Father’s Day
Sunday, June 18th is Father’s Day and chances are your dad would prefer not to receive yet another tie or wallet. Make the day more memorable by planning a special outing or activity. Here are some ways to thank your father for everything that he has done for you.
- Hit the Trail. The BBQ trail that is. Texas Monthly has declared that we are in “the golden age of Texas barbecue”, so why not take a short road trip and sample the smoked meats at several of Texas’ well-known BBQ joints. Taste the offerings in a few different cities or fully conquer just one city. Discuss which pitmaster’s brisket, sausages, and ribs are the best, what wood infuses the most delicious flavor, and whose sauce you could drink straight from the bottle. Make sure your itinerary includes a few cult favorites, such as Louie Mueller Barbecue in Taylor, Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Snow’s BBQ in Lexington, Luling City Market in Luling, or Kreuz Market in Lockhart. Check out Texas Monthly’s most recent list of the 50 best BBQ joints to help plan your meat-inspired agenda.
- Go Fishing. Texas has 191,000 miles of rivers and streams and over 3,300 miles of coastal shoreline along its islands, bays, and river mouths, making the state a fisherman’s paradise. Grab the tackle box, fishing poles, and bait and let your dad choose a local freshwater spot to cast a line, or head to the ocean for some deep sea fishing. June is the best month for catching red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico, while catfish, trout, crappie, sunfish, and bass are plentiful in freshwater fishing holes.
- Have a friendly competition. If your dad is constantly boasting about the time he made a hole in one on the golf course, or threw a 100+mph fastball, plan a day full of sporty challenges. You can play 18 holes on the PGA course or at mini-golf, see who takes the checkered flag Go-Kart racing, or who has the best aim in paintball.
- Take to the skies. Check with the local airstrips and book a sight-seeing flight over your city in a small aircraft. Let your dad observe the town’s buildings and roadways, as well as the features of the landscape from an entirely new perspective.
- Lend a hand. If your dad is unable to do everything he once could offer to help with some tasks that may be difficult for him. Clean the gutters, pressure wash the driveway, or just pitch in wherever your assistance may be needed.
- Make every month special. If your dad lives too far away to visit on Father’s Day consider gifting him a subscription that will deliver items to his home every month. Think about what your father enjoys doing and you are sure to find something to please him. Whether your dad likes to spend his free time exploring the outdoors, playing video games, reading, becoming a grill master, doing projects around the house, or could use a steady supply of socks or razors, there is sure to be one that is perfect. Beer and wine of the month clubs are also a great option if your dad likes to discover new brews and varietals.
If you are still not sure what to do for Father’s Day, just ask your Dad what he had in mind for the day. If you will not see your dad on Father’s Day, be sure to call or video-chat with him. If your dad is no longer around, make sure to remember him on this day. If you have children, keep his memory alive by telling them stories about your father, spending the day doing his favorite activity, or eating his favorite food. Father’s Day is the perfect time to show your appreciation for your dad and how important he has been in your life.
