Mothers Day 2018 Free Events And Discounted Experiences In Northern Kentucky

Mother's Day 2018 in Northern Kentucky offered a variety of options for celebrating mothers, ranging from free community events to discounted spa experiences and special dining occasions. While traditional product samples were limited, the region provided numerous opportunities for meaningful celebrations without significant expense. This overview examines the available free and discounted Mother's Day options in Northern Kentucky during May 2018.

Free Community Events

Northern Kentucky communities organized several free events during Mother's Day weekend, providing families with budget-friendly ways to celebrate.

The Sprouts and Stouts Festival in Covington represented one of the most comprehensive free offerings. Organized by Trinity Episcopal Church, this sixth annual festival took place over two days, May 6-7, 2018. The event featured a plant sale beginning on Friday, with plants, flowers, and hanging baskets available from three local suppliers: Atwood Village Family Farm, Diefenbaker Greenhouses, and Millcreek Gardens. Saturday's activities included an all-day outdoor music festival with local acts Olivia Frances, The School of Rock Mason, Push Play, and The Turkeys. The festival also offered food from local food trucks, craft beer from Rhinegeist, art activities for children, and vendors selling locally crafted items. Admission to these activities was free, with only purchases required for food, beverages, and plants.

Other free community events included the Workout Sundayz bootcamp class held at Ziegler Park in Over-the-Rhine. This 45-minute class led by licensed instructors from Posh Fitness took place on Sunday, May 12, beginning at 11 a.m. The workout sessions occurred on the great lawn above the parking garage and were completely free of charge.

For music enthusiasts, Classical Revolution presented a free concert at Northside Tavern on Sunday, May 12, at 8 p.m. The Rochefort Wind Quintet performed works by Harbison and additional pieces to be announced. This cultural event offered free admission to attendees interested in classical music.

The Loveland Food Truck Rally provided another free community option, taking place on Saturday, May 12, from 3-10 p.m. at Shoppers Haven Mall in Loveland. This family-friendly event featured more than 20 food trucks, entertainment, live music, and a children's area with inflatables. While food and beverages were available for purchase, admission to the event itself was free, with attendees only required to bring folding chairs (coolers and outside food were not permitted).

Free Educational and Cultural Opportunities

Several institutions offered free admission and special programming for Mother's Day 2018.

The Cincinnati Zoo provided an opportunity for families to see the newest animal babies, which could be a special Mother's Day experience. While the source does not specify free admission, it highlights this as a unique Mother's Day activity in the region.

The Cincinnati Preservation Association hosted its 2018 Spring House Tour on Saturday, May 12, in Westwood. This tour featured historic homes in Cincinnati and provided an educational and cultural experience for visitors interested in local architecture and history.

The Terrace Cafe, situated inside the Cincinnati Art Museum, offered a Mother's Day brunch experience with a view of the museum's courtyard. While the brunch itself had a cost, the museum visit afterward to see the "Terracotta Army: Legacy of the First Emperor of China" exhibition provided cultural value. The exhibition was noted as a first for Cincinnati and included pieces never seen before outside of China.

Mother's Day Spa Deals and Discounts

Several spas in Northern Kentucky offered special Mother's Day packages and discounts, providing pampering experiences at reduced prices.

Elements Massage, with multiple locations in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, promoted a unique aromatic escape for mothers with its AromaRitual package. This new massage experience combined traditional massage techniques with aromatherapy, designed specifically for Mother's Day relaxation.

Mi Salon Spa in Florence, Kentucky, offered a gift card deal where customers could purchase a $150 spa gift card for $125, effectively providing a 16.67% discount on spa services. This promotion allowed mothers to choose their preferred spa packages while offering significant savings.

Mitchell's Salon and Day Spa, with locations in Kenwood, West Chester, Hyde Park, and Tri-County, conducted a Mother's Day gift certificate sale with various savings options. The promotion offered gift certificates at discounted rates, from $50 gift certificates for $40 up to $1,000 gift certificates for $800, providing savings of 20% across all denominations.

Tranquility Spa in Miami Township, Clermont County, offered a special promotion where customers who purchased a Mother's Day spa package received a complimentary massage or facial gift card, effectively doubling the value of the purchase.

Tuscany Spa and Salon at Harper's Station in Symmes Township, Hamilton County, provided several Mother's Day spa packages at varying price points. Their offerings included a "Mommy's Escape" package and a "Mommy and Me" photoshoot option, catering to different preferences and budgets.

