What's Your Pleasure?
Want to celebrate someone special this May? Rhode Island knows how to honor the mother figures in our lives. Whether you're planning something for Mom, Grandma, an aunt, guardian or anyone who's made a difference in your life, the Ocean State becomes the perfect backdrop for showing appreciation on May 11, 2025. From peaceful gondola rides to gardens bursting with spring blooms, Rhode Island offers countless ways to spend quality time with someone who means the world to you.
Float Through Providence Like You're in Venice
Skip the plane ticket to Italy. La Gondola delivers a 40-minute authentic slice of Venice right in downtown Providence at the dock at 1 Citizens Plaza. Their fleet of genuine Venetian gondolas glides along the Providence and Woonasquatucket rivers, with traditionally dressed gondoliers at the helm. As part of the authentic experience, their talented gondoliers serenade passengers with traditional Italian songs, adding an extra touch of romance and Old World charm to the journey. Each intimate vessel accommodates up to six passengers, making it perfect for a close-knit family celebration.
Mimosas & Monuments Cruise
For a livelier celebration, Providence River Boat Company has crafted special Mother's Day Weekend Mimosa Cruises on May 10-11, 2025. Starting at $25 per person, these casual cruises aboard their comfortable 18-passenger vessels include a complimentary mimosa while you float past the city's waterfront highlights. The journey showcases Providence's iconic skyline, the winding Riverwalk, historic Waterplace Park with its distinctive bridges, the impressive Fox Point Hurricane Barrier, and the bustling Industrial Harbor. Unlike their regular narrated tours, these Mother's Day specials focus on creating a relaxed atmosphere perfect for family bonding. Multiple departure times are available throughout the morning and early afternoon, launching from their downtown dock.
Set Sail in Newport
Want to go bigger? Newport's harbor cruises offer a different kind of magic. The Coastal Queen offers special Mother's Day Mimosa Cruises departing from Newport at 10 AM and noon on May 11, 2025. During these 60-minute voyages, you'll glide through Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay, taking in spectacular views of the Rhode Island coastline while sharing quality time with Mom. Each cruise features complimentary mimosas and stunning photo opportunities of the harbor's iconic sights, including the famous Newport mansions, lighthouses, and historic Jamestown. Remember to bring your camera – the morning light on the water creates perfect photo opportunities of Rhode Island's stunning coastal scenery.
Where The Flowers Are Endless
Ever seen your mom's face light up at the sight of flowers? Take her to Wicked Tulips Flower Farm in Johnston. It's not just any flower field – it's New England's largest u-pick tulip paradise, with hundreds of thousands of bulbs creating waves of purple, red, orange, pink, and yellow blooms. Pro tip: Book those tickets early. This place sells out faster than fresh cookies at a bake sale. Can't make it to Johnston? Their Exeter location blooms earlier and offers just as much beauty.
For a more intimate flower experience, the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center offers a stunning year-round escape. As New England's largest indoor public garden, this 12,000-square-foot glass and steel conservatory stands 40 feet high and houses an incredible variety of botanical wonders. Mom will be amazed by the majestic 40-foot tall palms, fascinating carnivorous plants, and impressive 10-foot cacti reaching toward the sky.
Looking for something truly special? Take Mom to the Kinney Azalea Gardens in Kingston, a 16-acre paradise that comes alive in spring with over 500 varieties of azaleas and rhododendrons. Wander through hidden trails, cross charming bridges, and discover the enchanting Moon Gate. The gardens begin their beautiful blooms in April after their winter break, making them perfect for Mother's Day viewing. Best of all? It's free to visit (though donations are appreciated), and you can even purchase a plant to bring a piece of the garden home with you.
Elegant Tea Services
Want to make Mom feel like royalty? Blithewold Mansion's tea service is the stuff of dreams. They've perfected the art of afternoon tea with all the classic touches:
- Freshly baked scones that melt in your mouth (served with real imported sweet cream!)
- A gorgeous three-tiered display of treats that'll make your Instagram followers jealous
- Fine teas that'll transport you straight to England
- Special holiday goodies that change with the season
The establishment offers cucumber sandwiches that maintain their crispness, along with a signature quiche. The menu includes ham and cheese finger sandwiches and chicken salad, all served in the historic setting. These offerings make it an ideal Mother's Day destination.
Looking for a whimsical Mother's Day escape? Inside a converted church in Warren, Tatters Afternoon Tea Room serves up charm by the cupful. The sustainable clothing boutique-meets-tea room offers a picture-perfect setting for mother-daughter bonding, with vintage teacups clinking against delicate saucers and handmade clothing waiting to be discovered between sips. Owner Carol's carefully curated afternoon tea service (reservations required) transforms the historic space, dubbed "The Church Palace," into an Instagram-worthy celebration of maternal love. While vegan options are available, traditionalists can still enjoy classic teatime treats Thursday through Sunday, making it an ideal spot to spoil Mom while supporting a local treasure.
Psst... want even more tea-rific ideas? Check out our Tea Time in Rhode Island blog for other amazing spots to sip and celebrate!
