Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 11. Now an annual holiday to celebrate maternal bonds, it was started Anna Maria Jarvis of West Virginia in honor of her own mother, Anna Reeves Jarvis, a social activist who found her calling in Mothers Day Work Clubs. The clubs sought to educate people about sanitation to reduce child mortality and also provided care to soldiers of both sides during the Civil War, later focusing on reconciliation.

 

Around the same time, Julia Ward Howe, author of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic, also called for a "Mother's Day of Peace" and later issued a proclamation of motherhood and peace celebrated until the outbreak of the Spanish-American War. 

 

Anna Maria Jarvis sought to fulfill her mother's wish for a recognition day and campaigned for a national holiday. The first Mother's Day was held in 1908 in her hometown of Grafton following her mother's death. Within three years, it was being celebrated across the nation. President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day. 

 

Here are some suggestions for where you can spend time celebrating Mom this weekend. Note that not all events are on Sunday.

 

Mother's Day Tea

Ventfort Hall, Lenox

Sunday, 1 to 3 p.m.

 

The Gilded Age mansion and museum serves tea in its elegant dining room with an assortment of savories and pastries. The proceeds fund the mission of restoring the mansion.

 

Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased here. 

 

Mother's Day Picnic and Petals

The Inn at Stockbridge

Saturday, 11 to 4

 

Enjoy a picnic style lunch by Once Upon A Table, specialty cocktails and mocktails, a flower arranging session with a bouquet and vase to take home, and a sauna and cold plunge experience.

 

Tickets are $99 per person, plus fee, and can be purchased here. 

 

Mothers Day Brunch

Door Prize Restaurant, North Adams

Sunday, 10 to 2

 

This brunch is a preview of the new eatery in Hotel Downstreet on Main Street. Enjoy ordered entrees and a hot and cold buffet with the restaurant's signature potato pierogies.

 

Tickets are $35, $15 for children ages 4 to 12 and can be purchased here. 

 

Afternoon Tea

The Tea and Boba Lounge, Williamstown

Sunday, 3 p.m.

 

The tea room on Spring Street is selling out fast for Mother's Day; some seats are left for 3 p.m.

 

Cost is $35 per person; reserve seats by calling 413-884-6006.

 

Plants for Mother's Day

The Plant Connector, North Adams & Pittsfield

Sunday, 11 to 3

 

You and mom can create succulent arrangements or flowering terrariums, while sipping a bubbly beverage and snacking on scones. Held at both shops — Main Street in North Adams and West Street in Pittsfield. Do one, do both. 

 

Tickets are $32 or $64 and can be purchased here. 

 

Mount Greylock State Reservation

Visitors Center, Lanesborough

Sunday, 11 to 1

 

Enjoy a walk in nature at the state park, starting at the Visitors Center on Rockwell Road. Dress appropriately, bring water and a snack. Inclement weather cancels. 

 

This nature walk is free and open to the public but participants are asked to register by calling 413- 499-4262.

 

Clark Art Institute

South Street, Williamstown

Sunday, 1 to 3

 

The Clark is hosting two free events for free this Mother's Day. Try your hand at button-making as you explore personal, family, and community values expressed through the art of the button. At 2 p.m., take part in an interactive engagement in the permanent collection galleries focused on expanding ideas about representation of care, provision, protection, and more.

 

The Manton Study Center for Works on Paper also has a specially curated selection of prints, drawings, and photographs depicting the many facets of motherhood.

 

All special activities are free. The educator-led tour is free with gallery admission. Tour capacity is limited; participants may join on a first-come, first-served basis. More information here.

 

Daffodil & Tulip Festival 

Naumkeag, Stockbridge

Through Sunday

 

Take a stroll through the thousands of tulips and daffodils in Mabel Choate's gardens at the Naumkeag estate before the annual festival ends on Sunday. 

 

Tickets are $25, $15 for children and can be purchased here. 

 

 

Flower Arrangements 

Berkshire Food Co-Op, Great Barrington

Saturday, 12:30 to 2

 

Berkshire Food Co-Op is hosting a flower-arranging workshop with Ron Reinken of Vine Gate Lavender Floral Farm. Have a cup of tea while you and your mom create arrangements together. 

 

Cost is $35, plus fees, per person and includes all materials including the vase. Tickets can be purchased here.

 

It wouldn't be Mother's Day without flowers and chocolate. Here's some local flower and plant suggestions: Mount Williams Greenhouses, North Adams; Whitney's Farm Stand, Cheshire; Township Four, Stockbridge; Garden Blossoms Florist, Berkshire Thistle & Thorne, Viale Florist, Noble's Farm Stand and Flower Shop, all in Pittsfield; and Bella Flora in Great Barrington and Pittsfield. 

 

If ordering arrangements, be sure to call ahead. 

 

Is she a fan of chocolate? Here are some places with some chocolaty goodness Robin's Candy, Great Barrington; Lindt Chocolate Shop, Lee Premium Outlets; Chocolate Springs Cafe, Lenox; Peace Love and Chocolate, Stockbridge.

 

As Mother's Day approaches, these events and destinations across Berkshire County offer something for everyone — whether you're looking to treat mom to a relaxing afternoon, a delicious meal, or a meaningful experience. Be sure to check event details, make reservations where needed, and celebrate the day in a way that makes her feel truly special.