Father’s Day Gainesville 2021
With a closet full of ties and a shed full of tools, dads can be difficult to shop for. Fortunately, Greater Gainesville is full of interesting gems sure to deliver dad the perfect gift or experience this Father’s Day.
Axe throwing | The Hatchetbury
Dad has always been Thor in your eyes, but now he can truly embody the axe-wielding hero you always saw him as. The Hatchetbury is a truly unique experience where family and friends can take to a lane and throw axes at wooden targets. Before being handed a very large, sharp object, on-site “ax-perts” go over Axe-Throwing 101 and the safety rules. Beer, wine and hard seltzers are available at the bar. Pricing starts at $24.95 per person for one hour, and gift cards are available.
The Hatchetbury is located at 213 Northwest 8th Ave. For information or reservations, visit thehatchetbury.com.
Kayaking | Santa Fe River
What better way to bond with dad than by venturing out into mother nature? This Father’s Day, pack a picnic and grab a kayak from one of the canoe and kayak rentals in High Springs. While cruising down the Santa Fe River, pull off into one of the many springs to take a break and cool off. After a day of paddling, stop in downtown High Springs at The Great Outdoors to enjoy a refreshing beverage.
Be sure to call ahead to reserve.
Whiskey Tasting | Mojos Barb-B-Que
Show dad you appreciate him as much as he appreciates a nice whiskey. Located downtown, Mojos Bar-B-Que boasts an impressive whiskey collection. Can’t choose one? Order a flight to sample four at a discounted price.
Mojos Bar-B-Que is located at 12 Southeast 2nd Ave., Gainesville.
Race Car Experience | The FIRM
Does dad have a need for speed he can’t seem to satisfy on Interstate 75? Take him to The Florida International Rally and Motorsport Park for a half or full day of adrenaline and horsepower. The FIRM invites drivers of any skill level to bring their own hot rod to Open Track Days and soar through the 1.6-mile track. Pricing starts at $250, and instructors are onsite to ensure safety.
The FIRM is located at the Keystone Heights Airport, at 7266 Airport Road in Starke.
CBD products | Southern Sun
Between building a treehouse and fixing all the things around the house, Dad has worked hard over the years and accumulated the aches and pains to prove it. In recent years, people have discovered some of the benefits of CBD oils, lotions, drops and more. Remedy some of those sore muscles and inflammation with CBD Cooling Rub or all-natural, TCH-free CBD gummies. Southern Sun offers a unique collection of natural alternatives grown and produced in Greater Gainesville.
Southern Sun attends several of Greater Gainesville’s weekly farmers markets, setting up shop at Cypress and Grove on Mondays, at One Love on Wednesdays and at Haile Village on Saturdays. To purchase online, visit southernsuncbd.com and use the Father’s Day coupon code FATHER20 for 20% off and free shipping.
Mani-pedi |Enso A Healthier Nail Boutique
Soften up those working-man’s callouses –– both on his hands and feet –– and send dad off on a day of pampering. Gone are the days when only women can appreciate a good manicure and pedicure. Enso A Healthier Nail Boutique provides a relaxing and unique experience and uses natural and often house-made products, which are much kinder to patrons and the environment. The aroma of diffused essential oils greets guests instead of toxic fumes and a complimentary glass of wine or mimosa further enhances the experience.
To make reservations or purchase a gift card, visit ensotioga.com.
Cuban cigar | Havana’s Wine and Cigar Lounge
Whether your dad is a cigar aficionado or likes to indulge for special occasion, like the day you were born, Havana’s Cigar Wine and Cigar Lounge has a selection of more than 60 cigars. The shop is open from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday and is located downtown across from the Hippodrome at 116 Southeast 1st St., Gainesville.
Beer hobbyist equipment | Hoggetown Ale Works
Turn dad’s favorite beer into a hobby at Hoggetowne Ale Works, which has all the supplies for first-time and experienced brewers. Get dad a beginners’ starter kit and let him try his hand at the craft –– but remember, you may be the guinea pig. Basic brew kits start at $50 and provide all the necessities to get started on his new hobby.
Dads are notorious for not reading the directions, so set him up with a beer-brewing class with one of the experienced brewmasters. Classes are taught on an on-demand basis, so call to schedule ahead of time. Course prices vary depending on the cost of ingredients and the complexity of the recipe, and instruction is free.
Hoggetown Ale Works is located at 3735 West University Ave., Gainesville. For information, visit bit.ly/3pVCVQx.
Written by: Laura Parrinello