Mother’s Day in North Hills: Where to Celebrate, Spoil, and Spend Time with Mom

Mother’s Day is the perfect excuse to slow down, celebrate the women who raised us, and soak up a day filled with love, laughter, and quality time. And if you’re in Raleigh, there’s no better place to do that than North Hills. Whether you’re planning a relaxing brunch, a shopping date, or a pampering session, Mother’s Day in North Hills offers the ultimate mix of upscale treats and sweet simplicity — all in a walkable, vibrant setting.

This year, Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10, 2026, and if you’re thinking of spending it in Midtown Raleigh, here is your go-to guide for spending a wonderful Mother’s Day in North Hills.

Start with a relaxing brunch (or lunch)

Brunch is a must on Mother’s Day, and North Hills has plenty of delicious spots Mom will love — whether she’s craving classic Eggs Benedict or a stack of lemon ricotta pancakes. Pro Tip: Many restaurants offer special Mother’s Day menus — book ahead to secure your spot. Here are some North Hills brunch spots I’d be happy to enjoy with my teen daughters on Mother’s Day:

• Rosewater Kitchen & Bar: Garden vibes, a seasonal menu, and craft cocktails make this a dreamy brunch spot for a special day. Reservations highly recommended. (I had the most enjoyable meal here the other night on Rosewater’s patio, so this would also be my dinner pick!
• Village Tavern: We recently had a brunch experience here as we explored North Hills with our teens. They loved the chicken and waffles and French toast, and I loved the shrimp and grits paired with an Irish Coffee.
• Coquette Brasserie: Treat Mom to a Parisian-style brunch with croque madames, buttery pastries, and mimosas served in a cozy French bistro setting. Coquette has a new spring menu with flavors inspired from Alsace and Provance France and a refreshing lineup of spring cocktails. Since Coquette has the best espresso martini in Raleigh (IMO) I’d be ordering that on my special day!
• Foxcroft Wine Co: no better place to enjoy lunch or brunch, then the patio at Foxcroft. This is definitely more suited to adult mother-child relationships. Their wine list is exceptional – it could invite you to settle in for a long leisurely lunch, but It’s Mother’s Day go ahead! Order a wine flight, a charcuterie board, and a delicious spring salad! I love the salmon breakfast board or green shakshuka for brunch AND they make an authentic Aperol Spritz!
• True Food Kitchen: As a health-conscious mom, I’d be thrilled to celebrate Mother’s Day with a meal at True Food Kitchen. Their dishes are packed with flavor, made with organic ingredients, and free from seed oils — which checks all my boxes! I’m also a big fan of their cocktails — no syrupy sweetness here, just the vibrant taste of freshly squeezed juices. And if you’re skipping the alcohol, their juice blends and mocktails are just as refreshing. Personally, I love the variety on their lunch menu even more than brunch!
• Another Broken Egg Café: For something a little more casual but equally satisfying, this spot delivers big on flavor with unique omelets, shrimp & grits, and cinnamon roll French toast. I was quite impressed with the shrimp & grits I had here.
• Sixty Vines: One of my favorite restaurants and openings of last year was Sixty Vines. I love the high vibe, the coastal design, their commitment to sustainability, their delicious food (many gluten free options) the excellent wines on tap (60), and their patio (no word on whether it’s opened yet). WE have only had (sensational) dinner, but I’m eyeing their berries & cream, brunch pizza, ad winemakers’ breakfast.
• Barking Dog: I’m writing this the evening after Craig and I enjoyed brunch at this dog-friendly restaurant (any pet really). Hailing from New York City, this is their second location. (I think it’s cool NYC chose Raleigh as the next in line). Breakfast / brunch portions are huge, their patio invites lingering, and pet mums will be thrilled their furry children get to celebrate their special day. Yep, Pup menus available! See more photos!

Go on a little shopping spree

After brunch, stroll the tree-lined sidewalks and pop into some of North Hills’ favorite boutiques and shops. It’s the perfect way to walk off brunch and spoil Mom with something stylish or meaningful. Here are some suggestions:

