Top 10 ideas for Mother's Day in downtown Los Angeles

For this year's Mother's Day (Sunday, May 10), The Downtown Center Business Improvement District has compiled the Top 10 ideas and deals that will please any mom. For complete details and how to take advantage of these great packages, please visit www.downtownla.com.

1.       Sample Downtown's Culinary Delights, Day and Night:  Celebrate Mother's Day with brunch at the beautiful, outdoor Blue Ribbon Garden at the Walt Disney Concert Hall or at the Grand Café at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel. You can also enjoy a special pre fix dinner at Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine. The Grand Café and Roy's have created special deals exclusively for the DCBID.

2.       Delight in Afternoon Tea: Relax in the afternoon and enjoy this wonderful tradition of aromatic tea, delicious pastries and desserts, finger sandwiches, and delightful conversation with your mom with exclusive DCBID packages at the Japanese American National Museum and SipTea. Treat her with Asian inspired delectable treats and oriental tea at the Museum or healthy, organic dishes at SipTea.

And the Millennium Biltmore Hotel is transforming its Rendezvous Court into a live garden for this special occasion and hosting tea for that special person in your family

3.       Wine Tastings in the City:  Test your knowledge of colors, flavors and smells of various wines at the San Antonio Winery, the last of the 100+ producing wineries that once lined the L.A. River Basin. The Winery is offering an exclusive DCBID package that includes free wine tasting, a winery tour and a Mother's Day Menu as well as complimentary glass of sparkling wine. 

You can also treat mom with a delicious brunch, created exclusively for DCBID, at the new Corkbar.  Check out its wide selection of wines afterward.

4.       Shop Til You Drop: Make mom feel like a VIP with exclusive DCBID offers at Tiara Café, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Store and the L.A. Philharmonic Store. Known as the Fashion District's Trendiest Spot, Tiara is the place to be to savor fashionably gourmet and healthy courses.  Also, receive a gift certificate for a personal shopping trip with Urban Shopping Adventures. 

End your tour of the MOCA at its store and receive a free gift or receive a 10 percent discount at the LA Phil Store by mentioning the DCBID.

5.       Relax and Pamper:  If your mom needs a day of relaxation, pamper her with spa services with the DCBID exclusive "Mother's Day Mix-and-Match Spa Treatments" at the Hilton Checkers Spa on its sunny roof spa or indoors at its serene spa. Mix and match different 30-minute treatments for your mom and for yourself. If you're planning to stay the night, just add a room for two at a fantastic price of $149 / night, plus tax.

Check out Neihule, a sophisticated urban oasis on Olive Street, and sign up for one of three different Mother's Day spa packages, all exclusive to the DCBID. While being pampered, delight in an assortment of teas and sandwiches. 

6.       Absorb the Arts:  If your mom enjoys live theatre and musical acts, then surprise her with tickets to a classical concert, "Bronfman Plays Prokofiev," at the Walt Disney Concert Hall or snap your fingers and tap your toes to "Ain't Misbehavin': The Fats Weller Musical Show" at the Ahmanson Theatre.

7.        Marvel at Rare, Museum Collections:  If your mom likes to take in some history, modern or ancient, then she can peruse the new GRAMMY Museum, which offers an exciting and interactive celebration of the power of music. Mention DCBID on Mother's Day and moms get in for FREE when accompanied by their children.

Learn about Dan Graham, a central figure in the development of contemporary art since the 1960s, with a free Mother's Day tour of the "Dan Graham: Beyond" exhibit at MOCA.  Or check out the Central Library and awe at the outstanding sketches, figure drawings and building renderings by Richard Neutra, one of modernism's most important architects.

8.       Dabble in Downtown's Diversity:  If Mom likes exploring and being on-the-go, then hop on a fun, nighttime bus tour of neon signs, movie marquees and permanent installations of contemporary neon art through Downtown and Hollywood, offered by the Museum of Neon Arts. 

Also, explore the rich architecture and history of the magnificent Biltmore Hotel, which was known in its early days as the "The Host of the Coast." Over the years, the Biltmore played non-stop host to high society, international political figures, movie stars and royalty.

9.       Pack a Picnic:  If you're looking for something low-key, then laze around on a grassy knoll with good conversation and a good book at the beautiful Elysian Park, a green haven right in the backyard of Downtown L.A.  You can also try Downtown's Vista Hermosa Park, which features walking trails, streams and picnic grounds amid native Mediterranean vegetation.  The best part - both are free!  You can purchase a basket of goodies for a picnic at Ralphs Fresh Fare, Bottega Louie or any of the Famima locations in Downtown.