Take Mom to a Kentucky State Resort Park

Enjoy Kentucky's spectacular State Resort Parks with Mom now, because barring a freak outbreak of reason and political will in Frankfort, they'll close July 1.

Ever since the second Sunday in May was declared a national observance to honor moms nearly a century ago, Mother’s Day has become a day to pamper, spoil and pay tribute to moms for all they give throughout the year. Regardless of whether you have a new mom, grand mom, honorary mom or mom-to-be in your family, let Kentucky State Parks take care of the mom in your life (and you) as part of the celebration and appreciation for a job well done.

Moms like all kinds of things; tastes and preferences run the gamut. Among the 52 Kentucky State Parks (and the 17 resort parks in particular), the opportunity to show her how much you care and appreciate her comes in many shapes, sizes and yummy menu items. The family can get away for a relaxing weekend, indulge her in her favorite outdoor activity and dine at the leave-the-cooking-and-cleaning-to-someone-else Sunday Mother’s Day Buffet. No matter what the weather, she’ll have a fabulous time on her special day during a spectacular spring in Kentucky. Create new traditions and memories that will last a lifetime.

For the buffet, moms and their families can feast at the annual Mother’s Day Buffet at all state resort parks. From fresh fruit to desserts, the succulent roast pork with apple dressing, catfish and hushpuppies and old fashioned chicken and dumplings (like Mom’s!!) in between, there’s not a better deal for $16.95 anywhere. Children 6 to 12 years of age eat for $7.95 and both include beverage.

No need to find mom a gift ahead of time but you may want to make a dry run and take advantage of a gift shop special at many resort parks and historic sites. This year there are more Kentucky-made items in the shops than ever before and there’s different merchandise from park to park. Or get her an Unbridled Spirit Gift card so she can browse the spring collection and choose.

From May 1 through May 9, visit a state park gift shop for a great deal for mom or gift for anyone on your list. Or let mom pick out her own Mother’s Day gift to be sure she gets exactly what she wants. Shoppers can save $10 for every $50 spent--or a 20 percent discount--on pottery, jewelry, folk art, cook books and ware, and handbags made right here in the Commonwealth. Items are available in any price range from the practical to whimsy.

More details here.