It’s not a regular Mother’s Day weekend, it’s a cool Mother’s Day weekend. | Photos courtesy Tim Robison (1,4), Stephan Pruitt (2,5) Rachel Pressley (3)
Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 11. If you’re still looking for the perfect gift, we’ve got a tried and true solution: quality time + a weekend away.
Spend the weekend soaking up Asheville’s crisp mountain air. The cozy town just 90 minutes down the road is bursting with new life and activities for every kind of mom:
The outdoorsy one
The Blue Ridge is in full bloom this time of year. Use the Hike Finder tool to find an unplugged adventure, or plan a family-friendly day of exploring + education at The North Carolina Arboretum’s 65 acres of gardens.
The best part? You can collapse in a clean bed at the end of the day in a unique downtown hotel or woodsy cabin, thanks to Asheville’s proximity to nature.
The foodie
Eat your way through “Foodtopia” with this helpful guide to Asheville dining. Choose from award-winning restaurants like Chai Pani, farmer-chef collaborations that go beyond a “farm-to-table” buzzword, and plenty of traditional Appalachian flavor.
The jokester
Laugh and sip at “Mom’s the Word,” a one-night-only comedy show at The Montford Rooftop Bar. The show features a lineup regional comedians with takes on motherhood, relationships, and life. Plus, proceeds benefit Safe Shelter, an Asheville nonprofit that supports families in crisis.
The retail therapy expert
4 words for you: Treat yo’ self, mom. Shop antiques, local makers, and bookstores, and feel good about supporting small businesses.
Crafty moms can also peruse the WNC Yarn Crawl, taking place Mother’s Day weekend across 11 yarn shops.
In-Person Class: Fresh Handmade Pasta | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Monday Night Brewing - Garden Co. | $64+ | This guided class may leave you feeling like you’re dining in Florence, Italy.
Tuesday, May 6
Monopoly Lifesized: Travel Edition | Tuesday, May 6-Sunday, July 27 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Blume Studios | $32+ | Step into the life-sized, 3D world of Monopoly — while claiming your properties and avoiding jail.
2025 Small Business Expo | 3-5 p.m. | Hilton Garden Inn, Gastonia | Free | Spend an evening during Small Business Week connecting with local business leaders.
Wine on Wednesday | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | The Mint Museum Uptown | Free | Sip wine while perusing the Mint’s art collection.
Rock Hill Striders Sundown Series Trail Race | 6:30-9 p.m. | Lake Haigler Entrance, Anne Springs Close Greenway, Fort Mill, SC | $30+ | Lace up your sneakers for this seasonal race + enjoy a full bar and food until 9 p.m.
Watch mom’s stress melt away. | Photos by Woodhouse Spa
It’s simple: Moms love being pampered.
And what better way to pamper the mom figure in your life than a gift that reveals her natural glow?
The new Glacial Facial from Woodhouse Spa South Park is as luxe as they come, combining med-spa-quality cryoaesthetics with powerful skin serums to lift, hydrate, smooth, and brighten with little to no downtime.
Psst: Pair with select in-store gift cards and you’ll receive a complimentary Voluspa Candle or plush spa robe and tote.
Let’s make it a three-peat. Lovin’ Life Music Fest returns to Charlotte May 1-3, 2026. Couldn’t attend this year?Here’s what you missed.
Eat
The wait is almost over. Leluia Hall officially opens tomorrow, Tuesday, May 6, with reservations now being taken. Curious about the menu? Keep an eye on Instagram today for the full dish.
Coming Soon
Kudzu Bakery & Market is coming to Park Square shopping center in Dilworth. The Charleston-based bakery will be serving beach-themed cookies, cakes, pies, and biscuits at 2442 Park Rd. The store is expected to open this summer. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Announced
Tickets are sold out for Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17 for the upcoming PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club. Don’t wait — there are limited tickets left for Thursday, May 15 and Championship Sunday.
Shop
Sierra is now open at Carolina Pavilion on South Boulevard. The off-price outdoor retailer’s first NC location offers a wide selection of spring and summer apparel and gear, like hiking boots, bike helmets, and fishing and camping equipment. (Queen City News)
Open
Got a sweet tooth? The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar is now open at 816 Brayden Pkwy in Fort Mill, SC. The innovative dessert spot is serving elaborate and colorful milkshakes perfect for Instagram.
Mansion Monday
Make yourself at home in this six-bedroom, seven-full bath home in Pharr Acres. Built in 2021, this 7,323-sqft estate boasts a four-car garage, saltwater pool with a private deck, and a cabana perfect for grilling and hosting summer parties.
Drink
Cheers. Learn to make cocktails from restaurateur Bob Peters during a free class at The Goodyear House this Saturday, May 10, at 3 p.m. No need to sign up, but guests are encouraged to arrive early. The last class had 80 people in attendance.
Try This
Big Time Wrestling is coming to Truist Field on Friday, July 25. WWE Hall of Famer, Sting, is headlining the event, with eight hard-hitting matchups in the ring on top of home plate. Gates open at 5 p.m. with bell time at 8 p.m. Tickets are now available.
Ranked
This got us in the mood. Charlotte’s own Mood House made Yelp’s 2025 Top 100 Local Businesses list — one of only three NC businesses to make the annual list. Check out CLTtoday’s trip to the spa.
Biz
Charlotte businesses hoped the 60,000+ festival goers in Uptown would give them a boost in profits. Vendors at the Market at 7th Street spoke with WCNC’s Myles Harris about being so close to Lovin’ Life Music Fest as a huge advantage for sales. (WCNC)
Sports
Strap in. The Tar Heels are facing a critical roster decision. Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the North Carolina Tar Heelswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Wellness
Discover your biological age with a single blood test taken at home. Starting at $499, TruAge gives you a personalized longevity plan — save 20% with code WELLNESS20.*
Announced
While spots in our 2025 Parents’ Gift Guide are closed ahead of Mother’s Day, we have a few more for Father’s Day. Hurry — save 20% with code PGG2025 when you secure your spot now.
Category
Try This
🥂 Down for date night?
Steak 48 in SouthPark was voted one of the most romantic restaurants in the US. | Photo via Steak 48
Kids, this is the story of how I met your mother, and it was all thanks to CLTtoday.
In honor of Small Business Week, we’ve got 25+ local date night ideas you’ll only find in the Queen City.
If the way to their heart is through their stomach
Make dining a more sensory experience, by trying places like L’Ostrica or Counter that emphasize flavor and storytelling behind their multi-course servings.
For the ones who want a night out on the town
Grab a show-themed, three-course dinner at The Asbury before catching the latest Broadway favorite at Blumenthal Arts. Bonus: Order a nightcap at Sophia’s Lounge.
If you’re really hoping that it works out
Book a private salsa lesson at CLTDance for you and your SO, then head across the street for a delicious Greek meal at Mocco Bistro.
Did you know it’s possible to shop small on Amazon? Support small businesses and artisans across the country when you shop Amazon Handmade. We love these five items that can be personalized with your name or message:
Hello from Lovin’ Life! City Editor Maria and I had a jam-packed weekend at Lovin’ Life Music Festival.
My favorite performance was Benson Boone on Friday night. His front flip onto the stage ignited the festival for me, and it’s hard tune out that incredible voice.
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