Wow, your mom is definitely in for a fun trip! Watertown is almost 400 miles away from where I live on Long Island; we`re virtually on the opposite sides of New York. I have been there, though, when passing through to Ontario and I really enjoyed the nice day I had there. Thompson Park is huge and definitely a beautiful place to be in the daytime during good weather. There`s a zoo there as well I believe, but it wasn`t open when I was there. Unfortunately my stay in the town was limited so I did not get to go shopping, but I`m sure since everything else there is or seemed to be quite excellent that the mall will be as well. It reminds me of a larger town with a small-town feel, if that makes any sense.

Your mom will definitely enjoy herself in Watertown! The scenery is beautiful and I`m sure she will have a great time at the mall. Glad she`s taking a trip with her friend (and they`re taking the bus so they don`t have to worry about directions - that was a big setback when I drove up to Ontario with a friend!), and I hope they enjoy themselves to the fullest!