Celebrating Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be an homage to brunch and spa days.
There are plenty of unconventional events taking place this weekend in Williamsburg that offer the perfect opportunity to bond with your mother in a nontraditional way. Here are some ways you can make this Mother’s Day more memorable with your mom with some high-energy activities.
Get fit with some CrossFit
If your mom is into fitness, CrossFit may be just the alternative she needs to ramp up her workout regime. Spend a day with mom at a CrossFit class this weekend for an experience you both won’t soon forget. You’ll use your muscles in a guided instructional class that builds strength and flexibility by pushing, pulling, squatting, and jumping.
Not sure if CrossFit is right for your mom? Ask Michelle Midnight, owner at CrossFit 1607. “I’m a mother of one and nine months pregnant and still doing CrossFit. We have a ton of mothers and daughters that do CrossFit as a family together.”
CrossFit 1607 offers a free one-hour class to first-time participants and will be holding classes this weekend so you and your mother can try one out. Your class will be tailored to your skill level, allowing beginners to go at their own pace.
“We have all levels,” said Midnight. “We have all ages from five years old to 75 years old. Whether they’re a seasoned athlete or new to working out, everybody will be doing a similar without but it will be different levels based on where you’re starting.”
Strike a pose with Project:OM
This Mother’s Day event will take you to the mall, but you won’t spend the day shopping. Instead, you’ll be giving to a good cause while practicing your downward facing dog. The Williamsburg Premium Outlets is hosting Project:OM, the world’s largest yoga event in conjunction with Susan G. Komen and yoga brand Manduka.
“We’re expecting a great turnout,” said Lisa Jones, director of marketing and business development for Williamsburg Premium Outlets. “Hosting a Project:OM yoga event is a special way to celebrate health and wellness during Mother’s Day Weekend.
With one million expected in attendance for this nationwide event, the Williamsburg Premium Outlets looks to raise money to fight breast cancer through the combination of a heart healthy activity that you can do with your mom.
Manduka-approved instructors will lead participants in two yoga sessions beginning at 10 a.m. on May 13. A $10 donation is suggested as 100 percent of the proceeds will go to support breast cancer research through Susan G. Komen.
“The event is open to all skill levels,” said Jones. “For a beginner, it will be a great first class and intro to the practice, while for someone more experienced, it’s a free and inviting way to get moving. Everyone can benefit from the practice of yoga and better way to kick off Mother’s Day weekend than joining together with the entire community to support a meaningful cause!”
Head to the great outdoors
Why not try a last minute camping trip with your mom for Mother’s Day and reminisce about the good old days in front of the campfire? Williamsburg KOA Campgrounds is open for Mother’s Day weekend, giving you the chance to spend time with mom and create some new family memories.
Williamsburg KOA has plenty to do for a camping weekend, with its heated pool open and a scheduled visit from animals in the Teeny Tiny Farm. There promises to be plenty of activities all weekend long and a night under the stars, some fresh air, and recreation may be just what your mom needs to relax on her special day.
The 180-acre site of Williamsburg KOA offers cabins as well as traditional campsites, so you can either pitch a tent or have that outdoor adventure with a little more of the comforts of home.
Bike ride…with wine
Mix up this Mother’s Day with a ride along through the Historic Triangle with the Williamsburg Winery Cycling Club. This Sunday, and every Sunday, cyclists take to the streets of Williamsburg on a tour of the city that is capped off with wine and brunch specials as the Gabriel Archer Tavern.
“It’s a great way to experience the beauty of the region, be active, and then afterward indulge your senses a little bit with some wine and food,” said Michael Kimball, assistant vice president of marketing at the Williamsburg Winery.
The cycling club is the perfect event for an active mom that wants to get out and enjoy the area. As many as 45 to 50 riders come out each Sunday for the ride, and Kimball expects to see plenty of moms this Sunday.
“We do anticipate there being mother-son-daughter combinations at the ride this weekend,” said Kimball, who also runs the cycling club for the winery. “A lot of folks are excited to be out for the ride.”
With three distance options, you can allow your mom to have a leisurely ride around town and with the cycling club’s no drop policy, you don’t have to worry about taking a wrong turn or being left behind.
Registration for the cycling event begins at 8:30 a.m. and riders take off at 9 a.m. There is no fee for the event, and a 15 percent discount will be given to riders for the Gabriel Archer Tavern. Reservations for the tavern are full for Mother’s Day, but walkups are certainly welcome.
Take mom out for some surf and turf
This isn’t your traditional surf and turf, as the York River State Park has planned a day of water fun and fossil finding. With its “Surf and Turf” adventure, your mom will be able to canoe or kayak her way to Fossil Beach, where she can search for relics from prehistoric times and learn about their history from a park ranger.
“We’ve been doing this program for many years,” said Brad Thomas, chief ranger at York River State Park. “It’s very successful. It’s kind of a combination of paddle, and you’re on the land. That’s why it’s called surf and turf.”
Designed for all ages and skill levels, the event allows moms to paddle for free on Mother’s Day with the admission of a paid guest. Canoes as well as single and tandem kayaks are available. Space is limited, so reservations are highly recommended.
Go ape with a zipline adventure
Your mother will literally “go ape” at Freedom Park with Go Ape Treetop Adventure and its zipline courses. With five obstacle courses to choose from, you can make your mom scream with delight as she traverses the treetops high into the forest.
Freedom Park offers a two to three-hour adventure that will have your mom swinging like Tarzan high above the ground, with suspended obstacles, swings, and ziplines. There are incredible views, and this is an activity that ages 10 and up can participate in.
Freedom Park is open all weekend, so you can show Mom how much you care by getting her heart pumping with an event that is sure to make her smile.
