The Perfect Mother’s Day in Kokomo
The Perfect Mother’s Day in Kokomo According to: Bree Bragg
Alright, moms—it’s our day. The one day a year where we can truly relax, enjoy ourselves, and leave the guilt and chores behind. If you're looking for the perfect Mother's Day experience in Kokomo, I've got you covered with my ideal itinerary. Here’s your guide to the perfect Mother’s Day in Kokomo… if you ask me!
The Morning: Slow, Cozy, & Indulgent
My ideal morning? Let me sleep in, wake up to the smell of coffee and breakfast—without my kitchen resembling a battle zone. I’m talking five-star service at home, without the mess.
Here’s what my dream breakfast in bed looks like:
Missy’s Cafe: This is thee breakfast spot. If you're craving something sweet, their cinnamon roll pancakes are basically dessert disguised as breakfast—fluffy pancakes drowning in gooey cinnamon swirls and topped with icing. If you want something that’ll keep you full (and prevent mid-morning hanger), the farmer’s skillet is my go-to. Crispy potatoes, eggs, veggies, and sausage that slaps every time.
Big Ben’s Coffee: A large dirty chai is non-negotiable. Their chai has the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and caffeine to make me feel like I've got it all together. And if it’s one of those mornings? Make it extra dirty with an extra shot of espresso. Cause that's that me espresso, as Sabrina Carpenter would say.
Dan’s Donuts: The chocolate custard-filled donut is superior if you ask me. If you haven’t had one, fix that immediately. It’s fluffy, decadent, and basically what dreams are made of.
If you're one of those morning people who actually enjoy getting out of bed early and hitting the ground running (can’t relate, but good for you), these brunch spots are where it’s at:
Marble The Steakhouse — This isn’t just any brunch; it’s boujee brunch. Elevated dishes, dreamy mimosas, and a vibe that makes you feel fancy AF.
The Radish Market & Cafe — Their fresh, locally sourced menu is perfect if you want to feel like a responsible adult while also indulging in their baked goods and delicious smoothies.
The Coterie — Where the drinks are strong, the food is delicious, and the vibes? Immaculate. Because I’m not just a regular mom, I’m a cool mom, and honestly, it doesn’t matter the occasion—when I get a night or brunch out, you’ll probably find me at The Coterie. Because The Coterie is for the cool moms.
The Midday: Making Memories & Thoughtful Gifts
Mother’s Day = making core memories with my kids and securing sentimental gifts I can show off for years. Some of my favorite places for this:
Fired Arts Studio — Every Mother’s Day, they offer a special workshop that results in the cutest keepsakes. In past years, it’s been hand-crafted vases made by your kids, filled with local flowers. Last year, my kids and I had our own Mother’s Day date and made a handprint plate—instant heirloom that will live in my kitchen forever.
Olive Tree Boutique’s Charm Bar — A gift plus a DIY experience? Right up my alley. That’s why I love the charm bar at Olive Tree Boutique. They offer a ton of charms—birthstones, butterflies, initials, and more. You get to create your very own, one-of-a-kind, custom and sentimental Mother’s Day gift, all while soaking in the charm of this downtown boutique.
Simply Forever Jewelry — Speaking of jewelry, how about permanent jewelry—better yet, permanent jewelry I get to match with my mini-me? Instant yes. My daughter and I got matching gold bracelets from Simply Forever Jewelry, and it’s my favorite thing ever. You can customize everything from the chain style and material to fun accessories and charms!
Backwoods Trading Co. — This brand-new spot in downtown Kokomo had me hooked the second I saw their custom candle-making bar! It’s perfect for anyone who loves a hands-on experience and wants to create a unique gift—or, let’s be real, a gift for yourself (because Mother’s Day, duh!). I recently made my own candle, blending the perfect mix of warm vanilla and whiskey—equal parts cozy and badass. The best part? I got to name it, and they labeled it for me. Tipsy Cowgirl just felt right. And for those who are even craftier, they also offer build-a-tote workshops where you can literally create your own leather bag. Pretty impressive!
ANP Photography — I’ll probably recommend this every year for the rest of forever—book your wife a Mommy & Me photoshoot! Let’s be real, moms are the family photographers, but when’s the last time we were actually in one? A Mommy & Me session is a must. Trust me, these are the photos you’ll cherish forever. I recently had an updated session with ANP Photography, and let me tell you—Ashley from ANP knows what she’s doing. I know I’ll be looking back on these for decades to come.
