Blooming gardens, shady trails, crisp drinks and local shopping: celebrate mom with us! Join us this Mother's Day: Sunday, May 10 for a joyful afternoon surrounded by nature! We request that you pre-reserve your tickets to ensure space and smoother check-in for all. Members can pre-register for free if they are signed in with their membership-associated email address.
As our thanks for spending your day with us, all moms will receive a special Mother's Day Discount of 30% off in our Big Leaf Cafe, Farmhouse Garden Center and Trailhead Store! Start your day with a gourmet coffee or tea at the Trailhead Store, and shop our charming Farmhouse Garden Center for a custom touch to your home garden, kitchen and beyond! (Valid on merchanside excluding alcohol, per NC law.)
Love grows at Stowe-- and that's why the first 500 moms will receive a FREE starter bloom to nestle beautifully into your home garden, while supplies last! The first 500 moms to check in at the front desk will receive a ticket they may exchange for the small potted plant in our Big Leaf Cafe + Shop. Add a pollinator-friendly pop of color to your yard, and bring a bit of Stowe home!
Shop our local vendor market on our Four Seasons Lawn, filled with one-of-a-kind artisan goods, jewelry, sweet treats, flowers and more to find the perfect gift for mom!
Enjoy live music throughout the market from local musicians Denver Crites (10:30-12:30) and Mariah Van Kleef (1:30-3) to score the perfect peaceful garden afternoon!
Young and young-at-heart families can spend creative time together and craft a special Mother's Day card for mom with us inside the Great Hall, while supplies last!
Treat mom (and yourself!) to an icy drink and stretch out on the warm grass, find a cafe table or your favorite shady spot and pick up a chilled grab-and-go light lunch or gourmet coffee from our Big Leaf Cafe! Or browse local food trucks on site at our Levine Pavilion, offering a variety of hot food options straight from the grill. All food and beverage options are while supplies last.
Inside our Garden Pavilion, don’t miss the Gaston County Art Guild's A Natural View art show on display this spring. Learn more about A Natural View here.
Reserve your tickets ahead of time for speedier check-in!
Admission:
- Adult: $16.95 + tax
- Senior (60+): $14.95 + tax
- Child (2-12): $9.95 + tax
Children under 2 are free, and Daniel Stowe Conservancy Members are free. Learn more about our Membership levels and become a Member today!
Members: Sign in with your membership-associated email address, and you will see a discount of 100% for tickets covered under your specific membership level! Scroll down and select 'Check Out' to finalize reserving your tickets. You will receive an email confirmation when complete. Members may also check in at the front desk.
Please use this link to submit your payment for the vendor registration fee at Daniel Stowe Conservancy. When payment is final, you will receive a receipt and a "ticket" for the fee, which you may save for your own records.
If you have any questions about the vendor event or need assistance, please contact Kate Graham at kgraham@danielstoweconservancy.org. Thank you!
Start your morning with creativity and connection at Coffee + Crafts, held at Daniel Stowe Conservancy every third Sunday of the month. Each session features a hands-on craft project, guided by instructors, with materials provided—no prior experience needed.
Enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee, latte, or tea from our coffee shop as you craft, relax, and mingle with fellow participants in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to spark your creativity and begin your day on a bright, inspired note.
Class locations will vary by season and we encourage you to arrive a bit early to get your coffee order in!
*Ticket purchase includes 1 non-alcoholic beverage from our coffee shop, class admission, instruction, and materials (unless otherwise noted)
**Refund Policy: Full refunds are available for cancellations made up to 48 hours before the start of the program. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the class are non-refundable.
***Due to the nature of the projects, Coffee + Crafts is best suited for ages 16 and up.
2026 Class Schedule:
February 15 - Punch Needle Embroidery - Big Leaf Cafe in Garden Pavilion
Learn the basics of punch needle embroidery while creating a textured, modern design. Participants will practice simple techniques and gain the skills (and materials) to continue at home.
March 15 - Spring Embossed Banners - Big Leaf Cafe in Garden Pavilion
Design and assemble a decorative spring banner by creating embossed shapes. This hands-on project blends texture, pattern, and seasonal imagery for a unique piece of home décor.
April 19 - Fairy House - Trailhead Store Porch
Build a whimsical fairy house using natural materials and creative embellishments. Participants will design their own miniature structure inspired by spring and imagination.
