Have you been scouring Mother’s Day gift guides and coming up empty-handed? Show your Mom how much you care by giving her a gift she’ll talk about for years: Quality time. Planning a little getaway is the perfect way to bond, make memories, and do something new together. And the best part is you don’t have to go far or do a lot of planning (*cough, cough, keep reading) to make it happen! Whether you and mom need some spa time, a reconnect with nature, or to hit the shops, we have the Mother’s Day trip for you:
Spa, wine, and beach – say no more!
Traverse City, Michigan (6-hour drive from downtown Indy)
Stop #1: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
A little pampering goes a long way. Treat yourselves to this full-service luxury spa where you can get everything from facials to body scrubs.
*Insider tip: The resort is currently running a Mother’s Day package that includes complimentary golf, a Mother’s Day bunch, and spa specials!
Stop #2: All that relaxing works up an appetite. Head just 10 minutes down the road to the heart of Traverse City, Front Street. Here you’ll find lots of restaurants and shops that you can easily spend hours popping in and out of. Make sure you stop in the Flying Noodle, a cute Italian pasta house, for a meal. Order some appetizers to share and enjoy a good conversation over phenomenal food.
Stop #3: Round off your getaway with a little wine. Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery is a gorgeous family-run property where you and your Mom can test your inner sommeliers by reserving a table at the tasting room, take in the vineyard views on the upper deck, or walk through the lavender fields.
Looking to grab a drink by the water? Blush Rooftop Terrace is the perfect place to watch the sunset while you enjoy a glass of wine. And lucky for you and Mom, May 10 is their season opening!
The perfect blend of pampering and nature
Sugar Creek Retreat | Waveland, IN (1-hour drive from downtown Indy)
We recently had the opportunity to join Liza, a fellow Maven, at her beautiful log cabin just an hour outside of Indy. Sugar Creek Retreat is Indiana’s only Nordic Spa that offers everything you need to escape the city and enjoy a relaxing weekend in nature.
Whether Mom is looking to curl up outside with a good book, fall asleep in the massage chair, or take on the cycle of hot tub, cold plunge, sauna, and float pod that Nordic spas are known for, she’ll feel 100% rejuvenated. It’s also steps away from both Shades State Park and Pine Hills Nature Preserve if hiking is up her alley.
From slow, peaceful mornings to feeling total relaxation (thanks to all of the on-property amenities), this retreat is a true hidden gem where you both can lean into nature and reconnect.
City hop around Hamilton County
Carmel, Noblesville, and Westfield, IN (30-minute drive from downtown Indy)
One of the best parts about living in Indiana is how easy it is to hop between towns that are all totally different. You can drive 20–30 minutes and suddenly feel like you’re in a whole new place. For your mother/daughter day, lean into that. We’ve mapped out a stop in each town so Mom gets a little taste of everything in Hamilton County.
Stop #1: Get ready for some holistic healing at the Carmel Salt Caves, which offer state-of-the-art “halotherapy” that’s great for stress relief. The hour-long session truly feels like you’ve spent a day at the beach.
Stop #2: Find Mom’s next read at Chapter Book Lounge. This cute and cozy Noblesville bookstore is truly out of a Hallmark movie. Browse the shelves with a cocktail in hand made by the “Booktenders.” Keep an eye on their event calendar, you and Mom may have some book crafts and trivia in your future.
Stop #3: End your Hamilton County tour at Westfield’s first and only winery, Urban Vines. Have some fun by each trying out different wine flights. This social spot is also throwing a Mother’s Day Celebration on May 10. Here’s a sneak peek: Mimosa bar, sweet treats, and shopping local.
Wherever you choose to spend it, the best Midwest getaways aren’t about how far you go—they’re about making space to slow down and be together. With so many charming spots just a drive from Indy, your next favorite memory with Mom might be closer than you think.
About Sippin’ Sangria
Caroline and Lexa are a traveling duo who have visited several local, U.S., and international destinations together. Through these adventures, they’ve learned the ins and outs of traveling with friends and love connecting with other female travelers. When they’re not booking their next flight, Lexa and Caroline plan trips – honeymoons, girlfriend getaways, weekend trips, etc. Find them at www.sippinsangria.com.
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