Mother’s Day is just around the corner. How will you be celebrating the love of your mother, mom, mommy, mama? Niagara is one of those places where the celebration of mom doesn’t just have to happen on one particular day of the year, it can happen all year round.

However, moms do appreciate a particular day named after them and sure do enjoy the pampering. Allow us to share a few of our favourite ‘hot spots’ to bring your special lady.

Niagara-on-the-Lake (or N-O-T-L as we Niagarians like to call it) is filled with some mother-loving festivals, such as the Wine & Herb Festival, which is every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in May. Spend the day or weekend sampling delicious Niagara wine and fresh herb pairings in the lovely Wine Country of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Touring passes are $43 per person (plus HST), which entitles you  to a VQA wine and food pairing at each winery.  Valid every event weekend.

Most celebrations involve food and wine, so don’t be surprised if you are starting to see a theme here. This event takes it one step further and includes beautiful hand-crafted gifts by local artisans. Take your mom to the Handmade Market, at Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery, on May 11th or 12th. Featuring over 60 local artisans, plus homemade goodness from local Food Trucks and of course wine at Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery.

And lastly (yes this hot spot also includes food and possibly wine), who doesn’t love delightfully, delectable, sweet Dungeness crab? If you are one of the many who fall into this category, you can’t miss The Keg Steakhouse and Bar’s Dungeness Crab menu, which is available until June 2nd. Can we tempt your taste buds with a Dungeness Crab Wedge Salad or a Crab & Shrimp Sirloin? Come and check out the newly renovated dining space at the Keg in the Courtyard by Marriott hotel. The transformation is unbelievable.

If you’re looking for accommodations for you and your mom, visit the newly renovated Courtyard by Marriott. Our space is completely refreshing. From our lobby to our spacious guest rooms, it’s a ‘Mother’s Day Kind of Stay’ at the newly renovated Courtyard.

Football Fans – Monday night football just got even more exciting! Not only is the Courtyard by Marriott the official sponsor of the NFL, but we are offering special NFL travel packages from September 20th – February 3rd. Stay one weekend night and receive a $50 Courtyard Refreshing Savings Weekend Coupon, which is good for your next two night weekend stay, plus receive a 15% NFLshop.com coupon and late check-out.

Book your weekend stay soon and start planning your stay at THE Niagara Falls hotel located in the “centre of it all.” The Niagara Falls Courtyard by Marriott is just minutes from Niagara Falls, Casino Niagara, the Fallsview Casino, Clifton Hill and major Niagara Parks attractions.

Plus you could win trip’s to your favourite NFL Team’s 2013 Regular Season Road Games, trips to Super Bowl XLVII, the 2013 Pro Bowl, the 2013 NFL Draft and more.For full contest details, visit http://www.facebook.com/courtyard/ or marriott.com/courtyard

And during your staying at the Niagara Falls Courtyard by Marriott, be sure to check out all the NFL specials at The Keg Steakhouse & Bar. Every Sunday, Monday and Thursday night enjoy some of the following mouth-watering meals or for some late night snacks:

1/2 rack of dry rub ribs and a pitcher of beer

Nachos and a pitcher

1lb of wings and a pitcher

Burger and a pint

So who are you predicting will make it to SuperBowl XLVII? According to the Bleacher Report, they are predicting the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, or the Green Bay Packers.

My prediction are the Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots. Only time will tell…

Artpark was one of the greatest hits this summer. Out of all of the Niagara Falls events, this was one of the must-see destinations.

If you haven’t been to Artpark this summer, you must add this place to your “summer fun” list. Artpark is known for its excellence in performing & visual arts. This summer was jam-packed with fun-filled activities for both families and adults such as: Sundays in July, Free Family Saturday’s, Tuesday in the Park, and Coors Light Wednesdays. Featuring bands such as the Lowest of the Low, Jane’s Addiction, Sheryl Crow, Steve Miller and more. Tickets ranged from $0 to $15.

However there is still time. Tuesday in the Park will be be finishing its spectacular summer line-up with The Machine, Performing Pink Floyd on August 28th at 7pm and The Charlie Daniel’s Band on September 4th. General Admission is only $5.00 (you can’t beat that price).

The last concert of the summer is being performed by an American singer- songwriter, musician and artist who does not need an introduction, Bob Dylan. Tickets for this September 6th event are $40.00 (for general admission lawn seats). From previous experience, there is not a bad seat in the house and you can work your way up to front row.

If you are either a kid, art-adorer or nature-lover, don’t miss Emerald Grove. Emerald Grove is a whimsical, interactive, art installation created by Sculptor Extraordinaire, Jesse Walp. This exhibit features interactive elements such as: bridges, windmills, sculptural seating, an earth mound, a sundial and large pod-like huts which stand 15 feet tall.

Niagara is the place to be for a week-day or week-end getaway. There is so much to do in the Niagara Region, so start planning your last chance for a summer vacation revelation today. The Niagara Falls Courtyard by Marriott is just a short drive to Lewiston. Out of all the Niagara Falls hotels, the Niagara Falls Courtyard is in the “centre of it all.”

Be sure to add Artpark to your vacation agenda for next week, the following week and next year, as it is a must-see Niagara event.