Destinations

What so great about summer other than the weather? Festivals! Summer is the best time for going to see new and exciting things happening in your town and the world. If you’re looking for something to do while your out and about these are only some of the events that will tickle your fancy.

The Capital Fringe Festival, Washington D.C. July 10-27: The Capital Fringe Festival features more than 500 performing arts shows at several venues around the Penn Quarter of D.C. It is an annual festival that was established to exhibit new, risk-taking art, and non-traditional performances from theater to dance to music and more.

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Washington D.C. June 25-29 and July 2-6: Sponsored by the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage it is an annual event that focuses on celebrating cultural traditions from around the world. There is everything from music and dance, to cooking and crafts, to storytelling and discussions of cultural issues. This year the program will be featuring issues concerning Bhutan, NASA, and Texas.

Essence Festival Back Home In New Orleans: The Essence Festival celebrated its return in 2007 and is continuing the traditional this year. It will have more than 200,000 of the nations best African-American musical talent. In addition one can listen to some of the finest speakers in empowerment seminars. Usually held over the Forth of July weekend.

Taste of Chicago 2008, June 27 through July 6: Chicago’s biggest event started in 1980 as a small food festival, Taste of Chicago has become the world’s largest outdoor food festival. It is an extravaganza of more than 3 million people tasting the cuisine of over 70 of Chicago’s favorite restaurants.

Notting Hill Carnival, London: Since 1964 the Notting Hill Carnival has celebrated the cultural traditions of immigrant population from the Caribbean. In the 1950’s and 60’s the immigrant population faced harsh racism and after the race riots this small party was design to bring people together to remember their cultural roots. The party now has more the two million revelers and is held in August on Bank Holiday synonymous with the Caribbean Carnival.

Resorts and Spa:

The Ceiba Del Mar Beach & Spa is giving a Mother & Daughter Spa Package. The package includes a five-day/four night stay in one of their luxury accommodations. A welcome cocktail on arrival, private transport from the airport, fresh fruit basket in room, in room complimentary coffee service, spa gift and rope. In addition access to the gym, kayaks, snorkeling equipment, and the resorts fitness program with yoga, Pilates and AuqaFit. The Spa Treatments will include: The Mayan Goddess Scrub 40 mins, Top Nik Te Massage 90 mins, Purification Facial 50 mins, Manicure 50 mins.

Four Seasons Palo Alto is offering Expecting & New Mother’s Luxury Wellness Escape. The weekend starts Friday at the Four Seasons spa in Silicon Valley where she’ll get a 60 minute treatment, a blissful sleep, and two wellness sessions and late check out. Then arrive at the Hotel relax by the pool and then a pre/postnatal yoga session in the ballroom. Saturday wake up to a poolside reception and breakfast with Stacy Denney (founder of Barefoot & Pregnant) and Shantell Herndon (childbirth adviser). They will be there to answer questions about childbirth and motherhood. Then a pre/postnatal water fitness, followed by spa Mama demo with Stacy Denney on how to pamper yourself at home. Finally ending the day with a spa treatment and complimentary late check out.

Bunch and Dinner:

Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay is offering three wonderful Mother’s Day meals that the whole family will enjoy. The Mother’s Day brunch in the Ballroom has the Trio performing and each mother receives a rose upon departure. The Mother’s Day brunch in Navio or The Mother’s Day Dinner in Navio a five course tasting menu a la carte and upon departure each mother will receive a rose.

Four Seasons Palm Beach is offering a third night complimentary along with a lavish Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch on Sunday. Executive Chef Darryl Moiles will prepare a delicious Mother’s Day Feast made of a combination of new and traditional favorites. If your willing to a little extra one can get the buffet with free-flowing mimosas or sparking wine.

The Kauai Marriott is offering a Mother’s Day Brunch in their Kuku’s Restaurant. From a deluxe omelet station to a you choice of bakery sweets and fresh fruit smoothies, mom will leave completely satisfied. To top of your mother’s day gift you can get her one of the resorts Escape Spa Packages leaving her feeling full and pampered.

Check these vendors in your local area to see their specials.

Wondering what you should do for Mother’s Day? There are some many great deal and packages from Bunch to getaways there is no doubt that you’ll find something to make her feel special.

Spa Specials:

Fern Tree the Spa at Half Moon is offering a soothing day at the spa. Relax as the massage therapist gently kneads away stress and tension with an Ease Up Swedish Massages. The Package includes: 50 minute massage, a glass of Champagne, a fruit plate, and use of the lounge at Fern Tree Falls. Let her take in the beauty of the Caribbean Sea as she sits in her own private seaside gazebo.

Four Seasons Washington DC is offering a Mother-to-be package designed especially for expecting mothers. The package includes a relaxing bath followed by a prenatal massage and finishes with a custom facial, in total 125 minutes of pure bliss. Recommended for mothers in their second and third trimester.

Elizabeth Arden Spas are offering three great packages that are sure to leave mom feeling beautiful and relax. Make it a half-day or a full day of indulgence and each package comes with a beautiful gift box.

• The Gentle Touch Package includes: a signature massage or signature facial, warm cream manicure, warm cream pedicure, and makeup refresher. The gift box includes a spa robe.

• The Peace and Quiet Package includes: signature massage, signature facial, signature manicure, makeup refresher, and spa lunch. The gift box includes a spa robe and illume candle.

• The Ultimate Embrace Package includes: signature massage, ultimate Arden facial, signature manicure, signature pedicure, makeup application, and spa lunch. The gift box includes a spa robe, illume candle, and aromatic diffuser.

Post comments if you have any ideas or suggestions for gifts and getaways? Mothers what would be your ultimate mother’s day gift?