The Afternoon: Fun with the Fam
The best way to spend Mother’s Day afternoon? Living your best life with the people you love most. Here’s what I’d do:
Koko-Go Tandem Biking — Nothing says 'Pinterest Mom' like a tandem bike ride with the fam. It’s cute, it’s fun, and it gets us moving. Plus, we always get a good laugh watching each other struggle to find a rhythm and actually pedal in sync with their tandem bike partner!
Picnic at the Park — But make it aesthetic. Pick your favorite local park—like Jackson Morrow—and throw a glam picnic. Grab your cutest, comfiest blankets and pillows, pack everything you need for an Instagram-worthy charcuterie board, and you’re set for the perfect outing. Last year, I went all out with a luxe picnic setup—portable tables, cushions, full tablescape, and all the dreamy details. And let me tell you, it was the cutest thing I’ve ever done. I’ll definitely be doing it again. I have to give credit where it’s due—Simply Aesthetic Rental Co. (yes, my own business) made it all happen with their (by their, I mean my) glam picnic rentals. They (again, me) set up the perfect picnic that had me feeling like I was living out a rom-com montage. Honestly, 10/10 would recommend…even if I wasn’t the one running the show! LOL!
Ralphy’s Duckpin Bowling — Something about those tiny pins just hits different. Let me tell you, my family and I had an absolute blast last time we went to Ralphy’s for duckpin bowling. Even my toddler turned into a tiny competitor—trash-talking us like she was in the big leagues!
Glow Bowling at Heritage Lanes — Regular bowling is fun, but something about bowling under neon lights with music blasting just gives me the warm and fuzzies— I can’t explain it. Heritage Lanes is a family favorite and a guaranteed night of fun for all of us. I’ll admit, I’m terrible at bowling (Just, sports in general actually), but if you ask me to go glow bowling? It’s a yes every single time!
Golfup 31 — As mentioned above, I am not an athlete—so it’s pretty shocking that most of my picks have been sports-related. But what can I say? I’m a good sport when it comes to laughing at myself… and so is everyone else when they see me with a golf club in my hands.
But give me a place with good laughs, good food, and a good cocktail all in one spot? That’s an easy yes, from me.
Celebrating with Adult Kids or Friends?
The Hobson Private Tasting — The Hobson's private tastings deserve way more hype! With beautifully crafted cocktails, an intimate atmosphere, and that gorgeous, vibey bar, it’s one of the best ways to enjoy a luxe evening with a few of your favorite people while sipping on their signature, delicious cocktails. Trust me, this is the way to elevate your night.
The Booze Buggy Private Mixology Class — Yep, you read that right. The Booze Buggy. That adorable little horse trailer you see around town also offers mixology classes, and they’ll come right to your house! Don’t worry, they leave the buggy at home—no need to worry about fitting a horse trailer inside your living room. They’ll come to you and teach you how to make next-level cocktails. I booked this once for my husband and his friends, and let’s just say I spent the entire night being jealous… and sneaking my way into the fun. The Booze Buggy came with a custom, personalized menu (we kept ours for decoration in our home bar because it was just too cute to toss) and showed us the ropes of being mixologists. They even brought fun accessories like smokers, letting us create drinks with smoke bubbles and other cool touches! Next time, I’m booking them for a moms' night in—and you should too!
Local Event Venues — While these are my specific picks, keep your eyes peeled for some awesome annual Mother’s Day events happening locally. Places like Elite Event Center, The Venue, and Horton’s Home & Garden who usually host next-level celebrations—from painting parties to brunches and more. Trust me, they’re totally worth checking out! Be sure to keep an eye on The Kokomo Post event calendar—we’ll definitely keep you posted on all the details!
The Evening: Dinner & Self-Care
Let’s Eat!
When it comes to celebrating special occasions, I'll be honest, I’m not a ‘pizza at home’ kind of gal. I like to dress up a bit and go out for something a little more special than the usual night in. And if you’re anything like me, then these picks are definitely for you!
Sute Korean BBQ — Brand new to the infamous brick Buckeye St. is Sute, and let me tell you, this place turns dinner into an experience. From the beautiful, upscale atmosphere to dinner options that are truly top tier, it doesn’t stop there—you can even turn your meal into a hands-on experience by picking a dinner option that has you playing chef at your table. We recently went to Sute for a date night, and I have to say, if you’re looking for luxe in Kokomo, this is it.
