The Perfect Mother’s Day in Mystic Country

Wicked Tulips, the flower farm of your dreams, opened a new location in Preston this week, just in time to incorporate them into your Mother’s Day plans.  Whether picking up a bouquet as a gift for mom or bringing her to the farm to frolic in the fields and pick her own blooms, Wicked Tulips are guaranteed to make Mom smile. Wicked Tulips is a family-friendly destination. Reservations and advanced ticket purchases are required, and they do sell out quickly, especially on weekends and holidays, so make your plans early.

Does your Mom love to be pampered? The Spa at Norwich Inn is running a Mother’s Day gift card promotion through May 9, so you can gift your mom her choice of treatments, like a massage, facial or one of their seasonal Spring Spa Treatments. Make a day of it and plan to picnic on the grounds of their gorgeous property. They will be offering a special Mother’s Day Picnic Basket lunch, which is available for pre-order and can be picked up between 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on May 9. There will be designated locations around to picnic, including indoor and outdoor spaces, weather permitting. If Mom’s more of a Brunch person, you can also make a reservation for their three-course Mother’s Day Brunch, with outdoor seating available.

Down a dirt road sits Stonington Vineyards, where you will find live music on certain weekends, and the Lobster Tails Food Truck onsite. You can also pack your own picnic, but no outside alcohol is allowed besides the vineyard's wine. The lawn is a great place to spread out and enjoy the sunshine, a bottle of wine, and some live music. Their Cabernet Franc is a favorite or try the Seaport White for a light and fruity option.

About 10 minutes away, Saltwater Farm Vineyards, which is equally as charming and also has live music and food trucks for Mother’s Day. Live musical entertainment will be provided by Dan Watson from 3 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. and the Rolling Tomato Pizza Truck will be on site all afternoon. Reservations can be made for those wishing to sit indoors, where space is limited. Otherwise, bring your blanket and chairs and stake out a spot of your own outside. Their Cabernet Rose is delicious, and they also sell a variety of local craft beers. The tasting room is truly unique, as it’s a restored airplane hangar and overlooks a grass landing strip dating back to the 1930s.