Make Mother's Day special

It's nearly Mother's Day, have you thought about what you're doing for the first special lady in your life? Well, in case you haven;t here are a few ideas from the good folks at the Orlando Sentinel. Most are based around Orlando as you might expect, but if you're near Anna Maria Island, it's not a long drive to get there.
And after all, she's worth it...

Mom always cooks; take her out on Mother's day
Disney's Vero Beach Resort will feature a special Mother's Day buffet on Sunday, May 10. The buffet will feature brunch items until 3 p.m., and thereafter dinner dishes. Price is $28.99 for adults, $16.99 for children. The buffet will be set up at the resort's Shutters Restaurant and seating will be available both at Shutters and Sonya's, the resort's fine dining restaurant. Among the goodies served are New Zealand Mussels, smoked salmon display, carved roasted turkey with citrus cranberry marmalade, California rolls, deviled eggs, forest mushroom chicken breast, Mickey waffles, eggs benedict and an array of desserts. The resort is located at 9250 Island Grove Terrace, on the ocean at Vero Beach. To reserve a table, call 772-234-2180.

Another option for Mother's Day in Vero Beach
Try the Mother's Day specials at singer Gloria Estefan's resort in Vero Beach, Costa d'Este. They offer an a la carte brunch ($25 per person), a three-course lunch ($35 per person) and a four-course dinner ($50 per person) on May 10. The meals will be served at the resort's Oriente Restaurant. Children's meals are half those prices on Mother's Day. The resort is located at 3244 Ocean Drive in Vero Beach. Call 772-562-9919.

Mother's Day Brunch in Naples
The River of Grass Ballroom at the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club will set the scene for a Mother's Day Brunch on from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 10. Complimentary champagne and non-alcoholic beverages are included as well as complimentary valet parking. Cost is $49 per adult, $20 for children ages 6 to 12 and children 5 and under are free (tax and gratuity are extra). The menu includes chilled appetizers, breakfast items, entrees, salad bar, carving station, side dishes, children's buffet, and a variety of desserts including made-to-order crepes. The hotel is at 851 Gulf Shore Boulevard North in Naples. To reserve, call 239-435-4347.

Mother's Day golf package in Sebring
Kenilworth Lodge in Sebring is featuring a Mother's Day package, May 8-10, providing two rounds of golf at a variety of courses, two nights' accommodations, a dinner at a local restaurant, and two continental breakfasts. Cost of the package $127.99 per person, based double occupancy, plus tax. Call 800-423-5939. For details about the lodge, visit www.KenilworthLodge.com.

Mother's Day brunch in St. Augustine
The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village in St. Augustine will host a Mother's Day Brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 10 at the resort's restaurant, 500 South. The brunch will feature an assortment of cold salads, sushi, fruit and cheese displays, peal and eat shrimp, smoked seafood, fish, beef and chicken entrees, carved meats, made-to-order omelets and a dessert station, chocolate fountain and flambé station. Price is $36.95 for adults and $16.95 for children. Visit www.WorldGolfRenaissance.com To reserve a table, call 904-940-8623.

Relaxation is the key for Mom
The Doubletree Grand Key Resort in Key West is offering a Mother's Day Weekend package available May 8-9 that features a free half-hour massage for Mom. Also included are two free adult tickets to Key West Butterfly Conservatory, a late check-out on Sunday, May 10, and complimentary Mother's Day brunch for two adults. Dad gets free parking. Cost is $295 per night for a room with two queen beds; $395 per night for a one-bedroom suite. The package is not valid with other offers or discounts. The Doubletree Grand Key Resort is at 3990 South Roosevelt Boulevard. Call 305-293-1818 for reservations and mention code L-MDW.

Two treats for Mom in Jacksonville Beach
The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra will present Pops at the Beach, a Mother's Day Concert on May 10. The event at the Sea Walk Pavilion is from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free. Visit www.jacksonvillebeach.org.

Another treat: Adventure Landing on Jacksonville Beach offers free mini-golf play for Mom all day on May 10 when Mom is accompanied by a paying player. Visit www.adventurelanding.com