GRAFTON, W.Va. — Six state park restaurants in West Virginia will host Mother’s Day lunches and buffets on May 10, offering families across the state a scenic and memorable way to celebrate.
Parks offering a special lunch include North Bend, Chief Logan, Pipestem Resort, Cacapon Resort, Twin Falls Resort, and Tygart Lake, according to Dillard Price, acting chief of West Virginia State Parks.
The Mother’s Day celebration was established in West Virginia in 1908, which makes the event all the more appropriate for its park system, Price said.
“Mother’s Day has deep roots here in West Virginia, and our state parks offer the perfect setting to celebrate the women who mean so much to us,” Price said.
“From a relaxing meal surrounded by nature to a full weekend getaway, we invite families to slow down, spend time together, and make lasting memories in some of West Virginia’s most beautiful places.”
Mother’s Day traces its origins to West Virginia through the efforts of Anna Jarvis, who organized the first official Mother’s Day celebration in 1908 at Grafton to honor her mother.
Her advocacy led to the celebration’s national recognition in 1914, making West Virginia the birthplace of the cherished tradition.
Grafton is coincidentally home to Tygart Lake State Park, one of the five parks hosting the luncheons.
Tables are limited for the Chief Logan and North Bend Mother’s Day lunches, so guests are encouraged to make reservations in advance.
Lodging is also available for those who want to make this an overnight experience. For menus, pricing, and reservation details, visit WVStateParks.com/mothers-day-dinners. To make a lodging reservation, visit WVStateParks.com.
The origins of Mother’s Day in West Virginia
The national observance of Mother’s Day traces its beginnings to Grafton, in Taylor County, where a daughter’s effort to honor her mother grew into a recognized American holiday.
Anna Jarvis organized the first official Mother’s Day service on May 10, 1908, at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton. The event commemorated her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, who had spent much of her life working to improve public health and community conditions in the region.
Ann Jarvis organized “Mothers’ Day Work Clubs” in the mid-1800s to address sanitation issues and reduce infant mortality. During and after the Civil War, she also promoted efforts to bring together families divided by the conflict.
Following her mother’s death in 1905, Jarvis began a campaign to establish a day dedicated to honoring mothers. The 1908 service in Grafton drew national attention and is widely regarded as the first formal observance of Mother’s Day. Jarvis also arranged for a parallel gathering in Philadelphia, expanding awareness of the effort.
The movement gained support from churches, civic groups, and public officials. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day, formally establishing it as a national holiday.
Jarvis intended the observance to be a personal tribute, encouraging handwritten letters and quiet reflection. She selected the white carnation as a symbol of a mother’s love.
In later years, however, Jarvis publicly criticized the growing commercialization of the holiday, arguing it had departed from its original purpose.
Today, Grafton continues to recognize its role in the holiday’s history, with the church where the first service was held designated as a landmark tied to the founding of Mother’s Day.
In addition to its historical significance, Grafton is located near Tygart Lake State Park, a popular destination for boating, fishing, and hiking. The park’s scenic reservoir and rolling hills complement the town’s heritage, drawing visitors interested in both outdoor recreation and the birthplace of Mother’s Day.