tulip Tour led by Albany's city gardener taking place throughout the week. 

Explore Albany's History

Take a trip back in time this Mother's Day. Explore Albany's history at one of the museums or heritage sites throughout the county.

On Sunday, May 12, the New York State Museum will host a gallery tour of Unveiled: Wedding Wear in New York, 1910s-1940s. The exhibit does not only reflect fashion trends of the early 1900's, it's also a celebration of family. Wedding wear holds memories and pieces are passed down through generations. Uncover the stories these wedding gowns tell with exhibit curator, Connie Frisbee Houde.

Visit the USS SLATER, the last WWII Destroyer Escort left afloat in the country. Moms are welcome to free admission this Mother's Day aboard the floating museum. Or head over to the Shaker Heritage Society, site of America's first Shaker settlement. Make sure to stop in the gift shop, stocked with great gifts for mom, including a free glass hummingbird feeder with each purchase! The Shaker Heritage Society is also hosting the Confetti Stage production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest over Mother's Day weekend.

Looking to make Mother's Day plans on Friday or Saturday? Stop by the historic Pruyn House for the Annual Plant Sale hosted by the Fort Orange Garden Club. 

Find the Best Gifts for Mom During an Albany Shopping Spree

Treat mom to a shopping spree at one of many locations throughout Albany County! In downtown Albany, find gifts at Fort Orange General Store and vintage gems at The Vandy. Or head over to Cohoes and explore Remsen Street, populated with antique shops, local stores, and delicious eateries.

Colonie Center Mall is hosting a Mother's Day Show throughout the weekend. Browse local vendors and artisans offering everything from handmade crafts to tasty treats. Or explore Crossgates Mall, a top-spot for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Crossgates is also the home of Spa Mirabeau, shop gift cards and offer mom the gift of relaxation for Mother's Day.

Relax on a Dutch Apple Cruise 

A favorite way to soak up the sunshine in Albany, take mom on a Dutch Apple Cruise this Mother's Day. Learn about Albany from a new perspective along the scenic Hudson River. The cruise offers a full cash bar, light refreshments, and possible eagle sightings. Enjoy a lovely Sunday afternoon aboard Albany's Riverboat. 

Toast to Mom This Mother's Day

End your festivities with a toast to mom and celebrate her on her special day. Whether you'd like to check out one of Albany's favorite dining locations or explore the craft beverage scene, there are plenty of places to raise a glass in honor of mom. 

Enjoy the delicious cuisine and elegant atmosphere of Black & Blue Steak and Crab. The restaurant is opening at 2 PM for Mother's Day and offering a special sparkling cocktail for moms. Or reserve a spot for dinner at Mr. D's located within The Desmond Hotel. Enjoy Mother's Day specials along with the restaurant's regular menu. Take a trip to The Century House and enjoy a custom, prix fixe three-course meal in honor of Mother's Day.

Raise a glass at one of the craft beverage locations within Albany County. Travel up to Meadowdale Winery in Altamont and enjoy selections from their full stock of award-winning wine. Or soak up the springtime air in Altamont at Indian Ladder Farms Cidery & Brewery. Celebrate springtime in the capital city with honey-fermented mead at Bull & Bee Meadery. All three locations are stops on the Albany County Craft Beverage Trail.

Sip on the ALB Eucalyptus Martini, a commemorative cocktail in honor of the Tulip Ball. Made with Albany Distilling Co.'s ALB Cucumber Vodka, the drink can be found at Allen Street Pub, Copper Crow, Lark Hall, and Savoy Taproom through the weekend.