How in the world do you ever repay the woman who changed your diapers, wiped your nose when you were sick and fed you even when you screamed and threw temper tantrums? The woman who put up with your attitude and insults during your angst-filled teenage years, the woman who still, no matter your age, will try to be there for you the same way she always has been, since that first diaper change.
Many moms out there will agree with me when I say that one day out of the year just isn’t enough — any random day from January to December would be a perfect day to bring your mom flowers or take her to brunch.
For now at least, let’s take this weekend to appreciate any mother in your life. As we know, all moms are different. Luckily, Carson City is packed with all kinds of great events to make this a Mother’s Day she’ll never forget.
Of course, your first stop before any one of the following events is a florist. Carson City Florist is one of many great places to pick up a bouquet to brighten your mom’s weekend. Carson City Florist has a slew of Mother’s Day-specific options like Blossoms in Vogue, a colorful mix of hydrangea, bright roses and greens. Or there’s the much simpler but beautiful You’re Golden bouquet, a burst of sunflowers with greens and browns. And throw in a box of chocolates as well, or get any of these flowers delivered right to your mom’s door for a special surprise.
For the musical-loving mother (which includes my mom, actually), Nice Work If You Can Get It is playing at the Carson City Community Center, presented by Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company. It’s a fun and funny 1920s romp with music by George and Ira Gershwin, glitzy costumes and wild dance numbers. See it Friday or Saturday at 7:30 p.m. or Sunday at 2 p.m.
For the all the moms out there obsessed with gardening, there’s the Greenhouse Project’s annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale at Carson High School. From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, bring your mom to get some vegetable plants like peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, squash and herbs, all ready to take home and spend the rest of the afternoon outside gardening. It reminds me of one of my family’s Mother’s Day traditions, which is planting perennial flowers in my grandmother’s yard, always a great chance to bond with those special women in your life.
For starting a new tradition with those mothers who love history, here’s something great: Thin Veil Investigators are putting together a Mother’s Day Spirit Tour and “spirit gathering” at the historic Dake House in Genoa (now Antiques Plus). It’s something for which my mom wouldn’t especially be fond, but from 7 to 10 p.m. you and your ghost-loving family could be present for a close encounter with the other side at this notoriously haunted location. Learn the history of the house and its haunted painting, and engage in some other fun spirit-centric activities. Hey, if you don’t end up seeing a ghost, at least there’ll be some snacks and beverages.
Treat your mom to a hearty brunch either Saturday or Sunday at Bleu Café. It’s the perfect comfort food spot that’ll treat you to home cooking like you remember from your childhood and your mom remembers from hers — only neither of you need to cook! Try the Swedish Pancake breakfast of crepes, snack on some traditional French beignets or opt for a pulled-pork Cubano Panini. It’s a quiet, relaxing and homey atmosphere that’s great for taking a break to really talk with your mom over a delicious meal. And those flowers on your plate are, in fact, edible as well.
Take the rest of Sunday for yourselves and see a movie at Galaxy Theaters or perhaps go for a stroll through Carson City’s historic downtown district. Go for a drive to Lake Tahoe and enjoy a burger and ice cream at one of the little shacks off the highway.
I implore you to make the most of Mother’s Day this year and to make those small moments shine. Use this opportunity to have a real conversation with the woman who raised you; you’re guaranteed to learn a few things and share some laughs. Ask about those diaper-changing, runny-nose days. I assure you, no matter the event or type of bouquet or the restaurant — your mom will have the time of her life just talking to you and spending time with you. That’s what will make this a Mother’s Day worth remembering; just don't wait until next year to bring her flowers or take her out again.
For other events coming up this weekend, look to our Daytime, Nightlife and Community pages. And as always, have a wonderful week in Carson City!
About the Author Bryan Akerley
Bryan was born and raised in Northern Nevada and is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno. When he’s not writing, he’s keeping up with pop culture as a lover of movies, TV, music and books or out exploring the area through its restaurants, bars and nightlife. Then he’ll unwind by playing the drums or piano or spending time with his corgi, Teddy. 
