Craft beer tours and more: Here’s your guide to Father’s Day 2021 in Charlotte
Dad is a pretty cool guy. He should be celebrated as such this Father’s Day (June 20, to save you the Google search).
Sometimes, dads are hard to shop for. Maybe he could use a new “dad hat” to replace the worn-out one he’s sported for years. If he’s into craft beer, he might enjoy a City Brew Tour or a custom craft beer sign to display in his man cave. Or, he may be happily surprised with something as simple as a new pair of sunglasses.
Whether you’re looking for something unique, or just want to explore fun experiences to create memories this Father’s Day, check out this Charlotte-centric list to get started.
Special gifts for a special guy
The gift: If dad has a sweet tooth, surprise him with the Father’s Day Bonus Box from Sweet Spot Cookie Club, which includes eight cookies (shapes include tacos, popsicles, hot dogs and nachos), royal icing (brown, red, yellow, green), jimmies (yellow, red), brown marker with edible ink, scribe tool and extra piping bags for $45. There’s also a sticker sheet with fun phrases.
Details: The bonus box is available for local shipping or pickup. If you place a pickup order, a member of the team will reach out to coordinate a pickup date.
States of Brew craft beer sign from Montford Misfits
Online
The gift: If dad is the ultimate Charlotte craft beer fan, get him a wooden beer map to decorate his space at home. Featuring a North-Carolina-shaped cutout and beer logos from either Charlotte or across the state, this is the perfect gift for the brew-loving dad.
Details: North Carolina cutout signs are $44.99 and can be purchased online or at pop-ups around town.
Craft beer tour with City Brew Tours
The gift: Embark on a craft brewery tour with dad. City Brew Tours, which recently unveiled its newest franchise in Charlotte, offers two options, including the Sip of Charlotte Tour ($70), which will will feature three breweries and a local snack, and the Original Charlotte Tour, which stops at four breweries with a meal pairing at Noble Smoke ($99). Current participating breweries include Armored Cow Brewing, Ass Clown Brewing Company, Lower Left Brewing Company and Suffolk Punch.
Details: A 14-passenger van will pick you up outside The Westin Charlotte. Brewery tours begin June 26.
Dad hats from 704 Shop
1616 Camden Road
The gift: Dad’s go-to “dad hat” is probably worn out. Luckily, 704 Shop sells “dad hats” in exciting (and classic) colors, with designs including the Charlotte crown, “704,” and “Charlotte” script, so he can sport his Queen City pride — and replace his worn out hat.
Details: Hats are $35+ and can be purchased in store or online.
Leather goods from olpr
1425 Winnifred St.
The gift: Shop handcrafted, premium leather products to impress dad at olpr. If he likes the outdoors, consider a waxed canvas and leather apron ($79) for grilling or a leather fishing log ($49). There are also several fashion-forward options, including a Horween leather band ($49) for his Apple Watch or a Milwaukee leather laptop bag ($250) for something extra-special.
Details: All items are available in-store at The Railyard or online.
New books from Shelves
Online
The gift: Driven by a quest to provide Charlotte with great books, Shelves bookstore offers both new releases, old favorites and lifestyle products made with readers and writers in mind. Order dad some of your favorite stories, or surprise him with a stack of books in his favorite genre while supporting a local business.
Details: Shelves is a mobile bookstore, so you can either shop online or find new reads at pop-up events. The next in-person event will be hosted by Enderly Coffee Co. from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on June 12. If you can’t make the event, you can still order popular titles online.
Old Fashioned Sampler Kit
Online
The gift: Surprise dad with an Unpretentious Palate cocktail kit with everything he needs (minus the bourbon) to craft the ultimate Old Fashioned cocktail. Eight of the city’s beset bartenders share their recipes, which are included in the kit, including options such as peach, tea, smoked and more. Each recipe serves two.
Details: Kits are $89.99 and can be picked up at The Ice Trade in South End on June 11 and June 18 from 3-7 p.m. For curbside pickup, head to Camp North End near Leah & Louise from 10 a.m. to noon on June 12.
Race at the U.S. National Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy.
The gift: Create memories with dad by spending the day at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. The Brew Dash 6K and 10K will take place on June 19, the day before Father’s Day, so you can celebrate early. Prefer not to run? You can hike, bike, raft, zipline and more. And if you just want to stroll, there are plenty of trails to walk along while catching up.
Details: The Brew Dash registration is $40 until June 17, then $45 after. Registration includes one post-race craft beer for each participant. If you want to visit the Whitewater Center, but don’t want to race, you can purchase a day pass for $64, or just walk the space for free (plus $6 parking).
Sauce from Midwood Smokehouse
1401 Central Ave.
540 Brandywine Road
12410 Johnston Road
The gift: Order dad specialty sauce from Midwood Smokehouse for15% off the regular price. The sauce package includes three classics: vinegar sauce, barbecue sauce and mustard sauce.
Details: Discounted sauces are available both online and in store. If you’re shopping online, use code “FATHERSDAY” at checkout.
Specialty macarons from Amelie’s
2424 N. Davidson St.; 7715 Pineville Matthews Road; 4321 Park Road; 157 E. Main St., Rock Hill
The gift: Surprise dad with a 12-pack gift box of limited edition Father’s Day macaron flavors from Amelie’s French Bakery, including Cup O’ Joe (espresso-bean-topped macaron cookie filled with coffee-infused dark chocolate ganache), Cinnamon Coffee Cake (classic macaron cookie filled with swirls of cinnamon streusel and gluten-free buttery cake pieces) and Maple Bacon (brown sugar and bacon-topped macaron cookie filled with maple and bacon buttercream).
