Celebrating Mother’s Day in Brown County

Notes from Tanglewood Hideaway: Brown County Highlights – This is a weekly email I send sharing things to do, local updates, and ideas for everyday life in Brown County. 👉 [Join the newsletter here]

Ways to show some love (to you, your mom, your best friend…) Especially if ‘quality time’ is your love language.

If you’ve known me long, then it’s probably not a surprise that my love language is quality time.

So with Mother’s Day coming up this weekend, I figured it was the perfect time to share a few of my favorite ways to show your love and spend time with any of the special women in your life (mom or not). 

Or, maybe what you need is to treat yourself. That’s OK too.

So whether you’re planning a full day out, gifting a thoughtful moment of peace, or just looking for something special and low-stress, I hope one of these ideas helps (And if this Sunday doesn’t work? Celebrate when it does. I’ve never been one to believe the calendar gets the final say):

🍹 Brunch plans, if that’s your thing

I won’t be heading out for a fancy meal this year, because my kids think “breakfast in bed” means we literally spread out a blanket and all have a picnic in bed, so that’s the annual tradition we’ll stick with.

But if I were going out in Brown County?  I’d check out:

• Bird’s Nest Café – One of the cutest breakfast spots in town, plus a gorgeous garden patio with outdoor seating.
• Brown County Inn – An all-the-time favorite, but it’s an especially great option if you’re out with a larger group or kids in town.
• Ferguson House Bistro – They just started serving Sunday brunch and I can’t wait to check it out!  Their menu and vibe is always spot-on, so I assume brunch will be the same.
• Story Inn – Always a special option, as long as you’re up for a scenic drive.  Just be sure to make reservations.

💫 A shared experience, like candle pouring or art making

Lakehouse Candle Co is hosting their “Pour Some Love” event with a special candle-pouring experience (refreshments and a goodie bag included!). 

Or Our Little World Studio is another great option—they have regular make-and-take projects, and a Wine & Paint Party every Saturday if that’s your vibe.

These kinds of creative, low-key experiences are some of my favorite ways to spend time with the special women in my life.

💆‍♀️ Book her some time to recharge (even if it’s just an afternoon)

It doesn’t have to be over-the-top.  You can plan her a smaller getaway in Brown County with these ideas:

→ Relaxing solo getaways

→ Friend trip ideas

→ Romantic escape ideas

Or, if you want to go really big, there are still a few spots left at the REIGNITE Retreat—it’s all about creativity, connection, and stepping away from the daily grind, and what woman doesn’t need more of that?

🛍️ Give her a day to wander the shops in Nashville 

Map out a day in town with my full list of shops and list of favorite shops. Let her explore while the rest of the crew hangs in Antique Alley with live music and yard games.

If she wants a map to reference on the go, my map of all the shops in Brown County is a great place to start.

💝 Or get her a thoughtful gift and pair it with time to enjoy it

→ My favorite hanging sky chair (we’ve got two) + a visit to Naughty Dog Books or a gift card to a local bookstore, plus an afternoon to enjoy

→ A durable hiking hip pack (I’ve had mine for almost 10 years at this point) + a family hike. We recently did the Tecumseh Trail section from Crooked Creek as a family and loved it.

→ My go-to travel watercolor set and brushes + an art class at Second Story Studioor tickets to the “Painting Selma’s Garden” reception at the T.C. Steele State Historic Site in June

→ The plant food I swear by + a browse at Wood Fairy Apothecary or another local nurseryr.

Hopefully this sparked some ideas!  

Just remember, you don’t have to go far to give someone (or yourself) a little breathing room. And you don’t need a holiday to do it, either.

Kara

P.S. If you’re dreaming of more than just a day out, there’s still some availability this summer at the Barn Burner—including a couple weekends! 

You can book the entire space or just one of the three private units, and we’ve designed it specifically to make group travel easier, not more stressful. And honestly? I can’t think of a better gift than a little time away that someone else plans for you.

→ Check Barn Burner availability and details here

Want More Like This?

I send a weekly email with:

• Things to do in Brown County
• Local updates and events
• Ideas for weekends and everyday life

👉 Join the newsletter here