Your Guide For Where to Shop, Play and Dine this Mother’s Day at the Jersey Shore

Mother’s Day is one of those holidays that you cannot forget – no matter what. Which is exactly why we’re giving you the heads up on some of our moms’ favorite restaurants, favorite shops for the perfect gift, and fun places to go for a memorable and tasty Mother’s Day at the Jersey Shore.

Is there really a better way to show your mom how much you care than by taking her out for a delicious brunch, lunch or dinner, surrounded by spectacular views and her favorite people? No. We don’t think so. How many times did your mom say no, I don’t want that chocolate? Never! There’s even a number of fun things to do that will have the entire family excited to join in and celebrate their mom.

All you have to do is take her to one of these restaurants, maybe surprise her with a little macaron, and even a massage – it’s pretty much a guarantee that you’ll be giving her the best Mother’s Day gift ever – a day filled with love and food. Corny we know, but your mom will appreciate it!

Mother’s Day at the Jersey Shore

Antoinette Boulangerie, Red Bank
A trip to Paris may not be in your budget, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring Paris to your mom. This Mother’s Day at the Jersey Shore, shower your mom with Parisian sweets and specialties courtesy of Antoinette Boulangerie. From specialty tarts (both large and individual ones shaped like hearts) in flavors like apple rose tart and fresh blueberry to a vanilla cake with lemon buttercream and raspberry jam, she’ll be showering you with baisers (kisses). Add on a couple (we mean dozen) lavender and rose macarons and you’re forgiven for that party in 11th grade. 32 Monmouth Street, Red Bank 732-224-1118 http://antoinetteboulangerie.com/

Beach Tavern, Monmouth Beach
Opening an hour earlier for Mother’s Day, Beach Tavern will be hosting their exceptional Sunday brunch as a way to celebrate the mom in your life. Treat her to a brunch along the water, featuring mom inspired specials. Brunch will be served from 11am – 3pm. 33 West Street, Monmouth Beach 732-870-8999 beachtavern.net/

The Bistro, Red Bank
This Broad Street staple will be serving it’s dinner menu from 1:00 – 8:00pm just for the occasion. You’ll be able to let mom order up all of her favorite recipes including the classic Crackling Calamari Salad. Reservations are recommended. 14 Broad Street, Red Bank 732-530-5553 www.thebistroatredbank.com/

BlueClaws, Lakewood
Take your mom out to the ballpark and serve her up much more than a hot dog! BlueClaws will be serving a special Mother’s Day brunch on the Party Deck all while the BlueClaws take on the Columbia Fireflies with expected outfielder Tim Tebow at 1:05pm. Food will be served from 12:30 – 2:00pm and costs $39.95 per adult and $24.95 per child. What better way to spend Mother’s Day than with two of America’s best pastimes? Baseball and brunch – it’s a home run in our book. 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood 732-901-7000 https://www.milb.com/blueclaws/news/mothers-day-brunch-in-blueclaws-party-deck/c-224826068/t-196097272

Coco Beans Play Café, Tinton Falls
Mother’s Day is all about spending time together and for those mom’s with children ages 0-5, Coco Beans is hosting a special morning. On Friday, May 12^th at 10:00am, mamas and their little ones will enjoy a special Mother’s Day themed story and craft time. Enjoy stories, make a keepsake gift for mom, and snack on some scones and tea. No registration required. 70 Apple Street, Tinton Falls 732-224-1100 https://cocobeansplaycafe.com/

The Columns, Avon-By-the-Sea
Avon-By-the-Sea is the perfect seashore town to bring your mom for the perfect Jersey Shore Mother’s Day. Work up an appetite with a stroll on the boardwalk before heading into The Columns. Enjoy sweeping ocean views as you fill up on shucked to order oysters and clams, made to order omelets, and even a sundae station. $38 per adult, $15 per child (12 and under). Make your reservation today for seatings starting at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm. 601 Ocean Avenue, Avon-by-the-Sea 732-988-3213 https://thecolumnsnj.com/

Gaetano’s, Red Bank
Gaetano’s is rapidly approaching its 1-year anniversary under new ownership and their brunch has Red Bank diners giving them very high marks. For Mother’s Day, brunch will start at 11, but remember there’s also dinner where you can treat Mom to homemade artisan pasta, an infamous pork chop and much, much more. Reservations are strongly reccommended! 10 Wallace Street, Red Bank 732-741-1321 http://www.gaetanosnj.com

Gravity Vault, Middletown
You may not be able to brnig your mom to a mountain, but that doesn’t stop you from letting her climb one! At Gravity Vault in Middletown you can let her handle the ropes, figuratively, with a buy one, get one free Top Rope Belay Class from 1:00pm – 3:00pm. Reservations are required. 37 Kanes Lane, Middletown 732-856-9599 http://www.gravityvault.com/locations/middletown-nj

Graze Restaurant, Little Silver
You may not be spectacular in the kitchen, but you can make up for it with a reservation at Graze where Chef Junior will take care of the cooking, all you have to do is bring the “mompliments” (compliments specifically for mom). Bring her to brunch at 11am or 1pm or let her sleep in and bring her to dinner. Either way, she’ll be treated to fresh, local, and flavorful dishes that you would never be able to create in your kitchen. 151 Markham Place, Little Silver 732-747-9988 http://graze.restaurant/

iPlay America, Freehold
You may think of Mother’s Day as being all brunches and flowers, but moms like to have fun to! iPlay America has the solution where moms can ride for free all day long! She’ll have a blast on the Freedom Rider Spinning Coaster, the Spin Zone Bumper Cars, and even the iPA Speedway. She’ll even enjoy a free entrée frrom their brunch menu… with a complimentary mimosa of course! Click Here to Download Your Free Voucher, Valid Sunday May 14, 2017. 110 Schanck Road, Freehold 732-577-8200 www.iplayamerica.com/

Jean Louise Candies, Spring Lake
You know the way to your favorite woman’s heart is through chocolate, so why not buy from one of the best? At Jean Louise Candies they’ve put together a few specials that will give mom a well deserved sugar high. They’ll wrap up your box of fresh chocolate covered strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and cream cheese with walnuts for free too. That’s definitely one for the win! 1205 3rd Avenue, Spring Lake 732-449-2627 www.jeanlouisecandies.com/

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Pt. Pleasant Beach
Spend the day with mom at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, where the whole family will be happy. Moms get in free to the aquarium, fun house, mini golf, and rides (with a paying child). Enjoy arts and crafts, a face painter and balloonists too. And since you have probably given your mom a headache at some point, they’ll be able to get it worked out with a free chair massages in the aquarium from 1-4pm. 300 Ocean Avenue, Pt. Pleasant Beach 732-892-0600 http://jenkinsons.com/events/mothers-day/

Jersey Shore Pirates, Brick
Everyone has a soft spot for their moms, even pirates like Captain Jack Sparrow and especially Captain Scurvy of the Jersey Shore Pirates. Purchase a ticket for yourself and your mother and grandmother can take a ride on the Sea Gypsy II with the “gruff group of buccaneers.” Be sure to make reservations early so that you can show your mom that a pirate’s life may be for you! 281 Princeton Avenue, Brick 732-899-6100 www.jerseyshorepirates.com/

Kur Wellness Studios, Asbury Park
What do massages, body scrubs, and facials all have in common? A relaxing effect, which is just what your mom (probably didn’t) ask for. Let her know your care by giving her the gift of relaxation. At Kur Wellness she’ll enjoy a 75 min microderm facial for just $120, specials on massages, and even a 30 minute body scrub add on for just $50. 412 Bond Street, Asbury Park 732-361-8956 http://www.kurstudios.com/for-mom.html

Latitudes On the River, Forked River
At Latitudes, there’s two ways to enjoy a Jersey Shore’s Mother’s Day – with a buffet or out on the deck! Eat your heart out at the buffet with one of three seatings (10am, 1pm, and 4pm) or dine in the restaurant (or out on the deck if there’s sun!) and order from their full surf and turf menu. 361 E. Lacey Rd., Forked River 609-242-2648 latitudesnj.com/

