One my most popular lists last year was our Fathers Day Guide for families. Some of these ideas are from last year's list (classics!), and most are brand new. I hope you find something special to do, eat and give to the special men in your life, while supporting local businesses and exploring Columbus...
This festival is going on all weekend long, and is perfect for the dad who loves good music and serious food. The food vendors all weekend include: Schmidt's, Mikey's Late Night Slice, as well as Asian food and Tortilla. There is a Family Fun Zone and a Little Kids Zone to satisfy the whole family. The complete listing of vendors is here.
Picnic at Rockmill Brewery (Lancaster)
Before leaving Columbus, pack a picnic to take down to this picturesque Lancaster brewery located on a horse farm. Though I have not visited, social media has shown many children visiting and enjoying the property with their parents.
Brunch at Double Comfort (Short North)
Double Comfort has a great mission, partnering with food pantries to donate for every meal purchased. So, take "comfort" knowing that your beignets and chicken biscuits will help someone in need.
Brunch at Natalies Coal Fired Pizza (Worthington)
Brunch at CBC (Brewery District)
We had a lovely Mothers Day brunch here, and it is perfectly family-friendly. There is something for everyone on the menu, from burgers to chicken and waffles, and a nice covered patio. Afterwards, go explore nearby Scioto Audubon Park.
A donut run to Amy's donuts (West Side) can be combined with a trip to Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park to work off all those donuts you will surely enjoy from Amy's amazing lineup. You may want to order ahead, as Amy's tends to sell out! Make sure to read Nick's review so you know exactly what to expect and try...
No matter what kind of taste dad has, there is a tour for it. There are several tours available on June 18th and a Taco Truck Tour on June 19th, which could be dad's present AND meal. We have tried the Worthington and Breakfast Tours and they are so much fun! All tours are in air conditioned vans or walking with knowledgeable guides taking guests to the most delicious local spots in Columbus.
Mike from Ohiyo was kind enough to write some guidelines to help you make the perfect pair:
Brock Road leather gifts
As local father, Drew makes beautifully-crafted items for cool dads. My husband has been eyeing the wrap bracelets, and the key clips would class-up any dad's car keys. Most items are made just for you, so contact him soon to get your items in time.
To do:
Origins Gaming Fair
6/15-19
If dad likes board games, trading games, or the many other games out there, this convention has activities for the whole family. There is a family area where parents can play games with their kids (like Pokemon!) and another room that is childcare for ages 5-12, including games and crafts.
Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival (Gahanna)
6/15-19
If dad likes board games, trading games, or the many other games out there, this convention has activities for the whole family. There is a family area where parents can play games with their kids (like Pokemon!) and another room that is childcare for ages 5-12, including games and crafts.
Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival (Gahanna)
6/17-19
This festival is going on all weekend long, and is perfect for the dad who loves good music and serious food. The food vendors all weekend include: Schmidt's, Mikey's Late Night Slice, as well as Asian food and Tortilla. There is a Family Fun Zone and a Little Kids Zone to satisfy the whole family. The complete listing of vendors is here.
Fly Fishing for Beginners, Clear Creek- 6/19
Planet Stargazing, Glacier Ridge- 6/18
Campfire Building for Beginners, Three Creeks- 6/18
Columbus Craft Cocktail tour (not family-friendly, but a fun date night!)
6/18
Book the babysitter and learn how to make craft cocktails at three stops in downtown Columbus. Discounted cab fare is included in your ticket, as well as snacks at each stop and time with a mixologist to really up your cocktail game!
Planet Stargazing, Glacier Ridge- 6/18
Campfire Building for Beginners, Three Creeks- 6/18
Columbus Craft Cocktail tour (not family-friendly, but a fun date night!)
6/18
Book the babysitter and learn how to make craft cocktails at three stops in downtown Columbus. Discounted cab fare is included in your ticket, as well as snacks at each stop and time with a mixologist to really up your cocktail game!
6/19, 11:00-2:00
Dublin Taiko presents an exciting performance of traditional Japanese drumming at 2pm. Stop by the Live Fire Cooking Theater for a gourmet hot dog ($2), and don't forget the Origami in the Garden exhibit is going on as well.
