Looking for things to do with moms and grandmothers in Asheville and the North Carolina mountains on Mother's Day Weekend (May 12-13, 2018)? Here are plenty of ideas and events to make great memories together. From hunting waterfalls to discovering amazing art, find something for all interests. If you are bringing the kids, also see our Top 10 Family Things to Do.
It's always a busy weekend, so make your reservations early for both lodging and dining - along with any spa treatments!
Specials
- Chimney Rock Park: Buy one regular-price adult ticket and mom or grandma receives one free. Coupon required; download one at chimneyrockpark.com and present it (in print or on your mobile device) at the Ticket Plaza at time of purchase. SpringGo festival in Chimney Rock Village on Saturday.
- Biltmore: On Mother’s Day weekend (Sat & Sun), mom receives $25 admission with purchase of another ticket. Remember to make a house tour reservation when you buy your ticket (save $10 if you buy online 7 days in advance).
- Navitat Canopy Tours: Take mom on a zipline adventure she will never forget. She flies free on Mother's Day (Sunday) with one full fare guest.
Mother's Day Brunch Top Picks
- Deerpark on Biltmore Estate, 10 AM-3 PM, with a grand buffet farm-to-table breakfast favorites, hand-carved meats, and chilled seafood. $56/adult. Reservations are a must, always a sell-out. Call 828-225-6260. Estate admission required.
- Blue Ridge Dining Room at the Omni Grove Park Inn, 12-4 PM, their famous over-the-top artisanal buffet with many choices - including a dozen desserts. $56/adult. Call 1-800-438-5800 for reservations.
- Tryon Equestrian Center: A grand brunch buffet with carving stations in the Legends Club while you watch horse competitions. 10 AM-2 PM. Reservations required. $32.95/person. Call 828-863-1130. Saturday night events too!
- See more Weekend Brunch Restaurants.
May 12, 2018: “Tea with Harriet”
Appalachian Spring Tea with Harriet at historic Whitemont Lodge (east Asheville), fundraiser by Swannonoa Valley Museum. Seatings at 2 & 5 PM. Includes savory, scone, and sweet courses, music, and a private tour of Lodge and gardens. $45/person, two hours, $35/members. Advance ticket required, buy online.
Photo at top: The North Carolina Arboretum has many special happening including the Dahlia Tuber Sale on Saturday (9 AM-2 PM), Bonsai Day, guided trail walk (Sat 1 PM). Their Savory Thyme Café has a special brunch on Sunday.
Mother's Day Weekend Top 12
Hunt Waterfalls
Welcome to the Land of the Waterfalls! There are so many waterfalls in nearby state and federal parks (with no admission fee) to discover. While many require a walk or hike to reach, several are roadside. Take one of our waterfall drives to enjoy several. See our favorite 60!
Top 35 Coolest Mountain Small Towns
Explore our favorite cool small towns in the NC mountains near Asheville, each with its own personality, local shops and restaurants, friendly residents and relaxed atmosphere.
Take a Hike
To really appreciate the natural splendor of our mountains, explore by foot. There are hiking trails for all fitness levels, from a short woodland walk to strenuous hikes to mountain peaks, including both the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. Many of the hikes are along the Blue Ridge Parkway and are easy to find. Easy in-town hiking too. See our Top 75.
Top 20 Picnic Spots
Dine outdoors in nature! Plan a picnic at some amazing locations where you can enjoy sweet views.
Experience Biltmore Estate
Take in the grandeur of our country's largest home, the "Downton Abbey" of America. Explore the many rooms inside the house, walk through breathtaking landscapes and gardens, taste vintages at the winery and enjoy fine dining. See many things to do with our detailed insider's guide!
Meet Artists in River Arts District
Our top pick for art lovers is exploring the River Arts District to watch artists at work, ask them about the process and buy art as a souvenir of your visit! More than 200 artists work in 25 buildings, including old warehouses and factories along the river near downtown and Biltmore.
Explore Downtown Asheville
During the day, downtown Asheville bustles with shoppers browsing more than 200 galleries, antique shops and local boutiques. Each evening, enjoy street entertainers, restaurants, breweries, festivals and music. Walk the Urban Trail and tour historic sites. See our Top 25 things to do downtown.
Find Foodie Favorites
Check out our very diverse and passionate food and drink scene. Be a little adventurous and try something new. Or, enjoy time-honored classics. In downtown, walk to 60+ locally-owned innovative restaurants, many with outdoor dining. From crafted cocktails to local brews, there's plenty to drink. Forage for food, visit a farm or tour a vineyard.
15 Wineries Near Asheville
In addition to the big winery at Biltmore, visit more than a dozen wineries in western North Carolina and taste their wines while enjoying the beautiful scenery at their vineyards.
Get Pampered at a Spa
Be it a simple weekend of relaxation, a romantic couple’s getaway in the mountains or a chance to improve your health, Asheville is the ultimate destination for those seeking spas and wellness. Take some time for yourself for relaxation and rejuvenation. See our Top 15 spots.
North Carolina Arboretum
Stroll through a variety of gardens and on peaceful woodland trails, located in Asheville adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Don't miss their impressive bonsai garden exhibit and many special events during the year.
Mother's Day Weekend Top Events
Biltmore Blooms
Tuesday, March 20, 2018 to Friday, May 25, 2018
This festival of flowers celebrates two months of spring blooms that include 75,000+ tulips, orchids, azalaeas and elaborate floral displays inside Biltmore House.
Saturday Night Lights
Saturday, May 5, 2018, Saturday, May 12, 2018, Saturday, May 19, 2018, Saturday, May 26, 2018
Watch horse jumping and riding with the best jockeys in the country at the impressive, new Tryon International Equestrian Center with an exciting atmosphere featuring music, food, kids' activities and Venetian carousel rides. Events vary each week. Free admission.
Dahlia Tuber Sale & World Bonsai Day
Saturday, May 12, 2018
See a big variety of dahlia tubers and chrysanthemum-rooted cuttings featuring cultivated varieties available for sale. Learn from Dahlia Society experts about how to produce plants with show-quality blooms. See their full bonsai collection with morning guided tours.
SpringGo!
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Lots of fun in Chimney Rock Village with a pancake breakfast, Cow Pie Bingo, recycled garden art contest, llamas strutting their stuff in a Main Street parade, a grilled dinner and a special outdoor performance by the Rutherford County Orchestra at the Gathering Place.
Fiber Weekend
Saturday, May 12, 2018 to Sunday, May 13, 2018
Craftspeople at the Folk Art Center share their inspiration and expertise in a variety of textile arts. Saturday demonstrations include quilting and appliqué, doll making, weaving, mixed media fiber arts, clothing, printing design, tapestry weaving and natural dyeing. Two fashion shows on Sunday! Free admission.
Turkey Tail Wine Festival
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Sample wines from 8 wineries on the grounds of the grand Inn at Glen Alpine near Morganton. Live music, festival food, and arts and crafts. Bring your own blanket or chair! No pets. 12-5 PM. Tickets $20 in advance or $25 at the gate (cash only).
LEAF Festival
Thursday, May 10, 2018 to Sunday, May 13, 2018
A weekend at LEAF is the equivalent of going on a year-long multicultural musical and dance odyssey - longtime favorite festival held in Black Mountain on a lake with camping and limited tickets.
For events throughout the year, see our list of seasonal calendars.
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