If it weren’t for her, you probably wouldn’t be here. So don’t let this Mother’s Day go by without showing that you care. This year, treat Mom to a special weekend in Lake Tahoe she’ll never forget. Here’s seven sweet ideas to get you started.

Mommy’s Day Off – for the young mother and/or family
Let the Lone Eagle Grille staff entertain the tykes with interactive crafts, art projects, fun videos and a tyke-sized kids’ buffet while Mom takes a break to enjoy panoramic Lake Tahoe views and a sumptuous buffet. Served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. dine on small plates of lemon oregano scallops with tabouleh salad, grilled boar tenderloin with jalapeno mango barbecue sauce, smoked sea salt ahi with orange ginger glaze and a variety of breakfast dishes as well. Buffet is $70 for adults, $35 for children under 12. Children under age four dine free at the children’s buffet. Call (775) 832-1234 for more details.

For the culinary Mom
There’s a Mother’s Day Brunch, and then there’s so much more than a Mother’s Day Brunch. At Resort at Squaw Creek, unleash Mom’s curiosity in the kitchen as brunch guests are invited into the chef’s domain to interact with and learn from the resort cooks. “It will be like stepping into a Food Network show,” said Ramon Villages director of restaurants at the Resort. Another plus, 10% of the proceeds will go to fight breast cancer. Call (530) 581-6621 for reservations, cost is $48 per person. Step it up a notch by adding on a 50-minute massage, facial or body treatment, total package $139.

Girls’ day on the golf course
Enjoy incredible views of the Championship Golf Course while Mom dines on a gourmet Mother’s Day brunch at the Chateau in Incline Village. Buffet includes prime rib and turkey carving stations, fresh clams cooked to order, spring salads and fresh fruit, a wide variety of breakfast items and fresh strawberries cooked to order. Sparklin wine, coffee and juice included. Adults $39.95, children 6-12 are $12.9, 5-and-under eat free. Add a round of golf to complete the day, $164 per person includes 18 holes and a golf cart.

Ski, soak and swim
Whisk Mom up to 8,200 feet above sea level with a ride on Squaw Valley’s cable car to High Camp for the last day skiing in the Lake Tahoe area for 2008. Lift tickets are $59 per person for the full day, or if Mom’s more excited about sunning than skiing let her relax by the pool and soak in the hot tub. Gondola rides (one ride up and one ride down) to High Camp are $20. The pool area is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the poolside bar closes at 4 p.m. The restaurant at High Camp will also be serving a Mother’s Day Brunch. Call (800) 403-0206 for details.

For the water girl – whitewater rafting on the East Carson River
Leave civilization behind for a day, while you take Mom on a scenic, river trip she’ll never forget. From Hangman’s Bridge in mountainous Markleeville embark on a 21-mile float trip down the East Carson River. Flows are generally perfect during the month of May on this scenic Class 2-3 stretch. Plus, half way down, Mom gets a chance to soak in natural hot springs while Pat Fried, head guide at Great Basin Sports makes and serves lunch on the river. Trips are $110 per person and Great Basin Sports (www.greatbasinsports.com) takes care of all of the logistics – wetsuits, life jackets, rafts, lunch, instruction, plus they can even arrange special pick-up with advance notice. Call (775) 450-3446 for more information.

Back to the basics
Does Mom just need a weekend to relax in a clean, chic room where she can connect with nature? Set her up with a weekend at the Cedar House Sport Hotel in Truckee designed in harmony with nature and green building products and practices. The innovative European-style interior will surely have her thinking peaceful thoughts before long. Rooms, ranging from standard to designer and luxury suites with sun decks, run $140-200 per night midweek which includes a gourmet, European-style continental breakfast hosting such scrumptious delights as fresh made croissants, lochs with bagels and cream cheese and complimentary espresso. A hot tub is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the hotel and if you really want to melt Mom’s stress away, arrange for a massage therapist from Tahoe Yoga & Wellness to come right to the room ($115 for an hour). For more information, visit www.cedarhousesporthotel.com.

She’s crafty
Could Christmas be described as Craftsmas in your home? If so, let Mom's creativity run free in the Village at Northstar. Get the creative juices glowing at The Village Candle Shop (530-562-8884) where Mom can design her own candle using one of 30 different designs and 20 different scents. While the wax cools, head over to Farrah Rale Bead Design Studio (530-562-2828), where Mom can pick from hundreds of custom-designed beads to create her very own necklace. While you’re at it, you might want to make her a pair of earrings to match. Stop in for a meal high in protein and low in carbs at Mikuni’s sushi restaurant to top off this decadent day.

Do you have any other great ideas for Mother's Day in Lake Tahoe you'd like to share? Let us know in the comments below!