He helped you learn to ride a bike, make scrambled eggs and coaches the kids’ soccer team. This Father’s Day (Sunday, June 16), show Dad just how much he means to you—and support local businesses while you’re at it. Whether he prefers something gift-wrapped or a bonding experience, these local restaurants, stores and venues have just the thing.
Chef-Approved Culinary Kits
Dads who enjoy cooking might like to get some expert-level tools of the trade. Chef Chris Morgan, a two-time James Beard Award semifinalist and co-owner and culinary director of Joon in Tysons, has handpicked a grill press, griddle, griddle tools and a grill fry pan in collaboration with Made In cookware. He’s also offering meals to make with them, such as “Backyard Burgers with Dad,” an $80 kit that feeds four. It comes with Joon kubideh burger patties, buns, white American cheese, crispy onions, and house-made pickles and potato chips. Alternately, a “Build Your Own Shawarma” kit, also $80, includes marinated halal beef shawarma and locally sourced veggie sides. A third option is the $250 steak dinner kit, which comes with two 18-ounce marinated boneless rib eyes, plus dips such as toum and hummus. Order online and pickup at Joon until June 9. // 8045 Leesburg Pike, Vienna
Father and Son Wine Dinner
Take Dad out for a guys’ evening of fine dining. Lyon Hall is hosting this four-course meal with five Italian wines on June 18 at 6 p.m. The party kicks off with a “welcome wine”—pinot grigio paired with apple chutney with brie—before moving into the sit down meal, which includes grilled octopus, gnocchi, roasted lamb and vanilla bean cheesecake. Accompanying wines include Gradis’ciutta Cabernet Franc and Massolino Barbera d’Alba. Tickets are $125 each. // 3100 Washington Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Father’s Day Festival at Shipgarten
Take your old man out for an afternoon of fun and games at Shipgarten on June 15 from 1-6 p.m. There will be “Daddy and Me” games, such as the classic three-legged race and water pong. Dads-only events include keg curling and stein hoisting. Other perks: more than 40 beer and cider samples from local breweries and a kids’ corner with face painting and a moon bounce. Come back on Father’s Day proper (June 16) from noon-6 p.m. for more fun: a performance by magician Jake the Great, a water balloon toss, and arts and crafts. Admission is free to both. // 7581 Colshire Drive, Tysons
George Washington Whiskey Tasting
If whiskey whets Dad’s whistle, head to a reconstruction of the first president’s distillery at Mount Vernon. Tastings happen Saturdays, 2-5 p.m., through Sept. 28. A $60 ticket ($50 for Mount Vernon members) includes a tour of the space and gristmill and a tasting of three distilled spirits made using 18th-century distilling methods and techniques. Fun fact: In 1799, the distillery produced nearly 11,000 gallons of whiskey, making it one of the largest distilleries in the country at the time and one of Mount Vernon’s most profitable enterprises. Don’t want the tasting? Take the tour only. It’s free with Mount Vernon admission or $10 on its own. // 5513 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria
Say It with Humor
Let’s just say the Father’s Day gifts from Arlington gift shop Covet are better suited coming from a partner than a child. Get the dad in your life some DILF or Daddy socks ($14) or just a funny greeting card. There are more practical, rated-G choices, too, such as drink rocks ($45), which keep cocktails from diluting, and a grocery tote with a custom-designed map of Arlington ($20). // 5140 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Bluemont)
Treat Dad to Treats
Several area bakeries are prepping special baked goods in honor of dear old dad. The Happy Tart in Falls Church is baking up Father’s Day cookies with fun designs such as a mustache and Superman logo ($27 for six) or a Super Dad Cake that feeds six to eight for $35-$65. Arlington’s Heidelberg Bakery has eight Father’s Day designs you can add to a cake to make it his own, and Pastries by Randolph, a kosher bakery, has themed cupcakes and novelty cookies. Both are $6.50 each and have a minimum purchase of four. Or, make a sweet design for Pop yourself with Pastries by Randolph’s Father’s Day Ice Me Cooking Decorating Kit ($48.25), which includes 12 un-iced necktie-shaped cookies, five royal icing-filled bags and a bag of sprinkles.
Zero Prostate Cancer Run/Walk
Lace up your sneakers June 15 at 7 a.m. to raise money to find a cure for prostate cancer, which is expected to make up 15% of new cancer diagnoses this year. This family-friendly event in Westpost (Pentagon Row) features a 5k run/walk and 1-mile walk plus kids’ activities, including a special Kids Superhero Dash for Dad. Registration is free, and participants who fundraise $50 by event day will receive a T-shirt.// 1101 S. Joyce St., Arlington (Westpost)