The flowers are springing up, buds are forming, new leaves appearing in the trees - all marks of a beautiful spring in Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands. As early May approaches, many families or more specifically fathers, husbands, brothers and sisters start making plans on how to celebrate mom on Mother's Day. Mother's Day is Sunday, May 9 - FYI. There are several traditional routes that include cards, flowers, candy, and perhaps a nice dinner at a restaurant. However, 2021 has been anything but traditional given the circumstances of COVID-19 and this global pandemic. Perhaps this year is the year you take a less traditional route. Maybe it's the year for a Mother's Day on a more scenic and mysterious route?
Growing up we would plan "mystery trips" for my grandparents. It was exciting - the thrill of them not knowing where we would be taking them for the day. We would load the car and plan an elaborate trip with 2-3 stops at museums, factories, parks, and more. And we always tried to find a unique dining experience. Sometimes the trips had themes, other times they didn't. But those trips still stand out in my memory as some of the best times with my family. So what am I suggesting? I'm suggesting that you start planning your "mystery road trip" for Mother's Day! Don't worry, I have some suggestions! Below is a sample itinerary for the best 2021 Mystery Road Trip with Mom.
2021 Mystery Road Trip with Mom Itinerary
With a multitude of options to pick from, your morning stop at this gorgeous mountain resort can include a spa treatment, a horseback ride, a zipline tour, mini- golf and more. Choose what you think mom would like best. Maybe she visits the spa to relax and be pampered while the rest of the family does something more adrenaline packed like the Screaming Hawk Zipline? Or maybe the whole family takes a hike on one of the many beautiful mountain trails. This is a great stop with early spring weather as there are indoor and outdoor options for activities. You choose the best experience for you and your mom! (2 hours+ depending on activities)
Hit the road and take a scenic 45 minute drive over to U.S. Route 30. You will find the Lincoln Café & Bakery nestled in Buckstown. With a cozy, family feel this café offers high quality sandwiches like Chicken Cordon Blue Grilled Cheese and Brunch Club. They also offer soups and fresh baked goods. While it isn't a large, fancy restaurant it offers charm and warmth that you won't find just anywhere. Located on the historic Lincoln Highway, it is a local treasure and won't disappoint! (45 minutes - 1 hour)
Skip the dessert at Lincoln and drive a short 9 miles to our family maple sugar camp, Brantview Farms Maple. Our family will greet and show you around our 8th generation sugar camp. There is an orientation video and several displays about the maple syrup production process. Learn about the history of our farm and how the process has evolved. View our state of the art equipment and antique farm displays. And best of all - enjoy a tasting of some of our pure maple products - maple syrup, sugar, cream, candy and more. Shop for maple products to take home too. It is a sweet, unique experience unlike any other! We are open Sunday, May 9 from 12 pm - 4 pm (1 hour)
Leave our sugar camp and drive 20 minutes into Somerset for a party! An Uptown Painting Party! Schedule a time for your family to get creative at the Uptown Painting Party studio. Choose from canvas painting, ceramics or other crafts and make a memorable keepsake from your 2021 Mystery Roadtrip with Mom! There is an onsite artist to help you create your masterpiece! (1.5-2 hours depending on activity)
Continue your drive to PA-31 and stop in at this picturesque winery located outside of Somerset. While tours of the winery aren't currently being offered, you can stop in to sample and purchase their wines. With an awesome deck that offers panoramic views of the vineyard and surrounding lush farmland, it is the perfect last stop (or is it? see below) for your mystery trip. Relax and unwind a little. (30 minutes)
If you plot these destinations on a map, you will also note that it creates the infinity symbol if you circle back to Seven Springs Mountain Resort - perhaps making plans for dinner at the resort and/or a stay overnight? A mother's love is infinite. Your love for your mother is infinite. Just another cool aspect of this fun and unique mystery road trip itinerary!
These ideas should get your wheels spinning. There are many more places to GO in the Laurel Highlands region.
If you would like to plan a special Mother's Day stop at our family sugar camp, please contact us. We would love to help you with plans for your special Mystery Roadtrip with Mom! At Brantview Farms Maple we really cherish time with family and friends and would love to make your Mother's Day special. If you don't have the time or budget for an elaborate road trip, shorten the day with lunch and a drive out to our family maple sugar camp. We will sweeten your day for sure!
Happy travels and of course, Happy Mother's Day!