GREAT IDEAS FOR MOTHER’S DAY IN VIRGINIA’S BLUE RIDGE
If your mother is anything like mine, Mother’s Day is an opportunity to treat her to the type of meals, gifts, and experiences that she probably wouldn’t splurge on for herself. Bypass traditional gifts and give Mom a curated experience in our beautiful region. I’ve shared some of my favorites below, be sure to let us know how you plan to celebrate your Mom this year.
Iconic meals, the arts, and shopping in Downtown Roanoke Historic Market area.
The Grand Mother’s Day Buffet at
photo credit: SMWV.orgthe iconic Hotel Roanoke is a great place to start. Followed by The Chorus Line at Mill Mountain Theatre and a visit to the newly renovated Butterfly Garden at the Science Museum of Western Virginia
Why choose 1 restaurant, when you can sample them all?
Maybe I’m exaggerating when I say ALL of them, but if you are celebrating Mother’s Day on Saturday, you could sample dishes from 7 of my favorite eateries on a Downtown Food and Cultural Tour. The tour is much more then just food, on this 3 hour stroll to iconic eateries in downtown Roanoke, you’ll also learn about Roanoke’s vibrant history from the settlers of the pre-railroad era, famous landmarks and the businesses that built Roanoke. A truly unique and memorable experience.
Spend the rest of the afternoon shopping in the unique galleries and boutiques, many featuring locally made wares. A few of my favorites are The Shabby Farmhouse, The Virginia Design Collective, and Tink’s Place.
A Personal Chef for the Day Tops Many a Mom’s Wish List.
The new Grandin Village Market to Table Tour makes this wish come true! Kicking off on Saturday, May 12th, just in time for Mother’s Day- this walking tour starts at the Grandin Village Farmer’s Market. You’ll shop farm fresh, seasonal ingredients, with the help of your personal chef from Rockfish Food and Wine. After making your selections, your chef will head back to the restaurant to prepare a gourmet lunch as you continue your tour of eclectic Grandin Village. Learn about the history, landmarks and public art before you enjoy your specially prepared meal at Rockfish Food and Wine.
History, delicious meals and shopping in Salem.
Start with tea and a lite bite at White Oak Tea Tavern to fuel a day of shopping at Salem’s boutiques and antique stores. The White Oak Tea Tavern is located in the historic Preston Place and is locally famous for their locally blended teas, chicken salad bread bowls, and uniquely curated gift store
Next, go treasure hunting at Charlotte’s Web Antique Mall and the boutiques in College Corners. Gwenda Kellet of The Bird Cage, and Roxy Broom of Roxanne Kelley Designs are a delight to chat and shop with.
My dream day would end with dinner and drinks at Blue Apron Red Rooster – my favorite restaurant in Salem for a special occasion. The restaurant’s southern inspired gourmet entrees are also available tapas sized. I recommend getting a few of the smaller portions to share.
Blue Ridge Wine Tour
On Mother’s Day Sunday May 13 take all the stress and planning out of your day and join us on the Blue Ridge Wine Tour . You’ll be greeted with a glass of wine at Barrel Chest Wine and Beer, before boarding the Tour Roanoke bus to two award winning local wineries. This is not an ordinary wine tasting, you’ll go behind the scenes, meeting the winemaker and learning the basics of winemaking. Of course, tastings are included- at least 6 at each winery. Bring your own picnic lunch or purchase boxed lunches from Wildflour Cafe at Towers to enjoy as you take in the breathtaking views.
Tour Roanoke’s Mother’s Day Discount on Gift Certificates
If you’re overwhelmed with choices, let Mom choose her own adventure, with a Tour Roanoke gift certificate.
Good for any tour and you’ll receive 15% OFF and they never expire;
when you use promo code: GIFTFORMOM15%.
About the author – Beth Boyd Bell
Beth is a proud Roanoke native who enjoys sharing the region’s treasures with anyone who will listen. Beth sees every day as a new adventure, follow her for more Roanoke fun @starcitybeth.