Trade in the bouquet-and-brunch tradition on Mother's Day and try some of these fresh ideas to give that special mom some unique attention. Restaurants aren't the only venues open on Mother's Day!

For an Outdoorsy Mom

Give the gift of flowers while they are still growing. Get back to nature with a wildflower walk at the Placerita Nature Center. The guided tour will leave at 10 a.m. and return at noon. The park is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for hiking or visiting the center, located at 19152 Placerita Canyon Road in Santa Clarita. Call 259-7721 for more information.

For a High-Tea Royalty Mom

Treat her like royalty with a high tea. Michele Pastry Cafe is hosting a Mother's Day Tea, with full service, including scones, savory appetizers, tea sandwiches, pastries and petit fours. Call 255-1225, as reservations are required. The cost is $24.95 per person. For more impromptu visitors, the cafe will also be open for coffee, tea and pastries from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by at 22722 Lyons Avenue in Newhall.

If home is where her heart is, you may like to treat her to a do-it-yourself tea experience. Creative Clutter carries teapots, teacups and platters along with scone mix, lemon curd and jams to make a smashing spread. You must make your purchases in advance, as the doors will not be open on Mother's Day. You will find it in Granary Square, at 25868 McBean Parkway in Valencia. Call 253-3256 to reach them or go to www.creativeclutterscv.com.

For a Bargain-Hunter Mom

If she's a shopper, take her to the Open Air Market at the Saugus Speedway, where she can stroll past approximately 600 vendors and pick out a Mother's Day gift for herself. A pancake breakfast for the whole family is also available on site. The swap meet is open on Sundays, rain or shine. Admission is $1.50 and parking is free. It's open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saugus Speedway is located in the heart of Santa Clarita on Soledad Canyon Road. Call 259-3886 or log on to www.saugusspeedway.com for more details.

For an Adventure-Loving Mom

Take a different kind of ride - on horseback - at Rainbow Ridge Ranch. You will saddle up and follow a trail boss with a small group of riders. Children must be 7 years old to ride. They recommend long pants and close-toed shoes; they provide the helmets. One hour charge is $35 per person; two hour charge is $55. The stables are located near the border of Acton and Palmdale at 1701 Crystal Road in Palmdale. Rides are available by reservation only; call 538-9271.

For a Theatre-Going Mom

Perhaps she's partial to performance art. Take her to the play "Don't Dress for Dinner" at the Repertory East Playhouse. It is a comedy by Marc Camoletti involving mistresses, gourmet cooks and foolproof alibis. The REP is located at 24266 N. San Fernando Road in Newhall. The curtain will be lifted at 2 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults; $14 for seniors and students. Call 288-0000 or log on to www.repeastplayhouse.org for all the info.

For an Artsy Mom

Appreciate art while you appreciate her. The Santa Clarita Valley Artists' Association Gallery will host a Mother's Day reception from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All women will receive a flower when they arrive and light refreshments will be served. It would be a perfect stop after brunch (Egg Plantation is right around the corner). The address is 22614 8th Street in Newhall. Call 222-7328 to reach the gallery.

For a Train-Ridin' Mom

You're on the right track with the elaborate celebration aboard the Fillmore & Western Railway Company. Take a two-and-a-half hour ride through the Heritage Valley while dining on chicken cordon bleu. There are two departures that day, one at 11 a.m. and another at 2:30 p.m. The train leaves the station in downtown Fillmore and the price includes a full meal and dessert. Prices are $44 for adults; $23 for children ages 4 to 12; $20 for ages 3 and under. You must have reservations, which you can make by calling 800-773-TRAIN.