May is the month to honor some of the best women we know: our mamas! Some of us are lucky enough to have our moms coming to visit campus sometime this month for a sorority mom’s weekend or to celebrate Mother’s Day. With a limited amount of time, it can be hard to figure out how to spend your time together when your mom comes to campus. Here are some ideas for how to show your mom to an amazing time during her visit!
1. See a show on campus
The Waa-mu Show, “Double Feature at Hollywood and Vine” opens this weekend at Cahn Auditorium!
Don’t feel like spending too much money or leaving campus if your mom gets in on a late flight? There are so many amazing shows going on at Northwestern every weekend! Whether it’s a theater production, a cappella group performance, or a dance company show, there are always lots of options for entertainment on campus. This is a great way to show off the talents of some of your fellow students (or friends) to your mom and save some money! Check your Facebook events tab to check out what cool shows are coming up this week or go to the PlanIt Purple website under the “fine arts” section for a full listing of some on campus performances!
2. Go downtown
The Architecture River Cruise, Photo Credit: Chicago Architecture Foundation
If you have enough time (and the weather isn’t too horrible), take your mom out on the town! Especially if you’re not from the area, going into the city with your mom can be a great weekend to spend a weekend. Go on the famous Architecture River Cruise together or visit the museum campus for a great historic view of Chicago! If you’re not feeling so touristy, pick a neighborhood you’ve never been to before and go explore it together!
3. Go on a shopping spree
The Andersonville Galeria, Photo Credit: Alyssa Raiola
If your mom is feeling generous, you may be able to get her to treat you to some new clothes for spring! Even if you don’t end up buying anything, going shopping with your mom is a fun way to spend time together and see some new stores. Hit up some of your Evanston favorites or head downtown to explore some new stores you haven’t been to before. And shopping doesn’t only to be for clothes! Going to a gallery or thrift store to look around for cool art pieces and jewelry in addition to clothing can be a fun way to spend the day! One of my new favorites for this kind of shopping experience is the Andersonville Galleria–they have artwork, clothing, jewelry, and some food from over 90 local artists!
4. Get some good eats
Photo Credit: Union Pizzeria
One of the must-do activities when mom is in town is going out for a great meal! Instead of going to restaurants you go to all the time with your friends, go to those places that may normally be out of your price range or that may be a little further away when mom is in town. If your mom has a car, you can explore some other parts of Evanston that you may not always be willing to walk to! Try Union Pizzeria (Chicago and Dempster) for some unique pizza and cute ambience, or head north to Symphony’s Café (Central Street) for large menu of great home-cooked cuisine!
5. Go for a Walk
Photo Credit:Baha’i.us
Some things on campus that may seem cliché to you may still be exciting for your mom to do. A simple walk along the lakefill (weather dependent, of course) can be a great time to catch up with your mom and show off our beautiful campus. Or, take a walk up to Baha’i together and check out the small museum they have to offer downstairs!