MANCHESTER, NH – Mother’s Day is just around the corner and Manchester has no shortage of fun things to do that stretch beyond the same-old-same-old Mother’s Day routine. Show Mom some extra appreciation and spend some quality time with her on Sunday, May 10. Here are some ideas:
Go for a spin! Manchester has miles of recreational trails perfect for bike rides, or just for touring the city. Goodale’s Bike Shop, Hooksett Road, Hooksett, offers 24-hour rentals of road and mountain bikes. For a list of places to ride, check out TrailLink.
Cook a special meal at home….or, assemble that special meal. Check out the new T-Bones Specialty Market located at 66 Union St., Manchester, for individual heat-and-serve meals like chicken Parmesan ($9.99), roast turkey dinner ($9.99) and homemade lasagna ($8.99). Open 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Mother’s Day. Or head to Angela’s Pasta & Cheese, 815 Chestnut St., Manchester, for individual heat-and
-serve dinners, like garlic Dijon chicken and pasta ($8.95), stuffed shells with spinach ($7.95) and seafood lasagna ($13.95). NOTE: Angela’s is not open on Sundays, so get there on Saturday between 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Hit the water! Pawtuckaway State Park in Nottingham offers something for everyone. The park includes a large family friendly beach on the lake, hiking trails, and a mountaintop fire tower. The park has canoe, kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals for $10 per hour or $45 per day for canoes and kayaks.
Treat Mom to a make-up session with Kriss of Kriss Cosmetics, the make-up magic behind Hilary Clinton’s transformation during the 2007 presidential debate that sparked rumors of a face-lift. No surgery; just Kriss’s wizardry and the custom lip color she made for Clinton called “Debate.” A customized make-up lesson with Kriss is $75, reservations required.
Saddleup! Lucky 7 Stables on Litchfield Rd., Londonderry, offers riding lessons seven days a week, $30 for a half-hour and $40 for one hour, by appointment. Or, if you’re experienced, take a trail ride 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., seven days a week, $60 for two riders.
Life’s a zoo! At Charmingfare Farm in Candia, Moms get in free on Mother’s Day. This is New Hampshire’s only zoo, and here visitors can catch a glimpse of wildlife and farm animals and enjoy unlimited pony, horse-drawn or tractor train rides with admission. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., tickets must be purchased online, in advance. $17 per person, children under 23 months are free.
Catch the Fisher Cats playing Trenton, 1 p.m. with guest appearances by Clifford the Big Red Dog, The Super Readers and Word Girl. tickets range from $6-$12 and can be purchased online.
Go bowling! Spare Time Bowling on Maple Street, Manchester, offers a fun, retro sort of vibe and bonus: it is a block away from Cremeland!
Tour the Zimmerman House with the Currier Museum of Art.
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1950, it is the only Wright building in New England open to the public. Tours are by reservation only, and it is strongly recommended tickets are purchased well in advance. The tour departs by van from the museum and your tour ticket also gets you admission to the museum.
Children under 7 not permitted. Tours are offered at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets are $8-$20.
Get twisted! Yoga Balance, 135 Hooksett Road, Manchester, offers three different classes on Sundays. The drop in price is $17, or $12 for folks 62+.
Sing! The Yee Dynasty on South Willow Street, Manchester, has karaoke seven nights a week from 9 p.m.-close. Sip a super-sized Mai Tai and sing your heart out with Mom.
Dance! Queen City Ballroom hosts Ballroom Dance Parties on Sunday nights at the Lion’s Club Hall, 246 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry, from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. These dance parties offer something for everyone; singles and couples welcome, it’s beginner friendly and there’s a variety of music, ranging from Latin, ballroom and swing. The cost is $8 per person, and some dancers bring a potluck. For more information, email karen@queencityballroomnh.com.
Tap into Mom’s creative side. Muse Paintbar is holding three classes on Mother’s Day. It is strongly recommended that you reserve space in advance. Price ranges from $29-$35 per person. Muse offers a menu including spinach and feta triangles ($6), French bread pizza ($7) and brownie a ‘la mode ($6) and serves wine and beer.
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