Whether you’re local or planning a spring weekend away, Greater Fayetteville is blooming with ways to celebrate Mom in style. Come for the food, stay for the fun—better yet, make a weekend of it!
Let’s be honest—Mom deserves more than a last-minute card and grocery store flowers. Whether you're planning something special for your mother, your partner, or the incredible mom-friend who holds it all together, we’ve rounded up 25 local ways to make her feel seen, celebrated, and spoiled—in the best way.
This Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 12), Fayetteville and Cumberland County are blooming with options—from farm-fresh brunches and peaceful park strolls to hands-on fun and pampering gifts. And because we know not every budget is endless, we’ve mixed in plenty of free and low-cost ideas too.
Brunch & Bloom-Worthy Dining
Let’s start with the obvious: brunch is love in food form. Here are some local spots that know how to treat a lady right—no dishes required.
-
Circa 1800 – With their Special brunch menu on Mother's Day, Southern Eggs Benedict, and build-your-own Bloody Marys, this downtown fave books up fast for a reason.
-
Haymount Truckstop – Fayetteville’s newest brunch darling is already stealing hearts with sweet-and-savory combos, killer coffee, and a laid-back, retro feel. If Mom’s the type who’d appreciate a breakfast taco followed by a biscuit donut (yes, really), this is her spot.
- The Farmer’s Cat Café – Fayetteville’s first cat café brings cozy vibes, great coffee, and adoptable feline friends all in one place. Whether she’s a full-on cat mom or just loves a good lavender latte, this spot is paws-itively perfect for a low-key, memorable Mother’s Day outing. Bonus: local favorite NC Empanadas will be on-site serving up delicious bites, alongside the café’s lineup of lattes, frappes, smoothies, and light snacks.
-
Cedar Point Restaurant – A hidden gem up in Spring Lake, Cedar Point serves up hearty Southern comfort food in a welcoming, no-frills atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you feel like family—and Mom doesn’t have to lift a finger.
-
Fred Chason’s Grandsons (Hope Mills) – Big family? Big appetite? This beloved Southern buffet has you covered with classics like fried chicken, mac & cheese, and banana pudding. It’s casual, affordable, and perfect if you want to keep it relaxed but still make Mom feel full and happy.
Gifts with Heart (and Local Flair)
Skip the generic and surprise her with something Fayetteville fabulous—whether she’s a candle-pouring queen, a vinyl collector, or has a serious sweet tooth.
-
Reverie Goods & Gifts – Thoughtful, feminine, and locally curated. Think candles, mugs, and cozy vibes.
-
Scented Wicks Candle Bar – Let Mom blend her own signature scent at this Black-owned candle bar in Hope Mills. With dozens of fragrances and sleek jars to choose from, it’s a fun, sensory way to create a custom gift—or enjoy some quality time together pouring candles side by side.
-
Winterbloom Tea – Let her sample several seasonal teas (like a tea version of a wine flight), take home a bundle of loose-leaf blends, or just enjoy a slow, cozy afternoon in their garden space.
-
Rocket Fizz Fayetteville – A downtown candy shop bursting with retro sweets, glass sodas, and playful surprises. It’s colorful, nostalgic, and ideal for moms who love fun, snacks, or sharing treats with the kids.
-
Back-A-Round Records – From Fleetwood Mac to Lauryn Hill, this record shop is perfect for the music-loving mom. Flipping through vinyl is its own kind of therapy—and it makes a surprisingly sweet way to spend time together.
Crafty, Cozy, and Memory-Making Fun
Looking for something a little outside the brunch box? These experiences are all about quality time.
11. Thanks, Mom!: A Special Mother’s Day Craft @ North Regional Library (May 3)
Kick things off early with this FREE creative session for kids and parents to make heartfelt crafts together. Ideal for younger families or moms who love a handmade keepsake.
12. Mother’s Day Paint Party @ Eastover-Central Rec Center (May 9)
Perfect for beginners and seasoned painters alike, this guided paint night lets you laugh, snack, and paint your way through a fun memory with mom. All supplies included!
13. Mother’s Day at the 1897 Poe House (May 11)
Enjoy a guided women’s history tour of the 1897 Poe House, make a craft, or walk around the Mother’s Day Market located in the backyard of the Poe House! HINT: Space is limited for guided tours and is first come, first served.
