April 29, 2020
14 Things to Do with Your Mom This Mother's Day in Ann Arbor
Mother’s Day 2021 falls on Sunday, May 9th. Just in case you don’t already have this special day marked on your calendar, you can do it now (we’ll wait).
While we love to celebrate moms all year long, there’s nothing wrong with setting aside a day to make them feel extra special. That’s why today, we’re sharing some pandemic-friendly ways to celebrate one of your favorite ladies in Ann Arbor this year! Here you’ll find some traditional ideas—like flowers, brunch and spa days—along with some unusual activities that are sure to stand out—like asparagus picking and online concerts. No matter how you decide to celebrate, we hope your mom feels loved today. And if you yourself are a mom, in any form or fashion, thank you for all that you do. Happy Mother’s Day!
If you ask us, nothing says “I love you” quite like a stunning batch of blooming flowers. There are several florists around the area that are currently offering in-store shopping, curbside pickup and delivery. Our favorites include University Flower Shop, Norton’s Flowers & Gifts and Chelsea Village Flowers! So order a bouquet online and have them shipped right to her doorstep so she’ll feel extra special on her day.
Take a family hike
Spring is all about connecting with the natural world around us so why not enjoy a bit of it with your mom this Mother’s Day? Pull on your hiking shoes and take her out into nature for a leisurely family hike in the woods. The Ann Arbor area is full of amazing trails and Metro Parks, each offering a quick and easy escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Click here for a list of our favorite places to go hiking near A2.
Have an at-home spa day
We’re big fans of self-care, so it’s no surprise that we included a section dedicated to it on this list. And nobody needs a self-care day more than your mom! Fill a box with some local, self-care essentials: a candle from FOUND, a bar of luxurious soap from the Little Flower Soap Company, body scrub from Jessica’s Apothecary & Spa, and some tea from the Teahaus for good measure. She’ll love the effort you put in and you’ll love that you supported local businesses along the way.
Or, take her to get professionally pampered
Sometimes a home spa day isn’t enough! Luckily, Ann Arbor is home to some amazing spas, nail salons and massage centers that will pamper your mom all day long. Start with a facial and full body massage from Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa. Then, head over to A2 Nails Spa for one of the best mani-pedi combos in Southeast Michigan.
Hit the farmers’ market
Wake up early, grab some coffee and head out on a morning field trip to the farmers’ market together. After you’re done shopping, go home to cook up a grand meal for your whole family to enjoy! The Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market is open year-round on Wednesdays and Saturdays and even offers curbside pickup if you’d rather shop online. For a list of other farmers’ markets in the Ann Arbor area, click here.
Have a “crafternoon“
Sewing, painting, knitting, pottery—creating is just more fun when you’re with a partner! If your mom has always wanted to learn how to do something, or just enjoys crafting in general, sign the two of you up for a local art class. The Ann Arbor Art Center is always hosting new and exciting courses on everything from painting to sculpting and jewelry making. You can also sign up for knitting or crochet classes at Spun, A2’s favorite yarn and needle shop!
If your mom is a music lover, the best gift you can get her is tickets to a concert! Thankfully, even through a pandemic, Ann Arbor has tons of amazing music venues—many of which are currently streaming their concerts online. Does she love jazz? Check out the Kerrytown Concert House’s weekly livestreams. Orchestra? Don’t miss the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra’s virtual concerts. Rock, punk or indie? The Ark has also jumped on the online concert/livestream wagon. Check out their website for a full list of upcoming shows.
Or watch some good, old-fashioned theater
If Broadway, theater or comedy is much more your mother’s speed, don’t miss the upcoming shows at The Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea (which are currently virtual) or the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. You can also catch virtual shows from the Michigan and State Theatres, the Wild Swan Theater, the Pioneer Theatre Guild and more.
Take a virtual baking class
Zingerman’s Bakehouse is our go-to destination for baking classes in the Ann Arbor area. Here, you can learn everything from cake baking to cheese pairing—even when you can’t visit them in person. Click here to explore their full list of online classes, which includes favorites like croissants, sourdough and cookies, and book one for you and your mom! Afterward, you’ll have a new skill and a tasty treat to enjoy together.
Go asparagus picking
Southeast Michigan loves a good you–pick farm, most of them opening in the warmer months for berry picking and then again in the fall for pumpkins, apples and sour cherries. However, there is another crop that Erwin Orchards, one of our favorite farms in the area, cultivates that is ready for plucking in May: asparagus! This low-calorie vegetable is tasty and chock full of vitamins and nutrients and perfect for spring and summer dishes. Follow Erwin Orchards on Facebook for official opening dates and information on how to visit to pick asparagus!
Grab some brunch
It just wouldn’t be Mother’s Day without brunch! Get dolled up with your mother and hit the town for a delicious breakfast/lunch of pancakes, eggs, burgers and of course, mimosas. Ann Arbor is packed full of great places to brunch, from Café Zola to Ollie Food + Spirits, many offering curbside pickup and delivery if you’d rather stay home. Click here for a list of our favorites!
Go through a stroll in the Matthaei Gardens or Nichols Arboretum
Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum are two educational and environmental spaces on the U-M campus. The botanical gardens include 11 outdoor areas full of bonsai, native and medicinal plants, perennials and more, and if you want to head inside, you and your mom can enjoy the year-round indoor conservatory filled with plants from around the world. The arboretum spans miles of trails and land with impressive collections of both native and exotic trees and shrubs.
Did someone say rosé? We can’t think of a better way to end Mother’s Day than with a glass of wine and a beautifully created charcuterie board. Ann Arbor is chock full of wine bars for you to enjoy with your mom this year, including The Earle, Pacific Rim, Vinology, Mediterrano, York and Zola Bistro. Some of these amazing wine bars are even offering curbside pickup and delivery of full bottles of wine, appetizers and charcuterie so you can set up your spread at home.
Take her on a shopping spree
When all else fails—it’s time for a shopping spree! No matter what your mom loves, we guarantee an all-expense-paid shopping trip will get her excited. If you want to check out local boutiques, visit our post on the best boutiques in the area. If she’s a bookworm, head to one of our favorite book stores in A2. Or if she’s always in the midst of redecorating her house, you don’t want to miss the best home décor stores around town. Finally, top off the day with a tour of some of our favorite local vintage and antique stores where she’s sure to find a few treasures.
Happy Mother’s Day!
If you are a mother, thank you so much for everything you do! We love and appreciate you. Have a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend!
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