Lil’ Cutie Pops, Red Bank
Nothing says I love you and thank you for putting up with me for the past 15 years like a Mother’s Day treat box from Lil’ Cutie Pops. For just $15 you can get to her heart through her sweet tooth with chocolate covered Oreos and popular cake pop flavors like red velvet and birthday cake. 16 Monmouth Street, Red Bank 732-383-5602 https://lilcutiepops.com/

McGillicuddy’s Lakeside Taphouse and Restaurant, Loch Arbour
You may know them for their outdoor tiki bar and live music, but McGillicuddy’s is also home to their 6^th annual Mother’s Day brunch that includes classic dishes like Eggs Benedict and Prime Rib to Chicken Francaise and Penne Vodka. To top it off and make things a bit more special, every adult brunch comes with a complementary Bloody Mary, Screwdriver, Champagne, or Mimosa. Cheers to mom! 601 Main Street, Loch Arbour 732-531-5555 www.mcgillicuddystaphouse.com/

Mister C’s Beach Bistro, Allenhurst
Enjoy Mother’s Day at the oceanfront. Mister C’s Beach Bistro will feature their regular menu along with some delicious specials that will add to your mom’s “day at the beach.” We’re thinking our moms will really like the BBQ Root Beer Salmon with creamy corn grits and a tart apple relish – ok, maybe we really want to order that! Ocean Place and Allen Avenue, Allenhurst 732-531-3665 www.mistercsbeachbistro.com/

McDonagh’s Pub, Keyport
You wouldn’t think to head to a pub for Mother’s Day, but you’d be wrong. Your mom will feel the love during McDonagh’s Pub’s brunch featuring breakfast stations (Irish Eggs Benedict anyone?), a chef prepared omelet station, cold sandwiches and salads, lunch dishes featuring crab cakes, and even a kids station. Adults are $24.95 per person and kids are $12.95 per person. Reservations are highly recommended. 2 W. Front Street, Keyport 732-264-0999 http://www.mcdonaghs.com/special-events/

Monmouth Park Racetrack, Oceanport
A day at the races is a day well spent! Even though Monmouth Park’s brunch buffet is sold out, there’s still plenty to do. The first 1,000 moms will be greeted with a free flower and a number of free family fun activities from clowns to face painters, pony rides, and even a bounce house. She’ll even have a chance to win a custom necklace worth $1,000 and a weekend getaway from Ocean Place Resort & Spa. However, if she wins, that does not count as your gift! Make sure to take her over to the champagne bar for a special treat! 175 Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport 732-222-5100 http://www.monmouthpark.com/event_detail.aspx?id=7043

Old Glory, Keyport
Hosting their first ever Mother’s Day Brunch, Old Glory is set to turn up the competition. Enjoy a la carte menu items including Asparagus with poached eggs and parmesan, Ham and Cheese Waffles, and even a Portabella Burger topped with Pesto Mayo. Seatings are available every 1.5 hours from 10am – 3pm. Reservations are recommended. 84 Broad Street, Keyport 732-497-5555 http://www.oldglorynj.com/new-events/

Poor Cat Designs, Red Bank
Jewelry, it’s the one gift that is always welcomed, especially by women (I’m a woman so I can write that!) Combine her passion for style and her love of all things New Jersey with a present from Poor Cat Designs, hand crafted originals that are made in the Garden State. You’ll even get 10% off all in stock 18k pink gold pieces, a look that’s perfect for spring. 69 Broad Street, Red Bank 732-842-3121 https://poorcatdesigns.com/

Porcini, Highlands
Your mom deserves a dinner, especially after how many she’s made you in her life. Why not go above and beyond this Mother’s Day and make a reservation at one of the Jersey Shore’s hottest restaurants. Opening at 3pm, Porcini will be serving their seasonal spring menu with specials like their Tuna Tartar and Avocado Salad appetizer and their (very) popular Porcini Mushroom Dusted Veal Tenderloin with Parmesan Gnocchi and Mushroom Marsala. 168 Bay Avenue, Highlands 732-291-3080 https://www.restaurantporcini.com/

Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant, Long Branch
Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Jersey Shore with a panoramic ocean view. From 10:00am – 1:30pm, Rooney’s will be hosting an impeccable brunch buffet featuring a raw bar, carving station, pasta dishes, salads, soups, seafood, breakfast favorites and more! In the evening, Chef Thomas Schoborg will be whipping up motherly specials. Reservations are required for inside, but if the sun is out and the deck is open, walk ins will be welcome! 100 Ocean Ave, Long Branch 732-870-1200 http://www.rooneysocean.com/happenings/

Sadie James Boutique, Fair Haven
Not sure what to get your mom this year? One visit to Sadie James Boutique will solve that conumdrum, very quickly. You’ll even get 20% off all gifts and complimentary wrapping. It’s a one stop shop where you’ll walk out with a gift she’s guaranteed to love! 769 River Road, Fair Haven 732-933-3528 www.shopsadiejames.com/

Seaside Heights Boardwalk
Spend the day on the boardwalk and let her be gifted with a flower from the Mayor and Council of Seaside Heights. From noon on, mom’s will be surprised with a flower, giving you enough time to figure out where to take her next! Seaside Heights Boardwalk http://www.exit82.com/event/mothers-day-celebration-2/

Sorella Bella Boutique, Red Bank
Join the fashionable ladies of Sorella Bella Boutique for Brunch and Bubbly. Spend the day shopping, snacking, and drinking (seriously, what’s better than that!) Even better, if you follow them on Instagram you’ll get an extra treat – 15% off the entire store! Head there from 11am – 4pm and maybe just buy your mom that shirt she’s been eyeing since her first mimosa. 27 Monmouth Street, Red Bank 732-383-7118 www.sorellabellaboutique.com/

Suzie’s Sweet Shoppe, Middletown
Craft up a basket that’s full of delectable chocolate. White, milk, and dark – choose from every type of chocolate you could imagine at Suzie’s Sweet Shoppe. Add in truffles, chocolate covered pretzels and maybe even some chocolate dipped strawberries for a very sweet present. She’ll even package it all up with a bow. 1100 NJ-35, Middletown 732-796-0115  https://www.suzisweetshoppe.com/

Taka, Asbury Park
Surprise your chic mom with a visit to Taka where she can dine on countless specials that are made with mom’s in mind. Moms and their doting families can dine on dishes like Strawberry Gazpacho, Black Tea Smoked Salmon with Yuzu Crème Fraiche, and even Honey-Miso Braised Lamb Shank. This is one time where you not cooking is a plus! 660 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park 732-775-1020 www.takaasbury.com/

Teak, Red Bank
Bring your fun loving mom to Teak from 2:00 – 8:00pm for cocktails, appetizers, lunch, or dinner. Take in the view from their new rooftop as you enjoy creative Asian cuisine and cocktails that you won’t find anywhere else. 64 Monmouth Street, Red Bank 732-747-5775 teakrestaurant.com/

Van Holten’s Homemade Chocolates, Brick
With so many options, it’s hard to pick just one or two choices to feature here and one visit to Van Holten’s – you’ll get what we’re talking about. We have a feeling mom will swoon over their Chocolate Dipped Strawberries or their customizable boxes of chocolates – all dark chocolate please!1893 NJ-88, Brick 732-840-0888 www.vhchocolate.com

Via 45, Red Bank
At Via 45, Mother’s Day isn’t just for the traditional moms out there. They want you to honor the person, whether that’s your mom, sister, aunt, or friend that encourages you, nourishes you, and teaches you. There’s no better way to do that than to bring them to Via 45 as they open up their kitchen from 12:00pm – 4:30pm. Reservations are recommended. 45 Broad Street, Red Bank 732-450-9945 www.via45.com/

Woody’s Roadside Tavern, Farmingdale
Warm Crab Dip, Grilled Pesto Shrimp Salad, Filet Mignon with Hollandaise, and even Key West Red Snapper – Woody’s Roadside Tavern has them all, just for mom. Add on a complimentary mimosa for every mom that dines with them on Mother’s Day and you’ll soon know why their motto is “once you find us, you’ll never leave us.” 105 Academy Street, Farmingdale 732-938-6404 www.woodysroadside.com