Mid-May in the Great Smokies is a wonderful time to visit and play, no matter the holiday. We’re well into full spring bloom and early summer warmth, gloriously green mountaintops, birdsong everywhere and so many opportunities to provide the Mothers in your life something perfectly suited for their individual style of pampering. Here are some mother’s day ideas for treating the moms in your life to some of the best and most special experiences the Smoky Mountains offer.
Luxurious Getaways for Mother’s Day
For the Mom who really needs some lush downtime, the Mandara Spa at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, is a must. Its exotic Balinese-inspired spa and salon services even feature face and body treatments infused with herbs from the Native American Pharmacopeia. Amenities include a sauna, Jacuzzi, and creekside co-ed lounge areas, for when it’s time to reunite after the much needed indulgences.
Music in the Mountains
If your Mothers are into music, then you are SO in luck because the annual Bearshadow Festival is Mother’s Day weekend on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau in Macon County. This outdoor live music festival on Winfield Farm will have your loved ones feeling truly blissed out, dancing to The Black Pumas, The Record Company, Grace Bowers and more. She will not forget this premiere music event, way high up in the Great Smoky Mountains.
For the Adventure Mamas
Maybe the most important ladies in your world are sporty-spices? Women sure are wild and wonderful that way! There are several adventure options, depending on what may float her boat.
On May 12, 2024, starting at 10 a.m. in Robbinsville, NC, the Cheoah River Release – High Flow Event will commence. This means world-class boaters and paddlers will be taking on the 9 miles of Class IV and V rapids on the hardest, longest and steepest river in the Southeast. Heck! Maybe the mom in your life is paddling!!! Take photos if so – that will make a great Mother’s Day gift. But if watching the wet and wild event is more the vibe of the day, enjoy a meal and whitewater viewing at the Tapoco Lodge.
If your beloved Mother is active, but not whitewater active, a fun day at the Smoky Mountain Sk8way could be the winner winner chicken dinner! This 20K sq ft wooden roller skating rink and family entertainment center will have everyone in the family on the floor and having fun together. And you know what a mom likes a whole lot? Her people getting along and having fun together, that’s what.
Another sporty option that includes hot dogs and fly balls and generally, a real good time, is a baseball game! The Western Carolina Catamounts will battle it out in their third SOCON game against the Mercer University Bears at 1 p.m. on May 12, 2024. Go Catamounts!
A Mom’s Gotta Eat
And last, but definitely not least, because ALL Mothers can delight in a meal they did not have to prepare nor clean up after, you can gift your hard-working mum to a special Mother’s Day lunch at Lake Junaluska’s historic Lambuth Inn at the Terrace Hotel Dining Room. The menu is enticing and sure to please. And after a delectable meal, have a sweet stroll around the lake.
And just be sure to thank ALL the mothers in your world, no matter what else you do.