Go behind the scenes at Union Market’s Test Kitchen
Union Market’s Test Kitchen has a constant rotation of behind-the-scenes foodie events, but we’ve got our eye on Al Volo: Taste of Naples, during which mom can follow Chef Daniele Catalani’s instructions for making homemade fettuccine with scampi and zeppole, as well as fried mozzarella. Mangia! Mangia! The class is scheduled for May 12 from 6 to 8 PM at Union Market, 1309 5th St., NW. Tickets are $54 and may be purchased here.
Get crafty at The Lemon Bowl
For some hands-on fun, sign mom up to join the ladies of The Lemon Bowl on Mother’s Day for a beginners’ weaving class, after which she’ll bring home her own textile to decorate her walls. The weaving class will take place at The Lemon Bowl, 3015 Georgia Ave., NW, on May 8 from 9 AM to noon. Tickets (starting at $75) may be purchased here.
Build a bouquet
At West Elm’s Mother’s Day flower workshop, you and mother dearest can learn to arrange flowers. You’ll pick out a vase and some buds from their flower bar, then try your hand at assembling a centerpiece. The workshop is scheduled for May 5 from 6 to 8 PM at West Elm, 1728 14th St., NW. Tickets are $17 and may be purchased here.
Take Her To Market
The flower market, that is. The annual National Cathedral Flower Mart is slated for this weekend, giving mom a chance to peak at floral displays by international embassies before shopping a variety of artisan vendors while snacking on smoothies and lobster rolls. To make the experience extra-special, take her to the All Hallows Guild Tea Room, which will serve up English Tea in the Cathedral tower. The Flower Mart will run 10 AM to 6 PM on May 6 and 10 AM to 5 PM on May 7. The market will take place at the Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave., NW. Entry to the market is free.
Go Skydiving—Indoors
For the adventurous woman who isn’t prepared to do something truly life-threatening (such as jumping out of a plane), iFly Indoor Skydiving in Loudon will give all of the thrills without the danger. After a flight instructor leads mom through some training, she’ll don a flight suit, helmet, and goggles, then head to the flight chamber, where she’ll “fly” in a vertical wind tunnel, giving her the sensation of skydiving. An $80 first-time flyer voucher can be purchased here.
Try Yoga on the Water
Though this gift will require some delayed gratification–Potomac Paddlesports doesn’t have paddleboard yoga classes until June–it will provide a fun weekend morning for you and mom. A pair of yoga instructors who specialize in asana yoga will lead the two-hour classes on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer from their waterfront spot in Potomac. The class meets at 10801 Macarthur Blvd., NW starting June 25. Tickets are $49 and may be purchased here.
Clean Out Her Closet
For the woman who has everything–and by that, we mean way too much–what she really needs may be help decluttering. Enter DC Style Factory, which will work with her to pair down her wardrobe, and can even help her create new looks from the clothes she owns or accompany her on a shopping outing to rebuild her clothing collection. Pricing varies based on number of services, which can be booked via DC Style Factory.
Visit Wine Country
If some quality time with her kids is a must-have this Mother’s Day, spend it with pretty views ahead and good wine in hand. Make a list of vineyards to visit, or just pick one to spend the day and head south for a good time. Whether you’re looking to learn a lot about wine or to picnic outdoors, here’s a list of five great Virginia wineries that are worth a trip.
Caroline Cunningham joined Washingtonian in 2014 after moving to the DC area from Cincinnati, where she interned and freelanced for Cincinnati Magazine and worked in content marketing. She currently resides in College Park.
