Instead of buying mom another pair of slippers, earrings, flowering plant or bouquet, pamper her with time at a spa near or faraway. A gift certificate can be used No matter what your budget, day and destination spas offer oodles of choices. From a manicure, pedicure, hair-do, massage or facial, the treat will spoil mom. Make it a total treat by going with your mom.

Vermont's Green Mountains form the perfect antidote to daily stress in the midst of daily life and the charming spas -- some in old farmhouses, others in modern facilities -- offer time-tested treatments amidst Nature's tranquility.

Vermont's Beauty gives a Spiritual Lift to Mountain Lovers. Here are Four Terrific Spas to Rest, Restore, Relax body, mind and spirit. Topnotch is at the end of Stowe, set at the base of Mt. Mansfield near Smuggler's Notch, and at the end of the biking trail around Stowe. Recent renovations enhance the already dazzling spa and hotel, while the onsite restaurant offers tempting meals. For more information, please visit their website at topnotchresort.com.

In the middle of the gorgeous mountain town of Woodstock sits the regal Woodstock Inn, replete with all the services visitors expect in a great inn, plus a friendly staff and wonderful dining experience.

Twin Farms is the next Vermont spa, a delightful experience, a perfectly harmonious alternative to skiing in the winter, or mountain climbing in the spring, summer or fall. Their website tells all: Twim Farms is "Elegant without pretension...offering profound privacy." It has "Three hundred acres of wildflowers, rolling hills, wandering trails and a pair of lakes. Old roads, going nowhere." Pampering is their speciality, and they'll prepare picnic baskets to enjoy at the top of Turtle Hill. For more information, 800-894-6327.

The Strong House Spa is in lovely Quechee, Vermont. It's a day spa with an extensive menu of services. Although it has no accomodations, plenty are available in Quechee. Here, Shelly Yusko began focusing her career in 1992 on sports injuries and chronic pain, after her first career in health and physical education. Sheila Armen and joined the business as the manager after discovering the benefits of advanced bodywork. They purchased the Jedediah Strong House in 1994 to provide better health through prevention and wellness. For more information, visit the website or wite 694 Main Street,Quechee, Vermont 05059, (802) 295-1718.