Monday 6/20, 7:05 pm
If you find yourself wanting extra time with dad after the holiday or can't get together on Sunday, look forward to a Columbus Clippers tradition with Dime-a-Dog night. Not hot dog fans? No problem...there is plenty of local food at Clippers games as well. Looks like the whole week is home games at beautiful Huntington Park.To eat:
Picnic at Rockmill Brewery (Lancaster)
Before leaving Columbus, pack a picnic to take down to this picturesque Lancaster brewery located on a horse farm. Though I have not visited, social media has shown many children visiting and enjoying the property with their parents.
Brunch at Double Comfort (Short North)
Double Comfort has a great mission, partnering with food pantries to donate for every meal purchased. So, take "comfort" knowing that your beignets and chicken biscuits will help someone in need.
Brunch at Natalies Coal Fired Pizza (Worthington)
The whole family should be satisfied with the menu, including Natalie's crispy pizza, quiches, cinnamon rolls, eggs Benedict, sweet potato hash, and breakfast cocktails.
Breakfast or lunch at Jack and Benny's Barnstormer (Dublin)
If dad, grandpa or the kids are into airplanes, check out the planes like we did at Don Scott Airport as you dine. You can take a trip to the old control tower and see the view after trying out some diner classics. Not too far away is Hayden Falls, which is a fun trip if you've never seen it.
A trip to the North Market could include breakfast of Destination Donuts AND Dos Hermanos tacos or Hot Chicken Takeover for lunch! There is something for everyone here, and no mess to clean up when the whole family chooses something different to eat. Sunday is also the Peddler's Picnic, so dad could even pick his gift and make the North Market a one-stop shop.
Brunch at CBC (Brewery District)
We had a lovely Mothers Day brunch here, and it is perfectly family-friendly. There is something for everyone on the menu, from burgers to chicken and waffles, and a nice covered patio. Afterwards, go explore nearby Scioto Audubon Park.
A donut run to Amy's donuts (West Side) can be combined with a trip to Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park to work off all those donuts you will surely enjoy from Amy's amazing lineup. You may want to order ahead, as Amy's tends to sell out! Make sure to read Nick's review so you know exactly what to expect and try...
Brunch at 101 Beer Kitchen (Dublin)
This would be a great kid-friendly option to treat dad to the meal he deserves. They have an inventive kids' menu with things like shrimp skewers, ants on a log, and taco rolls. Personally, I have enjoyed 101 Twinkie, Praline biscuits, and the amazing loaded tots are amazing. And an enormous beer list to suit every dad's taste, all at a reasonable price point.
The Top steakhouse (Bexley)
The iconic steakhouse is celebrating its 61st year, indulging guests with steaks, lobster, and classic drinks from the Mad Men era establishment. Take a trip back in time for a night at The Top (opens at 5:00 on Sundays).
Hyde Park (multiple locations)
They have a Sunday special that would spoil dad with quality steaks and chops. Their service is top-notch and would give the whole family an excuse to dress up and try some amazing lobster-topped filets or the best salmon in Columbus.
Or if dad loves to show off his grilling skills, pick up some outstanding meat from Thurns (Greenlawn), Carfagna's (161) or Weiland's (Clintonville).
To give:
Tour and tasting at Mill Street Distillery in Utica. Take a drive out to the country to experience some Ohio-made bourbon, moonshine, and Grappa. Owner Hernando Posada is a father himself and welcomes families, or drive dad out there yourself so he can enjoy a more peaceful experience without the kids. We've teamed up with the family-owned Mill Street to bring 5 lucky winners a gift package, including a tour package, tee shirts, glassware and merchandise. Enter at the end of this post to win. And how much fun is this guy having?
Goodmakery personalized gifts
We had a blast making Christmas gifts with Leslie at Goodmakery. Kids can pick out a gift from her stock and personalize them with their own artwork and/or name. The technology is pretty mesmerizing, and I loved walking out with the items all ready to give as a gift. You can also order online by submitting art via email (we have done this as well, and it was flawless). If you'd like to win a pair of collar stays for dad or grandpa, your chance is at the end of the post.
Local shirts from 7thirty8 Apparel
Matt's designs are perfect for the hip dad who wants to rep Ohio but not necessarily the Buckeyes (i.e.: my husband). Our whole family has shirts from him, and we love picking them up from Wholly Craft, Simply Vague, or the Made Local Marketplace. You can win this shirt for dad (size large) at the end of this post.
