Mother's Day in Hartford, ConnecticutGreat Ways to Celebrate Mom's Day in Greater HartfordI have a five-year-old, so I know that motherhood can be a bit of a roller coaster ride. You can take Mom to Lake Compounce on Mother's Day, or you can take her to brunch. Either way, I'm sure she'll be thrilled. And those are just two ways to celebrate Mother's Day in Greater Hartford. Here's your guide to making Mom's day a special one. You don't expect Mom to slave over a hot stove making eggs and bacon on Mother's Day, do you? Here's your guide to the best Connecticut brunches so that you can treat Mom like a Queen this Mother's Day. Saturday, May 10, is opening day for the season at Lake Compounce--America's oldest amusement park--in Bristol, Connecticut. There are rides for all ages at this family-friendly theme park, which celebrates its 162nd year in 2008, and if you plan to visit during Mother's Day weekend, you'll avoid summer's worst crowds and give Mom a real thrill. Need a great Mother's Day gift? Purchase a gift certificate at one of these area day spas, and treat Mom to a relaxing escape. The Lutz Children's Museum in Manchester, Connecticut, offers free admission for all moms on Mother's Day: May 11, 2008. This 55-year-old museum provides a safe and comfortable environment even for young children, so it's a great place to introduce toddlers to hands-on learning and fun. In search of a sweet treat for Mom with a Connecticut connection? Bridgewater Chocolates handmakes delicious confections with no preservatives, additives or artificial flavors. The unique "recipe," which yields a chocolate that is smooth and not too sweet, is the result of years of experimentation by head chocolatier Erik Landegren. Take your mom to the museum. The New Britain Museum of American Art in New Britain, Connecticut, offers free admission for all moms on Mother's Day: May 11, 2008. Museum hours are noon until 5 p.m. on Sunday. It's a great opportunity to see the special exhibit, All Things Bright and Beautiful: California Impressionist Paintings from the Irvine Museum. The Dogwood Festival has been a spring tradition at Greenfield Hill Congregational Church in Fairfield, Connecticut, for more than 70 years. Thousands attend this event that celebrates the beauty of dogwood trees in bloom while also raising money and awareness for women and children in need. Take your mom! The festival is always held Mother's Day Weekend, and Fairfield is just an hour and fifteen minutes from Hartford by car. Don't want to go out and pay top dollar for brunch on Mother's Day? About.com's Culinary Arts Guide Danilo Alfaro comes to the rescue with this mix-and-match menu featuring simple recipes for brunch dishes that are sure to delight the hard-working mother in your life. | 
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