Area venues offer special activities for mom

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Are you looking for a special treat for mom this Mother’s Day? Area restaurants, wineries and businesses are doing their best to make it easy to spend a memorable day together with mom on.

Mom can enjoy a free wine tasting flight and a wine bag filled with “girly” goodies at Koi Pond Cellars, located in a 1939 Post Office building in historic Old Town Ridgefield.

Michelle Parker of Koi Pond Cellars describes their tasting room as “a warm little indoor space in a vintage building.” Indoor and outdoor seating is available and children are welcome to enjoy a soda or juice beverage of their own.

Area residents can also create a fun-filled day with mom by visiting the Ridgefield Farmer’s Market, unique vintage shops, and local city parks in Ridgefield. Just three blocks away, the opportunity exists to pause to overlook the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, or watch kayakers at the Lower Columbia River Water Trail.

Koi Pond Cellars is located at 120 N. 3rd Ave. in Ridgefield, and Mother’s Day specials will be offered to visitors on Fri., May 8, 4-8 p.m., Sat., May 9, noon-8 p.m., and Sun., May 10, noon-5 p.m.

Confluence Vineyard and Winery is hosting their “Celebrate Mom” event in an outdoor tent venue, with local vendors and French guitar music performed by Eric John Kaiser. Moms will receive a free wine tasting and flowers.

“This is an easy way to create a special day for Mom,” said Jae Weber, winery co-owner.

Often multiple generations of moms attend the event together.

Confluence Vineyard and Winery produces six varieties of Rhone and Bordeaux blend red wines from grapes grown in Walla Walla and the Yakima Valley of Washington.

“It’s what we love; it’s our passion,” said Weber, “We focus on really specific varietals that we love, and we do it really well.”

The winery hosts community-oriented events throughout the year which showcase local talent such as artists and musicians. Confluence Winery is located at 19111 NW 67th Avenue in Ridgefield, and will be open Sat., May 9, from noon to 6 p.m.

If mom loves local history and culture, she won’t want to miss a special Mother’s Day event at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, “Native Women’s View of Lewis and Clark,” Sun., May 10, at 2 p.m.

Courtney Gold, noted artist, weaver, and member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, will speak about the perception Native Women had of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.



Gold will discuss how the Columbia River matriarchal society viewed Lewis and Clark and offer perspectives rarely discussed about the famed explorers. The park will offer family activities from noon to 4 p.m. and the Cathlapotle Plankhouse will be open for tours.

Visitors can take mom for a wildlife viewing stroll along the 2-mile Oaks to Wetlands trail, or spot wildlife from their vehicle on the 4.2-mile River ‘S’ Discovery Auto Tour.  Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is located at 1071 S Hillhurst Rd, Ridgefield. Admission to the Refuge is $3 per vehicle.

Royal Ridges Retreat in Yacolt has created a chance for mothers and young daughters to get away and reconnect while they enjoy horses, outdoor activities, and crafts. The weekend begins at 5:30 p.m. Fri., May 8, with dinner and speakers, who will help engage mothers and daughters in meaningful conversations about their faith.

The evening will be capped by a campfire and overnight lodging in shared, heated cabins, each with a full restroom. Saturday is filled with horseback riding, crafts, and the thrill of the “big swing,” and ends after dinner on Sat., May 9, at around 6 p.m.

The weekend is open to girls 8 years of age and older with their mothers, and the cost is $75 per person and includes four meals, one night lodging, and all scheduled activities. Pre-registration is required. Royal Ridges is located at 20115 NE 354th St, Yacolt.

It’s possible to keep mom out of the kitchen by treating her to a delicious meal at a local restaurant. Mill Creek Pub in Battle Ground will serve a Mother’s Day brunch buffet from 8 a.m.–1 p.m. on Sun., May 10. The meal will feature a carving station with a baron of beef and a buffet ham, an omelet bar, fruit, granola, and pastries. The cost is $25 per person, or $12 for children age 10 and under (reservations are recommended).

Mom (or anyone) can win a weekend getaway and day of pampering. Mill Creek Pub has partnered with Backwoods Brewery, Main Street Floral, and Urban Styles to offer a facebook-based giveaway of a one night stay at Carson Hot Springs plus $50 gift certificates to each of the participating businesses. Giveaway details are provided at the facebook pages for Mill Creek Pub and Backwoods Brewery. Mill Creek Pub is located at 1710 SW 9th Avenue in Battle Ground.

Summit Grove Lodge, a 1920 cedar log lodge nestled on five forested acres in Ridgefield, is listed on the Washington Historic Register. Visitors can cozy up to the majestic rock fireplace with mom, or enjoy the lush old growth forest surrounding the lodge.

Summit Grove Lodge will serve a Mother’s Day brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with more than 20 homemade pastries, smoked salmon, shrimp, marinated herring, ham and sausage, fruit, strawberry blintzes, French toast, and 15 entrees, including “dinner style” entrees starting at noon. The cost is $22.95 for adults, $13.95 for children 8-12, and free for children 7 and under, and includes one beverage. Reservations are required. Summit Grove Lodge is located at 30810 NE Timmen Road, Ridgefield.

If mom loves golf, an 18-hole game is on the house at Lewis River Golf Course with the purchase of a brunch or dinner buffet or power cart rental from 9 a.m.–9 p.m. A brunch buffet will be served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with an omelette station, meats, seafood, salads, fruit and desserts.

From 5–8 p.m. a dinner buffet will feature prime rib, beef brisket, salmon and chicken cordon bleu, along with pasta, vegetables, salad and dessert. For either meal, adults are $30, seniors over age 60 are $22, and children under 12 are $13. Reservations are requested. Lewis River Golf Course is located at 3209 Lewis River Road, Woodland.

Pomeroy Farm is the site of the annual Mother’s Day Tea Saturday, Wed., May 6 or Sat., May 9, at noon. The seasonal menu will include assorted tea sandwiches, scones, desserts and two varieties of tea. Cost is $16.95, and a tour of the log house is available for a small additional fee. All Mother’s Day teas are currently full but a waiting list is available. Pomeroy Farm is located at 20902 NE Lucia Falls Rd, Yacolt.