May is a special time to visit the Great Smokies of North Carolina, wildflowers blooming, tree blossoms appearing, green mountain vistas stretching to the horizon, and pleasant weather. Plan a Mother’s Day weekend (May 10-11th) to celebrate the moms in your life in these beautiful mountains.
A Journey of Relaxation
For moms who enjoy luxury, consider the Mandara Spa at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino in Cherokee, North Carolina. This Balinese-inspired spa offers face and body treatments using herbs from the Native American Pharmacopeia. Amenities include a sauna, Jacuzzi, and creekside lounges where she can reunite with loved ones after her treatments.
Mother’s Day Gemboree
The Mother’s Day Gemboree runs all weekend at the Macon County Community Building in Franklin, North Carolina. Sponsored by the Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum, this shopping experience offers gems, fossils, and artifacts as unique as your mom.
For Adventurous Mamas
If your mom enjoys excitement, the Great Smokies offer various options:
- Cheoah River Release (May 10-11th, starting 10AM in Robbinsville, NC): Watch world-class paddlers tackle 9 miles of Class IV and V rapids on the Southeast’s most challenging river. Enjoy a meal and whitewater viewing at Tapoco Lodge.
- Smoky Mountain Sk8way in Waynesville offers a 20,000 sq ft wooden roller skating rink and family entertainment center for active moms who prefer land-based fun.
Dining Experiences
Treat mom to a meal she didn’t have to prepare:
- Lake Junaluska’s Lambuth Inn at the Terrace Hotel Dining Room offers a special Mother’s Day lunch with enticing menu options, followed by a scenic lake stroll.
- Create your own tour of local breweries featuring craft cocktails, wines, and beers throughout the Great Smokies.
Stay and Play
Make it a weekend getaway:
- Cherokee/Great Smokies KOA Holiday (May 9th-11th) offers a free pancake breakfast for moms. Turn it into a camping weekend with family activities.
- Fontana Village Resort & Marina hosts a Mother’s Day brunch buffet at Hazel’s, featuring delicious food and scenic views. The resort accommodates entire families with various lodging options.
No matter how you celebrate mother’s day for the women make your world better, creating memories in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina will make the occasion truly special.