1. For the UGA Dad
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.
2. For the Stylish Dad
Dads who want to keep their style game up to par with today’s modern fashion can find it all in Athens. To get the perfect gift, stores like Kempt have new modern accessories to keep dad up on the trends. Empire South has a wide variety of men’s clothing from new shorts or swim trunks to polos and t-shirts. High Country has styles for an outdoor explorer that will keep dad looking good on hikes, runs or other outdoor activities.
3. For the Adventurous Dad
Kayak or tube down the Middle Oconee River with Big Dogs on the River. Check out their booking system here. Sandy Creek Park is a great place for an all day adventure with hiking trails, picnic tables, playgrounds and Athens’ only beach. You can always take a walk or bike down the different trails of the North Oconee River Greenway. Milledge Avenue Extension is a short ¼ mile paved path, best for beginners or anyone looking for a quicker path. Cooks Trail is by far the farthest path at 4.1 miles, ready to be tackled by hiking enthusiasts. This trail also connects through Sandy Creek Park! Anything outdoors could of course be paired with a picnic lunch and an afternoon nap to cap off the day.
4. For the Music Lover
The weekend after Father’s Day is Athfest, a local Athens music festival in the streets and venues downtown. Tickets to a show during the festival could be right up his alley, or you can see the calendar of events at the Georgia Theatre, Live Wire and 40 Watt to find an artist you think he’ll love and give him the tickets on Father’s Day.
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 works with all skill levels. You can even enjoy a nice glass of wine or a cold beer while you paint! 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 study the artistic vision of others' work as they have exhibits that change year round and online exhibitions if you can’t make it in person to the museum.
6. For the Foodie
Food! Athens has so many options when it comes to dining! You can take your father to a new restaurant in Athens like Gusto or Farm Burger, but if dad loves a more traditional meal, The Last Resort Grill or The Place are spot-on. After dinner, enjoy a new dessert place, like Crumbl Cookies, or stop by an old favorite such as Condor Chocolates.
8. For the Beer Lovin' Dad
Grab dad some beer from his favorite local brewery or spend the day wondering down the Athens Beer Trail! Athens has six local breweries: Terrapin Beer Co, Athentic Brewing Company, Akademia Brewing Company, Creature Comforts Brewing Co., Normaltown Brewing Co. and Southern Brewing Company. At any of the breweries you can get an Athens Beer Trail passport to get stamped at each spot. When you get all six, take it to the Athens Welcome Center for a free beer glass! Can’t make it to the brewery? Grab him a pint glass or t-shirt from one of the breweries or Five Points Bottle Shop to rep his favorite!