Brunch Fit for a Queen
Okay, listen up – Ocean House is about to redefine your Mother's Day game. We're talking an all-day epic celebration from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in their jaw-dropping Seaside Ballroom. This isn't just a brunch; it's a full-on Mom appreciation festival.
Imagine spending an entire day overlooking the breathtaking ocean, surrounded by pure luxury. For $135 per person, you're getting more than just a meal – you're creating memories that'll make your siblings jealous. Kids are totally welcome too: $75 for ages 6-12, and only $35 for the little ones 5 and under. (Pro tip: Tax and service charge are extra, so budget accordingly.)
Here's the deal: This isn't your average buffet. We're talking a culinary journey crafted with so much love, your mom might actually tear up. From savory delights that'll make her forget about all those times you "forgot" to call, to sweet indulgences that scream "I appreciate you," every single bite tells a story.
Fair warning: Reservations are required, and they mean business. You'll need to drop a non-refundable deposit – $50 per adult and $20 per child – just to secure your spot. But trust me, this is one investment that pays emotional dividends.
Weekapaug Inn is serving up a family-style brunch that's basically a love letter to moms everywhere. From 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM, they're dishing out a waterfront feast at $95 per person that'll make your Instagram followers green with envy. Picture this: incredible food, breathtaking ocean views, and quality time with Mom that'll beat any gift you could wrap. Pro tip: Come hungry and ready to create some serious memories.
Newport Vineyards hosts another fantastic option - a farm-to-table buffet that showcases the best of Rhode Island's local ingredients. They've got chef-attended stations, and yes, you can add wine, beer, or brunch cocktails to make the celebration extra festive.
Looking for the perfect brunch spot for Mother's Day or any weekend? Check out these amazing options.
Spa Day, Anyone?
Let's talk serious pampering. The OH! Spa at The Preserve isn't just a spa – it's a sanctuary designed to make moms feel like absolute queens. Their Mother's Day packages are pure magic, offering treatments that go way beyond your average massage. We're talking about stress-melting experiences that'll have her floating on cloud nine. Picture deep tissue massages that work out every single knot from years of carrying everything from grocery bags to emotional burdens, and rejuvenating facials that'll make her skin glow brighter than her pride in you.
Hotel Viking Spa brings its A-game with seasonal wellness treatments that scream "I appreciate you, Mom!" Their hot stone massages are legendary – smooth, heated stones that melt away tension like magic. Hydrating facials that'll have her skin looking years younger, aromatherapy that transports her to a state of pure bliss. Pro tip: Book early, because these spots fill up faster than free samples at a farmer's market.
The Bodhi Spa in Newport offers a truly unique experience with their hydrotherapy circuit. Imagine a day of alternating between hot and cold plunge pools, steam rooms, and saunas – it's basically a reset button for moms who need to wash away a year's worth of stress in just a few hours. Their carefully curated water therapy experiences are like a mini-vacation without leaving Rhode Island.
Outdoor Adventure For The Whole Family
Rail Explorers is rolling out a champagne-worthy spring celebration on May 10-11, 2025, combining scenic rail adventure with a full brunch spread. The special weekend tours feature a pedal-powered journey along Aquidneck Island's historic rails aboard either tandem (two-seat) or quad (four-seat) rail bikes, with a festive stop at the private Bayside Station. Here, guests can relax in Adirondack chairs and at picnic tables overlooking Narragansett Bay while toasting with mimosas and Bloody Marys, enjoying fresh-baked pastries, seasonal fruit platters, and locally roasted coffee. The two-hour excursion covers a scenic six-mile round-trip route along the water. The pedal-assisted rail bikes ensure everyone can savor their morning treats without working up too much of a sweat on the return journey.
Cultural Celebrations That'll Make Her Day
Get Creative Together: Workshops That'll Make Mom Smile
Let's be real – moms love quality time more than any fancy gift. Brick Pizza Co. is hosting a flower arrangement workshop on May 8 from 5:30-6:30 PM where you and Mom can play florist for a day. Becky from Coastal Blooms will walk you through creating the perfect vase arrangement – Instagram gold, guaranteed!
If your mom's more of a culinary queen, Newport Cooks offers special cooking experiences that are basically like a fun date, but with your mom. You'll learn new skills, make something delicious, and probably create some hilarious kitchen mishaps along the way.
Music lovers, listen up! The Providence Performing Arts Center is presenting a special early Mother's Day celebration on May 7 at 12 PM, featuring House Organist Peter Edwin Krasinski performing Broadway tunes about moms. We're talking songs from Les Misérables, Mamma Mia!, and Gypsy – a musical tribute that'll have both of you tearing up. Psst, want to know the best part? This epic performance is totally free! No tickets, no hassle. Feel free to pack a lunch and bring it along – because who doesn't love a midday snack? And bonus: they'll have complimentary drinks to keep you refreshed while you're enjoying the musical mom tribute.
Here's the thing about Mother's Day – it's not about cramming in every possible activity. It's about quality time. Whatever you choose, remember to take photos (but not too many – live in the moment), laugh a lot, and let Mom know she's appreciated. After all, the best Mother's Day gift is simply being together.
If you are looking for other luxurious places to treat mom here are some great ideas
