INDIANA- Brunch is nice. So are flowers. But according to thousands of moms, what they’d really love this Mother’s Day is a break – a proper “momcation.”
Present.com surveyed 3,025 mothers to find out where they dream of escaping for some well-deserved R&R. The results revealed a strong preference for peaceful small towns, charming spots, and nature-filled retreats – places where mom can truly unwind, explore, and breathe.
Here are the top 3 Indiana destinations, according to moms:
#1 Madison
Nestled along the Ohio River, Madison is a charming town filled with historic architecture, scenic river views, and tranquil walking paths. Moms can take a slow stroll along the waterfront, explore the town’s preserved 19th-century buildings, or simply relax in one of the many peaceful parks. The town’s slower pace makes it a wonderful escape from the everyday.
#2 Pokagon State Park
For a quiet retreat surrounded by water and woodland, Pokagon State Park offers beautiful trails, peaceful lake views, and plenty of fresh air. Moms can take a gentle walk along Lake James, enjoy a picnic under the trees, or simply relax by the water. Springtime in the park brings vibrant greenery and a sense of renewal, making it a great place for a restful getaway.
#3 Brown County
For moms who love nature and quiet retreats, Brown County offers rolling hills, scenic drives, and charming small-town vibes. Moms can take a peaceful walk through Brown County State Park, admire the spring wildflowers, or enjoy the artistic charm of Nashville, Indiana. With its relaxed pace and beautiful surroundings, it’s a perfect Mother’s Day getaway.
But where moms want to go is only part of the story. The survey also pulled back the curtain on what modern motherhood really looks like – and why that elusive “day off” feels like gold.
When asked how they’d spend a full day to themselves, moms said:
- Watching TV or bingeing a show: 19%
- Sleeping in and relaxing at home: 16%
- Spending time in nature (hiking, beach, park): 15%
- Enjoying a hobby (reading, crafting, cooking): 13%
- Shopping or treating themselves: 13%
- Spa time or massage: 12%
- Catching up with friends/family: 8%
- Traveling or a day trip: 4%
So what’s keeping moms from taking more time for themselves? The biggest barrier by far was lack of time (27%), followed by guilt (19%) and financial constraints (18%). For many, it’s a constant juggling act that leaves little room for rest—and even less for recharging.
In fact, moms say they currently get just 5 hours and 55 minutes of alone time in a typical week, not even an hour a day. Ideally, they’d like closer to 8 hours and 27 minutes to feel fully recharged.
Even small gestures can make a big difference. When asked what gift or service would help lighten the mental load, here’s what topped the list:
- House cleaning: 26%
- A full day off with no obligations: 20%
- Meal delivery or home-cooked meals: 14%
- A monthly massage or spa treatment: 12%
- Grocery delivery, childcare help, therapy, and laundry service rounded out the rest.
The emotional toll is undeniable. Nearly half of moms—42%—admit they feel guilty taking time for themselves, even when they know it’s necessary. One in ten haven’t had a single uninterrupted break from family responsibilities in the past year. For most, the reality is grabbing just a few scattered hours here and there, hardly the kind of reset that truly restores energy or peace of mind.
When moms do get time, they recharge in different ways:
Socializing, pampering, exercising, and reading all came in close behind.
- Sleeping or napping: 16%
- Getting outside: 15%
- Watching movies/TV or doing nothing at all: 14% each
