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Try these fun things with dear ol' Dad
Breweries, golf and gun ranges offer wide range of fun for Father's Day
0608Boating2
Boaters wait for fireworks to begin at laurel Park on lake Lanier.

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