North Country Charcuterie cured meats
I tasted them for myself on the Old Worthington Food Tour, and they were awesome! You can pick up the delicious meats and pair them with other items at these locations:
- Worthington Farmers Market, Saturdays from 8am-12pm
- North Market, Sunday, June 12 from 10am-5pm
- Weiland's Market, beginning June 16 (in-person demo day on June 18 from 2pm-6pm)
A "man basket" filled with local treats:
- Local craft sodas (Winemaker's black raspberry is amazing!)
- Local coffee bags (check this list and throw in a Columbus Coffee Trail experience card to start him out) We also like Thunderkiss and Backroom roasters beans.
- North Market Spices If he likes to grill or cook, pick up some new rubs or smoked peppercorns he can try out this summer.
- If you can't make it to Mill Street, pick up a bottle of their spirits at any State liquor store, Weiland's, Giant Eagle, or Hill's Market in Worthington.
- Made Local Marketplace items (the show is on 6/5! Check the vendors HERE)
No matter what kind of taste dad has, there is a tour for it. There are several tours available on June 18th and a Taco Truck Tour on June 19th, which could be dad's present AND meal. We have tried the Worthington and Breakfast Tours and they are so much fun! All tours are in air conditioned vans or walking with knowledgeable guides taking guests to the most delicious local spots in Columbus.
What could be more perfect for dad than the Pizza and Pitchers tour on Fathers Day? Be the favorite child by taking dad on this tour or any of the other Brew Tour to Downtown, Brewery District, Grandview breweries or even out to Buckeye Lake. Learn about our city's brewing industry while being transported by guides who talk you through samples and snacks. There are 3 different tours offered on 6/18, but it looks like tickets are going fast!
"Beer and chocolate pair together wonderfully due to many complementary flavors from similar roasting and fermentation profiles. I would recommend pairing the fruity and earthy 70% Tanzania chocolate with something earthy like MiddleWest Spirits' Pumpernickel, Actual Brewing Company's Conductor Rye IPA, or Reingeist's Hustle Rye ale. While The dark raisin and dessert spice character of the 70% Jamaican Dark chocolate compliments the chocolate and spice of Kindred Artisan Ales' Salvage Porter with star anise. The 70% Bolivian with coffee pairs really nicely with North High Brewing's Milk stout, both are made with coffee from Thunderkiss coffee and contain rich chocolate flavor. The 40% Dominican white chocolate with sour cream compliments Actual Brewing's Fat Julian Stout, and Wolfs Ridge's Dire Wolf on every level. The rich vanilla and fudge flavors compliment the roasted grains in the beer while the creamy texture makes it impossible to tell where the white chocolate ends and the beer begins. While the 70% Belize contains a lot of red fruit character and gentle brightness that complements a dry cabernet sauvignon quite nicely."
Wow. Who is ready to shop for that fun gift?! Thanks for the beautiful photo, Mike.
Brock Road leather giftsAs local father, Drew makes beautifully-crafted items for cool dads. My husband has been eyeing the wrap bracelets, and the key clips would class-up any dad's car keys. Most items are made just for you, so contact him soon to get your items in time.
Surprise dad by heading out to the game on 6/18 or putting some tickets in his card for a game later in the week. And check out all the local food that is served at the games. With the kids out for summer break, this would be a fun outing for everyone, complete with dinner.
Dads should get to treat themselves, too, right? These natural products use beeswax and oils to help tame dad's facial hair and skin. You can pick these up (along with many more gift items) at Wholly Craft or buy them online.
Rogue Bakery cookie delivery
I know my husband is a cookie monster, and how fun to find a package of cookies on the doorstep. Even better, these cookies sound absolutely amazing (Cornflake marshmallow and dark chocolate oatmeal?!) and you may want to add a few extras for yourself.
I hope this gives you some fresh, new ideas. My dad simply loved grilling out and spending time with us. A box of cashews were always his favorite, and last year's family photo session was the best gift I ever gave. Remember what it is all about...honoring dad. And now for the giveaways from these generous Cbus makers:
Comments
Love the giveaways my friend; I'd take the Ohio Hustles Harder tee for me....oh wait, it's all about the dads in June.... HA! Maybe the Adventure tee for hubby
AND
who knew Utica produces not just ice cream but moonshine. I think hubs would go for the bourbon....some of their recipes on their website look delish. Tis the season for a new deck drink :)