Gardening Resources
Tennessee Masterner Gardner

Friends Of Nature

The Exchange Place

Southen Appalachain Plant
Society

Crystal Robertson, UT Extension Agent- Unicoi County

If you have ever taken your mom out to eat on Mother’s Day, you know it is one of the busiest days of the year in the restaurant business. Although taking your mother out to eat is a nice gesture, and means Mom does not have to cook, it’s a crowded experience with long wait times that is soon over and done.
If you have a yearly Mother’s Day routine of the same-ol’-same-ol,’ this year why not do something different? This is a day to honor our mothers, so think about what she loves and what she has wanted on other ordinary days. Choose an activity that would suit your mom’s preferences. Make it happen and make this day special.
Here are a few unconventional ways to celebrate Mother’s Day or at least jumpstart your imagination. Make it local and have a Happy Mother’s Day no matter what you decide to do.
• Make something with her. Join in craft-making, art or cake-decorating classes offered at local Michael’s or Hobby Lobby stores. If she enjoys painting, also consider taking her to one of the paint-your-own pottery studios located around the area.
• If she would rather shop and just look at arts and crafts, take her to the Heartwood Artisan Center in Abingdon, VA. Shop local artisans and enjoy local culture and food. They are also offering a special Gospel Brunch for Mother’s Day at Heartwood, and reservations are recommended. Call 276-492-2400.
• Take her to a nearby living history farm, such as the Exchange Place in Kingsport or Rocky Mount in Piney Flats. Journey back in time to a simpler way of living and enjoy the day hearing stories about our local history.
• Consider taking your mom to visit a friend or family member that she rarely sees, or take her to a special place from her childhood. Driving for an hour or two to make your mom happy is a cool way to spend this Mother's Day.
• Go with your mom to get photographs together. You'll treasure these photographs and so will she. The photos don't have to be ordinary - consider fun photo studios where you dress up like you're in the Wild West or similar photos. Make sure you have an appointment in advance.
• Take her for a relaxing afternoon stroll through one of the local vineyards or wineries, and just unwind. Most local wineries offer free tastings and tours, but not all of them are open on Sundays. Be sure to check with them in advance.
• Does your mom love old time bluegrass and country music? Make a weekend of it, and go see Ralph Stanley II at the Carter Fold on Saturday night, then check out the Mountain Music Museum in the Bristol Mall on Sunday, which is dedicated to preserving great song-writing legacies from the Birthplace of Country Music.

No matter what you decide, simply giving her your time will be a gift she will always be happy to receive.