14. Woodpeckers Baseball – Mother’s Day Sunday Funday (May 11)
Take mom out to the ballgame! The Woodpeckers are celebrating moms with themed fun, great seats, and a relaxed way to spend a spring afternoon together. The team will be wearing special Mother's Day uniforms on-field that will be auctioned off both in-game and online.
15. Muffins with Mom @ E.E. Miller Rec Center (May 11)
Plan a fun family outing for Mother’s Day and join us for activities to celebrate moms and their greatness. Best of all its FREE!
Bonus: Paintball or Axe Throwing with Mom – Not every mom wants roses and rosé. Surprise her with something bold—like paintball at Black Ops Paintball or axe throwing at Axe & Armor. You’d be shocked how satisfying a bullseye can be.
Get Outside Together
Whether she loves wildflowers, music in the park, or trying something a little bold, here are five fresh-air options to make this Mother's Day feel like a breath of fresh air—literally.
Hint: Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the fresh air at any of these locations.
16. Cape Fear Botanical Garden
Still the gold standard for natural beauty. Explore 80+ acres of blooming trails, garden art, and river views. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and stroller/grandparent/wheelchair friendly.
17. Carvers Creek State Park – Sandhills Access
Enjoy a short walk to the historic Rockefeller House and watch turtles at the millpond. Ideal for a slow afternoon stroll with a thermos of tea and some good conversation.
18. Dirtbag Ales Farmers Market
Live music, local makers, brunch bites, and lots of sunshine—plus kids and dogs are welcome. It’s a vibrant, family-friendly vibe if your mom loves a crowd and a mimosa.
19. ZipQuest Waterfall & Treetop Adventure
For the thrill-seeking mom (or mom’s adventurous entourage), a guided zipline tour through the trees and past a waterfall? Now that’s one she’ll never forget.
20. Sweet Valley Ranch – Springtime Adventures
This gem offers animal encounters, farm-style fun, and a mini amusement park feel. If you're looking for an experience that delights both moms and littles, this is it.
Music, Theatre, and Vibes
Looking to impress with a night out? Cumberland County’s got range—this weekend’s lineup offers something special for the mom who loves a good show—and a good time.
21. Once on This Island at Cape Fear Regional Theatre (May 15 – June 1)
Take her to see this high-energy musical full of soul, storytelling, and toe-tapping rhythm. Cape Fear Regional Theatre knows how to put on a show, and this one is all about finding your voice—perfect for the woman who always helped you find yours.
22. Little Shop of Horrors at Gilbert Theater (May 16 - June 1)
Looking for a thoughtful gift that lasts beyond the weekend? Treat the theater-loving mom in your life to tickets for Gilbert Theater’s upcoming production of Little Shop of Horrors. This cult-favorite musical is quirky, catchy, and packed with dark comedy—perfect for moms who appreciate a little drama (the good kind).
23. Live Music & Dinner @ Dirtbag Ales Brewery & Taproom (May 10–12)
Pair a locally brewed drink with food truck eats and live tunes all weekend long. If your mom loves laid-back nights with music, laughter, and zero pressure, this is her scene.
24. Fayetteville Symphonic Band Spring Concert @ Huff Concert Hall (May 7)
Treat Mom to an early celebration with the Fayetteville Symphonic Band’s Spring Concert at Methodist University. This free event offers a mix of rich, expressive music in a beautiful concert hall setting—perfect for moms who appreciate the classics and a peaceful evening out.
25. Björk: Cornucopia @ Cameo Art House Theatre (May 7)
Looking for something unexpected and unforgettable? Take Mom to see Björk: Cornucopia, a mesmerizing concert film captured live in Lisbon. Showing at Cameo Art House Theatre, this cinematic experience blends art, music, and innovation—ideal for the creative mom who loves visual spectacle, powerful sound, and maybe a little weird (in the best way).
Looking for something last-minute and low-key? Check out our full Events Calendar
Whether you're finalizing the perfect day or winging it with love, there's always something happening in Cumberland County.
Got all the inspo you need? Book your epic Mother's Day weekend now!
