Show your appreciation for the woman who has served as your chauffeur, chef, and therapist over the years by spoiling her with some special Mother’s Day activities that let her know you care. With a wide array of captivating experiences that range from outdoor adventures to activities designed to pamper, Saugatuck/Douglas is the perfect getaway destination for celebrating mom.

Here are our top 7 picks for the most memorable Mother’s Day weekend activities to share with your mom this year.

Tap Into Her Creative Side

Express Yourself Art Barn opens its doors for the season, beginning Mother’s Day weekend. Bring mom and create a treasured keepsake in their circa 1880 barn or outdoors in their garden or patio. Activities range from beading, painting ceramics, creating mosaics, fusing glass, and more. Some pieces will require finishing and can be shipped to you. Get the creative juices flowing for an hour or an entire day—no experience necessary. 

Celebrate the Beauty of the Season

Mother’s Day weekend marks the seasonal opening for Summerhouse Lavender Farm, which will be hosting a weekend-long event featuring local artists and makers. Walk the farm with Mom, relax in the Zen garden, make lavender crafts, and shop for locally sourced lavender products distilled on-site. Hinterland Farm & Kitchen will be there featuring their handmade pasta and small-batch hot sauces. Meet local painter Dawn Stafford from Peachbelt Studio, glass blower Tristen Purpura, and wood turner Brian Newton who will be giving a bowl turning demonstration.

Explore Spring Flavors

Surrounded by agricultural abundance, our local restaurants will be featuring the freshest spring produce on their menus. Give mom that much-needed break from cooking and savor all the farm-to-table menus that will be featuring asparagus, ramps, rhubarb, morels, and more at Grow Café + Bistro, Pennyroyal Café & Provisions, Root Café, and Salt of the Earth.

Elevate A Picnic Experience

Treat mom like a queen by arranging a luxury brunch or sunset picnic at Oval Beach. A gorgeous styled tablescape and comfortable floor seating for up to 6 people turn a traditional picnic into a high-end outdoor dining experience. Add-ons such as card games or a fresh floral arrangement make for an even more memorable event. Pick up an epic charcuterie tray or other delicious food items from the Farmhouse Deli & Pantry.

Become A Wine Connoisseur

Forego the standard wine tasting tour with mom and opt instead for a private tasting or behind-the-scenes tour of one of our wineries. Fenn Valley Vineyards offers a private guided wine and cheese tasting that includes souvenir wine glasses and a custom labeled bottle of sparkling wine to take home. Michigan Wine Company also offers private tastings and vineyard tours. Modales Wines offers a special Sip & Cellar Tour, which features a walk-through of their vineyard (weather permitting), a discussion of their rich agriculture history, and then a chance to explore their winery’s Barrel Room to sample wine in the making. Afterward, relax with mom at a private table as you enjoy charcuterie, cheeses, a freshly baked baguette, and their small-batch wines. 

Get Inspired By The Local Art Scene

Spring in the Art Coast of Michigan means our galleries and studios will be filled with new works to discover. Plan your own gallery stroll with mom and explore a variety of art forms. A few places to check out include Fernwood 1891, J. Petter Galleries, Capizzo Studio Gallery, Good Goods, and Water Street Gallery.

Find Your Zen

Help mom relax and rejuvenate with spa treatments that range from massages to facials at Waterfront Day Spa, Bella Vita Spa + Suites, Thrive Massage & Wellness, SPAlia, and Redefine Med Spa. Or consider a private yoga lesson at Satya Yoga Studio or a sauna experience at Encompass Wellness Yoga & Fitness.