Mother’s Day. So many bad gifts out there, so little time remaining to find the perfect thing for that amazing mom and/or mother-in-law in your life. This year skip the decorative hand towels, the verbena-scented candle, and the plate decorated by the kids. Show her you care by creating memories, not clutter, by taking a class together.

Here in Orange County there are so many great options for cooking classes available in private session formats or in larger groups. Prices vary depending on the instructor or class, but it’s easy to find something for every wallet if you know where to look.

The family that cooks together stays together – Perhaps the best bargains can be found at A Southern Season’s cooking school. As of this morning, plenty of room was still available in the upcoming Tasty Thai (Tuesday, May 24th, $35 per person) and Classic French Cuisine (Wednesday, June 1st, $35 per person) classes. Be sure to check the online schedule and call to check on availability before getting excited about the listings, popular classes like the Southern Biscuits series sell out quickly (877) 929-7133.

Something special for mamma mia – Another great option is a private pasta making class for your mom and her closest friends with Carmella from Melina’s Italian Kitchen. She takes her pasta making party into your home, complete with traditional pasta making tools from Italy, and she’ll teach your group how to make pasta by hand. Tortellini, ravioli, garganelli, gnocchi – you want it, she’ll teach it, customizing menus based on the party and number of people. She explained to me via email that “Italian wine pairings and education can be included. During the class I will share information about Italian cooking traditions and distinguish them from the Italian-American tradition it has evolved to in this country.” Interested in tasting the goods before you book a class? You can meet Carmella and sample her finest raviolis on Saturday mornings at the Carrboro Farmers’ Market, she’s one of several new producers at market this year. Contact her via email at carmella@melinaskitchen.com or by calling (919) 429-9850.

Share some of your thoughts for delicious, memorable Mother’s Day gifts to savor together!

Related Stories
‹
On Air Today: Staying Healthy During Respiratory Virus Season
Marcy Williams of the Orange County Health Department joins Aaron to share tips about staying healthy during respiratory virus season.
Photo Gallery: Orange County Holds Annual Veterans Day Ceremony
Veterans, their families and local leaders from across the community gathered at the Orange County Veterans Memorial in Chapel Hill.
Orange County: Veteran's Day, Partnership to End Homelessness, Future Elementary School
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, November 11, discussing county news and events. She talked about Veteran's Day events throughout the community, including two at which she spoke. She also recapped this week's meeting of the commissioners, which had the board getting a report from the Partnership to End Homelessness, discussion of community use of a future elementary school in Orange County Schools. She also talked about appointment to various volunteer boards and commissions, and more.
Conversations We Need to Have: Orange County Chief Civil Rights Officer Paul Slack
Orange County Chief Civil Rights Officer Paul Slack spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, November 9. He discussed the implications of the recent election, specifically focusing on the diversity of public figures elected nationally and locally. He also previewed some upcoming work of his office, included ways for the community to provide feedback, and more.
Local Government Meetings: November 9-13, 2026
This week in local government: Carrboro officials discuss a contentious proposal to merge the town's police department with Chapel Hill's.
Approved NC Constitutional Amendments Concern Democrat Legislators. Could Their Wins Mitigate the Effects?
Voters approved a trio of constitutional amendments on the North Carolina ballot last week. Local leaders are worried what will happen to the services funded by two of the measures.
What’s Open or Closed on Veterans Day? Holiday to Impact Local Government Services
Wednesday marks the observance of Veterans Day — here is a rundown of what services will be altered for each Orange County government.
The Morning News: UNC Football, Good and Bad
In today's news: positive and negative headlines about Carolina football as they gear up for Saturday's game at UConn.
Orange County Appoints New Tax Administrator Amid Efforts to Address Property Value Inequities
Orange County's selected Crawford Bolton as its new tax administrator alongside efforts to update its property tax assessment process.
The Morning News: New Orange County Commissioners, Streak Ends For UNC Field Hockey
In today's news: the 2026 midterm brought huge wins for Democrats - and three new Orange County Commissioners.
›