Most fathers like gifts. And they probably would like a card. But we’d bet they would especially like some quality time this Father’s Day. If you’re scratching your head about what to do, here are a few ideas. Oh, and the holiday is June 18, if you were wondering.
Drink beer
Sure, you can sit at home and sip a cold one. Or, you can visit the local brewery. Left Nut Brewing Company will have something special on tap. Plus they’ll have yoga at noon, if your dad’s into that, a cornhole tournament and new Brazilian food truck, Oba!. Of course there are also growlers places where you can hang out. Downtown Drafts is located on the Gainesville square and is open on Sundays.
Left Nut Brewing Company
Where: 2100 Atlanta Highway, Gainesville
When: 1-6 p.m.
How much: $15 at the door
More info: www.leftnutbrewing.com
Downtown Drafts
Where: 115 Bradford St. SE
When: 12:30-7 p.m.
More info: 678-943-2165
Boat
Take advantage of this holiday being in June and hit the water. Don’t have your own boat? You can always rent. Take a big family on a pontoon boat or get some speed in a bowrider. They’ll give you a map of Lanier, you bring your dad, cooler full of drinks and snacks, sunscreen and towels. You’ll be required to watch a safety video, but to be even more prepared, visit www.georgiawildlife.org/boating to learn the rules of the water.
Aqua Sports Adventures
They’ve got a selection of watercraft including Waverunners, deck boats, runabouts and pontoons.
Where: Holiday Marina, 6900 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford
How much: Starting at $275
Safety: Go to www.aquasportsadventures.com/booking/index.php/safety/ to view the safety video
More info: 770-932-3366, booking@aquasportsaentures.com, www.aquasportsadventures.com
Gainesville Marina
Rent a pontoon or a tritoon and you can tube or ski from it, believe it or not.
Where: 2145 Dawsonville Highway, Gainesville
How much: $350-440 for all day; mention this article and you’ll get 10 percent off
Safety: View the safety video at the marina before you hit the water
More info: 770-536-2171
Fire guns
Whether you’re sharp shooting or spraying and praying, Father’s Day is a perfect time to let dad show off his handgun collection.
Trigger Time Indoor Gun Range
You can bring your own handguns and ammunition and only pay for a lane or rent from the business at this Flowery Branch handgun range.
Where: 7429 Spout Springs Road #101
How much: $20 for two people per lane, handguns and ammunition available for rent.
More info: www.triggertime.org, 770-967-4444
Zip line
If your dad’s the adventurous type, try zip lining. You’ll be hooked onto the lines and zip through the trees with a group. There are a few places in North Georgia you can try, though be sure you know the weight limits.
North Georgia Canopy Tours
You can select the longer adventure tour, which zips over three ponds in this pastoral Lula setting, or the shorter Sky Bridge Tour.
Where: 5290 Harris Road, Lula
How much: $69-85
More info: www.northgeorgiacanopytours.com, 770-869-7272
Lake Lanier Canopy Tours
A wide varieties of tours are offered along the lake’s shores.
Where: 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford
How much: $40-100
More info: www.lakelaniercanopytours.com, 678-622-3990
Swing a club
If you and Dad are into golf, you likely will be parked in front of the TV watching the world’s best players compete in the final round of the U.S. Open. But if you want to hit a few around yourself, there are plenty of courses nearby. In most cases, best to call ahead for a tee time on weekends.
Achasta Golf Club
639 Birch River Drive, Dahlonega, 706-867-7900, www.achasta.com. Semi-private. Gold, 6,967 yards; Blue, 6,434; Birch, 6,034; White, 5,799; Red 4,986.
Apple Mountain Resort
901 Rock Ford Creek Road, Clarkesville, 706-754-2255, www.applemountaingolfga.com. Blue, 6,428; White, 5,902; Gold, 5,105; Red, 5,003.
Brasstown Valley Resort
6321 U.S. Highway 76, Young Harris, 706-379-4614, www.brasstownvalley.com/golf. Gold, 7,047; Teal, 6,593; White, 6,011; Red 5,028.
Butternut Creek Golf Course
129 Union County Recreation Road, Blairsville, 706-439-6076, www.butternutcreekgolf.com. Gold, 6,492; Blue, 5,960; White, 5,351, Green, 4,632, Red, 4,426.
Chattahoochee Golf Club
301 Tommy Aaron Drive, Gainesville, 770-532-0066, www.gainesville.org/chattahoochee-golf-course. Championship, 6,740; Forward, 4,825; Middle, 6,041; Other, 5,600.
Chateau Elan
100 Rue Charlemagne, Braselton, 678-425-6050, www.chateauelan.com. Two 18-hole public courses, one 9-hole public course. Chateau course, Gold 7,030; Green, 6,484; White, 5,900; Burgundy 5,092. Woodlands Course, Gold, 6,735; Green, 6,355; White, 5,927 Burgundy, 4,850.
Chestatee Golf Club
777 Dogwood Trail, Dawsonville, 800-520-8675, www.chestateegolfclub.com. (Par 71). Black, 6,651; Blue, 6,249 yards; Member, 6,084; White, 5,892; Gold, 5,438; Gold (W), 5,438; Red (W), 4,786
Chicopee Woods
2515 Atlanta Highway, Gainesville, 770-534-7322, www.chicopeewoodsgolfcourse.com. School course, Gold, 7,040; Blue, 6,606; White, 6,050; Red, 5,001. Village course, Gold, 7,008; Blue, 6,559; White, 6,052; Red, 4,888; Mill course, Gold, 6,296; Blue, 6,509; White, 6.002; Red, 4,913.
Innsbruck Golf Club of Helen
664 Bahn Innsbruck, Helen, 800-642-2709, www.innsbruckgolfclub.com. Blue 6,502; White, 5,991; Gold, 5,472; Red, 4,725.
Legacy Golf Club
7000 Holiday Road, Lake Lanier Islands, 678-318-7861, www.lanierislandsgolf.com. Black 6,580; Blue, 6,193; White, 5,706; Red, 4,852.
Mossy Creek Golf Course
7883 Ga. 254, 30528, 706-865-2277. (Par 70): Blue, 5,981; White, 5,609; Gold, 4,709; Red: 4,412. www.mossycreekgc.com
Reunion Golf Club
5609 Grand Reunion Drive, Hoschton, 770-967-8300, www.reuniongolfclub.com. Championship, 6,936; Medal, 6,602; Match, 6,003; Forward, 5,006.
Royal Lakes Golf and Country Club
4700 Royal Lakes Drive, Flowery Branch, 770-535-8800, www.royallakesgolfcc.com. Semi-private. Blue, 6,615; White, 6,210; Golf, 5,810; Silver, 5,340; Red, 4,790