CARIBOU, Maine — The city offers County residents plenty of ways to celebrate Mother’s Day locally, and Christina Kane-Gibson, the municipality’s marketing and events coordinator, recently shared the top 10 ways (in no particular order) to spend next weekend with mom.
“Take your mom to lunch,” Kane-Gibson said. “Caribou definitely has some amazing restaurants. In fact, no matter what you’re craving, we have it covered. Treat mom to her favorite lunch followed by a walk on a trail in one of our parks.”
On the topic of parks, Kane-Gibson said Collins Pond Park, located “on Collins Pond on the south side of town,” has a play area, group and family picnic sites, and a 1.23 mile walking path.
The boat launch, located on Lower Lyndon Street across Route 1 from Sleeper’s market, is another great picnic spot with easy access to spring fishing.
“Pack a lunch and bring mom to enjoy the sunshine and sound of water lapping on the shore,” Kane-Gibson said of the boat launch. “You may even spy an eagle or two.”
Overlook deck, a newly constructed observation area behind One Vaughn Place on Main Street, is a “perfect place for pictures,” Kane-Gibson said, adding that she has “personally seen an eagle soaring above the stream,” and that a “short walk will also bring you to Lyndon and Memorial parks.
North Caribou Park, which is accessible via Route 1 North (the Van Buren Road), is another outdoors possibility. Kane-Gibson said the park encompasses 54 acres of fields and woodlands, a softball and baseball field, basketball courts, horseshoe pits and a nature trail, making it a “perfect spot for a family or group picnic.”
As far as outdoor activities are concerned, Kane-Gibson said the city is full of nature trails.
“Cary Medical Center’s Community Trails are some of the finest,” she said. “These multi-use trails boast an unparalleled opportunity to take a stroll in the woods without having to leave the city. The Caribou High School trails are also a destination for runners, hikers, and geocachers alike.”
The city events coordinator also suggested grabbing some ice cream at Burger Boy, which has recently opened up for the year, and taking a stroll through Flora-Dale Park, which is adjacent to the restaurant, and “enjoying the sunshine and good times.”
Goughan’s Berry Farm on the Fort Fairfield Road is a great spot to take Mom for a game of mini-golf. The farm also offers homemade ice cream, and Kane-Gibson said her personal favorite is the “Honey-Grapenuts ice cream in a cone.”
Those in search of an indoor activity can check out the 2 p.m. matinee at the Caribou Theater on Sweden Street, which Kane-Gibson said is a great place to go after strolling through the city’s various walking trails.
Kane-Gibson’s final Mother’s Day suggestion is to “enjoy your time together.”
“No matter what you end up doing,” she said, “enjoy your time together. Maybe it’s having a sweet tea on your back porch or toasting s’mores around your fire pit, no matter what you do, show mom how much you appreciate her. If your mother is no longer with us, set some time aside to think about her and relish the happy thoughts. It’s your time to make memories, so get out there and enjoy your day. Happy Mother’s Day mommas, especially to my own kind, caring, and inspirational mother.”
