Dad’s Day brunch won’t cut it for everyone in Charlotte this year. So we got creative
I asked my dad what he wanted for Father’s Day this year. “To get out of the house,” he said. “And the new Malcolm Gladwell book.”
With Charlotte still under Phase 2 of COVID-19 restrictions, the classic Father’s Day brunch reservations aren’t going to cut it for everyone this year. But keeping our social distance doesn’t mean this can’t be a Father’s Day to remember. So we got creative.
We rounded up unique gifts, meals, activities and, yes, even a few events to make this socially distanced Father’s Day unforgettable.
Local gifts for Father’s Day
(1) A wardrobe update
Local men’s outfitter Bruce Julian Clothier has featured a variety of Father’s Day gifts on its Instagram page. Consider getting dad a new outfit staple so that he is looking sharp his first night out after social distancing. Or if he doesn’t need a new clothing item, try Bruce Julian’s Bloody Mary mix.
(2) A round of golf
The best gift this Father’s Day may not be time together. Golf courses have accommodated social-distancing safety measures in order to stay open during the pandemic. Here are just a few golf courses open in Charlotte to give dad a chance to get outside:
The seven courses of Charlotte Golf, including Birkdale Golf Club and Highland Creek Golf Club.
(3) Some pampering
Give dad the gift of relaxation at AlphaMale Nail Care. Owner Sheena Pickett’s mission is to help men put their “best foot forward.” Save 15% on an e-gift card: Buy an e-gift card worth $50 and only spend $42.50.
(4) Ties are out, masks are in
As working from home continues, now instead of a tie, a mask might be the new everyday accoutrement. Here are some local Charlotte businesses selling masks.
(5) Fire up the grill
For the dad who loves the outdoors, find the perfect gift at locally owned ACE Blackhawk Hardware. Find a variety of grilling products, tools and backyard games for your dad’s favorite hobbies.
(6) That book he’s had his eye on
In my case, I’ll be looking for the new Malcolm Gladwell book for my father. Find what you are looking for at the local mobile bookstore Shelves. You can purchase from Shelves online and if you don’t see what you are looking for, Shelves can order what you need.
Father’s Day meal specials
If your dad isn’t one for material things, reach his heart the old-fashioned way — through his stomach.
(1) Napa
110 Perrin Place, Charlotte; or 1310 Broadcloth St., Suite 101, Fort Mill, SC
$25 lunch, $45 dinner
Reserve a table at Napa for a special three-course lunch and dinner menu, featuring entrees such as smoked salmon cobb for lunch or pan-roasted duck breast for dinner.
(2) Reid’s Fine Foods
Find your closest location here.
Sometimes the gift itself is a good meal. Shop at the market to craft your own custom meal with all of dad’s favorites. Or if you prefer not to cook, snag a gift basket.
(3) Bulla Gastrobar
4310 Sharon Road, Suite W01
Cochinillo family meal $230
Dine in or bring the meal home at Bulla Gastrobar. Enjoy bottomless sangrias and mimosas, a three-course brunch menu with socially-distanced seating indoors or on the patio. Or bring the meal home with the Cochinillo family meal, which serves six to eight people. The Cochinillo features a nine hour slow-roasted half pig, panadera-style potatoes, chicken skewers, mixed green salad and churros.
Preorders for the Cochinillo family meal must be made by June 16.
(4) Tupelo Honey
101 S. Tryon St. Suite 130
Make reservations now at Tupelo Honey for a Southern-style brunch, featuring dishes including bourbon-peppercorn glazed meatloaf.
(5) Hickory Tavern
Find your closest location here.
At Charlotte Hickory Tavern locations on Father’s Day, the first 10 dads dining-in eat free. For takeout and delivery orders, dads receive a $10 gift for orders of $30 or more. Offer valid at all Charlotte locations except Metropolitan and Mooresville.
(6) Armored Cow Brewing Co.
8821 JW Clay Blvd.
$29.99 for one ticket, $49.99 for two
Celebrate Father’s Day with a meal from Scratch Kitchen and a beer of your choice. Plus purchase of a brunch ticket doubles as a gift — each ticket comes with a free private beer tour for a future date.
Brunch tickets are available for a purchase online or in person.
(7) Fresh Market
Find your closest location here.
Price ranges between $49.99 and $59.99
The Greensboro-based grocer is featuring a special Father’s Day meal package. The meal features your choice of a steak, salmon or mix-and-match entree with a variety of sides and a dessert.
The meal feeds four and can be ordered online until June 18. Meals can be picked up in store June 19 through June 21.
Father’s Day weekend events and activities
If your dad’s favorite type of gift is in new experiences, consider these activities for the whole family to enjoy.
(1) Drive in Movie at Hunter Farm
13624 Providence Road
June 21, 6:30 p.m.
$25 per car
Enjoy a family-friendly movie at a drive-in movie. Gates open at 6:30. Bring a blanket to have a Father’s Day picnic, then enjoy wagon rides to a petting barn. The movie will begin at dusk, around 8:45 p.m.
(2) Virtual Race for the Greatest
June 20
$22 registration fee
On Jan. 26. the death of Kobe Bryant shocked the world. To honor Bryant and his daughter Gianna, participate in this event and run or walk to honor their memory.
(3) Black Lives Matter family march
June 21, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
This march is organized by Matthews and South Charlotte moms to create a “peaceful, family-oriented march to heighten the awareness of our community.” The organizers ask participants to wear masks and plan to socially distance.
Parking is at Matthews United Methodist Church. The march will start at Country Place Park and move to Town Hall Plaza in Matthews.
(4) Bake a cake
June 19, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
$25
Take an online class taught by Bake it Up by Lorena and learn how to make a cake perfect for your Father’s Day celebrations.
What to watch at home on Father’s Day
To stay COVID risk-free, consider adding a movie night to the Father’s Day lineup. Here are some movies that dad is sure to love, and you can watch them at home:
For a classic: The Shawshank Redemption (Rent on Amazon Prime)
If he loves Bruce Springsteen: Blinded By the Light (HBO)
For fans of WWE: Fighting with my Family (Amazon Prime)
For the history buff: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (Netflix)
To fit the occasion: Father’s Day (HBO)
If quarantine has made him feel like he’s living the same day over and over: Groundhog Day (Netflix)
For the whole family: Mrs. Doubtfire (HBO), Yours, Mine & Ours (Amazon Prime), The Parent Trap (Disney+)
This story was originally published June 15, 2020 at 5:38 PM.