• Monkee’s of Raleigh – Curated fashion finds with a boutique feel. Great for accessories and upscale gifts.
• Voda Boutique – Trendy and affordable clothing for the modern mom.
• Charlotte’s – A favorite for personalized gifts, jewelry, and Southern charm.
• PaperBuzz – Cards, stationery, and unique gifts that are perfect for a little extra “I love you.” Here is their Mother’s Day gift guide. I love the crafting ideas – one of my favorite Mother’s Day treats is to spend time creating with my girls.
• Midtown Farmers Markets on a Saturday is also a great spot for fresh flowers, produce, or small artisan gifts. Why not buy produce to cook mom a nice breakfast or meal?
• A Lil’ R + R: this small boutique store for humans and pups is the place to pick up stationery, cheeky candles, moody prints, or pins that pack a punch!
• Trellis Flowers: Obviously pick up mom a bouquet of flowers from North Hill’s favorite florist (order in advance!) They have special Mother’s Day arrangements plus special Caswell Kitchen treats.
• ArtSource Fine Art & Framing is showcasing their artistic Mother’s Day gift ideas. Why not frame a special mother child photograph?
• Rothy’s has the moms sorted out with fashionable slingbacks, espadrilles, and slides as well as handbags and accessories.
• From timeless and sentimental to chic statements, Kendra Scott has a range of different Mothers Day ideas to suit all budgets and styles.
• J McLAughlin invites you to give the gifts of style and grace back to your mom. I love how their Mother’s Day gift guide is categorized into types of moms – e.g.. for moms who love to travel, for moms who love a little glamour – making it easier for you to choose the perfect gift!
• New to North Hills this year is Veronica Beard, a brand is celebrated for its signature tailored jackets with interchangeable dickeys, versatile denim, feminine blouses, and polished yet wearable dresses! Their collection of cool classics speak to the multifaceted, multitasking mom in your life.
• Gorjana is newly open in north Hills bringing their signature California-cool jewelry to Raleigh. Here is their Mother’s Day guide.

🌟 Bonus Idea: Treat Her to a Gift Card: If you can’t be with Mom this year — or want to let her choose her own Mother’s Day treat — many North Hills businesses offer gift cards, including restaurants, spas, and shops. It’s a great way to let her feel celebrated even from afar.

Pamper her with self-care

Help mom unwind and feel her best with a little pampering. Whether it’s a full-on spa day or a relaxing massage, these North Hills spots below have her covered:

• For a luxurious body treatment, consider Woodhouse Spa. I love their facials, massage, and salt therapy room! All OF IT! They have specials and gift cards available. See blue box below!
• Massage Envy can destress mom’s body through massages, facials and even a stretching session. They have a gift card that says Happy Mother’s Day, if you prefer to give your mom pampering on her own time.
• Treat mom to a science-backed therapy session at iCryo designed to enhance total body wellness. Choose from infrared sauna, Cryotherapy and compression therapy! That’s a YES PLEASE from me!
• Paintbase – A luxe nail salon experience with clean products and relaxing vibes. Book a mani/pedi together and make it a bonding moment. My daughter and I recently enjoyed a manicure here together on our teen outing in North Hills. My powdered nails are still going strong 4 weeks later!

Snap a photo with the murals

Spring blooms, colorful murals, and that signature North Hills energy make for the perfect backdrop for a quick family photo or a few sweet selfies with mom. Keep an eye out for any seasonal displays or photo ops in the various North Hills Districts. I think the Overlook area (near The Cowfish) is wonderful for family photos with its small garden flowering with spring blooms, and the angels wings on the wall. There is even a baby set of wings for moms with small children…or pets.

Special Mother’s Day experiences to consider

The following may be good gift ideas for Mother’s Day or other ways to celebrate that special mom (either before or after Mother’s Day):

• Ky’s Kandles offers candle making and perfume making experiences. These book our quick so don’t delay!
• Foxcroft has a special monthly wine tasting on the first Monday of the month where you’ll learn about and enjoy wines from Napa Valley’s Pritchard Hill, is renowned for producing exceptional Bordeaux-style wines. 
• La Sur Table offers cooking classes. This would be a fun activity to do together with mom if she enjoys cooking!

End the day with dinner or drinks

For those making a full day out of it, cap off Mother’s Day with a relaxed dinner or drinks on a fabulous patio setting under the stars.

• STIR – Known for fresh oysters, artisan ice cocktails, and an inviting atmosphere. This could also be another brunch option – I love their deviled eggs!
• Vivace – Modern Italian with al fresco seating and a menu full of bold flavors and wine pairings. Their patio with its twinkling lights is ideal for dinner!
• Cucciolo Terraza offers simple and delicious Italian food using the highest quality ingredients in an upscale, yet friendly and casual environment
• Bartaco – For something more casual and fun, share tacos and margaritas on the patio.
• Giorgio Pizza Bar is a solid choice for families with younger children. Order a pizza, follow up with gelato, and soak up the colorful patio vibes.
• And I vote for Rosewater Kitchen for dinner. Don’t miss the whole branzino – the best fish I’ve had in Raleigh.

Plan ahead for a special day

Mother’s Day is one of the busiest weekends of spring, so be sure to make reservations, check the hours, and confirm availability where possible. Whether you’re celebrating a mom, a grandma, or a mother figure in your life, North Hills makes it easy to create beautiful moments together.

Here are more ideas for enjoying Spring in North Hills and why not take a staycation in North Hills staying at the Renaissance Hotel?