Marble The Steakhouse — Top of mind when you think of upscale dining in Kokomo? No doubt, your first thought is probably Marble. I will never stop hyping this place. Their lamb? Absolute perfection. I actually think it might be my death-row meal—yeah, I said it. Give me lamb, or give me… well, nothing else.
Okay, maybe you’re looking for something a little more casual, or something that’s perfect for a late lunch situation, but still worth all the hype. In that case, I’ve got you covered with some options that will absolutely hit the spot.
Jay’s Thai — The Chicken Panang from Jay's is STUPID good. The curry is rich, creamy, and everything your taste buds didn’t know they needed. Not to be dramatic, but I would bathe in this stuff.
Pho Nguyen — There’s rarely a time when I’m not craving the fresh, comforting, and flavorful food from here. Their pho is elite, and those spring rolls with peanut sauce? Chef's kiss!
The Jungle, El Arriero, Don Poncho’s — If I’m in a Mexican food mood (which is always), these spots hit every every time. Chips and salsa? Hate to see me coming.
Zaikia Indian Cuisine — If you haven’t tried Zaikia Indian Cuisine yet because you’re intimidated, you’re seriously missing out. Everything I’ve had from here has been incredible. Pro-tip: hit up their buffet so you can try a little bit of everything and figure out what you love.
Pastariffic — Their Spaghetti Allen-Etti? Tickles my fancy. The house salad? Iconic. And if you ask my husband, he’ll tell you they make the best smoked Old Fashioned in Kokomo. I mean, can you ever really go wrong with pasta and breadsticks? The answer is no.
Self-Care = The Best Gift
After all that fun, you’re probably ready for some self-care and relaxation—and let’s be honest, a fat nap after all that food. When it comes to self-care, ohhh, do I have the best picks for you.
Healing Hands Spa —From their calming atmosphere to the soothing scent of the spa and their incredible massages, they make me feel like I have zero responsibilities. 10/10 would recommend.
MJR Skincare Scalp Spa — Ever seen those viral scalp massage videos on TikTok? Yeah, this place does that IRL. Picture this: you, lounging on a table, warm water trickling down your scalp and hair, getting the best head massage you've ever had. Remember when you were a kid and there was always that one girl at school who wanted to braid and play with your hair in class, and you thought, 'I'd pay good money for this'? Well, now you can. But even better. Wait, was that a universal experience, or is it just me?
Sun Burst Salon Bed Pedicure — Heated massage bed + pedicure + facial + neck massage. ALL AT ONE TIME? Ladies, this is what luxury looks like. The first time I got a bed pedicure, or what I lovingly refer to as a 'bedicure,' my mind, body, and spirit were blown away! I walked out of there feeling like a million bucks. It's a service within a service, and then another service. Do it. Immediately.
And while this self-care bullet point isn't a massage or a facial, it's a necessity to end a good day, if you ask me: one final stop at Cone Palace before Mother's Day is over and it's back to reality. There's not a lot I wouldn't do for a Banana Treat Arctic Swirl.
That’s a Wrap
So, there you have it, the perfect Mother’s Day in Kokomo according to me. And you know what? If there's one thing I’m good at, it’s Kokomo. I mean, if you ask me (and I totally would if I were you). Exploring, experiencing, and living it up in the 'Mo—this is what I do, people. And one of my greatest joys? Yapping about it all and sharing it with anyone who will listen. And even if you don’t want to listen, trust me, I’m telling you anyways. To all the Bad Mambajamas out there—Happy Mother’s Day! I hope it’s a day for the books. Feel free to casually drop this list to your significant other or kids... because you deserve it all. 💖
Mother’s Day Recommendations from the Other Moms of The Kokomo Post
Let’s get the lowdown from some of the other amazing moms at The Kokomo Post! Here’s what Erin Larison and Marcy Kistler are dreaming of this Mother’s Day:
Erin Larison says: "Give me a quiet morning and a cup of coffee at The Coterie, then maybe some downtime shopping at Olive Tree Boutique for some killer new jewelry. I’m all about that 'treat yourself' vibe!"
Marcy Kistler is all about the “perfect combo of family fun and food.” Her go-to? A day spent at Koko-Go Tandem Biking followed by dinner at Sute Korean BBQ. "I love an experience that gets the whole family involved, and Korean BBQ? Count me in every time!"
These ladies are all about making Mother’s Day both memorable and indulgent. 💖
