Father’s day is quickly approaching, and in Athens, there are options for all the dads. While gifts and activities add to the day, recognizing the love and dedication a father has is at the core of the holiday. Make him feel extra special with a gift or activity that truly encompasses what he enjoys. We know all dads are different so take a look at our variety of Athens ideas below!
Georgia Bulldog lover? Grab him some Georgia Dad merch from the UGA Bookstore or any of the local Georgia gear stores downtown! Looking for something a bit classier? Onward Reserve has belts with the Georgia logo, National Championship polos, and fun Bulldog socks.
3. For the Adventurous Dad
Take your dad on an adventure by kayaking or tubing down the Middle Oconee River with Big Dogs on the River. You can also visit Sandy Creek Park for an all day adventure with hiking trails, picnic tables, playgrounds, and Athens’ only beach. You can also take a walk or bike the different trails of the Oconee Rivers Greenway. Milledge Avenue Extension is a ¼ mile paved trail, best for beginners or anyone looking for a short hike. Cooks Trail is the longest path at 4.1 miles, ready to be tackled by hiking enthusiasts. Or for a more relaxing afternoon, visit the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Any outdoor activity can of course be paired with a picnic lunch and an afternoon nap to cap off the day.
Dads who want to keep their style game up to par with today’s modern fashion can find it all in Athens. Buy the perfect gift at a store like Kempt that has new modern accessories to keep dad up with the trends. Empire South has a wide variety of men’s clothing from shorts or swim trunks to polos and t-shirts. High Country has styles for an outdoor adventurer that will keep dad looking good on hikes, runs, or other outdoor activities.
4. For the Music Lover
The weekend after Father’s Day is Athfest, a local music festival in the streets and venues of downtown Athens. Tickets to a show during the festival could be right up his alley! You can also check out the calendar of events at the Georgia Theatre, Live Wire, and 40 Watt to find tickets to an artist you know he’ll love for the perfect Father’s Day gift.
5. For the Dad with an Artistic side
Does Dad have an artistic side? Take a class at ARTini's Art Lounge for a fun day of painting. With their guided classes, ARTini's welcomes all skill levels. You can even enjoy a nice glass of wine or a cold beer while you paint! You can also make a pottery creation at Good Dirt Clay Studio in their “Try Clay” classes for the full pottery experience. If he’s more of a hands-off art lover, visit the Georgia Museum of Art to enjoy their permanent collection and their temporary exhibitions.
You can never go wrong with food! Athens has countless options when it comes to dining! You can take your father to a new restaurant in town like Bruxie, an Athens staple like Trappeze Pub, or if dad loves a more traditional meal, The Last Resort Grill or The Place are spot-on. After dinner, enjoy a delicious dessert place, like Crumbl Cookies, or stop by an old favorite such as Condor Chocolates.
7. For the Beer Lovin' Dad