May 17 - Hammered Flower Totes - Trailhead Store Picnic Area
Use fresh flowers and natural pigments to create botanical prints on fabric tote bags. This process transfers plant shapes and color directly onto the fabric, resulting in a one-of-a-kind, nature-inspired design.
June 21 - Bleach Tie Dye - Trailhead Store Picnic Area
Experiment with bleach techniques to create bold, high-contrast designs on dark fabric. Participants are welcome to bring one clothing item to dye; two cotton handkerchiefs are included with registration for practice and take-home pieces.
July 19 - Seed Paper Making - Trailhead Store Picnic Area
Turn discarded book pages into handmade seed paper. Participants will learn the papermaking process while embedding seeds, creating eco-friendly paper that can be planted to grow flowers or herbs.
August 16 - Fall Felting: Needle Felting Workshop - Trailhead Store Porch
Learn the basics of needle felting while creating autumn-themed elements like acorns and leaves. Finished pieces can be assembled into a festive garland perfect for seasonal decorating.
September 20 - Natural Grapevine Wreaths - Trailhead Store Porch
Create a classic wreath using natural grapevine bases and seasonal accents. Participants will design a wreath that can be customized for year-round or seasonal display.
October 18 - Nature Fire Starters - Trailhead Store Picnic Area
Craft functional fire starters using natural materials such as pinecones, dried botanicals, and wax. These make great additions to camping gear, fire pits, or thoughtful handmade gifts.
November 15 - Sequin Tree Decor - Big Leaf Cafe in Garden Pavilion
Create a sparkling tabletop Christmas tree using sequins, pins, and foam forms. This detailed craft encourages patience and creativity and results in a festive holiday decoration.
December 20 - Door Mat Painting - Big Leaf Cafe in Garden Pavilion
Design and paint a personalized door mat using stencils and durable outdoor paint. Participants can choose patterns, phrases, or designs to create a welcoming and functional home accent.
Take a guided walk through the Gardens at Stowe with our Garden Curator Karen Kottkamp and Dr. Lapuente from Carolina Asthma & Allergy. Learn more about this season at the Garden and engage in practical talk about plants and allergies.
Reservations are required due to limited space.
Guide, Angie Stegall is an ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide, Certified Martha Beck Wayfinder Life Coach, and a Certified Sparketype ™ Advisor. She’s an Executive LIFE Coach who works with Founders, business owners, and other executive-level leaders. Angie is also the author of five books, including “Notes from Nature” and “Make Some Room.”
Join Angie on this journey to unplug, slow down, and reconnect with yourself and the natural world around you. Forest Bathing (also known as the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku) invites you to explore the natural world using your five senses. This is not a hike or naturalist walk; it’s a meditative, guided wander in nature. And there’s a growing body of scientific knowledge that demonstrates the benefits of spending time in nature like this, as a wellness practice and as an effective way to manage stress. Benefits include:
· Boosting your immune system through inhaling phytoncides, essential oils emitted by trees, plus other beneficial microscopic particles that are stirred up as you walk
· Reducing blood pressure, respiration, and heart rate
· Reducing stress, improving mood, increasing energy, and improving sleep
· Increased capacity for empathy and kindness (self and others)
· Increased ability to think strategically (“Executive Thinking”)
· Increased ability to think more creatively (“Original Thoughts”)
Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and shoes for walking on uneven surfaces along dirt or gravel covered trails and for sitting down on grass, pine needles, or bare dirt. Bring a hat, sunglasses, layers, or rain gear. Please check the weather as we forest bathe in sun, rain, wind, or snow. Sunscreen and/or bug spray might be appropriate, too. Bring your own water and snacks if
needed and a small backpack to carry these personal items. Your guide will have small sit pads available for you to use or you can bring your own yoga mat, towel, or blanket.
Forest Bathing Testimonials:
“I'm sleeping better. Prior to the Forest Bathing experience, I had not been sleeping well. Since the experience, I have had some of the best sleep that I can remember.”
“The time our guide Angie took to center us before we went into the forest. I loved the outward facing circle exercise. It helped me clear my mind and practice listening and looking before we began "bathing". Also, she answered my questions before I asked: about pace, distance between participants, and no talking throughout.”
“I was energized and thrilled to have such an atypical morning. This fueled me for the remainder of the day, and helped me fall asleep quickly, and a bit earlier than usual. Wha