[Note: This was originally written in 2024, but has been updated to reflect what’s going on now.]
There’s no rule that says Mother’s Day has to be celebrated with the whole family. What might make it special for some moms is some time to themselves… some mom “me” time. 😉 If you’re looking for ways to enjoy the day on your own or with friends that feel like a treat for yourself, here are some ideas. Happy Mothers Day!
A peek at the indoor pool area at Balian Springs
SPA DAY
Treat yourself to some relaxation and pampering at a place where you can spend the whole day enjoying a variety of spa experiences. I recommend a few Korean bath houses around the area that are perfect for that, all of them offering hydrotherapy pools, saunas, poultice rooms (these are like saunas but enhanced with salt, clay, gems, and other materials) at varying temperatures, cafes with good food, plus extra services like massages and scrubs.
Balian Springs Day Spa in Alexandria, VA, is the newest and nicest, but also the most expensive. There are both indoor and outdoor pools, and you wear a swimsuit for all of them. ($135/weekdays, $165/weekends)
Spa World in Springfield, VA, is the original Korean bath house in the area, and while the years show a bit, it’s still a wonderful little world of relaxation. Plus, you can’t beat the price. It is required to be naked in the women’s bade pool area, so if you’re not comfortable with nudity, this is not the place for you. I recommend reading my friend Darcy’s review of Spa World from a bunch of years ago. ($45 and you can find a discount here)
King Spa in Chantilly, VA, is another popular spot. The facilities and services are similar to the other two, and there are both indoor and outdoor pools with swimsuits required outdoors, optional in most indoors. Admission is mid-range ($60/weekdays, $70/weekends).
Great food and cocktails at Chloe
BRUNCH WTH FRIENDS
Get some mom friends together and celebrate yourselves, or just get together with your girls, moms or not, and savor a nice meal. A bunch of places around the area are offering special brunches. And plenty more are great for breaking bread anytime.
Osteria Mozza, the new(ish) Italian restaurant in the old Dean & Deluca space has a great food in a gorgeous setting.
José Andrés restaurants are always festive, and the food never disappoints. See specifics for Jaleo, Zaytinya, Oyamel, China Chilcano, and The Bazaar.
Villa Yara in Georgetown serves delicious Lebanese food and has seating in the most lovely garden area
Chloe, located at The Yards in the Capitol Riverfront has a great brunch menu, seating both indoors and out, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Pastis in the Union Market District has a lively French vibe and fantastic food.
Have a meal by the water at The Wharf — Mi Vida serves a yummy Mexican brunch, including the best spicy margaritas, and offers outdoor seating with lovely river views.
Enjoy some fabulous entertainment with your meal at Perry’s Drag Brunch — email perrysdragbrunch@gmail.com or call 202.234.6218 to reserve.
Relax and sip at the Winery at LaGrange
VISIT A WINERY
Another outing to enjoy with friends, and the forecast looks like it should be perfect for hanging outdoors in a pretty setting and savoring some local wine.
The Winery at LaGrange in Haymarket, VA, has a pretty picnic area under leafy trees and a nice laidback vibe.
Barrel Oak Winery in Delaplane, VA, is lovely and also serves beer from its Tap House and bites from a food truck.
Stone Tower Winery in Leesburg gets raves for its brunch menu as much as its wine and lovely location.
A little further out, but well worth the drive is Greenhill Vineyard in Middleburg.
Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard in Dickerson, MD, will have live entertainment and food from El Gaucho Grill along with its specialty (the wine!) on Mother’s Day.
A small stretch of the sprawling Eastern Market
ENJOY A MARKET DAY
Spend a few hours at an outdoor market. You can take your time strolling around, browsing the wares and food for sale, and enjoying the vibrant scene and nice weather.
The outdoor weekend flea market at Eastern Market on Capitol Hill is always bustling and full of art, jewelry, apparel, home goods, and much more to shop.
The Georgetown Flea Market is known for its antiques and other collectibles.
The Dupont Circle FreshFarm Market is ripe with fresh produce from regional farms, meat, eggs, dairy products, baked goods, flowers, and more. Plus, there are food stands where you can get a freshly cooked bite to eat.
The Alamo has a full menu — and service at your comfy seat
GO TO A MOVIE
One of my favorite “me” activities is seeing a movie solo. Something about going to an actual theater when everything is eventually streamable for a fraction of the cost of a movie ticket makes it feel like a guilty pleasure. You also can’t beat the immersive experience of the really big screen and super surround sound.
A great place to enjoy a movie is The Alamo (locations in Brentwood and Crystal City), where you can also have a good meal served to you, and they are doing a brunch screening of Mamma Mia on Mother’s Day!
The Angelika Pop Up is a cool, tucked away spot in the Union Market District that also screens indie films.
Find even more theaters around the area and showtimes for Mother’s Day Sunday.
Art, all by women, at the National Museum of Women in the Arts
CHECK OUT AN EXHIBIT (OR A FEW)
Take yourself to a museum exhibit that the rest of the family might not be into or that you may just want to view on your own.
The National Museum of Women in the Arts has many exhibits showcasing incredible works, all by women… perfect for Mother’s Day.
Visit the Renwick Gallery where the favorite Janet Echelman: 1.8 Renwick is closing May 13 after a decade on display in the art museum.
The Textile Museum in Foggy Bottom, too often overlooked, currently with the exhibit, Intrinsic Beauty: Celebrating the Art of Textiles, on view.
At the Hirshhorn, OSGEMEOS: Endless Story features works by twin brothers Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo — it’s vibrant and fun, with pieces ranging from their early sketches as young boys to large-scale paintings and sculptures created as adults.
The National Gallery of Art is always lovely to roam around.
Glenstone Museum offers a uniquely wonderful indoor-outdoor art experience in Potomac, MD.
The Kennedy Center has a couple of performance options
SEE A SHOW
Let them entertain you! Them being local venues presenting musicals, plays, concerts, and more live shows. On stages Mother’s Day weekend and ideal for the occasion:
Sister Act at Ford’s Theatre.
Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival at the Kennedy Center
Senior Class at Olney Theatre
Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Signature Theatre
Paradise Blue at Studio Theatre
What are your plans for “me” time on Mother’s Day? Feel free to share in the comments!
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