Ok, so May is almost here and Mom’s special day, May 8^th, is fast approaching and you’ve looking for unique ideas.  Instead of the usual Mother’s Day flowers, breakfast in bed or a greeting card, maybe an indulgent spa treatment, scrumptious afternoon tea, or a delicious day of wine tasting would make her smile?  But, even better, surprise your special lady with a vacation getaway this May.

You could always select one of your sweetie’s favorite destination cities and make Cinco de Mayo part of your getaway vacation.  Held annually on the 5^th of May, this Mexican heritage day is full of fun, festivals, great cuisine and of course, margaritas.  Some top celebration hot spots include Los Angeles, Denver, Phoenix, San Diego, New York City and San Antonio. Ole!

For an exciting weekend, head to Louisville, KY for the Kentucky Derby, held on the 1^st Saturday in May every year since 1875 thus falling on May 7^th.  Witness horseracing’s greatest two minutes in sports, complete with the pageantry of fancy hats and refreshing mint juleps. Louisville is known for gracious southern hospitality and during the historic Run for the Roses you may even get to see a celebrity or two.

If the woman in your life is into fitness, May is National Bike Month.  Enjoy a cycling trip through California’s picturesque wine country and stay at a romantic inn, or take a bicycle tour through one of the National parks.  Some of the best biking trails in the U.S. are found in majestic Yosemite National Park and Redwood National Park in California, Acadia National Park in Maine, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona and Glacier National Park in Montana.

If you’d rather wait until the end of the month, Memorial Day is the 30^th of May this year and always a great time to get away for some extra relaxation.  Kick off the summer in style and spend a long weekend in Hilton Head, Virginia Beach or any other waterfront locale.  If your schedule permits, extend the holiday and venture to the sunny shores of Cabo San Lucas or Acapulco, Mexico.

Whatever you decide to do this year for Mother’s Day, make it memorable, one she will cherish forever.

• contributed by Chris Golden (a Mom)