From Nancy Levenson,
Your Guide to Portland, OR.
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Moms work hard, so Mother's Day is a well-deserved day for Mom to get the royal treatment. Here are a few ideas for making Mom feel appreciated this year.

Chocolate
If sweets are her thing, a box of high end chocolate will be a welcome treat. But don't get 'em at the grocery store. Go to one of Portland’s top chocolate shops and make Mom proud.

Brunch
Brunch is the classic Mom’s Day event. Try one of these spots for this special occasion. And be SURE to call ahead to find out about reservations. Mom will appreciate your smart planning.

• Mothers Bistro
  212 SW Stark St
  Comfort food at its most delicious, and the Mom theme is pretty sweet, too.
• Heathman Restaurant
  1001 SW Broadway
  This isn't your typical hotel restaurant. The atmosphere is elegant, with award-winning food that mixes Northwest flavors with French cuisine.
• Bluehour
  250 NW 13th Avenue
  Chic, sophisticated, innovative.
• Salty’s
  3839 N.E. Marine Drive
  Relax on the Columbia! Salty's offers river views and fresh seafood, which make it a brunch favorite.
• Besaw’s
  There's a reason why there's almost always a wait for Besaw's brunch. The place is charming, the food is delicious, and the locals know it.

The Big Boat
Take Mom on a cruise down the Willamette. The Portland Spirit offers brunch and live music, too. Mother's Day cruises are two hours long. Reserve your spot.

Get to a Garden
This time of year, the roses aren’t quite ready, so your best options are the Japanese Garden, Chinese Classical Garden or the Rhododendron Garden.

Spa. A day at the spa is a luxurious gift. Some of the best spas in the city are:

• Nirvana
  
• Aequis
  
• Bellini’s
  
• The Dragontree