Here in ‘Merica we celebrate Father’s Day by honoring the guy who put us into this world. The man who sticks his hand in his pants when he’s watching sports on TV. The remote control hog. The beer guzzler. The guy that fixes all the broken stuff in the house. The golfer, the fisherman, the any other Hallmark stereotype you can imagine guy. Yep, it’s the good ‘ole American dad’s day, so to honor him this Sunday, June 15, we’ve put together a list of places you can take your stereotypical dad to indulge in the things he loves most…
If BBQ is your super dad’s kryptonite, try:
1) Dinosaur Bar-b-que, for the dad that wants to sit back and get fat. So your dad just wants to sit on the couch and chew the (pork) fat all day? Hey, we’re not judging…who wouldn’t? You go right ahead and enable him by ordering up some BBQ’ed goodness to take home. Some particularly gluttonous options include:
Ribs, brisket, pulled pork, rice and beans, coleslaw, corn bread…wow.
King of the Grill: special cut ribs, bone-in chicken quarters (1/2 white, 1/2 dark), 2 sides, cornbread ($99.95 for 6, $189.95 for 12, or $279.95 for 18).
Father Knows Best: choice of 2 bbq meats, 3 sides, cornbread ($109.95 for 6, $199.95 for 12, $299.95 for 18).
Pitmaster Pro: choice of 3 bbq meats, 3 sides, cornbread ($129.95 for 6, $249.95 for 12, or $375.95 for 18).
Make sure to place your order 48 hours in advance by calling (203) 517-3273 or e-mailing stamcatering@dinobbq.com. Any package also gets your dad the Dinosaur Bar-b-que Cookbook for the days when he doesn’t feel so lazy.
2) Saugatuck Craft Butchery, for the dad that thinks he can do it better himself. A great grillmaster like your dad knows that amazing BBQ starts with the meat, that’s why you’ll need to take daddy dearest to Westport. He’ll have a killer selection of ribs, chops, special cuts, and custom ground sausage. Make his life super easy by calling them up at (203) 226-6328, placing an order, then picking it up for him so he’s ready to grill all day long.
If your dad’s eyes light up at the sight of good beer , try:
1) Two Roads tour and tasting if you’re staying closer to home. Your dad’s had Two Roads‘ beer from the store and at the bar, but WHAT? He’s never been to Stratford to see where the magic happens? Well, get him down there on Father’s Day and prove your love. Dad’ll have plenty of time because they are open from 12-7, with tours at 1 and 3. Added bonus: The Local Meatball food truck will be on hand… so he can stuff his belly too. Note that no minors are allowed in the tasting room or beer garden.
Dads love bocce!
2) Captain Lawrence Brewery, if you’re up for a quick field trip. Your dad’s already a Connecticut beer pro? Well, blow his mind with something new by taking him on down to Captain Lawrence Brewery in Elmsford, NY. There’s plenty of (really good) beer to sip on, nice bites of food to pick from (plus Village Dog will be there), and they’ve got two official sized bocce ball courts. That’s a full day of Father’s Day entertainment right there! Hours are 12-5 with tours at 2 and 4. And, just because they love dads so much, they’ll have 11 test batches that your dad can vote on that will stay in production at the brewery.
If your dad likes to be referred to as The Captain, try:
1) Dolce Cubano, for a manly dock n’ dine day. Dad can dock his boat up right outside Dolce Cubano and either call them up for dine-in service right on your boat, or just head up to the restaurant to enjoy some tasty cocktails and creative spins on Italian and Latino dishes. Be sure to get the butternut squash and lobster gnocchi. It will rock your dad’s world!
Dad will be your greatest fan if you take him to Dolce…
2) Captain’s Cove for fun for the whole family. If Dad wants to make it a fun-filled family day, let him boat out to Bridgeport and dock at Captain’s Cove. There he’ll have his bounty of fresh or fried fish, plus plenty of other options like shopping, music, and handmade boat races for the family.
If your dad can quote every line from Caddyshack, try:
Sterling Farms, for the dad that (thinks he) can golf. You can play through the course with dad*, or if dad get’s a little too serious for your emotional health, you can be his caddy for the day. Either way it’s a win-win because when you’re done, you can both enjoy a full lobster dinner at Zody’s, which just opened right by the driving range.
Mini golf at Calf Pasture Beach, for the dad with not enough patience (or skill) to play real golf. Fun for the whole family*, and afterwards you can all hit up Ripka’s Beach Cafe for some kabobs, lobster, or even some raw bar options. Eat there or take it down to the beach and give dad the relaxation he deserves.
*Let dad win or risk revoking your rights to the will.
If your dad prefers the wind in his hair on the open road, try:
The Darien Collector’s Car Show, to give dad something to drool over. From 11-2 pm at Tilley Pond Park on West Avenue in Darien, you can check out the 9th annual car show that motor enthusiasts look forward to every year. Admission is just $5 per person, kids 6 and under are free and a portion of ticket sales goes to At Home in Darien. When you’ve checked out all the cars, head over to Estia’s for a hearty, farm fresh brunch, Bodega for the best tacos around, or Meatball & Co for lotsa juciy meatballs.
Let dad have a kickass kinda day!
Dew Drop Inn, for the badass motorcycle ridin’ dad. If your dad has a bike (and a bonus beard and tattoo), take a trip with him to Dew Drop Inn in Derby. He can talk shop with tons of other bikers, admire what they’re riding, and/or just drink fantastic craft beers and chow down on some great comfort food, like their steaks, burger, and over 41 crazy chicken wings, like the PB&J or the Parm Butter Bacon Garlic.
If the thrill of competition gets your dad’s blood pumping, try:
Bridgeport Bluefish, for a fun-filled family day. The game against the Lancaster Barnstormers (“Amish Paradise” theme song?) begins at 1:05…and it’s Jersey Off Our Back Day. That means that you can bid on actual jerseys worn by players during the game. Tix are just $11 or $12, so get ’em while the gettings good! While you’re there, let dad chow down on some peanuts, and Cracker Jacks…and hot dogs…and burgers…and beer. And, if you’re a savvy kinda family, use Groupon to get 2 tix for $14.50 or 4 for $28. Also, on 6/16 the legendary Pete Rose will be managing the Bluefish, so that’s another game you won’t want Daddy-o to miss.
This could be YOUR dad! Photo from Bpt Bluefish site.
Chelsea Piers in Stamford, for the dad that likes to sweat. An active dad’s paradise, Cheslea Piers has a ton of sweat-inducing activity options. For (non-member) drop-in programs, there are batting cages, ice skating, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and more. When you’re done letting dad get his shots in, check out Just Sprouted Cafe for some lighter drinks and small bites to recharge.
Tags: CT Father's Day, events for Father's Day, Fairfield County Father's Day, Father's Day options, places to go with dad, places to take dad
Dan and Kristien Del Ferraro
OmNomCT 
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