Online preview of Lilac Sunday

Still taking mom out to see the lilacs this year, but I get where anon is coming from. It's a small town and, at times, it can seem like everybody has to do everything together all the time: The opening of any new restaurant, the addition of anything to a public institution (couldn't touch the MFA for a month when the new American wing went up), Fourth of July.

In many ways, that's what makes this town great: A true spirit of community and the desire to share these things with the people in it. Sometimes -- especially after years of doing these events -- it can reek a little bit of groupthink and collectivism and make you wonder if anyone strikes out and does things on their own. Perhaps you went to First Night this year or lined the streets for the marathon and overdosed on exposure to the neighbors. Maybe you're just spending too much time reading the local blogs. Trust me, I've been there.

Instead of taking it out on some niche dance troupe that's easily avoided in a place as large as the Arboretum, you should spend some time being where the people aren't. i don't know if you're a mom, but maybe that's the one gift you want this year -- some damned peace and quiet.

If you live near the Arboretum, I'd suggest brunch at the Robinwood on Centre. It's a nice little diner that's never incredibly crowded and that the food snobs deride as Sysco product on parade. That's fine: More for you.

From there, you'll want to be where the people aren't. Adam's already suggested the Arboretum and Ducklings parade, which lots of Bostonians attend as beloved traditions. You'll sully that a lot less by not being there. Instead, I'd recommend the Fort Point Art Walk that's not only free, but shows off all the remaining studios in a neighborhood getting less creative and bohemian by the minute. It also puts you right near the riverwalk, the ICA (where they're having a contemporary portrait workshop) and any number of waterfront eateries. If they're open, I'd recommend the Harpoon Brewery tour as a capper.

Because it's Mother's Day, the SoWa Open Market in the South End will be a lot less crazy than usual (it was last year). Brunch in that neighborhood's a tough ticket on short notice, but Mike's Diner and even JJ Foley's may be able to accommodate you (steer clear of favorites like Tremont 647, Metropolitan and the Beehive, which will be packed).

Other options: The Sox are in town and Fenway's still hosting the park tours, Castle Island in Southie should be nice with temps in the upper 60s and a Boston walking tour is touristy, but great if you haven't done it before.

The other option is just to get the heck out of town. For avoiding crowds, I'd recommend any of the Trustees of Reservations sites, a quick trip to Cape Ann or even a ride on the Downeaster to Portland or Old Orchard Beach.