Woodhouse Spas, with locations throughout Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, offered several gift card options for special spa packages at different price points, allowing flexibility in selecting the perfect Mother's Day pampering experience.

Mother's Day Dining Options

Several restaurants in Northern Kentucky and the Cincinnati area offered special Mother's Day brunch menus, providing an opportunity to treat mothers to a meal without the hassle of cooking.

Terrace Cafe, located inside the Cincinnati Art Museum at 953 Eden Park Drive in Mount Adams, served a three-course prix fixe brunch on Mother's Day, May 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The menu featured apple, prosciutto and brie flatbread; marinated flank steak with shrimp-and-crab-stuffed avocado; and candied-bacon French toast. Pricing was set at $40 for adults, with children's options available for $5-$6. Museum members received an additional 10% discount on the brunch price.

La Petite Pierre in Madeira, located at 7800 Camargo Road, offered a French-inspired brunch with contemporary touches under executive chef Eric Polhamus. Their Mother's Day buffet featured nearly 20 different items, including gravlax, shrimp cocktail, and Alaskan king crab legs. The restaurant also provided an array of house-made desserts, fresh fruit, pastries, and breads. Complimentary drinks included juice, milk, bottomless Carabello drip coffee, and one mimosa per adult over 21. The brunch was available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 13, with pricing at $60 for adults, $50 for seniors, and $18 for children ages 4-12 (children under 4 ate free).

Via Vite, located at 3514 Erie Ave. in Hyde Park, featured a wood-burning oven ("forno" in Italian) as the centerpiece of its rustic Italian cuisine. For Mother's Day, the restaurant offered a buffet including classic Italian dishes such as ribollita (a classic minestrone with smashed bread and fried egg), frittata made with leeks, Parmigiano-Reggiano and tomato, and polenta with Bolognese sauce. The dessert highlight was the very Tuscan "coccoli" (dollops of fried pizza dough) served with Nutella. The brunch was available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 13, with pricing at $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under.

Jeff Ruby's in Blue Ash, located at 4200 Cooper Road, celebrated Mother's Day all day long with both brunch and dinner buffets. The brunch buffet was available until 3:30 p.m., after which the dinner buffet began and remained available until 7 p.m. Both buffets featured more than two dozen items, including a carving station, seafood bar, and a variety of bread and pastries. The restaurant did not specify individual pricing for the buffets in the source material.

Unique Mother's Day Experiences

Beyond traditional dining and spa options, several unique experiences were available for Mother's Day 2018 in Northern Kentucky.

BB Riverboats offered Mother's Day cruises on the Ohio River on Sunday, May 13, 2018. The company provided two cruise options: a brunch cruise from 1-3 p.m. and a dinner cruise from 5:30-7:30 p.m. These cruises featured breathtaking views of the Ohio River along with delicious food, providing a distinctive way to celebrate Mother's Day.

For those interested in local history and architecture, the Cincinnati Preservation Association's 2018 Spring House Tour on Saturday, May 12, offered an opportunity to tour historic homes in Cincinnati's Westwood neighborhood. This educational experience provided insight into the region's architectural heritage.

The Cincinnati Zoo featured its newest animal babies, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a Mother's Day outing that combined entertainment with educational value.

Conclusion

Mother's Day 2018 in Northern Kentucky offered a range of options for celebrating mothers without significant expense. While traditional product samples were not prominently featured, the region provided numerous free community events, discounted spa experiences, special dining options, and unique activities. Families could choose from free festivals, concerts, and fitness classes, or take advantage of spa promotions offering 16-20% discounts on services. Special brunch menus at local restaurants provided opportunities to treat mothers to meals without the need for home preparation. For those seeking more distinctive experiences, riverboat cruises, historic home tours, and zoo visits offered memorable ways to celebrate the occasion. Together, these options demonstrated that meaningful Mother's Day celebrations could be achieved without substantial financial investment.

Sources

1. Pamper Mom This Mother's Day with Spa Experience; or, There's Always Amazon
2. Your Mom Would Love Any of These 9 Places for Brunch on Mother's Day
3. Ten Unique Ideas for Mother's Day Fun in Cincinnati & NKY
4. Free and Fun Things to Do This Weekend in Cincinnati
5. Sprouts and Stouts Festival Expands Hours, Offers More Music, Flowers, Fun to Mother's Day Weekend