Make this Mother’s Day the best ever with authentic Pennsylvania Dutch gifts, including unique Lancaster County products and experiences. This year, Mother’s Day falls on May 14, so it’s not too soon to start shopping. Need gift ideas? Read on!
SHOWER HER WITH SWEETS
Show Mom how special she is with special treats from our Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Cafe, like our fresh-baked strawberry pie. We make this seasonal favorite on our premises using luscious, ripe berries for a pie that’s as pretty to look at as it is delicious. Or call and order a special cupcake bouquet. You could also give her a gift basket filled with tasty treats from our bakery and beyond. You’ll find a wide selection in our online store or stop by the bakery and ask about a custom gift basket with all her favorite Lancaster County goodies.
TREAT HER TO DINNER & A SHOW
Lancaster has long been known for good food and wholesome live entertainment, so you’ll find lots of options if you want to treat Mom to dinner and a show. The Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Lancaster is featuring Footloose: The Musical through May 20, followed by Elvis: A Musical Revolution, Disney’s Newsies: The Broadway Musical and Guys and Dolls later in the 2023 season.
Alternatively, you could have dinner at the Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord, where she can order table service or choose from traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dishes and other farm-fresh entrees and sides, breads, soups and desserts from our famous all-you-can-eat buffet. After the meal, take in Dear Solider Boy or Ryan & Friends: Never Speechless on our adjacent Bird-in-Hand Stage or catch a concert at American Music Theatre, just 10 minutes away.
SPEND A DAY SHOPPING TOGETHER
Maybe Mom would like to pick out her own gift. Why not make a day of it? For example, you could start off browsing the selection at the brand new Bird-in-Hand Artisan Village, an eclectic community of local Bird-in-Hand and Lancaster County artisans who offer an array of goods ranging from handcrafted furniture and home décor to herbal teas to one-of-a-kind jewelry and accessories.
Bird-in-Hand Artisan Village offers an array of goods ranging from handcrafted furniture to one-of-a-kind jewelry and accessories.
Afterward, grab a light lunch at our Bakery & Cafe, then visit the vendors at the Farmer’s Market and head over to the nearby Shops at Rockvale or Tanger Outlets to hunt for brand-name bargains.
If Mom might prefer a taste of the city, spend the morning at the Artisan Village, then enjoy lunch at one of Lancaster City’s many restaurants. If you spend the afternoon browsing the many unique shops in downtown Lancaster, be sure to save time for Lancaster Central Market. Just don’t wait too long—it closes at 3 p.m.
CELEBRATE WITH A SPECIAL WEEKEND
If Mom’s idea of a perfect gift is a day or so away from “Mom duties,” leave the kids at home and treat her to a romantic weekend surrounded by upscale country elegance. Dating back to the 18th century and steeped in local history, the Bird-in-Hand Village Inn & Suites provides the perfect setting for a memorable getaway.
Pair it with a hot air balloon ride for a weekend she’ll never forget. You can enjoy a deluxe continental breakfast at the inn or enjoy the Champagne Sunday Brunch at the Eden Resort (reservations recommended).
MAKE A TOAST TO MOM
You could also add a wine tasting for two to your stay at the Village Inn. Try a variety of Lancaster County wines at Waltz Vineyards’ Kitchen Kettle Tasting Room in Gordonville. Their award-winning wines include Reserve Chardonnay, Old Line Chardonnay, Crow Woods Cabernet, Baron Red and Moscato, to name just a few.
Afterward, explore the more than 40 stores at Kitchen Kettle Village. The complex has been a popular shopping destination for generations. You’ll find a mix of locally made goods and national brands all in a walkable setting that is especially lovely in spring and early summer.
TAKE THE MOTHER’S DAY TRAIN
Don’t lose track of time if you want to treat Mom to the Mother’s Day Experience on the Strasburg Rail Road. This year, the special dinner for two is offered on May 13–14, and seats sell out fast, so make reservations soon.
You’ll enjoy a special dinner menu prepared by Café 1832 and served by a First Class attendant in one of the historic railroad’s dining cars. Both the Henry K. Long Club/Dining Car and the Lee E. Brenner Dining Car offer expansive views of Amish farmlands along the 45-minute train ride.
SHOWER HER WITH FLOWERS
Flowers always make a welcomed gift on Mother’s Day. In early May, you’ll find a selection of beautiful hanging baskets from a local Amish farmer available for sale at our Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord.
Ken’s Gardens in Smoketown will help you choose the perfect gift for mom.
If you’re looking for annual or perennial blooms, bushes, herbs, indoor plants and more, the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Ken’s Gardens in Smoketown will help you choose the perfect gift.
Mom deserves the best. Give her the gift of Bird-in-Hand hospitality this Mother’s Day—and an authentic Lancaster County experience.
