1O Great Ways to Spend Time with Mom in Michigan

The world is filled with jokes about mothers waiting for a call from their kids, so this Mother’s Day, why not up the ante by spending some quality time with mom? While out enjoying each other’s company, consider asking her some questions that you may not have ever thought about before. Here are some great Michigan ways to celebrate with the mothers in your life, and gain some new insights too. 

This time of year, Farmers Markets are starting to open all over the state, and the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) provides an excellent resource for finding one near you. There are few things more delicious than fresh produce, but sometimes we get more than we can use. If you shop together you can split your bounty and have fun as well. Food always makes conversation flow so this is an ideal time to ask questions like: What was your favorite meal as a kid growing up? What’s the best meal you’ve ever had in your whole life, and what made it special? Who do you most wish you could share a meal with now? 

Ride in a Model T and Explore Greenfield Village

If you really want to go back in time, make a visit to Greenfield Village in Dearborn. Yes, you can ride in an actual Model T, and also see the Wright Brothers’ Cycle Shop, Edison’s Lab, a variety of historic homes, and so much more. You can even venture inside to The Henry Ford Museum and sit on the bus where Rosa Parks took her famous stand, see Lincoln’s infamous theatre seat, and JFK’s fateful limo. Being surrounded by so much history is bound to stir some unique thoughts and memories. Take advantage of the atmosphere to ask her questions like: What do you remember from a bygone era (World War II, Vietnam, the 60’s, September 11, etc.)? What do you think is the greatest invention of your lifetime so far? Where in the world would you most like to visit?

It seems like golf courses are almost as prevalent as lakes in this state. Did you know that there are over 800 public golf courses in Michigan? With that many from which to choose, it should be easy to find a course to tackle together. While you’re out there, consider asking her something like: What was your biggest athletic achievement? How did girls' sports compare to boys' sports when you were a kid?  Who first taught you how to golf?

Whether out of boredom or genuine interest, there are few activities more conducive to conversations than a good old fashioned road trip. You can head back to somewhere familiar, or explore new territory together. Pure Michigan has a bunch of suggested routes for different themes, as well as six scenic routes worthy of a look. Be sure to grab a bite in a local café, grille, or restaurant that you can only find along those roads less traveled. While on the journey ask some thought-provoking queries like: What trips did you take with your family as a kid? What was the first trip you ever took with just your friends and where did you go? What’s your favorite memory from trips we took when I was a kid?

If your mom or grandma has an interest in the arts, then take a stroll through one of the state’s many incredible art installations. The Detroit Institute of Arts and Grand Rapids Art Museum have world class collections, and the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is absolutely beautiful. If she’s into history, check out the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, the Detroit Historical Museum, or any number of local historic sites and museums in your neck of the woods. While there ask her something like: What was the first concert you ever went to with your friends? How did you get so interested in art or history? If you could travel through time and witness an event first-hand, what would you like to see?

There is so much to see, do, taste, and experience in the Great Lakes State, that the chances are high you can find something she has always wanted to do, but hasn’t yet. Perhaps it’s trying to spot the Northern Lights…dipping a toe in Lake Superior…walking across Mighty Mac on Labor Day…or walking in the footsteps of legends at Hitsville USA.  Ask her about the places she’s always wanted to visit, and the things she’s always wanted to do, and then make one of those happen as your Mother’s Day gift. Don’t forget to take advantage of the time together to ask the questions you’ve always wondered about, and listen to the stories she wants to share.