The outdoor enthusiast

• Let mom enjoy the outdoors and drink wine without the mess with these non-tipping wine coolers by Toadfish.
• Don’t forget to add this Capers Solid Pine Adirondack Chair by Palmetto Craft to make the outdoor experience even better.
• If mom loves spending time hitting the trails, these water and stain-repellent pants by Columbia are a must.

The art collector

• Add to mom’s art collection with pieces featuring dramatic skies, panoramic mountain vistas, and small-town area street scenes by Jeff Pittman Art.
• For coastal vibes, explore colorful artwork by Dream a little ART SC.
• If the walls are already full of beautiful art, fear not. This modern ceramic vase is the perfect decorative accent. Bonus: this vibrant coffee table book is chock-full of exquisite scenes from Mykonos.

The fashion lover

• Add to your mom’s jewelry collection with these gate arches earrings by Cori Rose Jewelry, which pair perfectly with sarongs from Honeyluv Designs LLC.

• Movies in the Garden: “Moulin Rouge!” | Thursday, Apr. 27 | Raleigh Little Theater, 301 Pogue St., Raleigh | $1 | Enjoy this musical in the garden; bring your own picnic or purchase food and drinks from vendors like Berto’s Chimis, Majestic Ice, and Raleigh Brewing Company.

• 4th Friday Connections with Shop Local Raleigh | Friday, Apr. 28 | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Cheeni Indian Food Emporium, 1141 Falls River Ave., Raleigh | Free | Network in a relaxed atmosphere while supporting a local business during this monthly meet up.
• PineCone People’s Square Dance | Friday, Apr. 28 | 7-9:30 p.m. | Transfer Co. Food Hall, 500 E. Davie St., Raleigh | $10 | No experience is necessary to swing your partner round and round at this celebration of music and dance.

• Independent Bookstore Day | Saturday, Apr. 29 | 10 a.m.-9 p.m. | Quail Ridge Books, 4209-100 Lassiter Mill Rd., Raleigh | Free | Stop by the bookstore for giveaways, refreshments, exclusive items, activities, events, and more.
• Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Festival | Saturday, Apr. 29 | 1-6 p.m. | The Chocolate Boutique, 8480 Honeycutt Rd., Raleigh | $40-$100 | This outdoor event will feature tastings, live music, vendors, and shopping in Lafayette Village.
• Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken | Saturday, Apr. 29 | 7 p.m. | Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy., Cary | $36-$90 | Watch these two “American Idol” stars perform to benefit the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.

• Hops vs. Grapes: A Beer vs. Wine Pairing Dinner | Sunday, Apr. 30 | 6:30 p.m. | Plates Kitchen, 301 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 100, Raleigh | $99 | Enjoy this five-course dinner where each dish will be paired with one beer and one wine to determine which pairing best complements it.

• The NC Department of Transportation announced that all lanes on I-40 between I-440 and the US 70 bypass have reopened. Travelers can expect a new traffic pattern with two additional lanes in each direction. Note: The entire project is not complete. See additional road closures. (CBS 17)

• We can already hear the Canes’ siren. Tickets are on sale for Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Bonus: Snag tickets ($65+) to game seven of Round 1 just in case the Canes take on the New York Islanders again at PNC Arena on Sunday, April 30.

• The Downtown Raleigh Alliance is looking for feedback to help shape priorities and strategic direction for downtown. From events like Live After 5 to infrastructure improvements, let the DRA know how they are doing by taking a short annual survey. Participants will be entered to win a $100 gift certificate.

• Do you love biking around the city? To celebrate Bike Month in May, Raleigh Transportation wants to know why you bike. Send a short quote and photo of you cycling to work, on a local trail, or riding with your family. If your photo is selected, you’ll be featured on the organization’s Twitter.

• On Saturday, April 29, join the Dix Park Conservancy and nonprofit Extra Terrestrial Projects for a free screening and discussion of PBS NC’s “State of Change: Planting Piedmont Grasslands Helps Fight Climate Change.” From 1-3 p.m., learn how grasslands and prairies provide a critical habitat for wildlife. The event is free to attend with registration required.

• Washington Elementary School, located near NC State, was awarded the Elementary Magnet School Merit Award of Excellence from Magnet Schools of America. This recognizes the school as the top magnet elementary school in the nation. This historic site was known to be the only Black high school in Raleigh until 1953. (The News & Observer)

• A whitewater park... in Raleigh? Local meteorologist and whitewater kayaker Elizabeth Gardner is on a mission to transform an 80-acre park with whitewater features. The project was included in the Raleigh Parks Bond and could be completed in ~five years. Read about the Neuse River Park. (Raleigh Magazine)