Looking for things to do with moms and grandmothers in Asheville and the North Carolina mountains on Mother's Day Weekend (May 13-14, 2017)? 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: On May 13-14, 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. Enjoy dinner and the Symphony of Rutherford County at the Gathering Place in Chimney Rock Village Saturday evening beginning at 6 PM.
- Biltmore: On Mother’s Day, all moms receive $25 admission with the purchase of adult or youth ticket. Passholders can bring mom for free. Remember to make a house tour reservation when you buy your ticket (save $10 if you buy online 7 days in advance).
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. $24/youth. $15/children. Reservations are a must. Call 828-225-6260. Estate admission required.
- Omni Grove Park Inn in the Blue Ridge Dining Room, 12-4 PM, $54/adult, $25/children, their famous over-the-top artisanal buffet with many choices - including a dozen desserts. Call 1-800-438-5800 for reservations.
- Tryon Equestrian Center: A grand brunch buffet in the Legends Club complete with a horse show. 10 AM-2 PM. Reservations required. $24.95/adult. Call 828-863-1130.
- See more Weekend Brunch Restaurants.
Photo at top: The North Carolina Arboretum has many special happening including the Dahlia Tuber Sale on Saturday (9 AM-2 PM), Winged Wonders Butterfly exhibit, World 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 area, 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 includes the NC Arboretum and the Botanical Gardens.
Top 20 Picnic Spots
Dine outdoors with nature during 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 20 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 restaurants, many use local food and offer outdoor dining. From crafted cocktails to a host of 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.
North Carolina Arboretum
Stroll through a variety of gardens and on peaceful woodland trails. Don't miss their impressive bonsai garden exhibit and many special events during the year.
aSHEville Museum
See the first women's cultural museum in the southeast USA, with 3,000 square foot of gallery space with rotating exhibits, ranging from historic to contemporary and local to national to global. The gift shop carries a variety of art, crafts and fair-trade items. The Museum Café has locally-made treats. Open 7 days a week. Downtown at 35 Wall Street.
Mother's Day Weekend Top Events
Biltmore Blooms
Saturday, March 18, 2017 to Thursday, May 25, 2017
This festival of flowers celebrates two months of spring blooms that include 75,000+ tulips, orchids, azalaeas and elaborate floral displays.
Saturday Night Lights
Saturday, May 6, 2017, Saturday, May 13, 2017, Saturday, May 20, 2017, Saturday, May 27, 2017
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, kid's activities and Venetian carousel rides. Events vary each week. Free admission.
Dahlia Tuber Sale
Saturday, May 13, 2017
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.
SpringGo!
Saturday, May 13, 2017
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, and a grilled dinner and a special outdoor performance by the Rutherford County Orchestra at the Gathering Place.
Tour de Falls at DuPont State Forest
Saturday, May 13, 2017 to Sunday, May 14, 2017
A 12-mile tour by shuttle bus to four of DuPont State Forest’s spectacular sites: Triple Falls, High Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Lake Julia. Mother's Day Weekend!
Fiber Weekend
Saturday, May 13, 2017 to Sunday, May 14, 2017
Craftspeople at the Folk Art Center share their inspiration and expertise in a variety of textile arts. Saturday demons 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 13, 2017
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). Info: 828-584-9264
LEAF Festival
Thursday, May 11, 2017 to Sunday, May 14, 2017
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.
See more events on our Daily Calendar updated by our community.
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