Because she said so - take your cues from mom for Mother's Day

There's an old saying that if Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. Surely on Mother's Day, you can put in a little extra effort to live up to her expectations.

How? By letting her know that some of the wacky wisdom she dispensed actually sank in. Not that her logic ever made complete sense. After all, what kind of question is: Do you want a spanking?

Truth be told, that's just a mom's way of making you think for yourself, without her having to tell you everything all the time.

Here are five questions you might have heard Mama say at some point in your life, along with a few ideas for using those queries as a starting point for entertaining her Sunday. This way, you can prove you were actually listening to her ... sort of ... sometimes.

Just be careful how you offer up these suggestions. Mama's not partial to sass either.

Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281.

photo "Play Along With the CSO," a musical collaboration between the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera and community musicians, is part of Mother's Day events Sunday at Chattanooga Market.

Can you stop with all the racket?

Mama didn't buy you that drum set/tool kit/microphone/chugging choo-choo, and she's none too pleased with the aunt/uncle/grandparent/so-called friend who did.

For a sweeter serenade, try Chattanooga Market's Mother's Day celebration, which will feature three concerts by the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera and a rotating roster of community musicians who'll be sitting in.

Their selections will include Grieg's Suite No. 1 from "Peer Gynt," Movement 4, "In the Hall of the Mountain King"; Elgar's Variation IX (Nimrod) from "Enigma Variations"; Copland's "Hoe-Down" from "Rodeo"; and Williams' "Imperial March" from "Star Wars." (See, it's not all butterflies and roses.)

Concerts starts at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Spend the rest of your time pampering mom with other offerings available from vendors that day, including wines and champagnes, handmade gifts and fresh-cut flowers.

Hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at First Tennessee Pavilion, 1829 Reggie White Blvd. Admission is free. Information: 423-648-2496, www.chattanoogamarket.com.

photo Families can personalize their own "Bird Family Tree" at Spirited Art on Mother's Day.
photo Sunday's masterpiece du jour at Uptown Art is the "Mom & Me Butterfly."

Who colored all over the walls?

It's not that she doesn't like your masterpieces. She'd just prefer that they start out on paper or canvas before they're applied to the wall.

Two do-it-yourself studios will have paint parties for families Sunday. Don't worry about technique. Sessions include step-by-step instructions. You'll take home the completed canvas and beautiful memories.

At Spirited Art, 1925 Gunbarrel Road, multiple family members are welcome to re-create the "Bird Family Tree" from 2 to 4 p.m. All materials are included. Cost is $35 per canvas. To register: 423-531-6278,

At Uptown Art, 2 Cherokee Blvd., mother and child can create the "Mom and Me Butterfly" masterpiece from 4 to 6 p.m. Cost is $30 per seat. To register: 423-602-8580, www.uptownart.com.

photo Remind mom how animals really live (and smell) with a visit to see the camels and horses and potbellied pigs at Chattanooga Zoo, 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave. Moms get free admission and 10 percent discounts in the gift shop all day, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 423-697-1322, www.chattzoo.org.

Were you born in a barn?

Remind mom how animals really live (and smell) with a visit to see the camels and horses and potbellied pigs at Chattanooga Zoo, 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave. Moms get free admission and 10 percent discounts in the gift shop all day, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 423-697-1322, www.chattzoo.org.

Do I look like I'm made of money?

The best deal of the day for large groups may be at Lake Winnepesaukah, 1730 Lakeview Drive. From noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, the North Georgia amusement park is offering discounted admission by the carload -- up to five guests get in for $85, which includes gate admission and unlimited rides (usually $26 per person for ages 3-54). More than five in your party? Extra guests get discounts too. Find out more at www.lakewinnie.com or by calling 706-866-5681.

Do you think I'm running a restaurant here?

It shouldn't be hard to find a restaurant going the extra mile for moms Sunday.

Here are a few suggestions around town:

¦ Abuelo's, 2102 Hamilton Place: Moms receive a special card, while supplies last. 423-855-7400.

¦ Blue Moon Cruises, 301 Riverfront Parkway: Lunch is served aboard a 2 1/2-hour cruise on the Tennessee River, complete with a complimentary rose and drink for mom, starting at 1 p.m. Tickets are $49. Reservations: 888-993-2583, www.bluemooncruises.org.

¦ Broad Street Grille, 1201 Broad St. (inside The Chattanoogan): Chef Adam Roe promises his Mother's Day Champagne Brunch is fit for a queen. The extravagant meal will be served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Price is $37 for adults, $19 for children under 12, free for children 6 and younger. Reservations are required: 423-424-3700, www.broadstreetgrille.com. Complimentary valet parking will be provided.

¦ Easy Bistro & Bar, 203 Broad St.: Moms will receive a complimentary glass of champagne during brunch, served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations: 423-266-1121.

¦ Public House, 1110 Market St. (inside Warehouse Row): The buffet will be available from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Cost is $26 for adults, $12 for children 5-12. Reservations: 423-266-3366.

¦ Southern Belle, 201 Riverfront Parkway: The riverboat will ply the river twice Sunday. The Mother's Day Luncheon Cruise starts at 1 p.m. Mother's Day on the River departs at 5 p.m. Cost for either is $32.95 for adults, $16.95 for children 3-12. Reservations: 423-266-4488, chattanoogariverboat.com.

¦ TerraMae Appalachian Bistro, 120 E. 10th St. (inside StoneFort Inn): You can choose your own options in this multicourse feast, along with unlimited mimosas, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $47 for adults, $12 for children 12 and younger. Reservations: 423-710-2925.

¦ The Big Table, 119 Cross St. (foot of Signal Mountain): Multiple buffets will be set up from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $17 for adults, $6 for children 12 and younger. Reservations: 423-634-0772.

¦ 212 Market, 212 Market St.: The brunch menu, available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will feature a choice of numerous specialties for each course. Cost is $30 for adults, $15 for children 12 and younger. Reservations: 423-265-1212.

photo After the buffet dinner at Fall Creek Falls State Park's restaurant, take time for a hike to the iconic waterfall.

If the family's willing to go the extra mile, all eight of Tennessee's state park restaurants will serve a Mother's Day buffet Sunday. The closest are Cumberland Mountain State Park in Crossville and Fall Creek Falls State Park in Pikeville. Both are in the Central time zone.

You can find menus for each place at tnstateparks.com/about/seasonal-promotion/mothers-day. Cost at both is $14.95 for adults, half-price for children 6-12 (beverage, tax and gratuity not included).

At Cumberland Mountain, buffet service is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations for parties of six or more: 931-484-7186.

At Fall Creek Falls, the buffet will be served from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Reservations for parties of six or more: 423-881-5241.

Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281.

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