March 17, 2022
Since day one, she’s been there for you, so isn’t it time to show her a little extra love this Mother’s Day? Flowers and jewelry are lovely, but there’s no better way to show her how much you really care than by spending quality time together. And there’s no better way to spend quality time together than by leaving it all behind and jet-setting off to Europe to make some memories!
Here’s a little wanderlust to inspire you to treat the mommas in your life and show them just how much they’re loved.
Florence, Italy
Florence easily checks just about everyone’s boxes with a myriad of museums, historical sites, gardens, shopping, and, my personal favorite, gelaterias. But for this trip, step away from the main areas and experience Florentine culture on a smaller scale with a stroll through Oltrarno. In this vibrant neighborhood on the south side of the Arno River, you will enjoy narrow lanes packed with atmospheric cafés, trendy boutiques, and antique shops full of hidden treasures.
And while Florence is spectacular all on its own, keep in mind that it pairs perfectly with some time in the Tuscan countryside. Treat mom to a top-down drive complete with glamours shades and silk scarves blowing in the wind as you pass gently rolling hills dotted with soaring cypress trees, olive groves, and vineyards.
Hampshire, England
Prefer a beautiful, yet quiet place to escape the daily grind and let go of it all? There’s the perfect spot just under an hour by train outside of London to do just this, Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire. This is a destination in itself and manages to be luxurious without being stuffy. Wander through lush gardens, unwind in the Zen-like spa, try your hand at flyfishing, or ride horseback along the rolling hills. It’s the perfect place to disconnect from the hecticness of life and reconnect with those you love.
The 18th-century manor set on 500 acres of picturesque grounds is the ideal location to partake in a little of everything or lots of nothing! Enjoy delicious meals in your suite, the main dining room at Wild Carrot, near the spa at Café Santé, or my favorite spot, The Bar at Wild Carrot. The elegant yet casual atmosphere of the bar is the perfect nightly ritual sure to entice lively family discussions and cocktail tastings. While you never need to leave the property to enjoy your time in Hampshire, there are many sites close by for a fun outing, such as Highclere Castle, Stonehenge, and the Cotswolds.
Alsace, France
Are you longing to relive fairytale dreams from childhood? Then Alsace is the place for you. A picturesque region of France lying on the west bank of the river Rhine, between the river and the Vosges mountains. Here France and Germany combine in the most magical way creating beautiful little villages with pastel, half-timbered buildings, window boxes spilling out with brightly colored flowers, and cobblestone streets. If you’re not already, picture a scence from Beauty and the Beast.
The ways to enjoy this scenic area are almost as endless as the number of cute towns. For a bit of exercise, bike from Colmar to neighboring towns such as Eguisheim. Stop along the way to visit a vineyard or two and then enjoy a picnic lunch in a field of wildflowers. For dinner, try the flammekueche, also known as tart flambée in French. This thin, pizza-like dough with crisp edges garnished with sliced onions, smoked lardons, and crème fraîche is simply heaven!
Lake Como, Italy
Just two hours north of Milan, Lake Como is a beautiful ancient glacial lake known for its colorful towns, dramatic villas, beautiful gardens, and George Clooney. After enjoying a leisurely breakfast on your terrace, board your captain-led Riva yacht and cruise the lake while sipping champagne. Stop off in passing towns such as Bellagio and Menaggio and browse the elegant boutiques and family-run trattorias. Enjoy learning to make pasta with a local chef, and then enjoy the fruits of your labor. For fashion loving moms throw in a day trip to Milan for a few hours of private shopping in one of the world’s most stylish cities.
There might be a slight theme to my picks, they’re all stunningly picturesque and provide the perfect balance of relaxation and activity. It’s so important to return home from a vacation having felt like you genuinely experienced the destination while still having taken a break!
This is just a small sampling of what each city has to offer. There’s so much more to learn and explore. Every destination has its own gift to give when experienced through your personal interests. Have I piqued your interest? Click here, and let’s plan a trip your sweet momma will never forget!
