Father’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s time to start making plans. Give dad what he really wants this year with an experience the whole family can enjoy together. Forget the lawnmowers and grilling tools; here are five great things to do in Boston for Father’s Day 2019.
Enjoy a Day on the Water
If your dad is into spending time by the ocean, look no further than these great boating excursions for Father’s Day. Bonus points if you manage to snag a spot on a booze cruise! Both Spirit of Boston and Odyssey cruises are offering lunch and dinner events specifically for Father’s Day (Spirit from $65, spiritcruises.com; Odyssey from $60, odysseycruises.com). In addition to delicious meals, guests can also expect cocktails, musical entertainment and incredible views of the Boston skyline. If you prefer to get out of the city, head south to Newport for a more intimate experience. Sailing Excursions offers several trips throughout the weekend aboard the Schooner Adirondack II that dad is sure to love. Take in the old-school beauty of Newport during the morning mimosa and afternoon trips, or watch the sunset with a drink aboard the Dark and Stormy Cocktail sail (From $28, 23 Bowens Wharf, Newport, R.I., sail-newport.com).
Check Out Some Classic Cars
The 25th Annual Hyannis Father’s Day Car Show is a must-see for any auto-obsessed dad. Main Street is closed to traffic for the event, but the restaurants and shops in the area will be open as usual, providing other options for family members who might not share your father’s enthusiasm for classic cars. There’s also a large craft fair on the village green, live music and food trucks aplenty—plus, there are several beaches just minutes away for a relaxing end to day (Main Street, Hyannis, hyannis.com). If you’re looking for a more curated experience, the Newport Car Museum’s private collection features over 70 vintage cars spanning seven decades. With several separate specialized exhibits, dad will be entertained for hours (1847 West Main Rd., Portsmouth, R.I., newportcarmuseum.org).
Whiskey and Wines
For the dad who prefers his liquor cabinet over his cars, Abe & Louie’s Whiskeys of the World event is the place to be. The Boylston Street steak house will serve their signature steaks all weekend, and guests can wash them down with selections from wine and beverage manager and head sommelier Ben Appleby, who’s curating a special list of rare whiskeys from around the world (793 Boylston St., Boston, abeandlouies.com). Parker’s Restaurant at the Omni Hotel is also offering a Father’s Day whiskey pairing (Omni Parker House, 60 School St., Boston. omnihotels.com). For the dad who prefers wine to whiskey, check out Nashoba Winery in Bolton. Their special “Smokehouse”-themed Father’s Day Brunch is sure to be a hit. Make a day of it and take in the view of the orchards on the lawn to live music from James Keyes from 1-4 p.m., or enjoy a tour of the winery or the newly-renovated brewery. The brunch also includes a wine tasting, featuring six different wines and commemorative glasses ($59 per person over 16, 100 Wattaquadock Hill Rd., Bolton, Mass., nashobawinery.com).
The Classic Father’s Day Dinner
Taking dad out to a special (and delicious) dinner is always a safe bet when it comes to Father’s Day. Smith & Wollensky’s is the perfect place to take him for a memory and a meal he’ll never forget. If he’s into steaks, build up your appetite and order up the 44-oz. Snake River Farms tomahawk ribeye for two, sliced right at your table (smithandwollensky.com). Another slightly more casual option for the meat-lover is the Father’s Day BBQ by The Yard at The Liberty Hotel. Featuring CLINK’s raw bar and a large variety of meats and artisan side dishes from executive chef Daniel Kenney, as well as live music, craft cocktails, fine wines and beer, plus a special gift for dad, you can’t miss this event (Tickets from $40, 215 Charles St., Boston, libertyhotel.com).
Brunch with Dad
If dad just isn’t that much of a carnivore, or maybe he’s more of a morning person, Strip by Strega is offering a three-course Father’s Day brunch with several options to choose from. The lobster bisque or pan-seared salmon make great options for the seafood lover. Finish off your meal with the Strega Signature Cake, a divine confection made with dolce de leche and chocolate that’s sure to satisfy any dad’s sweet tooth ($59, 64 Arlington St., Boston, stripbystregaboston.com). Davio’s in Park Square is another great brunch spot, and has an a la carte brunch menu which features several delicious Italian-inspired breakfast and lunch options, from the country-egg frittata to their hand-rolled potato gnocchi in white truffle sauce. Don’t forget the mimosas (Prices a la carte, 75 Arlington St., Boston, davios.com)!
Photography by: Photo by Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group
