Top Mother's Day Events In Philadelphia

Mother's Day is just around the corner, and there's no better place to celebrate than in the city where it all started - Philadelphia. Yes, that's right. It seems only fitting that the national recognition of Mother's Day, a holiday honoring motherly love, was initiated right here in the City of Brotherly Love. Philadelphians Anna Jarvis and wealthy department store magnate John Wanamaker carried the idea to Congress in 1907, and in 1908, more than 15,000 people congregated in front of City Hall to support the proclamation. Whether your mom is a food connoisseur, camping fanatic, diva or dilettante, these are the top spots around Philadelphia to take her for a most memorable Mother's Day celebration.

Mother's Day Buffet
Longwood Gardens
1001 Longwood Road
Kennett Square, PA 19348
(610) 388-1000
www.longwoodgardens.org

Date: May 11-12, 2013

Make Mom queen for a day with a scrumptious buffet in the sumptuous surroundings of the Ballroom at Longwood Gardens. Dress up in your Sunday best for a dinner featuring the facility's famous mushroom soup, and then work your way through a full-course meal with healthy servings of salad, shrimp cocktail, roasted baby vegetables, cavatelli pasta, pan-seared salmon and assorted dinner rolls. For dessert, dive into some coconut layer cake and chocolate creme brulee. The fabulous food, coupled with Longwood's spectacular array of spring blossoms, is sure to bring lasting memories.

Mother's Day Weekend
Little Red Barn Campground
367 Old Bethlehem Road
Quakertown, PA 18951
(215) 536-3357
www.littleredbarncampground.com

Date: May 10-12, 2013

For moms who'd rather don jeans than wear a skirt and heels, a camping trip is just the ticket. Pitch a tent or rent an on-site RV for a weekend filled with fun. The campground has the whole thing planned, starting with a Mother's Day breakfast. Kids make a special craft for mom and get to hop on-board a wagon for a mommy-child ride. In the evening, enjoy a family movie together with free popcorn for the maternal unit. The campground has a game room, volleyball, basketball and horseshoes, and the nearby East Branch Creek provides fishing and boating adventures.

Mother's Day Cruise

The Ben Franklin Yacht

401 N. Columbus Blvd.

Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 629-8687
www.benfranklinyacht.com

Date: May 12, 2013

If you would rather rough the water than rough it on land, a Mother's Day Cruise aboard The Ben Franklin Yacht is the way to go. As the deluxe, three-level vessel streams past Philadelphia's historic waterfront, mom gets to feast on an all-inclusive, chef-inspired brunch. The bountiful buffet is all you can eat and includes champagne, beer and wine -- just make sure mom leaves room for the dessert bar!

Related: Top Campgrounds In The Philadelphia Area

2013 Mother's Day Music Festival
Boardwalk Hall Arena
Boardwalk Hall
2301 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(866) 881-2999

www.acticketguys.com

Date: May 11, 2013

Just a 90-minute drive from Philly, a weekend at the Jersey Shore is sure to put you in Mom's good books for a very long time. Reserve a room in a swanky hotel and treat her to some great music at the 2013 Mother's Day Music Festival in Atlantic City. The annual event is one of the most well-attended R&B festivals in New Jersey. This year's lineup includes El Debarge, Freddie Jackson, Charlie Wilson and Jaheim. If you really want to go all out, spring for the VIP package featuring after-party tickets, VIP seating and a $10 voucher for the concession stands.

Ladies Day Out: Bring Your Mom (Or Not!)
James A. Michener Art Museum
138 S. Pine St.
Doylestown, PA 18901
(215) 340-9800
www.michenermuseum.org

Date: May 10, 2013

For moms who enjoy arts and culture, an evening at the James A. Michener Art Museum may fit the bill. Bucks County painter, printmaker and sculptor Stacie Speer Scott will be on hand. She'll showcase her work and help moms create an original mixed media piece of art. You don’t have to be a Picasso to attend; all skill levels are welcome.

Related: Longwood Garden's Main Fountain Gets A Makeover

Susan DeFeo has been a professional writer since 1997. She served as a community events columnist for New Jersey's "Cape May County Herald" for more than a decade. A writer for numerous online publications, Susan has covered health, fitness, beauty and travel, all subjects that are near and dear to her as a married mother of seven children. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.