From New Brunswick in the north to Cape May Point in the south, the Jersey Shore offers a blend of upscale, family, casual and fun dining options to celebrate Mother’s Day. Pack up the RV and take a weekend trip, highlighted by a special Sunday meal with Mom.

Upscale

When it’s Mother’s Day and the kids are away, grown-up or fine-dining ready consider a refined gourmet buffet in a gracious setting at Long Beach Island’s, The Gables, a gloriously restored Victorian inn and restaurant. The Gables was voted the most Romantic Restaurant at the Jersey Shore by Happening Magazine in 2015 and offers dining on the porch, in the beautifully restored Victorian Inn dining room, or in the garden, awash in spring blooms. Zagat rated Gables is the winner of numerous culinary awards and will be offering a brunch menu for Mother’s Day. A children’s menu will be available.

If a flight to Tuscany isn’t quite in your budget, plan a Mother’s Day trip to Ama Restaurant in Sea Brite for an authentic, Tuscany-themed a la carte brunch on Sunday until 1 p.m. The Oceanfront restaurant’s kitchen is headed by rising star Executive Chef Chuck Lesbirel, who was recently named one of the top chefs on the Jersey Shore. Treat Mom to award winning traditional and “re-imagined” classics at Ama Restaurante. The restaurant boasts menu items created from seasonal locally-sourced ingredients and a wine list that makes the most of small estate offerings. Dine in the elegant Tuscany-inspired dining room, enjoying views of the Atlantic Ocean to the West and Shrewsbury River to the west.

Beef steak on a plate with roasted vegetables

For more than 70 years, The Mill in Spring Lake Heights has been a favorite for destination and special occasion dining. Featuring innovative American cuisine showcasing fresh Jersey Shore seafood and classic cut steaks, the Mill is an ideal choice for a special Mother’s Day celebration. Dine in the exquisitely decorated dining room or enjoy casual outdoor dining on the lakeside deck, where Mom can watch the turtles and swans on the lake. Mother’s Day celebrations at The Mill will include a traditional brunch from 10 a.m. til 3 p.m.

Family-Friendly

When Mom just wants to hang out with the family, consider some laid-back, casual dining options at the Jersey shore for Mother’s Day. If Mom’s craving burgers, head to Point Pleasant’s The Ark Pub and Eatery. Not only does the pub serve up some of the Jersey Shore’s freshest seafood, it is home to the “Best Burger at the Jersey Shore” for two years in a row, as voted by local diners. The winning burger is a combination of, chuck, ribeye, and hangar meat topped with port wine cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and a homemade honey barbecue sauce. The Ark Pub and Eatery will also offer a family-friendly Mother’s Day brunch until 2 p.m., followed by its regular menu into the evening.

When the kids are little or Mom just wants to wear her jeans, give a nod to a Jersey Shore tradition on Mother’s Day, and consider a stop at an Uncle Bill’s Pancake Housewith locations in Avalon, Cape May, North Cape May, Ocean City, and Stone Harbor. At Uncle Bill’s they’ve been cooking up pancakes for over 46 years. Forget breakfast in bed, Uncle Bill’s will be serving up their regular menu of breakfast favorites – waffles, eggs, and 15 varieties of pancakes — all day long. Don’t forget another Uncle Bill’s tradition: the restaurant is cash only.

boy eating pancake with bananas and chocolate while out to eat with his family

If Cape May is your Mother’s Day destination, head to the charming and family operated Mad Batter Restaurant in the Carroll Villa Hotel on historic Jackson Street. This year-round favorite is the recipient of many awards including “Best Brunch” and “Best Restaurant” in Cape May. The Mad Batter will offer a delicious brunch menu for Mother’s Day, with favorites including Blueberry Pancakes, Eggs Benedict and the Mad Batter Crab Cake Sandwich. Mom can enjoy the views from the Mad Batter’s front porch, be seated in the sky lit dining room, or in enjoy the garden terrace. A children’s menu with breakfast and lunch favorites will also be available. The Mad Batter doesn’t accept reservations.

Something Different

Do something a little different this Mother’s Day and be doggone happy about it. Head to the laid-back Labrador Lounge in Normandy Beach. Born in Belmar as a surfer-friendly lounge and hangout, the Labrador Lounge now enjoys popularity in Normandy Beach thanks to its friendly service, laid back atmosphere and eclectic menu. Now a family-friendly favorite, the fresh seafood and sushi appeals to adults while kids can enjoy the canines on display in the restaurant. The Labrador Lounge accepts reservations, but is exclusively BYOB.

Speaking of dogs, even veggie dogs, keep it casual on Mother’s Day aMaui’s Dog House, in North Wildwood. Maui’s Dog House serves up fresh made hot dogs with over 29 toppings from homemade chili, sauerkraut cooked in beer. Other favorites include an Italian dog with peppers, onions, garlic and sharp provolone cheese, and the top-selling “Forget-About-It” with mustard, onions, chili, cheese and freshly cooked bacon. And, don’t leave without treating mom to the Maui Dog original house specialty, Salty Balls: small, fresh potatoes cooked in a salt and spice brine and served with drawn butter. The family operated seasonal favorite promises a hearty hot dog as well as a fun experience, perfect for a casual family Mother’s Day.

Delicious grilled hotdog in a restaurant

Finally, if Mom just wants to enjoy the day in her Pjs, head to Shut up and Eat! in Tom’s River. Not only does Mom not have to get dressed; she’ll get 13 percent off her bill for staying in her jammies. Open for breakfast and lunch only, get your fill of omelets, stuffed french toast, eggs and 65 varieties of waffles. Mom’s sure to get a warm welcome from the pajama-clad waitresses, relax while looking over the memorabilia-festooned walls and enjoy some peace while toddlers head to the toy corner to play. The Asbury Park Readers Poll has named Shut Up and Eat! The best breakfast in Ocean County, N.J., for 10 years in a row. If Mom’s not interested in breakfast, the Shut Up and Eat! lunch menu includes award-winning burgers, 14 varieties of grilled cheese “sammiches,” a selection of salads and other sandwiches,quesadillas, as well as soups made on the premises.

Before heading out for any journey, stop by the service department of Crossroads Trailer Sales to make sure your RV is road ready for Mom’s big trip.