This Mother’s Day, give Mom the gift of experience. Flowers and chocolates are great, but how about an unforgettable outdoor affair? Basket optional. From beach-lovers and thrill-seekers to new mothers and homebodies, we’ve discovered the best local picnic destinations and ideas for every kind of mom. Want to make it an extra special occasion? Send a pretty, personalized invitation in the mail.
Pack & Play
Finding time to unwind is a rarity for mothers of young children. Let Mom kick up her feet and enjoy some fresh air by packing a traditional picnic lunch and heading to one of Coastal Virginia’s many beautiful public parks.
Children will be endlessly entertained by the jungle gyms, obstacle courses and basketball courts at city-sponsored parks. A giant splash pad awaits at the Norfolk Botanical Garden, too, as do dozens of themed gardens and scenic walking trails. Wander until you find the perfect spot to set up shop and allow Mom to indulge in her favorite treats.
If you’re looking for a more private outdoor experience, consider reserving one of the parks’ picnic shelters. You are guaranteed your own table and a dry place to celebrate should springtime showers make an unexpected appearance.
Bougie Beach Bites
Let Mom rejuvenate with a much-needed beach day. Gather her closest gal pals and travel to the Southside for a waterfront picnic Mom will never forget. The VB Picnic Co., a pioneer in bougie pop-up picnics, handles all the details for you.
Of the picnic company’s four extravagant set-ups, two fit the bill for the perfect Mother’s Day celebration. The Luxury Picnic with Longboard Charcuterie is great for large parties and features an elaborate spread of bright decor, savory bites and chilled bottles of sparkling water. Enjoy at several beach destinations along Shore Drive, the North End, Sandbridge and Chic’s Beach.
Looking to celebrate as a couple? Elect The VB Picnic Co’s Pick-Up Picnic. All the essentials—snacks, towels and champagne glasses—are packed in a classic wicker basket and are yours to keep when the date is done!
Hike, Bike & Hang
Adventurous momma bears will love to explore the hundreds of miles of paved, graveled and forested trails the Seven Cities (and beyond) have to offer. Virginia Beach’s First Landing State Park and Cape Charles’ Kiptopeke State Park offer winding hiking trails and sweeping water views.
Coastal Virginia is rich in biking trails too. Pedal through Norfolk’s urban beauty via the Elizabeth River Trail or embark on a mountain biking adventure at Freedom Park in Williamsburg or Virginia Beach’s newest and only mountain biking destination, Marshview Park.
Whether you explore by foot or by bike, you can still treat Mom with a picnic to-go. Fill your CamelBaks with water and load your saddlebags and backpacks with energy-packed bites like trail mix, fresh fruit and peanut butter crackers. Local cafe TASTE offers several delicious grab-and-go options too like their Sassy Southern Pimento Cheese, Beach Crunch peanuts, prepared sandwiches and more.
Home Sweet Home
You don’t have to travel far or break the bank to pamper Mom. The comforts of home are often what moms enjoy most, after all. Hosting a picnic at home means you can celebrate Mom any time of the day, too.
Early risers can reimagine breakfast in bed by creating a makeshift brunch on the lawn. Moms who love to bask in the noontime sun can enjoy an afternoon luncheon complete with tea in the garden. For night owls, treat Mom to a candlelit picnic followed by s’mores over the fire.
Grace Silipigni
Grace Silipigni is an elementary school Spanish immersion teacher based in Virginia Beach and a regular contributor to Coastal Virginia Magazine, covering a wide range of topics such as health and wellness, education and learning, food and drink, happenings and events, travel and getaways and more.
