Mother’s Day Ideas

Mother’s Day Ideas

Mother’s Day falls on May 11 this year – and is there anyone who deserves love and attention more than your mother, grandmother, wife, partner, etc.?

Things like brunch, flowers, and cards are traditional and it’s hard to find fault with any of them! But if you are looking for a new and creative way to celebrate with your favorite mother, read on. We’ve curated a list of interesting and Jax-oriented Mother’s Day ideas.

Free things

I’m a mom – so you can trust me on this. Your mom doesn’t care how much money you spend on a gift! Look around her house and you can probably still find something you made for her when you were in kindergarten… So here are a couple of ideas of things you can do to honor your favorite mom without spending money:

• Take mom to the beach. If she’s an early riser, watching the sunrise together while listening to the waves can be a very special moment together. Grab a coffee and head down there. Sunrise will occur at 6:34 AM that day.
• Invite her to your home (or go to hers) and make a meal together. Then light a couple of candles and have dinner together. Don’t rush! The meal prep and the conversation over dinner is a core memory in the making.
• Enlist another family member to take mom out somewhere and while she is gone, clean her house from top to bottom. Then mow the lawn and/or wash her car. This is not only an act of love but will give her back time and peace of mind.

Nature things

May is one of the most beautiful times of the year on the First Coast. The perfect time to get outside. Consider one of these outdoor treats for mom:

• Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Rescue. This incredible place provides a safe, loving and forever home to endangered big cats – most of whom have been rescued from serious situations. And it’s all housed in a beautiful outdoor sanctuary on the north side of Jax.
• Tree Hill Nature Center. Walking trails, butterfly and hummingbird gardens, birds, turtles and goats all share the land in this gorgeous corner of Arlington.
• Jaybird Hammock Farm. Goat yoga, paddleboarding, sound baths and nature walks – this place has it all. A wonderful spot to connect with nature and with each other. In Fernandina.

Art Things

Jacksonville is home to world class museums like The Cummer and MOCA (look for my museum blog this summer), but there are also other, more casual ways to enjoy art in the outdoors with mom.

• Art Walk, Atlantic Beach on every third Thursday of the month with over 50 artists set up amongst AB’s cute shops and restaurants and steps from the ocean. Or the Riverside Arts Market every Saturday with more than 100 artists and live entertainment.
• Downtown mural scene. Have you walked around downtown lately? There are roughly 60 murals around town – all amazing and all free! You can find a self-guided tour online at VisitJacksonville.com.

Learning Things

If your mom likes to try new things, consider a fun class together. Maybe one of these?

• Check out Painting with a Twist in San Marco for fun painting classes. Some also include wine.
• The Atlantic Beach Arts Market offers classes in pottery, jewelry making, watercolors and more. Check their website for the calendar.
• The Art League of Jacksonville offers classes in ceramics, drawing, sculpture and more in Murray Hill.

However you decide to celebrate the moms in your life, remember that what they truly care about is that you want to spend time with them. Whether it’s a meal, a gift, or fun activity, making with you’re a memory with your mom will stay with both of you forever.