Father's Day is a holiday, so don't let him off with an afternoon on the couch watching reruns. Get him out of the house with one of these carefully chosen, man-approved excursions.
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1Wine and Beer Experiences Nationwide
"Beer tourism" is a relatively new term coined to describe the act of jaunting to a brew mecca to immerse oneself in the local craft beer or wine making culture. It doesn't matter whether Dad is strict American lager drinker or a fully certified Beer Steward; no one says no to free alcohol. So give good taste by taking advantage of a certificate redeemable for Wine and Beer Experiences Nationwide. Simply select the area of the country in which Dad lives or will soon be visiting, and then pick from the array of available breweries and vineyards. After a guided tour and tasting, a glass will be raised in your honor for this novel gift. -
2Indy Car Driving Experience
After years of rush hour traffic and family road trips, punching an engine up to 145 MPH can feel transformative. The Indy Car Driving Experience gives Dad a chance to loosen the shackles of speed limits and inferior engineering to spend the day grappling with the raw power of a formula one racer. Experienced drivers offer an orientation on how to respect the machine and how to push it to its limits. The remainder of the three hours are spent screaming around a regulation track in one of ten cities. The old minivan will never feel the same. -
3St. Paul Extreme Sandbox Experience
When Dad became a man, he had to put away childish things. If he stares a little too longingly at the kids' Tonka trucks, he'll be thrilled to get a crack at the St. Paul Extreme Sandbox Experience. A ten-acre plot filled with dirt and rocks allow patrons to set their inner child free as they operate heavy equipment such as a bulldozer, an excavator, or a skid steer. All of the "toys" have climate controlled cabins to keep the play from feeling too much like work. All training and safety equipment are included. -
4Nationwide Hang Gliding or Paragliding Experience[
Maybe Dad wants to try something daring after the kids are grown, or maybe he wants to show the young ones how to embrace adventure! The Nationwide Hang Gliding or Paragliding Experience lets him catch some air no matter where he is. Dad can let a trained pilot take the reins as he takes in the vistas or opt for classes to learn the art of flying solo. He'll change his perspective once he sees the world from above. -
5Pocono Raceway Driving Experience
Sure, go-karts are fun. But what do you do when you want to take it to the next level? If Dad is tired of dominating on the miniature track, he'll be ready to move up to the 600-hp NASCAR beasts at the Pocono Raceway Driving Experience. The guided tour and class prepares racers to barrel down the 2.5-mile Super Speedway for 8 laps behind a pace car that increases the MPH with each succeeding circuit. When the race is over, participants are given an official Certificate of Achievement to commemorate the day. -
6Fishing Experience
Fishing teaches patience as casters realize that for every one that gets away, another comes along. But don't let this gift pass you by - a fly fishing experience is the perfect relaxing vacation. Dad can tie his lures and toss his bait in any one of 16 locations across the country, taking in the natural beauty of America's liveliest streams and lakes. From private waterways and chartered boats to tours and lessons, a variety of experiences await both novice and experienced fishermen. -
7St. Croix River Casino Brunch Cruise Experience Gift
Dad always knew when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em, so don't walk away or run from the gift of an exciting day of gambling on the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers. A sumptuous breakfast jackpot starts the morning off with a win as a sightseeing cruise wends its way through eastern Minnesota towards the Treasure Island Casino. After docking, visitors enjoy four hours of trying their luck at games of chance as well as other activities in the casino's various bars and show rooms. Treasure Island provides transportation back to the dock of departure on board a luxury coach. -
8Songwriting Experience
Everyone has at least one hit inside of them, though not many go searching for it. Give Dad a shot at a dream by offering him the Songwriting Experience of a lifetime. Musical knowledge is not required; longtime songstress Meaghan McElderry will spend some time discussing lyric ideas and interpreting odd hums into enchanting melodies. The meeting can be conducted in person or via electronic means such as e-mail or Skype so that busy schedules are never a problem. The fruit of these labors comes as a unique and personal mp3 file of the finished song that is compatible with any media player -
9Chicago Skyline Tall Ship Sail for Two Experience
Pirates are long gone from Lake Michigan, but the swashbuckling spirit lives on in the Second City. The Chicago Skyline Tall Ship Sail for Two Experience invites mateys and scalawags alike to step aboard the tall ship WINDY. The 148-foot vessel is a modern take on the old design, sporting four masts with riggings that the sailors will teach guests how to raise and lower. Dad can spend a breathtaking afternoon on Chicago's official Tall Ship Ambassador as the crew sets sail to wherever the wind lists. But don't let Dad wear the eye patch while driving home. -
10Atlanta Civil Rights History Tour
There is history around every corner in the long-lived city of Atlanta, Georgia. Take a trip through important highlights of the past with the Atlanta Civil Rights History Tour. The journey begins on Auburn Avenue where a knowledgeable guide will talk about the churches and institutions that propelled the Civil Rights Movement. Learn about humanitarian and leader Dr. Martin Luther King by visiting the sites that played major roles in his life, from his boyhood home, to his home church, and to his tomb. Spend an inspiring three and a half hours strolling through the tragedies and the triumphs of America's past.
