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 8 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 just in time for 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. Or arrange for a Waterfront Watercolor Workshop, where the artist instructor brings all the supplies and teaches you watercolor basics against a scenic backdrop. 

Celebrate the Beauty of the Season

Plan for a delightful Mother's Day garden-hopping adventure. Begin your day with coffee at Uncommon Coffee Roasters and enjoy it on their back garden patio. Then, visit the Rose Garden on the corner of Butler Street and Mason Street across from Kilwins. For a touch of artistic inspiration, explore Dawn Stafford's Peachbelt Studio in Fennville, where you'll discover beautiful artworks and a charming garden retreat. Venture to the nearby apple orchards at Virtue Cider and Crane's, where apple trees may be starting to blossom. Finally, make a point to visit the Summerhouse Lavender Farm, which will be hosting a special weekend-long Mother’s Day event on May 11 and 12. Walk the farm, experience lavender cutting, enjoy delicious lavender treats, and shop for locally sourced lavender products distilled on-site. Moms will be celebrated with a free gift. 

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 Pennyroyal Café & Provisions, Root Café, Coast 236, Borrowed Time, J. Paul’s Dining Room, Lady Bird, 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 like 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 or Lulu Cadieux.

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 private guided tours of their vineyard or wine cellar. Michigan Wine Company also offers private tastings and vineyard tours. Modales Wines offers a special Vine to Wine Tour, which features a guided walk-through of their vineyard (weather permitting) and then a chance to explore their winery’s production facility to see wine in the making. Or plan to visit all three with worry-free transportation through Untapped Sights & Tours, Singapore Shuttles, Coastal Tours, and The Bottle Run.

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 Ox-Bow House, Fernwood 1891, J. Petter Galleries, Mr. Miller’s Art Emporium, Capizzo Studio Gallery, Roan & Black, Amazwi Contemporary Art, Button Gallery, and Water Street Gallery.

Wax Poetic

Dive into a sensory adventure with Mom as you craft your very own all-natural soy candle at Garsnett Beacon Candle Co.'s Pour-Your-Own Candle Bar and Gift Shop. With over 100 fragrance options to choose from, ranging from bright and citrusy to woodsy and earthy, the possibilities for creating a custom scent are endless. Select your vessel from a variety of sizes and colors, then carefully blend your chosen fragrances until you achieve your desired aroma. Once perfected, their expert staff will guide you through the candle-pouring process. 

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, Ideal Bodyworks Massage, SPAlia, Susan Amidon Esthetics, and Redefine Med Spa. Or consider a private yoga lesson at Satya Yoga Studio or a sauna experience at Encompass Wellness Yoga & Fitness.

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