Instead of a store-bought card and a handful of roses, why not treat Mom to some delightful comestibles and luxurious pampering this Sunday? And what better place to treat Mother on her day than along or near the shores of Lake Tahoe?

To get a good start on the day, you need a hearty breakfast, and several area restaurants are offering Mother's Day special brunches.

Take, for instance, the extensive Champagne brunch menu at the Edgewood golf course clubhouse in South Lake. All morning and into early afternoon, they'll be serving up a variety of salads, seafoods, breakfast staples and a host of other entrees. The cost is $39.50 for adults and $14.95 for kids 4 to 10.

Just up Highway 50 in Zephyr Cove, the paddlewheel boat MS Dixie II will be serving a champagne brunch cruise from 10:30 am-Noon. Cost is $39 for adults and $15 for children 4 to 11. Information can be found and reservations made at zephyrcove.com or by calling (775) 589-4906.

Farther north, in Incline Village, two restaurants at the Hyatt Lake Tahoe will be offering Mother's Day brunches. At the lakeside Lone Eagle Grille (775-886-6899), omelet and pancake stations and slices of prime rib are among the selections; cost for the brunch, which takes place from 10 am-3 pm, is $70. At the Sierra Cafe (775-886-6673) made-to-order omelets and eggs Benedict top the bill of fare between 7 am-1 pm; cost is $30 for adults, $24 for seniors (65 and up) and $14 for kids up to 12.

In Truckee, P.J.'s Restaurant at the Gray's Crossing golf course is serving up a diverse Mother's Day menu from 9:30-11:30 am that includes eggs Benedict, smoked salmon, crab legs and sushi. Cost of the repast is $30 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under, and for an extra $10 adults can indulge in all-you-can-drink mimosas. Call 530-550-5801 for reservations.

After all that food, it might be wise to treat Mom to a soothing day-spa experience, and several Tahoe-area establishments are offering some tempting deals.

At Trilogy Spa (530-584-61250) in the Village at Squaw Valley, you can get a 50-minute Swedish-style massage for $85 or an 80-minute one for $120. At the Lighthouse Spa (530-583-8100) in Tahoe City, take advantage of the 20th Anniversary special (60-minute, 90-minute and 120-minute massages for $1 per minute) or the Sweetheart Treat (hour massage and hour facials for $130). And at Bio Spirit Day Spa (530-541-5511) you can get a 50-minute facial, a 50-minute massage and use of the steam room for $145.