The perfect Mother's Day Gift: a Relaxing Getaway to the New Smyrna Beach Area

I fondly remember the handmade cards and drugstore chocolates I received in the past, but my kids outdid themselves this year with their Mother’s Day gift: a weekend away in the New Smyrna Beach area, full of opportunities to pamper me! I couldn’t wait to get there!

Day One

The kids wanted to ensure I didn’t spend my vacation cooking my own meals and cleaning up a rental kitchen, so they booked me a two-night stay at the Victoria 1883, an elegant B&B in the Historic District of New Smyrna Beach. This 1.5-acre riverfront property features seven rooms, each tastefully decorated and named after a member of the family of the home’s builders. 

I settled into the Eliza room, with its tropical rattan furniture, beautifully tiled shower, and access to a private balcony with both waterfront and garden views. This certainly makes up for years of late-night diaper changes! After enjoying the relaxing breeze while reading a book in the outdoor gardens, I decided to make my way out for a delicious dinner. 

I decided on the City Market Bistro after seeing their scrumptious selection of seafood starters—how could I say no to lobster ravioli with lobster truffle sauce? The variety of steak frites dishes looked tempting, but I went with the shrimp and grits for my entrée, to keep with the Southern feel. 

Day Two

This weekend is all about things that make me feel good and relaxed, so I started my day with a yoga session at All Yoga NSB. There’s nothing like an hour of vinyasa flow to clear out your head and warm up your body. And the best part of yoga is that it’s for all shapes and sizes, even moms of a certain age. 

After leaving the class, I stopped at Mason Bar, which serves up healthy foods made with mostly organic ingredients. I laughed to myself that, once upon a time, eating out in the morning with the kids meant a fast-food egg-and-cheese sandwich with hashbrowns, which were really French fries renamed for breakfast. How times have changed… for the better!

After finishing my stuffed avocado and getting a frozen blueberry-basil pop to go, I drove over to Smyrna Dunes Park to spend the afternoon strolling along the boardwalk. The ocean views and salty breeze wiped away any remaining stress I held onto from my everyday life back home. 

After a day spent outside, I was hungry for something substantial for dinner, perhaps Italian. The Garlic fit the bill nicely. The outdoor waiting area was refreshing, with its string-light-covered umbrella tables to protect me from the sun while imparting a festive feel. The décor at The Garlic is centered by its wood-fired brick oven, creating a cozy atmosphere. After placing my order for some steamed local clams to start along with a delicious-sounding osso buco, I tried to restrain myself from demolishing the basket of homemade bread with roasted garlic for smearing. If only I had left room for dessert...

Day Three

With just one morning left in my Mother’s Day weekend getaway, I decided to spend a few hours exploring Canaveral National Seashore. Walking along the beach was so relaxing, yet invigorating at the same time. I pondered how thoughtful my children are, to have gifted me this chance to relax and take some time for myself as thanks for caring for them over the years. And as fabulous a time as I had this weekend, the only thing that would make it better would be to return again next year…. this time, with my children along with me!