Details: The gift box is $33.95 and includes four macarons of each flavor. It’s available online for nationwide shipping until June 15.
Stroke minigolf Dad Pack
1318 Pecan Ave., Suite 101
The gift: Tee up an unforgettable Father’s Day with the Dad Pack from Stroke ($50), which includes a free round of golf, Stroke golf tees, Stroke hat and a $40 Stroke gift card.
Details: Purchase the Dad Pack online for pickup at Stroke.
Sunglasses from Johnny Fly Co.
519 E. 36 St., 19911 N. Cove Road.
The gift: Give the gift of eye protection this summer. Founded in Charlotte, Johnny Fly is known for its wooden sunglasses and commitment to crafting eyewear with sustainable materials. Plus, dad will just look really cool. The company also offers chemical-free leather bags, if you want to complete the ensemble.
Details: Johnny Fly offers prescription frames, sunglasses and frames with BluGard technology, so you can customize your order. Eyewear is $109+ and can be purchased in-store or ordered online.
Tickets to the “Celebrate America” concert
324 S. Mint St.
The gift: Spend the evening enjoying live performance from the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra at Truist Field during the “Celebrate America” concert. In partnership with the Charlotte Knights, the Symphony will feature patriotic events, including performances led by Resident Conductor Christopher James Lees, a fireworks show and an appearance by Homer the Dragon.
Details: The concert will begin at 8:30 on June 25. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online.
.jpeg "CLT_Knights_Baseball_May_7_ (1).jpeg")
Forget the gifts, let’s eat
Barcelona Wine Bar
1010 W. Worthington Ave.
The meal: Head to Barcelona Wine Bar for Father’s Day brunch. The menu will feature seasonal tapas and dishes, including a Serrano Benedict with tomato and hollandaise, Torrijas with creme Catalan and Brunch Fideos with pork belly, egg and garlic aioli.
Details: Both indoor and outdoor seating are available. Reserve a table online.
Beef ‘N Bottle
4538 South Blvd.
The meal: Thank dad with an upscale steak or seafood dinner. Known as a “go-to” spot for steak in Charlotte, Beef ‘N Bottle combines premium entrees with a cozy atmosphere, where dad can enjoy filet mignon, choice cut ribeye, bison ribeye, New York Strip, seafood platters, scallops and more.
Details: There are a limited number of reservations available, so reserve online ahead of time to guarantee a spot.
Bulla Gastrobar
4310 Sharon Road
The meal: On Father’s Day, Bulla Gastrobar will open early at 10 a.m. for brunch and feature an exclusive paella menu during dinner from 4 to 10 p.m. Dads will also receive a $20 Bulla Gastrobar gift card to use on his next visit, as well as a box of chocolate clusters.
Details: Brunch is prix fixe at $28 and available until 4 p.m. Reservations are encouraged and can be made via OpenTable or by calling 704-837-4422. Complimentary parking spaces are available in the front lot, and there’s additional parking in the deck.
Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen
4001 Yancey Road
The meal: Share a meal from Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen this Father’s Day. The menu will feature local ingredients, and highlights include wagyu flank steak, Shipley Farms NY strip steak, Lady Edison pork chop, burrata and Caesar salads, broccolini mac and cheese with smoked mozzarella and brie cheese, gluten-free salted caramel brownies, PB&J cookies and more.
Details: Order by June 16 at 3 p.m. for pickup (or delivery to anywhere in Charlotte) between 2-7 p.m. on June 18.
Clean Catch Fish
2820 Selwyn Ave.
The meal: Prepare a gourmet dinner to enjoy at home. The Clean Catch Fish market offers fresh seafood shipments and plenty of exciting bacon options, including Bourbon Barrel Bacon, D’Artagnan Applewood Smoked or Duck Bacon, Snake River Farms Bacon and more.
Details: Visit in-person or order online.
Tip: If you don’t want to cook at home, the Queen City has plenty of bacon offerings around town, ranging from savory to sweet.
The Culture Shop
1425 Kennon St.
The meal: Create a family picnic at home with options from The Culture Shop. Here, you’ll find everything from specially sourced cheese and meat to provisions, craft beer and charcuterie boards to create the perfect spread at home. And it’s food you can feel good about — offerings are sourced from local farms and food artisans.
Details: Visit in-person to pick out provisions and select a handmade charcuterie platter.
The Fresh Market
4207 Providence Road, 1408 East Blvd., 7625 Pineville-Matthews Road
The meal: The Fresh Market will offer all-in-one meals to grill for Father’s Day. Each ready-to-cook meal serves four, and options include the Tomahawk Meal (two Tomahawk steaks, vegetable kabobs, shrimp cocktail tray, smoky mozzarella pasta salad, chocolate fudge pie) for $99.99 or the Ultimate Kabob Meal (steak or salmon skewers, loaded twice-baked potatoes, rustic apple tart, and Talenti Tahitian vanilla bean gelato) for $49.99.
Details: Meals can be ordered online now through 2 p.m. on June 15 for in-store pickup from June 18-20.
Noble Smoke
2216 Freedom Drive
The meal: Noble Smoke is offering a Father’s Day Barbecue Package so you can enjoy a family feast. The package includes 1.5 pounds of Creekstone Farms brisket, 1.5 pounds of Cheshire pork, a quart of mac and cheese, a quart of green beans and a bottle of Noble Smoke’s Lex and Smoke sauces for $150.
Details: Order online for pickup June 18-20.
This story was originally published June 8, 2021 at 6:30 AM.
