As we are all still smiling from Mother’s Day weekend, I thought it would be only appropriate to write about opportunities to travel with your mother!

I little back story...my mother and I are best friends now that I am an adult. When my father passed away, I knew this was the perfect time to travel together, to break each other of our comfort zones, and to experience life as he would have wanted.

She is amazing, generous, kind person...however has proven to be the pickiest...I mean the most discerning travelers I know!

She wants the beachside where beaches don’t exist, the all-inclusive where there are none, and to go to new places, but doesn’t want to fly or have more than a 3 hour flight!!

Well for the woman who gave me life and is the best mom I know, I have figured out how to make her dreams come true and wanted to share it with you!

So here are a few options for those loving yet selective moms out there that are timid travelers!

For the mom who wants a close and warm beach in the Spring….

Where to stay: Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel

This beautiful hotel has a man made beach! I believe it is the only hotel that has this option in Key West and boy did it NOT disappoint. Gorgeous views, spacious 1 bedroom with roomy bathroom and jet tub, nice sized kitchen, and a wonderful living area. Our favorite part of this room was our very own gated spiral staircase from the porch that led straight to the beach.

Travel time from Atlanta: Under 2 hour Flight

Length of stay: 2 nights

What we did: We did a tour at Hemingway House, walked and drank Rum Runners down Duval Street, visited the Southernmost Point of the Continental US, laid out at the public beach at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and watched the sunset at Mallory Square and did some shopping.

Where we ate: Our hotel’s Tavern N Town restaurant was amazing. We went there for breakfast and had the most delicious prime rib dinner there. Blue Heaven was perfect for brunch with crab cake benedict, shrimp and grits and bloody mary’s, we also ate at Half Shell Raw Bar (twice) for their beer steamed pink shrimp and stone crab. Our poolside bar was great for a midday snack of conch fritters and conch chowder, Conch Republic Seafood ended our evening perfectly with an amazing lobster and scallop dinner.

For the mom who wants a quick yet unforgettable get-away close to home...

Where to stay: Barnsley Resort

Travel time from Atlanta: 1 hr 12 min Drive

Length of stay: 1 night

What we did: We stopped at local farmers markets on the way up to Adairsville. After we checked into our cozy cabin, we zoomed around with Carter (our awesome golf cart driver) to explore the property. We walked through the gardens and learned about the amazing history from the man who built this for his ill wife to Margaret Mitchell’s visit that inspired her to pen Gone With the Wind. I got a reluctant mother to canoe with me and we ended the night by visiting the beer garden and roasting marshmallows for our complimentary s’mores in our outdoor fire pit!

Where we ate: We admired the beautiful golf course view as we dined at Woodlands Grill for lunch,later coming back for an amazing steak dinner (can you tell what my mom’s favorite food is?), and ordered again from this restaurant for breakfast in bed in the morning! There is also a more elegant offering, The Rice House Restaurant for a “yard to fork” dining experience.

So where to next?? Well, I am glad you asked!

I just returned from an unforgettable trip to Cancun where I learned about and experienced all of Palace Resorts and this one made me say.. “I want to take my mom here.”

For the mom who wants a beautiful beach adult-only all-inclusive with short flight....

Where we will stay: Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun

Travel time from Atlanta: Under 3 hour Flight and 25 minute transfer in the Palace Resort White Escalade

Length of stay: 3 nights

What will we do: At this luxurious AAA Five Diamond adults only all-inclusive, we will have so many options.

Where we will eat: Our personal butler can arrange our dining options for us when reservations are needed to experience the 13 different eateries and restaurants on-site, and because I just got back from this resort and I can personally tell you the food is outstanding...best all-inclusive food I have ever eaten and I have been to some nice resorts known for their cuisine. 24 hour room service will come in handy when we want to relax with breakfast in bed or get hungry before bed. If we crave sweets we can check out the macaroons and chocolates at K’akau or get some incredibly delicious ice cream at Glace.

I believe traveling with your mother is one of the most rewarding adventures. Whether it is around the world or close to home. It gives you the opportunity to discover new places while in essence discovering one another. Now is the time to give something back, take that adventure together, and to take care of her and what better way to do so than through travel.

For these places and anything you can imagine, I will be honored to help you plan a trip to celebrate the woman who made you who you are.

“Take Every Chance You Get in Life, Because Some Things Only Happen Once”

Karen Gibbs

Laura Anderson
Travel Agent
laura@bluepineappletravel.com