Each passing year brings another Christmas, another birthday, and another Mother's Day. Whether it happens sooner or later, there can eventually be only one outcome: Mom has way too much stuff. Amaze her on Mother's Day without cluttering the closets by sending (or bringing!) her on one of these unforgettable adventures.
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1Victoria Day Trip and Butchart Gardens Tour
Breathtaking scenery adorns every vantage when taking this tour of of the Northwest's pastoral coastline. It begins at Pier 69 in downtown Seattle as passengers board a Victoria Clipper and set sail through Puget Sound into the Strait of Juan de Luca. During the nearly three-hour sail to Victoria, picturesque villages dotting the islands and framed by the Olympic Mountains drift by as sightseers relax on the deck of the catamaran. Once the boat arrives at Victoria's Inner Harbor, a deluxe passenger bus whisks visitors to the renowned Butchart Gardens for a 2-hour stroll through unparalleled beauty. A bus tour of the historic city follows before once again boarding the clipper for a sunset sail back to Seattle. -
2Sacramento River Dinner Train for Two
It's clear upon boarding the RiverTrain in West Sacramento that passengers are in for a memorable trip along the storied Woodland Branch railroad line. Upon settling at a private table in the dining car, a complimentary champagne toast inaugurates a sumptuous three-course meal that offers beef, chicken, seafood, and vegetarian options. Following your meal, you can take in the view of the rolling countryside from the open-air cars or relax in the Club Car with cocktails and a live band. The three-hour tour is offered in every season and there is no expiration date for the tickets.. -
3Nantahala Raft N' Rail for Two
Once the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad locomotive pulls out of the Bryson City, NC station, passengers are immediately greeted by the sweeping vistas of the Nantahala Gorge. The two hour sightseeing trip whistles to a stop at the head of the Nantahala River for a paddling orientation and outfitting with lifejackets, helmets, paddles, and rafts. Guests will follow a tour guide as they ford eight lively miles of river over the next two hours. The Class I and Class II rapids that predominate the Nantahala rouse without terrifying; a brief stint of Class III rapids at the very end of the trip will be just enough to get the adrenaline surging. Rafters emerge from the water to find a clean, comfortable facility for showering, changing, and uploading action photos over the provided wifi. Stories will fly over a complimentary picnic-style buffet before a shuttle conveys adventurers back to the Bryson City depot. -
4Nationwide Skydiving Experience
If Mom is starting to feel as though the nest empty, tell her to spread her wings and see the world! Select from any one of a variety of experience options, from indoor skydiving facilities to tandem jumps to accelerated freefall dives. You can choose something near by for the ultimate day trip or plan around an adventuresome excursion to nearly anywhere in the contiguous 48 states. Just be sure to remind Mom to think of you at the moment she jumps out of the plane. -
5Endurance Karting Race School
Mom may have had to trade in the sleek convertible in exchange for the minivan, but you can pay her back by giving her a license to thrill. Racers spend a day learning the ins and outs of curves and passing before getting the opportunity to put their new-found strategies to the test. Challenge goals like pacing and time trials confer the discipline required to handle the all-out high-speed races at the end of the day. Lunch is provided, as are drifts, burnouts, and excitement. -
6Private Chelan Valley Wine Tour
The Wine Assault Vehicle Excursion, or W.A.V.E., is a tactical, all-terrain asset deployed to storm the beaches of the mundane. Once enlisted, passengers board the 4x4 Austrain Pinzgauer to venture into the heart of the Chelan Valley where the climate is ideal for growing the grapes of Washington state's finest wines. Over four hours, conscripts will experience tastings and shopping at a selection of boutique wineries such as Balsamroot Winery and Vineyard, Nefarious Cellars (June thru October), Chelan Estate Vineyards & Winery, Tildio Winery, Vin du Lac, Tsillan Cellars, Lake Chelan Winery, or Wapato Point Cellars. Don't be startled when Mom has flashbacks of her magical afternoon and breaks out in smiles. -
7Newport Beach Jetpack Flight Experience
When Mom says she wishes for more bonding time, answer by giving her some James Bonding time. Show her how much living in the future rocks by strapping a very-real-and-not-at-all-fictional jetpack to her back! At Newport Beach in Orange County, seasoned pilots are standing by to train Mom how to break free of gravity's greedy clutch by operating a water-fueled jet propulsion system that hovers up to 30 feet in the air. The experts have some cool tricks to teach - such as donut turns and walking on water - once she masters the basics. This is as action/sci-fi as a gift can get; it going to be a few more Mother's Days before you can get her a flying car. -
8Charleston Paddleboard Eco Tour Experience Trip
If you're looking for an expedition that is equal parts relaxed and invigorating, few outdoor trips can top a paddleboarding tour through the low country of South Carolina. Navigators are conveyed by water taxi to the Charles Towne landing tidal creek and are provided with paddleboards and safety equipment. After a brief tutorial, guests float through the wetlands to experience the unique flora and fauna that thrive where fresh water meets salt water. The majestic Charles Towne schooner adds a backdrop of historical charm from its stately lookout in the harbor. After two and a half hours of paddling, paddlers are provided with a bottle of water and a boat ride back to the marina. -
9NASCAR Movie Star Experience in Orlando
There are plenty of outlets where speed demons can be exorcised. But for those who dream of the excitement, glamour, and lifestyle of top NASCAR drivers, there's only one mecca where the flashbulbs are as hot as the asphalt - the Auburndale Short Track just outside of Orlando. Would-be racers can make their visions a reality and then share them with friends and family; a professional production crew films the entire experience as though it were a sanctioned sporting event. A series of cameras film the stock car as it hurtles around the bends. A photo shoot before the action and a real sports interview following the race bookend the thrills with starry glitz. Drivers come away with a highlight reel that will keep the day memorable forever - not that they needed the help with an experience this intense. -
10John Hancock Observatory Chicago Experience
There's no better way to take in everything that the Windy City has to offer than from Chicago's only open air skywalk at the top of the John Hancock building. The view is enough to draw visitors - four states and the massive expanse of Lake Michigan splay across the horizon - but there's more to do than just look. A scavenger hunt tests what you've learned on the multimedia tour, and the panoramic view screens can zoom in on landmarks while offering relevant facts and trivia. A split of Italian Prosecco is complimentary, but the Lavazza Espression Cafe and Bar offers further repasts for those who wish to linger. Visitors to the Second City will find that this is a can't-miss ticket to wonder or romance.
