Looking for a way to honor Mom this weekend? Here are a few ideas to get you started with your gift or dinner plans - from elegant noshing surrounded by art to scream-filled rides on a roller coaster. Pay close attention to dates. Some events are on Mother's Day, some before. Some may require reservations.
* The Barn Nursery - 1801 E. 24th St. Place. Mother's Day Planting Party, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 7; 534-698-2276, barnnursery.com.
Children can choose from three pots to plant for mom, with $10, $20 and $30 price tags. The fee includes the pot, plants, soil and fertilizer. Staff members will help youngsters get the green side up. You can register for a time or just drop in.
* Chattanooga Market - First Tennessee Pavilion, 1829 Reggie White Blvd. Mother's Day Celebration, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, May 8; 423-648-2496, ChattanoogaMarket.com.
Vendors can help you pamper the special woman in your life with a selection of wines and champagnes, locally made treats, a piece of art or special craft, fresh flowers or just-picked ingredients for a do-it-yourself meal at home later. Folk-rock singer Jennifer Daniels will entertain from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., and the Pea Pickin' Hearts will offer their quirky Americana mashup from 2 to 3 p.m.
* The Chattanoogan - 1201 Broad St. Mother's Day Brunch, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, May 8; 423-424-3700.
Executive chef Adam Roe and his culinary team will fill the buffet tables with breakfast fare, seafood, entrees, salads, sides and desserts. Price is $38.95 for adults, $19.95 for children 6-12, free for younger children. Reservations are required. Complimentary valet parking is provided.
* Dalton Ghost Tours - West Crawford Street, Dalton, Ga. Ghost walk, 8 p.m. Saturday, May 7; 706-275-4416.
Mothers can take this 90-minute tour of Dalton's legendary past and alleged haunted present for free. All others pay $12; children under 6 admitted free. Led by Connie Hall-Scott, author of "Haunted Dalton, Georgia," the tour starts at the wooden deck across from the old Wink Theatre.
* Georgia Winery - 6469 Battlefield Parkway, Ringgold. Mother's Day Brunch, 12:30 p.m. Sunday, May 8; 706-937-9463, www.georgiawines.com.
Start a new tradition with this first-time event, which includes the chance to relax over a catered brunch and a handcrafted wine or signature mimosa prepared for the occasion. Indoor or patio seating is available. Guests must be at least 21 to imbibe, but children 15 and older are welcome. Reservations are required.
* Hunter Museum of American Art - 10 Bluff View. Mother's Day Celebration, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 8; 423-267-0968, www.huntermuseum.org.
Musical guest Megan Saunders, whose American roots music is filled with themes of family and home, will entertain guests as they enjoy fare prepared by Dipped Fresh. Mimosas, Bloody Marys and wine will be available at the cash bar. Drink in the riverfront views while you nibble, then explore the special exhibitions in the galleries. Tickets are $35 for museum members, $40 for nonmember adults, $35 for children 17 and younger. Reservations are required by 3 p.m. Friday, May 6.
Bonus event: Artful Yoga, 1:30-3 p.m. Saturday, May 7, will celebrate women with a gallery discussion and practice led by Hollie Beckett. Participants are required to bring a mat. A $5 donation supports the museum's educational programs. Participants may view the special exhibits, featuring the work of Beth Lipman and Adolph Gottlieb, for an additional $10.
* Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park - 1730 Lakeview Drive, Rossville. Mother's Day Carload Special, noon-6 p.m. Sunday, May 8; 706-866-5681, www.lakewinnie.com.
Pack up the car for a trip to Lake Winnie on opening weekend and the chance to ride old favorites like the Cannon Ball roller coaster and Boat Chute or try out the new ride Twister. A carload, considered four to five people, gets in for $100, and everybody gets a pass for unlimited rides. Additional guests are discounted to $20 each. Visitors ages 3-54 would normally pay $27 each for unlimited rides.
* Miller Plaza - 850 Market St. Mother's Day Pop-Up Market, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, May 6; 423-265-3700, www.rivercity company.com.
A variety of treats will be available along with music to serenade you while you shop. Confirmed vendors include Dipped Fresh, with chocolate-covered strawberries and other desserts; Fischer Evans Jewelers, a selection of jewelry and gifts; Tangerinas, unique local art pieces; Shadowbox Paperie, cards and artisan paper products; Locals Only Gifts, gift sets of local products; Field + Flora Design Co., flowers; Sophie's, assorted gifts; Southern Sqweeze, artisan foods; and Good Fortune Soap and Spa, products and gift certificates.
* The Sweet & Savory Classroom - 45 E. Main St., Suite 112. Mother's Day Cinnamon Rolls, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 7; 423-661-8750, www.sweeetandsavoryclassroom.com.
Taught by chef Heather Pennypacker, this class for kids and moms (or grandmothers) gives hands-on instruction in how to make, roll, fill and shape this favorite breakfast treat, then transform cinnamon rolls into sticky buns. Participants will enjoy their creations straight from the oven and have plenty to take home. $65 for one child (ages 5-13) and one adult. Space is limited. Reservations are required.
* Tennessee state park restaurants - Cumberland Mountain, 24 Office Drive in Crossville, and Fall Creek Falls, 3536 Lakeside Drive in Spencer. Mother's Day buffets, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. CDT Sunday, May 8; 931-484-7186 at Cumberland Mountain, 423-881-5241, ext. 2553, at Fall Creek Falls.
In Crossville, Homestead Harvest Restaurant will center its Southern-style buffet with sliced roast beef, turkey and dressing and sliced pit ham. In Spencer, Gaul's Gallery will put fresh twists on old favorites, serving chicken with sun-dried tomato cream sauce, chipotle bacon-wrapped meatballs, sweet glazed ham and fried catfish with hush puppies. Both will have an assortment of sides, soups, salads, homemade breads and desserts. Cost at either is $15.95 with discounts for seniors and children under 12.