Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 12, 2019.
Looking for gift ideas? Moms love to spend time with their families, so how about giving her a local experience? Here’s a list of great Mother’s Day Activities in Bellingham and Whatcom County.
Cycling along the bay with flowers from the farmer’s market. / Credit: Kerstin Martin
Mother’s Day Cruise with Schooner Zodiac
Boarding time – 9:45 a.m., sail time 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 12
If mom loves being on the water, a local sailing brunch adventure is the perfect fit. The classic 1920s, 160-foot wooden sailing yacht departs from the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. Boarding time is 9:45 a.m. and the boat leaves at 10 a.m. All mothers will be given complimentary mimosas while the ship leisurely drifts on the bay. Passengers can also tour below deck which features the ship’s navigational chart house, modern galley and spacious salon.
The Zodiac will depart its dock in historic Fairhaven village for a 3 and-a-half hour excursion on Bellingham Bay. The Zodiac’s chef will serve a wonderful brunch buffet fresh from the ship’s galley. Mom will come away with fantastic photos and memories from the ultimate Mother’s Day Brunch.
Tickets are $79 for adults and $59 for children.
Call 206-719-7622 or see schoonerzodiac.com.
Mother’s Day at the Big Rock Sculpture Garden
May 12, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Celebrate Mother’s Day with the whole family among blooming rhododendrons, azaleas and the sculpture collection at Big Rock Garden. Featuring the Devillies, an acoustic Irish/Americana folk band from Bellingham, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Plein Air painting by local artists from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Parking is available at Silver Beach Elementary School where you can take the trail to the Park or catch the free shuttle. For more information, contact the Bellingham Parks Volunteer Program at (360) 778-7105 or pkvolunteers @cob.org.
This event is sponsored by the Friends of Big Rock Garden Park and Bellingham Parks and Recreation.
Mother’s Day at the Whatcom Museum
May 12, Noon to 5 p.m.
Drop by the Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher Building for a special Mother’s Day Card event. The Museum will have a variety of art supplies on hand for kids to make their own designs. Stop by to enjoy this month’s unique displays and make your mother a card she won’t forget.
Mother’s Day Weekend Train Ride at Lake Whatcom Railway
May 11, Noon to 1 p.m.
Take mom to enjoy the luxury of rail travel with Lake Whatcom Railway and ride authentic Pullman passenger cars from Wickersham Station to Mirror Lake located in Eastern Whatcom County. All ages are welcome to relive memories and create new ones on this nostalgic ride through history. You will be riding on train cars that have been in use for more than 100 years.
Toast to Mom at Vartanyan Estate Winery
May 11 – May 13, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrate your mom this weekend with a tasting at Vartanyan Winery.  Bring a picnic and enjoy the glass of wine on Vartanayan’s patio with an amazing view of Mount Baker.
Mother’s Day Brunch or Dinner in Bellingham and Whatcom County
Of course, there’s also the favorite standby of an awesome meal that Mom doesn’t have to cook. Here is a list of scheduled brunch events:
On May, 12 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Semiahmoo Resort will offer an elegant Mother’s Day brunch buffet. Enjoy a spectacular array of main dishes, sides and desserts while taking in the breathtaking views. For more information or to make a reservation, call (360) 318-2090. $26 for adults | Children 6-12: $12.95 | Children 5 and under are free.
Take mom for an elaborate brunch at Hotel Bellwether, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Chef Peter Birk has prepared a wide range of options, from Alaskan Snow Crab and Grilled chicken to Bellwether’s signature eggs benedict. There will also be carving station with roast prime rib, a salad station, sliced fruit, a seafood bar, and more. Be sure to make a reservation and enjoy a lovely brunch by the bay!
Boundary Bay Brewery will be hosting their Mother’s Day Brunch, May 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mom’s first mimosa is on the house and Boundary Bay will be having live music in their beer garden. For reservations call 360-647-5593.
Tell Mom you love her by taking her to her favorite place—Bellewood  Farms! Bellewood will be serving up a special country buffet breakfast & tasty brunch along with a rose for each mom. Reservations are highly recommended. May 12, 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Join the crew at Chuckanut Brewery as they kick off their weekend brunches that will occur throughout the summer. For Mother’s Day, you can expect to see Chilequilles, Corned Beef Hash & Poached Eggs, Banana French Toast, Brewmaster’s Traditional Breakie, Belgium Waffles with Seasonal Fruit & Whipped Cream, Quinoa Bowl, Avocado Toast. And of course, Mimosas (cranberry, orange or grapefruit). The brunch menu will be from 10 a.m. to 2 pm. The regular menu will start at 11 a.m.
Or see our full list of restaurants in Bellingham.
Most importantly give your Mom a hug, tell her you love her and enjoy the day!
For ongoing events in Bellingham and Whatcom on Mother’s Day Weekend, see our online events calendar.
About the Author: Annette
Annette Bagley is the Director of Marketing for Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism. As a writer and media relations consultant, her work has appeared in local and national media. She has been enjoying life in the Bellingham and Whatcom County region for more than a decade. Her ideal escapes include water, mountains, a farm visit, or a history lesson, accompanied by good food and a glass of wine.
Sailboat from the 1920s – how cool is that? Historic train – looks like fun! Afternoon tea, brunches, wine, painting class – way too many things for just one day – we will be planning a multi-day excursion from Portland to Bellingham soon, maybe via Amtrak or BoltBus so we can sit back and relax along the way. Thanks for the great ideas!
Comment by Lois Gardens — May 3, 2018 @ 11:38 am
There is also a Mother’s Day event at Big Rock Garden in Bellingham. It begins at 10:00am to 2:00pm with an art show, artists painting in the park, live music and refreshments. The event is free.
Comment by Lorraine DELAHOYDE — May 4, 2018 @ 8:39 am