They Are The Quiet Designers Of Our Bravest Moments, Our Steady Hand. This Month Is For Them.
by Glen Richardson
Activity Whirlwind: Mom’s juggle never-ending laundry, family schedules, and the chaos of kids. A test of patience, they are the strength of family.
This is the month to celebrate your first best friend and the person you turn to when you need advice. In 1914, Congress and a Presidential Proclamation established the second Sunday in May — May 10 this year — as Mother’s Day.
A day to honor mothers has existed for as long as, well, there have been mothers. They are like glue. Even when you can’t see them, they’re still holding the family together.
Here’s the Chronicle’s guide for showing your mother, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, and friends how special they are:
Brunch
Brunch on Mother’s Day is a classic, and it’s made even better in Cherry Creek North featuring some of Denver’s top brunch spots. For moms who like to keep it classic, the district also has many restaurants serving dinner. For moms who like to switch it up, there’s beers and burger eateries too.
Here are a few of the many restaurants to consider:
Blue Island Oyster Bar & Seafood: Offering an array of brunch and coastal inspired dishes.
Le Bilboquet: A little corner of Paris at Third Ave. and St. Paul St. featuring French fare in an elegant setting.
Local Jones: Brunch and dinner favorites in the Halcyon Hotel including crab cakes benedict.
Sam’s No. 3: Take your mom and the family to the Glendale, or downtown diner with a huge menu, big portions, and great service.
Toro Latin Kitchen: Hotel Cleo eatery has brunch, a made-to-order crepe station, plus a Bloody Mary bar.
Urban Egg: Restaurant on East 1st Ave. has weekend brunch, including a Lump Crab Cake Benedict.
Garden Experience: Treat mom to a slow-paced day at the 24-acre Denver Botanic Gardens this month to celebrate Mother’s Day.
If you’re thinking of treating mom downtown on Mother’s Day, there are lots of restaurant choices. Mother’s Day Brunch at Dazzle is a great choice because it includes live music. This Mother’s Day features jazz vocalist Baily Hinkley Grogan. FIRE Restaurant in the ART Hotel near the Denver Art Museum is another popular choice.
Shopping
Go-To Diner: Sam’s No. 3 in Glendale and downtown are well-liked options for family celebrations such as Mother’s Day.
Cherry Creek North is Denver’s premier destination for a Mother’s Day shopping experience. There are more than 200 shops. Moreover, it has the city’s highest concentration of locally owned boutiques. It gives mom a day that practically plans itself.
Wash Park
The Wash Park Home Tour & Mother’s Day Market Street Fair takes place in the picturesque park May 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Attendees can explore stunning homes showcasing innovative designs and exquisite decor. The market features local artisans, gourmet food vendors, and various craft stalls.
It’s the major annual fundraiser for Steele Elementary. Information: steelewashparkho metour@gmail.com.
Botanic Gardens
For the mom who finds peace in the petals, skip the crowded restaurants and opt for an afternoon of botanical discovery.
Treat her to a slow-paced wander through 24 acres of world-class flora at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Start by getting lost in the humid greenery of the tropical conservatory before finding a quiet, sun-drenched spot on the lawn to lay down a blanket.
Whether you pack a gourmet spread or grab a light bite from the Hive Garden Bistro, the gardens provide a peaceful backdrop for mom to enjoy. Information: Denver Botanic Gardens Mother’s Day.
Oakwell Spa
Home Tour: The Wash Park Home Tour May 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., is an opportunity to see innovative designs and exquisite décor.
For a Mother’s Day that is truly fueled by rest and relaxation, book a session at Denver’s Oakwell Beer Spa.
A truly unique experience, it was rated by Time magazine as one of the “World’s Greatest Places.” The downtown location is at 3004 N. Downing St. Information: 720-810-1484.
RiNo Street Fair
For the ultimate “early Mother’s Day” treat, wander down to the RiNo Street Fair to find your mom that one-of-a-kind treasure. Event is May 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The RiNo Art District has been named by USA Today as the Sixth Best Arts District in the United States, rising three spots from ninth place in 2025.
Located in the creative heart of Denver, meander down Larimer Street to shop from local artisans. It’s the perfect place to let her pick out her own gift or for you to find a unique, handmade surprise. With live music echoing off the neighborhood’s iconic murals and a vibrant community energy, it’s a great way to celebrate the spirit of Denver before the Sunday Mother’s Day rush begins.
Flowers & Candy
Shopping Spree: With more than 200 shops and the city’s highest concentration of locally owned boutiques, Cherry Creek North is a popular Mother’s Day destination.
Started in 1917 as a “Say it with flowers,” marketing campaign, the tradition of gifting blooms on Mother’s Day continues today. Flowers symbolize love and gratitude, and make a perfect gift for mom.
Newberry Brothers Florist in the Leetsdale Shopping Center — with a design staff and using only blooms straight from growers — is one of the most popular. Bouquets, and The Perfect Petal are other local favorites.
Enstrom Candies on the west side of University Blvd. between 2nd and 3rd Ave. in Cherry Creek — known for its almond toffee and chocolates — is among the most popular. The Cioccolatier in the Cherry Creek Shopping Center is another favorite.
More To Do
From films to fashion, there are a variety of unforgettable shows and events this month that mom would enjoy. Here’s a can’t-miss guide to more ways to treat mom this month.
The SeriesFest — an award-winning festival dedicated to showcasing the best and boldest in episodic storytelling is at the Sie FilmCenter and other venues, May 6-10.
Paper Fashion Show, May 7 in the Stockyards Event Center. Event features 56 original designs created entirely of paper by local designers, a runway show, with awards honoring creative craftmanship.
Denver Potters Spring Show & Sale, May 7-10, at the Sixth Avenue United Church. Top local artists sell ceramics, glass, wood, fiber and personal care products.
