From toasting his special day by sipping craft beer to determining who can reel in the biggest fish, the time you spend together might be the best gift of all.
Go fishing with Dad either along the coast or west of town. Photo provided
By Mary Thurwachter
Father’s Day is June 18 and when you consider gifts, think about this: Does Dad really need another tie? Nah. In fact, he probably doesn’t need more material stuff. What he would like? How about some quality time with you? But what to do with dear ol’ Dad? Here are some suggestions you both may enjoy.
1. Go fishing. Ernest Hemingway’s sons said some of Papa’s happiest days were spent fishing. If your dad shares that passion, spending a few hours casting lines from a boat, or perhaps simply from the Lantana fishing pier or at the Boynton Inlet, may be a Father’s Day gift he would fall for hook, line and sinker.
Some options:
• Bar Jack Fishing and the Lady K Deep Sea Drift Fishing Boat, 314 E. Ocean Ave., Lantana, 588-7612, www.barjackfishing.com
• Living on Island Time Deep Sea Fishing, 7848 S. Federal Highway, Hypoluxo, 585-4473, www.fishingonislandtime.com
• Fishing charters from the Boynton Inlet, 728 Casa Loma Blvd., Boynton Beach, 732-9974, www.boyntonbeachmarina.com
• Boca Fishing Charters, various locations in Boca Raton, 844-243-5707, www.bocafishingcharters.com.
Multiple generations can enjoy a baseball game together. Mary Thurwachter/The Coastal Star
2. Take him out to the ballgame. If your pop is a sports nut, he’ll appreciate a trip to the ballpark. Root on your favorite team.
• Catch a major league Miami Marlins game at Marlins Park, 501 Marlins Way, Miami, 305-480-1300, www.mlb.com/marlins. The team is home June 19-25.
• Watch the Class A Jupiter Hammerheads or Palm Beach Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium, 4571 Main St., Jupiter, 630-1828, www.rogerdeanstadium.com. The Cardinals are home June 12-15, the Hammerheads June 19-21.
3. Network for good. Whether you build houses for homeless people or deliver meals to homebound elderly, volunteering is a win-win. You feel good because you’re helping others, and they feel good because they’re getting the help. Double the good feelings — and the fun, too — by volunteering with your father.
Some options:
• Build houses together with Habitat for Humanity, 181 SE Fifth Ave., Delray Beach, 819-6070, www.habitatsouthpalmbeach.org
• Help make meals or deliver them for Helping Hands, 1500 NW First Court, Boca Raton, 417-0913, www.bocahelpinghands.org
• Tutor children after school for Florence Fuller Child Development Centers, 200 NE 14th St., Boca Raton, 391-7274, www.ffcdc.org
• Walk dogs for Tri-County Animal Rescue, 21287 Boca Rio Road, Boca Raton, 482-8110, www.tricountyanimalrescue.comSee simians and apes at Monkey Jungle.
4. Talk to the animals. Or at least look at them. It’s relaxing and fun to walk around and see adorable animals and exotic wildlife. And how could anyone not have a good time watching the monkeys? Monkey see, monkey do.
Some options:
• Lion Country Safari, 2003 Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee, 793-1084, www.lioncountrysafari.com
• Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, 547-9453, www.palmbeachzoo.org
• Monkey Jungle, 14805 SW 216th St., Miami, 305-235-1611, www.monkeyjungle.com
Copperpoint Brewing Co. in Boynton Beach has a beautiful tasting room. www.copperpointbrewingcompany.com
5. Sample local brews. If you’re over 21 and your dad likes beer, consider tours and tastings at a local brewery. Saltwater Brewery is Delray Beach's first local production microbrewery, with its Reef Room for tastings. The brewery is run by Floridians who educate the public on ocean conservation and urge people to “Explore the Depths of Beer.” Tours are open Saturdays 1-3 p.m. Saltwater Brewery, 1701 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 865-5373, www.saltwaterbrewery.com
Other options:
• Due South Brewing Co., 2900 High Ridge Road, No. 3, Boynton Beach, 463-2337, www.duesouthbrewing.com ;
• Sweetwater Bar & Grill, 1507 S. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach, 509-9277, www.sweetwater33.com
• Barrel of Monks, 1141 S. Rogers Circle, No. 5, Boca Raton, 510-1253, www.barrelofmonks.com
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