How to Wow Mom on Chicago’s North Shore This Mother’s Day

Moms deserve to be celebrated every day, but it’s especially fun to go all out on Mother’s Day (May 13). This year, don’t do the same old thing — get creative! Here we’ve paired an activity with a local restaurant to inspire you to make the most of the day and show Mom (or any of the important women in your life) just how much they mean to you.

Enjoy:
Bottle & Bottega: 1016 Davis St., Evanston
Dine:
Kinship: 1603 Orrington Ave., Evanston

Spend some quality time with Mom during a painting party at Bottle & Bottega. You can purchase tickets now for Mother’s Day events like Mother’s Day Brunch, Mother’s Day Wine Down, or Mother’s Day Paint Your Fur Baby, but if you can’t make it then, celebrate early with events like National Moscato Day on May 9 or Mom’s Night Out Painting Party on May 12.

Afterward, make your way to Kinship and treat Mom to an evening of Scallop & Lobster Cavatelli, Miso Mirin Fresh Atlantic Salmon, or Charred Harissa Lamb Shank. Or, if you prefer to start the day at Kinship, try brunch items like Challah French Toast, Honey Roasted Vegetable Hash, and Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes.

Kinship, Evanston

Enjoy:
Mario Tricoci: Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie
Shop and Dine:
Westfield Old Orchard: Skokie

You can never go wrong with treating Mom to some pampering on Mother’s Day. Specialty services at Mario Tricoci’s Skokie location include Dermasound Technology and Hair Therapy, and the spa’s lunch menu features salads like the Roasted Veggie Salad and Waldorf Chicken Salad and desserts like Butter Cake and Key Lime Pie.

When you’re done, take your time and wander around Westfield Old Orchard, where you just might find that perfect bonus gift to treat Mom (or yourself!). You can even end the day here with dinner at Maggiano’s Little Italy or Nando’s PERi PERi.

Mario Tricoci, Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie

Enjoy:
Lynfred Winery: 971 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling
Dine:
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant: 583 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling 

If Mom considers herself a bit of an oenophile, spend a day at Lynfred Winery. On Mother’s Day, enjoy sparkling floats at the winery’s Wheeling location, or visit any time for wine tastings and more — you just might discover a new favorite together. 

Then, make your way to Cooper’s Hawk for dinner and, yes, even more wine. Start the evening with Crispy Brussels Sprouts or Candied Bacon & Artisan Cheeses (with optional wine pairing) before moving on to Ginger Soy Glazed Center Cut NY Strip, Pistachio-Crusted Grouper, or Gnocchi Bolognese With Braised Short Rib. Looking to end the evening on a sweet note? The Cooper’s Hawk Chocolate Cake or Salted Caramel Creme Brûlée are always good options from the dessert menu.

Lynfred Winery, Wheeling

Enjoy:
The Grove Vintage Market: 1421 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview
Dine:
Pinstripes: 1150 Willow Road, Northbrook 

Celebrate a day early and shop together at The Grove’s Vintage Market on May 12. More than 50 vendors will be on hand selling vintage, vintage-inspired, and handmade goods, as well as offering demos and workshops. There will also be live music and food trucks, so you can really make a day of it (especially if you also take the time to explore the grounds of this 145-acre National Historic Landmark).

Afterward, enjoy an evening of bowling and bocce at Pinstripes. Of course, don’t forget the food — everything from Yellowfin Tuna Flatbread and Pear Salad to Famous Prime Rib Dip and Italian “Jambalaya.” Pinstripes will also host a Mother’s Day Brunch on May 13 with omelets, carved prime rib, shrimp, waffles, a chocolate fountain, and more.

The Grove Vintage Market, Glenview

Enjoy:
Chicago Botanic Garden: 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
Dine:
Guildhall: 694 Vernon Ave., Glencoe

Spend a relaxing day outside as you explore Chicago Botanic Garden with Mom. The Model Railroad Garden, an annual family favorite, opens May 12, when you can also take in demos for World Bonsai Day or enjoy a Spring Bird Walk. You can even start planning your visit online now to guarantee you make the most of your time at the Garden.

But, before you go, get ready for the day with brunch at Guildhall. You can’t go wrong with Housemade Chorizo and Hominy Hash, Honey Toast, Oatmeal Banana Pancakes, or Chicken and Waffles, all paired with cocktails like Piccolo Pesca Bellini or Lavender Spiked Lemonade. And if you prefer to stop by after a day in the sun, try the Campanelli, Lake Superior Whitefish, or Peppercorn Crusted Beef Tenderloin at dinner.

Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe