Every year I look forward to Mother's Day. As busy as we both are where weeks go by without a phone call or email, we know it's a day of quality time. It's always a day around an activity whether it's brunch at a tropical garden or whizzing along murky waters canals in noisy airboat for alligator sight-seeing. Activities of extremes indeed.

Sometimes mom tells me if she has something in mind and her wish is my command. Or if no fanciful notion has caught her attention, then my creative marketing mind kicks in gear.  This year I chose the traditional route with a twist. As an Art Deco-phile (lover of  Art Deco) I invited mom to brunch at the National Hotel.  I absolutely love this hotel for its Art Deco decor, some original, some new installations. Since they announced their Poolside Brunching  I immediately made reservations for Mother's Day.  This was a special treat.

First, since it was close to a record-breaking hot day, we chose to sit indoors with floor to ceiling windows facing their famous 250 foot long rectangular pool.  The National Hotel offered a sumptuous spread and mom and I indulged in three servings.









On a perfect spring day with blue skies minus any clouds, the pool dazzled like a brilliant aquamarine gem. It was quite inviting. The best part is we could "dip" or use the pool as brunch customers, as part of their new promotion.  We came prepared and changed into bathing suits and coverup.





We highly recommend the National Hotel for brunch and a dip into their pool. I loved it so much that I'm starting another Art Deco tour, and I will chauffeur clients during the hot summer months to learn about this Art Deco treasure that was part of Millionaire's row in it hey day! So be sure to take my tour to learn the fascinating stories and complete your visit with great food, pampering pool and bar service, and a slice of history.

Cheers!