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
‹
Judge Acquits UNC Campus Shooter After Experts Agree on Tailei Qi's Insanity
Roughly 37 months after a campus shooting left a UNC professor dead, the shooter is acquitted from his murder charges on an insanity plea.
Orange County Reports Rabid Skunk After Altercation in Mebane
Orange County Animal Services has confirmed a positive rabies test on a skunk seen in Mebane Tuesday. According to OCAS, an initial report was made after the skunk had an altercation with two dogs in the area around Whitaker Road, southeast of downtown Mebane. The skunk was then retrieved for testing, which confirmed the presence […]
Orange County: Land Use Retreat, Joint Meeting, Work Session
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, September 16, discussing county news and events. She recapped several meetings the county commissioners had in the past week, including a retreat on the Land Use 2050 Plan, a joint meeting with the Chapel Hill Town Council on a zoning request for a church, and the board's regular work session. She also previewed upcoming county events and more.
NCDOT: I-85 Ramp to I-40 in Orange County to Close for 2 Months
NCDOT construction crews are preparing to close the exit ramp for Exit 163 along I-85 South — a ramp west of Hillsborough that loops vehicles over the interstate and redirects them onto I-40 East.
Local Government Meetings: September 14-18, 2026
This week in local government: a greenway network in Chapel Hill, and busing concerns and elementary school redistricting for CHCCS.
Orange County: Preview of Work Session, Retreat, and Business Meeting
Chair of the Orange County Commissioner Jean Hamilton spoke with 97.9 The hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, September 9, discussing county news and events. She previewed several upcoming gatherings of the Orange County Commissioners over the next week, which includes a Thursday work session, a Monday retreat and a regular Tuesday meeting. She also previewed upcoming events and more.
What's Open or Closed on Labor Day? Holiday to Impact Local Government Services
Monday marks the observance of Labor Day, which is meant to celebrate the contribution of workers and employees across the United States. With that, the local governments in Orange County will be giving many of their employees the day off, which will affect certain local government services. Ahead of the holiday on Monday, Sep. 7, […]
The Morning News: Orange County Honors Jamezetta Bedford, Michael Lombardi Resigns
In today's news: Orange County names its new crisis diversion facility after the late County Commissioner Jamezetta Bedford.
'A Beautiful and Lasting Tribute': New Orange County Crisis Diversion Center Named in Jamezetta Bedford's Honor
Jamezetta Bedford's Orange County commissioner colleagues recently dedicated the future crisis diversion facility in her honor and memory.
Orange County: Crisis Diversion Center Named for Jamezetta Bedford, and More
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, September 2, discussing county news and events. She recapped the recent meeting of the Board of Orange County Commissioners, which included the formal decision to name the county's new Crisis Diversion Center after late board member Jamezetta Bedford. That building is due to be constructed in the near future. She also outlined the purpose and origin of the facility, discussed the appointment of Amy McLamb to the role of Register of Deeds, and more.
›