The cheapest way to take mom on a trip around the world
6 great spots to celebrate mom
Sara Dunn
Hey moms!
This is the month we celebrate everything that you do for your children and families. Of course, your family's budget may not allow for what you really want: to hop on an airplane and spend a week being pampered at some exotic locale, but we had another idea that we'd like to share with your sons and daughters.
They may not be able to send you on that dream trip, but they can get you out of town by visiting one of these Hudson Valley venues to help make you feel like you are a world away.
Mountain Brauhaus
845-255-9766
Junction of Routes 44 - 55 and 299 in Gardiner
mountainbrauhaus.com
This authentic German restaurant is the definition of family-run and family friendly. It has been owned and operated by the same family since it opened in 1955.
The menu offers a smorgasbord of delicious braised meats, schnitzels, meatloaf, pot roasts and other dishes.
All of the traditional dishes are made for contemporary dining, including creatively prepared vegetarian and vegan options.
The restaurant uses locally raised meats and locally-sourced produce.
The wait staff is able to suggest dishes for those with gluten-sensitivity and the kids' menu offers plates all for under $10.
Reservations can be made for large parties. Other diners can call 90 minutes ahead to be placed on the waiting list.
The Thayer Hotel at West Point
674 Thayer Rd, West Point
845-446-4731, Ext. 7929
Thethayerhotel.com
As you walk into MacArthur's Riverview Restaurant you will be blown away by the view.
Gothic-style windows frame a sweeping scape of the Hudson River. you will look through the large, Gothic windows in the dining room with Old World charm out at stunning views of the Hudson River and the immaculately tended grounds of the West Point campus.
Mother's Day Champagne Brunch will be served from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and is $39.95 per person.
The award-winning brunch is prepared by chefs trained at the Culinary Institute of America and features giant shrimp, smoke salmon, a large selection of salads and a plentiful dessert station with treats of all kinds. There are live-action cooking stations where diners can fill their plates with anything from homemade waffles to Bananas Foster. Brunch includes unlimited champagne, mimosas and Bloody Marys.
Reservations are highly recommended.
Sukothai
516 Main St. in Beacon
845-790-5375
Sukothainy.com
The story behind the name of this Thai cuisine restaurant dates back to the 13th century when King Intradit used the term "Sukhothai," which means "Dawn of Happiness" to name the capital of a new federation of neighboring kingdoms.
And the authenticity of the food - all of which is prepared with fresh ingredients when ordered - is as authentic as its name.
Located on the east end of Main Street in a renovated brick building that was originally built in 1818, the restaurant's menu features traditional entrees, like Pad Thai and Som Tam, to custom-made dishes created by the chef using fresh seafood, meats and vegetables.
The location provides for opportunities to continue the celebration after lunch or dinner. The Beacon Falls are across the street and sure to be flowing after April's rain. And shopping of all kinds is to be had up and down Main Street.
Tea Party at Clermont
Clermont State Historic Site
87 Clermont Avenue in Germantown
Friendsofclermont.org
Bring your mom or favorite mother figure to stroll the gardens and grounds around the historic mansion once owned by the Livingston family, and then enjoy a high tea to celebrate her for Mother's Day. The estate also has beautiful sweeping views of the Hudson River.
The special event will begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 14 and cost $18 per person.
The tea will include Russian tea balls, cucumber sandwiches, and other dainty delights.
Reservations are required by calling 518-537-4240.
Mohonk Mountain House
1000 Mountain Ave., New Paltz
844-207-8368
Mohonk.com
Diners at the Mohonk Mountain House receive a lot more than just a meal.
The drive up the mountain is just the first part of the adventure.
Begin by enjoying brunch that features a carving station, a salad bar, smoked salmon, jumbo chilled shrimp, a made-to-order salad station and a selection of desserts.
Chefs use fresh, locally-sourced ingredients from nearby Hudson Valley farms.
And after eating, the family can enjoy the rest of what Mohonk Mountain House has to offer including 85 miles of hiking trails, the House History Tour that happens at 11:15 a.m. daily, Afternoon Tea & Cookies at 4 p.m. and a visit to view the facility's greenhouse and Victorian gardens, all of which is open to diners with the price of the meal. Guests also can choose to have dinner at the restaurant and enjoy all of the amenities before they eat.
Brunch is $49.25 per adult and $30 per child; dinner is $79.75 per adult and $42.75 per child.
After dinner there is complementary entertainment beginning at 9 p.m.
Terrapin Restaurant, Bistro & Bar
6426 Montgomery St., Rhinebeck
845-876-3330
"From far-flung origins, the world's most diverse flavors meet and mingle here, in this room, at your table. From elements both historic and eclectic comes something surprising, fresh, and dynamic: dishes to delight both the body and soul," is how this bistro in northern Dutchess County describes itself.
Terrapin is housed in what was once First Baptist Church built in 1825 and was recently renovated to create a more relaxed atmosphere.
They describe their dinner on Mother's Day as, "Local. Organic. Authentic. Perfect for Mom," that will feature a prix fixe menu of specially-crafted dishes. The regular menu will not be available.
This year's selections have not yet been finalized, but last year's appetizers and entrees (pick one of each from the menu) included barbequed duck quesadilla, macadamia nut tempura calamari, Hudson Valley french Pekin duck with orange apricot sauce and gnocchi al caprese.
Dinner is $45 per person, exclusive of beverages, dessert tax and gratuity.
Children 12 and under may choose to order off of Terrapin's kids menu.