By Kelli Samson
She’s made you cocoa. She’s whispered words of encouragement. She’s hugged you. She’s embarrassed you. She’s wielded band-aids and sunscreen and love.
Mom.
Mother’s Day is always here before we know it, and this year is no different. Mark your calendars: the big day arrives on May 11, and you don’t want to be the kid who forgets.
Or the dad who forgets. Isn’t that right, gentlemen?
In this mom’s humble opinion, experiences can mean a whole lot more than gifts. I am going to hook you up with some great ideas for fun ways to enjoy some time with Mom this Mother’s Day weekend here in Olympia, no matter how old you (or Mom) happen to be.
You’re welcome.
Movie Night
Perhaps you want to get the Mother’s Day festivities off to an early start. Maybe you won’t be able to spend the actual day on Sunday with her. Or maybe you and Mom just have fond memories of time spent together at the movies.
Honestly, you don’t need an excuse. Play on Greater Olympia (POGO) is sponsoring a special showing of Mary Poppins at the Olympia Film Society Saturday, May 10. The event is called “Me, My Mom & Mary P. (Mary Poppins, that is!)” The doors will open at 1:00 p.m., with the classic musical beginning at 1:30 PM.
The fun doesn’t stop with the movie. There will be a Mary Poppins look-alike contest, along with live entertainment and buttons for Mom boasting “Practically Perfect.”
Admission is by donation, and all proceeds go to Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia (SOGO).
Looking for even more culture? Try a performance of Ballet Northwest’s Swan Lake at The Washington Center. Find tickets here.
In Case of Sunshine
Maybe we’ll get lucky this year and have gorgeous weather just for Mom. If that’s the case, grab a backpack, some water bottles, and your mom. Take advantage of the sun after our very rainy spring and head out for a comfortable local hike with a picnic lunch.
Eastside or Westside, there are impressive local grocery stores for stocking up on your picnic essentials. Bayview Thriftway, Ralph’s Thriftway, and both co-ops carry lots of goodies that will easily ride in your pack. From fresh fruit and veggies (go for local) to chocolate, from cheese to salami, these shops have got you covered.
Have a little more time to gather your picnic vittles? Why not take Mom to the Olympia Farmers Market? Buy her a bouquet of flowers. Enjoy some delectable food samples and some local tunes, all while supporting your local farmers as you shop for your lunch.
It’s a short drive to Priest Point Park’s Ellis Cove Trail, where you and Mom can stroll through the forest together and catch up. The hike is a two and a half mile long loop. Careful – it has its steep patches. Impress Mom with some history of the Priest Point Park area.
Try to plan for a walk during low tide so that you can enjoy the shore upon arrival. You’ll have great views of downtown as you devour your picnic together.
In Case of Rain
Let’s be real here. The chances of the sky opening up in some form or another on Mother’s Day are pretty great. We do live in Thurston County, so it’s good to have a back-up plan for weather.
You can’t go wrong with a trip to The Painted Plate. They have an amazing parent and child special for $30 that includes a piece of pottery for both you and your mom to paint (there is a limited selection from which to choose for this activity), along with either a Batdorf and Bronson beverage or a scoop of Olympic Mountain ice cream for each of you.
Have another sibling or parent who wants to tag along? It’s $15 extra for each additional person.
The Painted Plate does tend to get busy on the weekends, so you may want to make a reservation for Mother’s Day.
Another idea for a rainy afternoon with Mom involves some reusable shopping bags, your wallet, and an umbrella or two: thrift shopping downtown.
While there are an impressive number of excellent thrift shops in our downtown corridor, you definitely will want to swing Mom by Tattered Treasures, Red Door, and Courtyard Antiques. Park the car somewhere central, get out those bumbershoots, and start strolling.
Tattered Treasures is located at 115 5th Avenue SW. It’s a favorite among those who prefer country, French-style decor – think shabby chic, a bit of burlap, white paint, and lots of silver. There’s a cute garden room in the back of the store, too.
Red Door, owned by mother-daughter duo Kathy Lathrop and Lara Anderson, is just down the road from Tattered Treasures at 430 Washington Street SE. These ladies do an impressive job of finding diamonds-in-the-rough at local yard and estate sales, which they then spruce up using upholstery or a fresh coat of paint. The end product is always classy.
Courtyard Antiques could easily take you all afternoon. Located at 705 4th Avenue E and boasting seventy vendors, you and Mom are sure to come away with a treasure or two. While you’re there, you could pick up your goody bag for Girls Night Out, slated for May 16 to benefit Behavioral Health Resources (BHR).
Plan ahead. Try your hand at time with your mom rather than a gift she unwraps. You may just start a special new tradition.
