MOTHER'S DAY IN DENVER

Let’s face facts: Mothers deserve more than one special day a year. But you can make sure that this Mother’s Day is extra special by giving Mom a day filled with the best Denver has to offer. From flowers to shopping to traditional tea, the Mile High City knows the right way to treat mothers. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Kick off the day with a fragrant bouquet of freshly-cut, elegantly arranged flowers. Colorado’s largest flower business, Lehrer’s Flowers, can help you find the perfect combination for your mom. Or visit Bouquets in Lower Downtown or Belmar-Lakewood – they were named one of America's top 10 florists by Bon Appetit Magazine.

Next, treat Mom to a full-fledged shopping spree. Think of it as payback for all that shopping she did for you back when you were a tyke. In Denver, your shopping options are near-endless – but a good place to start might be the sprawling Cherry Creek Shopping District. Mom can take her pick from familiar brand-name stores like Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Coach at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, or the hundreds of unique, locally-owned boutiques, spas and galleries across the street at Cherry Creek North. You might also want to browse the shops in the Highlands neighborhood, where there are a number of great shops – not to mention several restaurants and cafes that will do nicely for a Mother’s Day lunch.

After you’ve eaten, head to one of Denver’s many world-class museums – there’s one to suit every mom’s taste. For art-lovers, you can’t go wrong with the Denver Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art/Denver or the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art. History buffs love the Colorado History Museum, where the story of the Centennial State is told, and the Black American West Museum, which features fascinating exhibits on African Americans who helped develop the American West. Other museums to consider include the Museo de Las Américas, which boasts an unparalleled collection of Latin American art and the Molly Brown House Museum, which pays tribute to its “unsinkable” namesake.

You’ve spent a good portion of your day on foot, so why not let Mom relax in style at the Brown Palace’s Traditional Afternoon Tea? While you sit in this historic hotel’s legendary atrium lobby, you’ll be served scones, tea pastries and tea sandwiches, all artfully prepared by the hotel’s culinary staff each day. You’ll enjoy the soothing sounds of a harp or pianist playing classical, jazz and pop standards. Take note – this is a popular Mother’s Day pastime, and space is limited, so call ahead beforehand. And if you’re in the mood for an early cocktail, stop in at the Brown’s lively pub, the Ship Tavern.

Finish off your Mile High Mother’s Day with a hearty meal at one of Denver’s many fine eateries. There are a myriad of places to choose from, including innovative chef-owned bistros, trendy neighborhood hotspots, casual brewpubs and classic steakhouses. There’s a high concentration of restaurants in the LoDo (lower downtown) area, but you could also head out to Cherry Creek, the Highlands or the Golden Triangle Museum District as well. Explore more at www.denver.org/dining-nightlife.