Thanks to several local university graduations and celebration events around town, Mother’s Day in the Bull City can be a fun, but often crowded weekend. This week on the blog, Emerald Doula Vanessa is sharing her best suggestions to help you celebrate the favorite moms in your life, without the hassle of long waits and out-of-towners.

The Foodie Mom

This mom loves to eat and is determined to have a foodie baby too! Why not treat them one of these tasty new spots around town? 

Zweli’s: Making waves as the country’s first and only Zimbabwean restaurant it’s also a flavor powerhouse of a place that will surely have something to please everyone at the table. 

Jack Tar and the Colonel’s Daughter: Okay, this spot may have a few extra visitors this weekend, but get there later in the afternoon when each Sunday after 5 p.m. they offer a whole or half fried chicken, plus the option to add a glass of bubbles to drink. Enjoy the sunshine and nice weather, and sit in their outdoor dining area. Plus, don’t forget to try the French silk pie! It’s ah-mazing.

East Durham Bake Shop: When a mom in your life says she only needs your love as a gift, what she’s really saying is that she only needs your love, expressed through a Braided Danish Pastry from the best bake shop in Durham (sorry, but #facts), which you can order ahead to serve with Mom’s breakfast in bed. Or, stop by with Mom on Sunday for a latte and a cookie, or perhaps a tea and a scone, and leave with a slice of pie (or three) for later in the day.

The Crafty Mom

This mom loves her kids but don’t get caught touching their crafting supplies – or else! 

AR Workshop: This fun local spot is hosting a Moms and Mimosas Workshop, Sunday from 2-5 p.m., where your Mom can flex her crafting skills on one of many projects. 

Handcrafted Night Out: So this one isn’t in Durham but it’s worth the drive. They’re hosting a metal stamping class at Trophy on Maywood in Raleigh! Learn to create your own charms, necklace or bracelet! 

 The Movie Loving Mom 

This mom has never met a rom-com, tear jerker, action flick they  didn’t like, so why not treat them to their favorite movie snacks at one of these events? 

Motherhood in the movies: The inaugural Mother’s day film series at The Carolina Theater of Durham will be featuring such classics as, Steel Magnolias, Little Women, and Soul Food there is sure to be a film that they’ll love to share with you. 

The Alamo Drafthouse in Raleigh (again, not in Durham, but isn’t Mom worth the drive?) will be showing Dirty Dancing and came up with a special menu that will put Kellerman’s to shame. 

The Fit Mom

This mom knows that endorphins make you happy and you should want to make her happy by joining her for some cardio and outdoors time.

Rent a kayak or canoe at Lake Michie: Take Mom out for a paddle around one of the most beautiful spots in Durham! You can snag a kayak (single or tandem) or canoes for 6-hour rental. Take lunch with you, and picnic from the shores before you take off or enjoy it out on the lake (take your trash back with you of course, and help keep the water clean!)

Take a hike at Penny’s Bend Nature Preserve: This beautiful, often overlooked spot along the Eno River is another great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the typical Mother’s Day Brunch crowds. With hiking trails, stops along the river, and really lovely vegetation and flowers, Mom can step away from the sounds of the city and enjoy nature’s soundtrack for a couple of hours.

Oaks and Spokes Mother’s Day Ride: Work up a sweat on Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in downtown Raleigh. The route takes families from the Capital Building to JC Ralston Arboretum’s rose garden.

Community Yoga: If savasana is more Mom’s flow, check out the Mother’s Day community yoga event at Lululemon in Durham, happening Sunday, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The Wild Card Mom

It could be diamond tiaras or t-shirts and jeans – who knows?! This mom is so multifaceted you never know what they’ll be in the mood for, so here are some ideas that seem like they don’t match…but they could because, that’s who this mom is. 

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is playing at DPAC, so after brunch (or before dinner!) take Mom to a fancy day at the theatre.

Axe throwing? Sure! Urban Axes says bring mom for a mimosa and a bullseye! Bonus: You can treat her to brunch across the street at Geer St. Gardens, or walk next door for some arcade games and pizza at Boxcar Bar + Arcade (kiddos are welcomed before 9 p.m., as long as they’re with their grown-ups).

Have other ideas? How are you celebrating Mom this year? Tell us in the comments!