By Nigel Yonge and Zoe Millette
Q: When did the tradition of “Mother’s Day” begin?
A: In 1908, thanks to Anna Jarvis of West Virginia. Anna wanted to honour her mother for all the work she had done as a peace activist during the American Civil War. No matter whether you’re from here or just passing through, here in Cowichan, we have a number of ways in which you can make your Mom feel very special on Sunday, May 14th.
Gifts for mom
Cardino Shoes
A perennial favourite for shoe shoppers, boasting an extensive and beautiful collection of footwear and handbags. (Need we say more?)
165 Craig Street, Duncan
www.cardinoshoes.com
Chocolate Pearl
Handmade, artisanal chocolate confections, made right on the premises of their lovely Craig Street shop. Products include white, milk and dark chocolate “pearls”, as well as other assorted confections like blackberry caramel and pistachio marzipan. Mmm.
133 Craig Street, Duncan
www.chocolatepearl.ca
G.I.F.T.S (Global Initiative Fair Trade Store)
As part of the Fair Trade network, G.I.F.T.S. sells crafts, artwork, clothing, coffee, etc. from producers around the world who are guaranteed their fair share of the value of their work. They are non-profit, returning the proceeds from sales to the communities from which they buy.
163 Station Street, Duncan
Things to do with mom
BC Forest Discovery Centre
A 100-acre, open air museum that features forest and marsh trails with excellent bird watching opportunities and an operational railway. The story of BC’s forest industry is shared through exhibits, heritage buildings, and logging artifacts. Show your Mom around this wonderful museum and take a rollicking train ride. By the way, admission for Mom is free!
2892 Drinkwater Road, Duncan
www.bcforestdiscoverycentre.com
“Mother’s Day Tea in the Garden” at Westholme Tea Farm
Treat Mom to a three-course Tea+Sweet pairing experience at Cowichan and Canada’s only tea farm! Decadent cake, seasonal sorbet and a chocolate delight to finish are all accompanied by a selection of organic loose teas, served in their cozy tearoom. Reservations required.
8350 Richards Trail, Westholme
www.westholmetea.com
A Comedy About Music
2 Pianos 4 Hands
Take your Mom to a brilliant local comedy stage show after brunch!
“Ted and Richard dream about becoming classical pianists. But they have to deal with pushy parents, bizarre teachers, life-consuming practice, stage fright and agonizing conservatory examinations. Revel in the incredible results of this hilarious and moving journey by these talented duelling pianists.”
May 14, 2017 with shows at 2 pm and 4 pm
9737 Chemainus Rd, Chemainus
http://www.harbourliving.ca
Brunch at Genoa Bay Café
What’s the ideal way to begin Mother’s Day? With a mimosa by the sea, of course. And you can do that at Genoa Bay Café where Chef Dustin Cooknell performs his magic, creating dishes that range from sweet to oh-so-savoury. Reservations recommended.
5000 Genoa Bay Rd, Duncan
http://www.genoabaycafe.com/
Mother’s Day at Merridale
Forget breakfast in bed! Bring Mom out to Merridale for a delicious Mother’s Day brunch buffet! Enjoy a delicious meal and then sit for a family photo she’ll cherish forever.
Poppy Photography is offering complimentary on-site portrait sessions (no sitting fee) to all bistro patrons. Be sure to enquire when you make your brunch reservation.
Free Activities to Share with Mom
The Crofton Community Seawalk
Take a wonderful stroll with Mom along Crofton’s Community Seawalk that begins near the Olde School House Museum and gracefully wends its way along the shoreline for just over a kilometre.
Location: Just south of the Crofton Ferry terminal in Crofton.
Stoney Hill Regional Park
What do your Mother and Stoney Hill Regional Park have in common? They’re both uncommonly beautiful (Aww). Seriously, for a lovely, hour-long hike, take Mom to Stoney Hill Regional Park. The access road is just south of Bird’s Eye Cove Farm along Genoa Bay Road. The park has absolutely spectacular views of Sansum Narrows, Saltspring Island and the surrounding area.
https://www.cvrd.bc.ca/1917/Stoney-Hill-Regional-Park
Mt. Tzouhalem Ecological Reserve
Everyone knows that Mt. Tzouhalem is a great place to hike and mountain bike, but few know that the park has an ecological reserve at the north end of the park. Spring is the perfect time of year to take Mom to see it in full bloom. The Ecological Reserve has some of the finest examples of woodlands and wildflower meadows in all of B.C. The trailhead parking lot is located at the end of Kaspa Road, Duncan. View the map here:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/eco_reserve/mttzuhalem_er.html
