Pamper Mom in Chapel Hill Style

A single day seems like a small window of time to dedicate to the women who gave us life and shaped us into the people we are today. That’s why we’re full of ideas for spoiling mom not just on Mother’s Day but throughout the year. Check out these Chapel Hill destinations for making mom feel special this season.

Locally Made with Love

What’s the perfect gift for the woman who changed your diapers, drove countless carpools and continues to be your rock? Probably something that’s as unique and special as her. For heartfelt and locally made gifts, there are multiple boutiques throughout Chapel Hill where you can find just the right present for expressing your gratitude.

SallyMack, located in Midtown Market, is a boutique that sells jewelry, handbags, unique gifts, home goods and more. The selection is carefully curated by the owner to offer unique and modern items not found in big box stores.

Inside Carr Mill Mall, Sophia’s Boutique offers a plentiful array of beautiful, consciously crafted pieces made by both local and international designers. Browse their selection of jewelry, clothing, shoes, accessories, home décor and more, or check out their handy Mother’s Day Gift Guide on their website.

For locally made and handcrafted gifts, check out Woman Craft Gifts in Carrboro. The shop is a co-op that was started in 1973 and has grown to have its own storefront along Main Street. Artist members work together to create whimsical, elegant, and functional gifts for people of all ages, from newborns to great grandmas.

Just a few blocks further into Carrboro, This & That Gift Gallery offers an eclectic mix of handcrafted jewelry, pottery, nightlights, greeting cards, journals, Carrboro T-shirts, local art, and a variety of other wacky gadgets and goodies. It’s a great place to shop if you want to find a gift that will make mom laugh.

Make Memories

Experiences are an incredible gift because they create lasting memories. Choose an activity that will pique your mom’s interest and set a date to spend the day together.

Explore the Ayr Mount and Poet’s Walk for a relaxing stroll along the scenic one-mile path in Hillsboro. The trail meanders through the woodlands, meadows and fields surrounding Ayr Mount, a historic house featuring early 19th century architecture. To make a day out of the trip, you can book a tour of the house or pack a lunch to enjoy along the trail’s picnic tables.

For history buffs, book a tour with Old North State Tours. They offer a wide variety of themed and guided tours, and you can explore the local area or branch out to regions from the mountains to the coast, with topics ranging from the Civil War to the Gold Rush.

With so many great local restaurants, the Taste Carolina tour through Chapel Hill and Carrboro means you don’t have to just pick one! During this guided walking tour, you and your mom will visit five eclectic restaurants showcasing local ingredients and enjoy drink pairings at most stops.

If your mom likes mushrooms, she’ll love the events offered by Haw River Mushrooms. Located in Saxapahaw, you can sign up for farm tours, mushroom inoculation classes, or mushroom walks to learn how to identify and forage wild mushrooms.

Relax and Unwind

Let’s face it, being a mother is stressful! So for her special day, pamper mom with some TLC.

The Spa at Fearrington is one of the chicest experiences in town. Book a custom facial and massage featuring exclusive British skincare brand Elemis, or treat her to a pedicure and manicure with a choice of natural Côte or long-wear Vinyl shellac polishes.

A more budget-friendly pampering option is Hand and Stone Massage and Facial in Meadowmont. It offers a wide variety of spa services, facials, hair removal and Cryoskin. Be sure to check for deals, especially for first-time guests!

If motherhood has caused a wrinkle or two, Medical Day Spa of Chapel Hill can help your mom’s age lines fade away. Using medical-grade skin care and treatments that are overseen by a physician’s assistant and registered nurses, your mom can get services that will leave her glowing long after her luxurious spa experience.

Brunch with Your Bestie

Mother’s Day brunch is a time-honored tradition. To make mom feel extra special, book a table at one of Chapel Hill’s best brunches.

For Mother’s Day, which also falls on graduation weekend, The Carolina Inn is offering a prix-fixe buffet featuring bountiful displays of antipasti, cold salads, a grits bar, caving stations and seafood.

Acme has been a staple in downtown Carrboro for more than 25 years. They’ve built a reputation for serving tasty Southern American cuisine, signature cocktails, fine wines, craft beers, and lately, Sunday brunch! Acme can accommodate families large or small and also offers patio seating so you can enjoy the weather on a nice spring day.

For a French twist on brunch, book a table at Blue Bird in Meadowmont. The French bistro serves Gallic style dishes, combined with an old-world sense of hospitality. On the menu you’ll find omelets, quiches and other French delicacies.

Whether your mom lives in Chapel Hill or she’s visiting for the weekend, treat her to an extra special experience that shows her just how much you appreciate all she does. Happy Mother’s Day!