My sorority recently had our mother-daughter weekend, and I was so excited to spend time with my mom in Gainesville after many weeks apart. While quality time with my mom is always great, the activities and places we went over the weekend made our quality time even more special. In this article, I will go through some of the weekend’s highlights, and I hope this will give you some inspiration of things to do the next time your parents visit you!
Boca Fiesta: Yummy downtown eats and drinks
After checking in to the hotel and getting settled into her room at the Holiday Inn, my mom and I began discussing where we could go for dinner. After running through the list of usual contenders, we decided to check out Boca Fiesta, a trendy Mexican restaurant downtown and our experience was a total success. We got to sit on the outdoor patio which was beautifully decorated with exposed brick walls, wooden picnic tables, lots of greenery, white lights draped around the fencing. On top of the wonderful ambience, the food was delicious, and the menu even had specialty items like this strawberry margarita that my mom ordered. (Yum!)
Flying Biscuit: A local brunch staple
The next morning, my mom and I decided to go to breakfast, and there was no question in my mind of where I would take her. Flying Biscuit Cafe is my favorite breakfast place in Gainesville, and I had to show my mom the place I always rave about! From traditional and southern breakfast options, to coffee beverages, and even lunch options, there is something for everyone to order here! Personally, I am obsessed with the Heavenly French Toast which is made on whole wheat bread and perfectly topped with raspberry and honey crème anglaise sauce. Flying Biscuit was the perfect place to start our morning happy and full.
Getting artsy at Painting with a Twist
After breakfast, we went to a group class at Painting with a Twist, which was included in my sorority’s mother-daughter weekend. This was my first time doing Painting with a Twist, and it exceeded all of my expectations. There was a brewery right next door which had any form of “twist” you might want — and the class was the perfect mix of fun but creative. The instructor clearly showed us how to make our painting the best, but also made sure to leave room for our own personal touches and played games with us while we were waiting for the paint to dry. Overall, this was such a different but enjoyable way to spend time with my mom as well as with my close friends and their moms.
More local eats at The Top
For dinner on Saturday night, we went to a Gainesville classic: The Top. This local restaurant has so many meal choices and is the perfect place to take relatives who are visiting Gainesville. Although the wait time can get pretty long here, we were able to sit outside and get drinks and appetizers while we waited, and we liked it so much that we ended up staying there for the rest of our meal. With accommodating waiters, great ambience and so many delicious foods, The Top is a definitely high on my list of best places to take your mom.
A classic night in GNV
Finally, I concluded the night by showing my mom a little taste of student life and took her to the Social at Midtown. We went upstairs to the rooftop and were able to sit at a table and enjoy the rest of our nights. Unlike many other midtown and downtown bars, Midtown Social, and particularly the rooftop area, is pretty airy and comfortable to spend long periods of time in.
Overall, my weekend with my mom was so special and enjoyable, and it wouldn’t have been the same without each of these Gainesville hotspots. I am so grateful that my mom came to visit me, and I’m also so appreciative of my sorority, Alpha Epsilon Phi, for hosting events such as these and facilitating such a great weekend!
All photos are from the writer, Lauren White.