Treat Your Special Lady Nice

She’s always bailed you out of jams. From when you wet your Smurf overalls in kindergarten to the time your car broke down while you were fake running away (Screw curfews, I’m outta here!) — your mom’s had your back. Thank your favorite lady for all she’s done on Mother’s Day by taking her to spots she actually likes. (Translation: No Monster Trucks.)

Moms love to snoop, it’s part of their charm. Take yours on a paradise mission for any voyeur during the Mounts Botanical Garden annual Connoisseurs Garden Tour. For $25 a piece, you and mom can explore any (or all) of ten private gardens throughout Wellington, Palm Beach, and Lake Worth. Peak into the yard of Jim Ponce (828 35th St., West Palm Beach) and discover a double lot of Eden that took 50 years to grow. Seeds and clippings from numerous South Florida landmarks add luster to the foliage that surrounds Ponce’s historic 1920’s home. If Lake Worth is more your speed, let mom take a gander at the landscaping of Alex and Michelle Caldwell: It’s a splendid smash-up of Texas luster and Florida flair. You’ll wind through cacti-lined rock pathways, hibiscus, and bougainvillea topiaries as you explore this beloved green space. You can purchase tickets at many locations, get the list at www.mounts.org, or buy them direct by calling 561-233-1757.

Moms also like to be fancy. Sweep her away to the Morikami (400 Morikami Park Rd., Delray Beach) for a day of pampering and quality time. Dine on entrees in the Cornell Café; that’s where moms get complimentary mimosas and raspberry cheesecake. Walk off those calories while you hike the sprawling gardens, then take a look at the museum’s newest exhibit, “Paths That Connect: Japanese Woodblock Prints”. Tickets range from $6 to $10. Visit www.morikami.org.

Most of all, moms love Princess Diana. They cried on her wedding day, living vicariously through D’s charmed life and good deeds. And even now in her absence, your mom’s eyes get dewy whenever her name is mentioned. Take your mom out for the ideal girl afternoon — gambling, and then a tour of Princess Diana’s clothing at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino (One Seminole Way, Hollywood). Sunday is the last opportunity to catch this traveling exhibit of frilly frocks and eveningwear worn by the world’s favorite princess. Tickets are $10 for the general public, but are free for Player’s Club members. For information of the tour visit www.princessdianadresses.com.
Sun., May 11, 2008