When trying to plan the perfect Mother’s Day outing, it’s all about what’s going to tickle Mom’s fancy. Taking her out for a meal is easy, but there’s also no busier day in the restaurant business than Mother’s Day, which this year falls on Sunday, May 12.
Luckily, there are plenty of other ways to show your love for:
Backyard chillin’ mamas
If your mom is the cultural type, you could take her to the Branch House Museum, which is offering free admission and free hourly architectural tours of one of Richmond’s most splendid houses. Be sure to bring a blanket so you can enjoy a Mother’s Day lunch al fresco in the Branch’s backyard, the largest green space on Monument Avenue, thanks to the Kitchen on Wellington. Charcuterie boards, dessert boards and other mom snacks should be pre-ordered by May 10 at 6 p.m. here. A come as you are event, it’s also free and open to the public with no tickets or reservations required.
The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design, 2501 Monument Ave., branchmuseum.org
Foodie mamas
As American culinary heroes go, it would be hard to top Julia Child, the woman who learned to cook in France and went on to empower generations of cooks since. For Mother’s Day, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture is offering moms free admission and that includes their engrossing new exhibition, “Julia Child: A Recipe for Life,” which features video, audio, and photography documenting Julia’s life, her distinctive voice, and her extraordinary contributions to the culinary world. Don’t miss the interactive “The French Chef” television set.
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., virginiahistory.org
Musical mamas
Music-loving moms might enjoy hearing the Richmond Concert Band play a free concert on the lawn at Agecroft Hall. From noon to 5 p.m. there’s no admission, so guests are welcome to pick up a map and stroll the gardens, grounds, and trails at Agecroft. Score major points with mom by packing a picnic to enjoy after your stroll, or as you listen to music later. At 6 p.m., grab chairs and sit back for the Richmond Concert Band’s “Holiday Inn”-themed performance.
Agecroft Hall, 4305 Sulgrave Rd., agecrofthall.org
Those crafty mamas
Some moms like to craft and for them, there’s a glass fusing class on Mother’s Day afternoon at the Glass Ceiling in the Fan. Two sessions are available, one at noon, one at 2:30 p.m. and no experience is required. Remember, you won’t just be creating a unique piece of fused glass art with the woman who gave you life, you’ll also be making memories together. Once mom’s art has been fired, it’ll be a reminder of your crafty time together. Pre-registration required.
The Glass Ceiling, 106 S. Robinson St., theglassceilingrva.com
Soulful mamas
If old school soul is your mom’s thing, score tickets for the “Mother’s Day R&B Jam: A Tribute to Marvin Gaye and Teddy Pendergrass” at Tin Pan. Soul singers Andre Jackson and Craig T. Dobson will take audiences through two classic songbooks in the name of soulful mamas everywhere. Since the Tin Pan assigns seats based on when tickets are purchased, don’t sleep on getting yours. The intimacy of the venue means every seat is a good one, but if it sells out, who’s going to break it to mom?
Tin Pan, 8982 Quioccasin Rd, tinpanrva.com
History buff mamas
Take your history-loving mom to the Mother’s Day Peony Picnic at Tuckahoe, Thomas Jefferson’s boyhood home west of Richmond. While the grounds are always lovely, they’re especially impressive during peony season. Guests are welcome to bring their own picnic lunch or allow Mom to choose from onsite food trucks. As for history, the house will be open for tours, and you can score bonus points with mom by picking up some of the flowers for sale. Tickets are available online or at the gate.
Tuckahoe, 12601 River Rd., visithistorictuckahoe.com
Traditional mamas
If mom likes a good tradition, or even just getting a peek into other people’s houses, consider taking her to the Museum District Association’s 28th Annual Mother’s Day House and Garden Tour. This popular event is a 2.5-mile rain or shine walking tour of mostly century-old homes that begins at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. A circulating trolley runs on a continuous loop, but guests should wear comfortable shoes, preferably slip-ons. Tell mom it’s a philanthropic gift since proceeds are reinvested in the Museum District. Tickets required, even for children.
Museum District Association’s 28th Annual Mother’s Day House and Garden Tour begins at The Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., museumdistrict.org
And Latin rock mamas
You don’t have to live on South Side to take mom to the 2024 inaugural Music in the Park series at Forest Hill Park on Mother’s Day. Los Hermanos Alacranes will take the stage with their special blend of Latin rock and alt-country in English and Spanish (or Spanglesh) starting at 4 p.m. Take your pick of what to bring: chairs or blankets, food and drink, just make sure mom has everything she wants to truly enjoy the show.
Music in Forest Hill Park, 3900 Forest Hill. Check out their facebook.com/MITPConcertSeriesForestHillParkRVA/
