We are very soon headed for Washington DC and will be luxuriating in our very first Mandarin Oriental Hotel. We have long heard of their legendary service, and we hope to enjoy a heaping helping of pampering that we can report back to you. Stay tuned!
I captured this photograph while driving in Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park and thought I would share this with you in honor of National Parks Week 2011.
I have also included for you a free downloadable copy of The Official Guide to America’s National Parks, published by the National Park Foundation.
Click to download —> NPF-owners-guide-2011
Enjoy, and get out and enjoy one of your national parks!
It was today (1506) that construction of St. Peter’s Basilica was started. I have had the privilege to explore this architectural masterpiece on two separate occasions. There is seemingly no end to the awe-inspiring beauty of this place, and it is certainly a must-see on any visit to Rome.
Michelangelo’s Pietá is housed inside the basilica (a tear jerker for me), as well as absolutely incredible Bernini sculptures.
Have you been to St. Peter’s Basilica? If so, what were your favorite memories?
Mother’s Day. What images come to your mind when you hear those words.
For me, I conjure images (like this one) of my own mother, wife, and granddaughter. Further, I feel a twinge of pain as I think of my dearly departed mother-in-law and grandmother.
But most of all, I think of it as a special day to celebrate the lives of the mothers in our lives, and it further presents us with a delightfully grand chance to spoil them rotten.
Here are a few delights we have gathered to help you absolutely pamper your mother in luxury:
Mother’s Day Specials for Friends of The Roaming Boomers®
While we were putting together our list, a few of our friends decided to add a special little something for the friends of The Roaming Boomers®. To get these extra special deals, just let them know that you are calling for the Roaming Boomers Mother’s Day Special.
Pan E Vino Ristorante – Ask for the Roaming Boomers Mother’s Day Special and you will receive 15% of your total check! Plus, all moms get a glass of champagne and a free dessert on Mother’s Day. This is our favorite Italian restaurant in the valley!
Four Seasons Scottsdale Spa – When you mention the Roaming Boomers Mother’s Day Special, and purchase their Healing Harmony Mother’s Day Package, they will throw in a complimentary 25-minute treatment (Express Facial or Swedish Massage).
Joya Spa at Montelucia – Mention The Roaming Boomers Mother’s Day Special and you will enjoy 20% off your own treatment when you book at least a 50 minute service for mom. Make certain you ask about their Mother’s Day Pamper Package.
Other Mother’s Day Treats
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood at Scottsdale Quarter – An á la carte Mother’s Day Lunch with specialty items and EV favorites.
Roaring Fork – Roaring Fork honors Valley Mother’s with a gourmet Mother’s Day Brunch with a rugged western edge by Executive Chef, Bryan Hulihee on Sunday, May 8th from 10:00am to 2:00pm. The buffet style menu offers a bread table, savory cold & hot item station, egg & meat carving tables as well as a tasty dessert station. $19/person.
Spotted Donkey Cantina – Spotted Donkey Cantina “kicks” it up a notch for Mom’s this year hosting a festive Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 8th complete with a create your own bloody Mary bar, and specialty á la carte brunch menu by Executive Chef, Patrick Boll.
Latilla Restaurant – The Boulders’ Signature Restaurant, the Latilla invites guests to indulge in a Mother’s Day Brunch featuring a variety of seafood, salads, fruits, carving & omelet stations and dessert buffet by Chefs Michel Pieton and Stephen Jones. $75/person including champagne.
The Palo Verde Restaurant – The Palo Verde Restaurant hosts an a la carte menu that includes culinary delights from the Southwestern region in celebration of the Mother’s Day holiday.
Talavara Restaurant – a special four-course tasting menu on Mother’s Day from 4 – 9 p.m. $80/person.
Crescent Moon Restaurant – featuring delicacies from the carving station, seafood specialties, and a variety of soups, salads
and desserts – will be held Sunday, May 8, 2011, with seating times from 11:00 a.m. – 7 p.m. The cost is $68 for adults or $78 with Champagne; children ages 12 and under cost $35. A Mother’s Day breakfast buffet also will be available in Crescent Moon, with
seating from 7 – 10 a.m. at a cost of $27 per person
And, if this isn’t enough to get your stomach rumbling, here are scores of options from Open Table.
Now, get those reservations made before your favorite sells out!
Your mother is a very special person. Right? So why treat her to a very typical Mother’s Day when you can give her a remarkable and totally unique experience to communicate your love for her.
To help you do that, we have assembled four unique Mother’s Day experiences that are certain to have your mother beaming for days.
A Mother’s Day Hot Air Balloon Expedition
Hot Air Expeditions is offering a Mother’s Day hot air balloon ride. Here’s the deal: 1 to 1.5 hour hot air balloon fight over the desert, upgraded sit-down breakfast upon landing in the desert catered by Vincents including warm quiche, meats, croissants, scones, cheeses, orange juice, and even some chilled champagne. Also includes a commemorative flight certificate, a champagne flute and some fresh flowers for mom. Regular rates are $175, but this Mother’s Day special rate, with upgrades is only $150.
A Mother’s Day Horseback Trail Ride in Cave Creek Regional Park
Cave Creek Trailrides is offering a half-off special for moms who ride on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Mother’s Day weekend—May 6, 7 and 8. Moms get to ride on Mother’s Day weekend for only $20.50 to $45.50.
So git some giddy in yer giddyup and take mom to enjoy Cave Creek Regional Park’s natural quiet and beauty as you bond with mom to your horse’s soothing swaying rhythm.
A Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch at the Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden is hosting a Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch offering Bananas Foster Stuffed French Toast and Brown Sugar Rum Syrup, Pan Frittatas, Shrimp Louie, Praline Bread Pudding and much more.
Further, you will enjoy a touching poetic tribute to moms from Harold “HB” Branch, as well as four great ladies of jazz: Margo Reed, Nancy Gee, Delphine Cortez, and Sherry Roberson. All inclusive tickets are only $80 general/$75members.
Enjoy Mother’s Day at the Phoenix Zoo
The Phoenix Zoo is offering a special Mother’s Day at the Zoo.
Enjoy an exquisitely catered brunch with an Anchio Glazed Pork Loin carving station, Poblano and Asparagus Frittata, Scrambled Eggs, Maple Cured Bacon, Fresh Salads, Cheese Board w/ Artisan Breads, and much more. Plus, you will enjoy all day access to the zoo! Adults $35, Children 3-12 $15, and Children under 2 are free.
There you have it! Four adventures that are certain to build lifelong memories for mom. Now don’t delay, many of these events will sell out!
The Roaming Boomers