by Cornelia Fortier

Our mothers mean everything to us. That's why the challenge, on Mother's Day, is finding the perfect way to show them. Whether you're leaning toward taking your mother out for an elegant meal, or surprising her with a thoughtful present, here are some ideas on where to do it in Fairfield County that we hope come in handy. And remember, no matter what you decide to do for your mother on Mother's Day, for her, being with you, is always going to be the main event.

Some Gift Ideas

Our moms love to pamper us but you can turn the tables with a gift certificate from Born of Earth, a spa relaxation center in Westport, where she can have soothing body treatments like seaweed and mud wraps, hot stone massages, reflexology and more. Born of Earth, 375-2 Post Road West, Westport, 203-226-0888, www.bornofearth.com.

For homebody moms, a Mother's Day present from The Adirondack Store's collection of gifts and accessories, like this custom birchbark picture frame, will evoke the unique style and feeling of the Adirondacks and the great outdoors.  The store also offers china, furniture, pictures and much more. The Adirondack Store,
90 Main Street, New Canaan, 203-972-022, www.adirondacks.com/adkstore.

If your mom is outdoorsy, be sure to visit  Downunder Kayaking's sidewalk and used kayak sale, 10 AM to 6 PM, on Mother's Day to find fun summer gear, swimsuits, sandals, hats, gifts and kayaks. Better yet, sign her up for a spin on the Five Mile River once kayak rentals begin on May 24th. 3 year olds and grandparents get out on the water, experienced and not, swimmers and not, so Mom needn't feel reluctant. And the kayak experience is magical. Downunder Kayaking, 157 Rowayton Avenue, Rowayton, 203- 852-0011 x 2, www.downunderkayaking.com.

Pleasing to the eye and the palate, the delicious fruit designs created by Edible Arrangements will undoubtedly make your mother's eyes light up. Filled with the freshest fruit, including strawberries, pineapple, grapes, oranges, cantaloupe and honeydew, you can choose from 15 specially-crafted Mother's Day arrangements, including this Sweetheart Bouquet, of fresh strawberries hand dipped in gourmet chocolate in a keepsake container. Edible Arrangements, 3710 Main St., Bridgeport, 203-882-8300, www.ediblearrangements.com.

Elegant Meals

Mom will feel like a princess in the fairytale setting at  Le Chateau, in South Salem, New York, which includes beautiful vistas and a prix fixe Sunday brunch from noon to 2 PM. The menu features traditional brunch fare, such as homemade waffles and French toast with syrup and a berry compote, and some less traditional entrees, for instance, sauteed salmon. Formerly  J P Morgan's country estate, its idyllic scenery is best appreciated from the terrace, which is now open. Le Chateau, 1410 Route 35, South Salem, NY, 914-533-6631, www.lechateauny.com.

Stamford's Long Ridge Tavern, rated "Excellent" by the Zagat Survey, brims with history and atmosphere, creating the perfect backdrop for a very memorable meal for mom. Its special Mother's Day brunch has two sittings, 10:30-12:30 and 2:30 and a menu that includes seafood newburg and French toast with apple stuffing. Eat on the terrace, if the weather cooperates. The Long Ridge Tavern, 2635 Long Ridge Road, Stamford, 203-329-7818, www. www.longridgetavern.com.

Stratford's Peppermill Steak & Fish House, relocated from Westport, offers a special Mother's Day Brunch Buffet in its Great Meadow Ballroom with three seatings at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. Mom will be dazzled by Its extensive buffet menu that includes an array of traditional brunch dishes, such as French toast and scrambled eggs and sausage as well as lunch entrees.  Reservations are required. The Peppermill Steak & Fish House, 225 Lordship Blvd, Stratford, 203-870-8445, www.peppermillstratford.com.

If your Mom loves to be catered to, she'll relish the historic and stylish Silvermine Tavern, which is offering a special dinner menu all Mother's Day from 11:30 to 7:00 PM.  Its New England cuisine, that features exquisite entree choices like crab stuffed fillet of sole and roast breast of duck, is matched by charming interiors, lovely views and outstanding service. The Silvermine Tavern, 194 Perry Avenue, Norwalk, 203-847-4558, www.silverminetavern.com.

Take mom to colorful and sophisticated Zest Cafe & Restaurant, with its Sunday brunch from 11 AM to 3 PM and lunch from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, and she'll have a hard time choosing between the enticing menus:  poached eggs with Pietro's smoked salmon over shredded potato latkes from the brunch menu?  Or steamed mussels Parisian from the lunch menu? Or something entirely different.  Zest Cafe & Restaurant, 8 Church Lane, Westport, 203-226-9378, www.zestcafeandrestaurant.com.