Celebrating Mom
When it comes to celebrating Mother’s Day, many of us struggle to find that perfect gift to show our mothers and grandmothers just how special and how meaningful they are in our lives. While jewelry or flowers are fine gifts, what mom really wants is to spend time with her loved ones. So, whether your mom likes to be pampered at a local spa, savor a great meal, or enjoy a hike in the mountains, give her your time this Mother’s Day. Below, you’ll find a list packed with options for a full day of fun family activities.
Dining Out
Mother’s Day is a great time to take mom out for a world-class meal, and Asheville and the surrounding area has amazing restaurants in spades. Consider some of our favorites listed below.
Tacos & Tulips — Mother’s Day Brunch at Taco Boy: One of Asheville’s newest taquerias, Taco Boy in eclectic West Asheville, is taking reservations for brunch, offering families the chance to treat mom to breakfast tacos, Bloody Marias, mimosas, and more. Located at 521 Haywood Rd. in West Asheville, (828) 370-8226.
Mother’s Day Brunch at Kanuga Inn — Kanuga Inn & Lodging is situated on 1,400 acres in beautiful Hendersonville. They are inviting the community to celebrate Mom with a Mother’s Day Brunch featuring mouthwatering items like eggs florentine, crispy applewood bacon, gouda grits, herb-crusted prime rib, salmon with lemon dill aioli, salads, fresh fruits, crepes, and amazing dessert. Reservations are recommended 471 Kanuga Chapel Dr. Hendersonville. 828-692-9136
Mother’s Day Wine Tasting & Pairing — Want to treat mom to an early dinner celebration? plēb urban winery is having a wine-tasting and pairing dinner Saturday, May 13. The NC Wine Academy will highlight six wines over a five-course meal featuring watermelon salad, garlic shrimp, pappardelle, and more. plēb is located at 289 Lyman St. Asheville. (828) 774-5062
Pamper Mom
Asheville has an abundance of day spas to help pamper mom on her special day. From salt caves to foot spas, therapeutic flotation to outdoor hot tubs, give mom the treatment she deserves.
Wake Foot Sanctuary & Spa — in the historic Grove Arcade provides a blissful respite for the soul—and some much-needed love to those weary feet. Guests can tailor their experience for a specific spa package, or go “a-la-cart” from their large menu of spa treatments. It’s a great way to help mom relieve stress while she savors a pot of aromatic tea, and nibbles on locally-made desserts. 1 Page Ave. Asheville. (828) 575-9799
Shoji Resort and Spa — Nestled in the mountains surrounding Fairview, just east of Asheville, this Japanese-inspired spa offers unmatched forested views while the salt and mineral baths nourish your skin and enhance your well-being. They offer local Dobra Teas, and savory bites to indulge in during your time in the tub. Mom can also try a rejuvenating cold plunge, a cedar sauna, or top off her visit with a restorative massage. Shoji is located at 96 Avondale Heights, Asheville. (828) 299-0999
Excursions
Picnic on the Parkway: We all have our favorite Blue Ridge Parkway picnic spots — one of our favorites is Craggy Gardens, at milepost 365. Mother’s Day is a great time for a drive, so pack a basket and head north on the parkway to enjoy a scenic afternoon among the pink and purple rhododendron blooms. This spot is excellent for hiking to the peak or enjoying the view from the parking lot-adjacent picnic area. Local tip: enjoy a charcuterie board from local favorite Gather ‘Round.
Biltmore Blooms: This annual festival of flowers happens each spring, with two months of blooms that include 75,000-plus tulips, orchids, azaleas, and elaborate floral displays inside the Biltmore House. Take mom for an afternoon of vibrant color — and plan a picnic on the grounds (or make reservations at one of many fantastic Biltmore dining options).
Stroll the Grounds at the N.C. Arboretum: With beautiful gardens and peaceful woodland trails, the North Carolina Arboretum never disappoints for any outing. Take mom on an adventure through all the natural wonders of the Southern Appalachians — and pencil in some daily exercise together on one of the campus’ many walking, hiking or biking trails.