Local Things to Do For Dad This Father’s Day
Local Things to Do For Dad This Father’s Day
There’s More to Father’s Day Than Watermelon Ties & Hawaiian Shirts
Give dad the gift of a professional rolled burrito, a pint of 42 North and a bike tune-up from Ellicottville’s Bike and Bean. Owner Dennis Baldwin is ready. Photo / ellicottvilleNOW
The clues have been everywhere… Elegant, regal cushions of Queen Anne’s lace have been covering the fields for weeks. Perky little shiny yellow buttercups wave as we go by. The fragrant phlox divaricata, with their beautiful lavender, white and purple heads, happily nod as we wander along the roadways of our community. And yet, as June 18th approaches we are amazed at how quickly we’ve gone from sliding down the hills in the hushed mornings on fresh powder to looking at shorts and festive, colorful short-sleeved shirts for our dads. I’m not quite sure I know what it is about Father’s Day that lures many of us to the men’s departments at local department stores, but the next thing we know we are picking up Hawaiian patterned shirts for dads of any age.
Here's a thought: Our Southern Tier region offers great opportunities for gift ideas that rise well above Hawaiian-themed shirts and shorts. HoliMont Bike Park, one of Ellicottville’s newest attractions, is offering a “dads ride free day” (with the purchase of any kid’s ticket) on Father’s Day from 10:00am-4:30pm. (holimont.com/programs/bike-park)
Voted one of America's "Best Golf Shops" by PGA Magazine, Holiday Valley’s Golf Shop has all things golf and HV, Sky High and Tamarack logo items. Now, here’s the place to find that stylish short sleeved shirt and casual wear for dad! And they advertise pricing below discount golf stores plus they have PGA pros to help you make your best purchasing decisions. Sounds better than a Hawaiian shirt to me. (holidayvalley.com/summer/golf/golf-shop)
You might want to treat dad to a fine dinner out on the town. Any restaurant in Ellicottville is a good choice, but you can’t go wrong with Villaggio’s menu. My surprise birthday was held there, and we all went crazy for the fried brussel sprouts and Caprese Burrata. Of course, your dad might like their shrimp scampi or anything on their Italian menu which is also vegetarian friendly with gluten-free options. Specifically for Father’s Day, they are featuring a 32 oz. Tomahawk steak and giving a free drink for dads with purchase of a meal. And they are wheel-chair accessible. (villaggioevl.com)
Dina’s offers inviting western ambiance where Dad can feel right at home in his cowboy boots and jeans. Start off with shrimp cocktail or crab cakes, then choose pizza, which they have a great selection of, or amazing mains from their menu like roasted duck, filet mignon or my every-time favorite, salmon. (dinas.com)
For a lighter yet delicious treat, if given my choice for pizza, I’m all in for Monroe Street Brick and Brew, whose menu includes specialty or custom pizza, brick oven wings and calzones. Here’s the best part - if dad wants to stay home and nosh with his family in his comfy slippers, they deliver! (monroestpizza.com)
For a yummy dessert, top off your meal with a mocha and salted caramel Frappuccino with vanilla milkshake and whipped cream at Ashford Junction Depot. If you are planning a summer event, ask about their ice cream truck while you are there. (facebook.com/ashfordjunctiondepot)
Think about how hard our dads work sometimes. I’m betting they could use a little relaxation, right? How about paying a visit to one of our great local spas for a nice Father’s Day afternoon? Anew Beginning Massage and Spa offers AIS (Activated Isolated Stretching) sessions to help with flexibility in muscles and help improve mobility. Ellicottville Oasis Spa at the Tamarack Club has a great Fire and Ice Massage to help treat your dad's aches and pains, with heated basalt rocks and cold therapy spot treatment to target those areas that really need attention. Hey… dads can enjoy massage therapy too! (anewbeginningny.com or evilleoasis.com)
What about the dad that thrives in the kitchen? The one who has the grill on standby and a cooler full of beverages in his garage ready to go. You can add a great organic spice variety from Nature’s Remedy to expand his seasoning profile or go for something even more unique by heading over the the Ellicottville Salt Cave and picking up a Himalayan Salt Slab. Your dad can prep, season and even serve some amazing meals on that baby! They can be grilled or chilled to extreme temps and last for quite a long time with proper care. Snag one of those and a set of Salt Shot Glasses for some smooth tequila! (ellicottvillesaltcave.com)
What dad doesn’t love a road trip? If it’s a nice day, take dad to Genesee Country Village and Museum in Mumford. Admission for dads is free on Father’s Day! If he loves baseball, he might want to take in a vintage baseball double header at their ballpark, played by 1868 rules before they played with gloves or protective equipment. (Facebook or 585-538-6822)
Bottom line: If the man you look to and refer to as “dad” is still on this earth, count yourself among the lucky ones and be sure to spend some time with him. If he’s not nearby, give him a call and grant him the un-rushed time he wants to chat with you. If he is gone, visit his grave or take a few minutes to remember him and whisper a prayer of gratitude for what he passed on to you. To all the dads reading this piece, Happy Father’s Day!