Celebrate Father’s Day the Charlotte Way
Shower your father, grandfather or father figure with local gifts and experiences this Father’s Day.
by Callie Langhorne Jun 12, 2020
Looking for that perfect gift or ideal outing to celebrate your pops? From gifts to golf courses we’ve got you covered with plenty of ideas for dads with a wide range of interests. Check out these local hot spots to plan a day devoted to dad.
Gifts for Dad
Is your dad’s love language gifts? There are spectacular shops and brands around Charlotte with unique options. Not sure where to start? How about...
Bold Music Lessons
Phone: 980.224.2636
Neighborhood: Closeburn - Glenkirk
Bold Music Lessons was created out of a simple vision to reinvent music education in the Charlotte region and since 2013, they’ve been doing just that. The team offers private music lessons, preschool music enrichment programs, performance opportunities and summer camps for students of all ages, skill levels and backgrounds.
For the musically talented dad, how about a handful of music lessons? Now with virtual options, Bold Music has over 300 teachers who can help your father pick up the guitar, play the piano or even tune his own wind pipes.
The Buttercup
Phone: 704.333.0544
Neighborhood: Myers Park
Founded in 1975, The Buttercup is considered a Charlotte treasure featuring a special collection of items for gift giving and entertaining. The shop is open Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For the dad who seems to have it all, check out their selection online “for him” that includes options from bow-ties to barbecue sets for gifts he can use forever.
Cut Shop Serve
Phone: 336.287.1274
Neighborhood: Online
Cut Chop Serve combines classic techniques, modern methods, reclaimed wood and recycled materials to create functional artwork in the form of custom woodwork and furniture. From cheese boards to custom tables to wall art, their owner David Rudel tackles every project with an artistic and creative vigor.
For the dad who loves spending time in the kitchen, a special cutting board from Cut Shop Serve might just be the winning ticket. Check out the Panther Blue “River Board” – available online.
Johnny Fly
Phone: 704.910.0057
Neighborhood: NoDa
Johnny Fly is a Charlotte born and based fashion brand with a focus on sustainability. They create one of a kind eyewear and sunglasses featuring wood and cotton acetate and also create chemical free leather bags.
For the trendy dad, this brand is one to check out. From eyewear to leather goods you can’t go wrong.
Public Interest CLT
Online
Known as a “source for dope vintage nostalgia,” Public Interest CLT offers a large selection of graphic T-shirts with themes of all kinds. From music themed shirts to NFL apparel, they have the perfect “T” for dads with all different tastes.
For the dad still living in the 90s, how about a Vintage 90s Charlotte Hornets Starter Brand Shirt? This can get your dad excited for the future NBA season.
Roots Café
Phone: 980.260.3111
Neighborhood: South End
This café staple in Charlotte offers delicious meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner with products from Queen City farms. Owner and chef Craig Barbour created the restaurant for everyone to enjoy – from a beer connoisseur to the ultimate foodie.
For the foodie dad, a “Dad Pack” from Roots is perfect. All items are packed in a cooler from The Dunstan Group and include: sunglasses from Johnny Fly, an etched rocks glass and cocktail card from Doc Porter’s Distillery, spice rub from Savory Spice, cold brew coffee from Enderly Coffee Co., two 8 oz. dry aged steaks, two marinades from Roots Catering, two distillery tour tickets from Southern Grace Distilleries, mystery craft beer from a local brewery, and a Father's Day card from Roots Cafe. Did we mention it’s only $99?
Velocity Style Boutique
Phone: 704.549.8853
Neighborhood: University City
Velocity Style Boutique, Charlotte’s premier sneaker boutique, offers unique urban footwear, apparel and accessories for the style connoisseur. The team has cutting-edge styles from up-and-coming labels and designers, as well as limited-edition style from all the major brands.
For the dad with serious style, Velocity is the place to go. They cater to clients that are in search of sleek, fashion-forward styles that allow them to be different while staying true to their love of hip-hop and urban culture. A pair of Puma Easy Riders or the G-Star Slim Shirt are top recommendations.
Experiences Fathers Will Love
For the father figure who can’t sit still, how about planning an outing for Father’s Day? From classics like visiting the U.S. National Whitewater Center to more personalized options like a picnic catered by your dad’s favorite barbecue restaurant, there is something for everyone.
Day Trip to Davidson
Davidson is a charming, Southern college town located just about 20 miles from Charlotte,. Established in 1837, the main street of Davidson offers a variety of shops, restaurants, wide sidewalks and public library. Explore more than 12 miles of greenways and bike lanes, parks, national arboretum, farmers’ market and beautiful flowers throughout town.
For the day-trip dad, start off with a hot coffee from Summit Coffee on South Main Street. Then, take dad on a stroll around the campus at Davidson College, ranked one of the nation’s best liberal arts colleges. Stop by Davidson Ice House for lunch and order The Brulé Bowl made with grilled chicken, slaw, caramelized onions, black beans and fire cracker pimento cheese.
Golf at The Golf Club at Ballantyne
The Golf Club at Ballantyne is a public PGA golf course offering daily tee times, golf outings and golf tournaments, overnight golf packages as well as golf lessons. Featuring a practice area, Golf Pro Shop, golf outing pavilion and the renowned Ballantyne Golf Academy, The Golf Club is dedicated to delivering the region’s best service and top quality golf course facilities at The Ballantyne Hotel just outside of Charlotte proper.
For the golfer dad, what better way to celebrate than taking a golf cart ride while with pops while he practices his game?
Hike Kings Mountain
Kings Mountain, a National Military Park, is only a short drive from Charlotte, and offers beautiful views once you reach the top. With a number of trails available to follow with varying difficulties and distances, there’s a hike for all skill levels.
For the outdoorsy dad, he’ll love taking a hike up Kings Mountain. It’s beautiful this time of year – just be sure to pack an extra water bottle and maybe a few snacks. Take a picture at the top to make the experience that much more memorable.
Take a Stroll Through Marshall Park
Marshall Park is a 6.5-acre urban park at 800 E. Third St. in the Second Ward of the Queen City. It not only features a great view of Uptown, but also a large fountain, lake and an amphitheater.
For the history buff dad, your pops can learn all about how the property was cleared by urban renewal in the early 1970s, and observe the Martin Luther King memorial statue and the Holocaust memorial monument.
Throw a Backyard Barbecue
Since large gatherings are still not on the table, how about a small intimate backyard barbecue for dad? Let your father figure have the night off from the grill and call ahead to Midwood Smokehouse or Noble Smoke instead.
For the foodie dad, order take-out from your dad’s favorite spot and have a backyard barbecue. Midwood Smokehouse is even offering a Party Pack with two meats, two sides, slider buns and sauces. Family, friends and ribs – what more could he need?
Visit the U.S. National Whitewater Center
Since 2001, the U.S. National Whitewater Center has been creating opportunities to bring people together outdoors. The center is designed and operated as an outdoor center offering over 30 different recreational activities, all focused on supporting an all-encompassing experience around the outdoor lifestyle.
For the adventure dad, the outdoor facility has every activity imaginable. Head to the lake to paddle board or try the rock climbing wall but be patient, they’re having to limit their capacity due to COVID-19.
