It’s that time of year–the time to celebrate dads and all the wonderful things they do for us. So instead of the usual tie or coffee mug let’s think outside of the box for a fun and unique gift he will enjoy.
Food and Beverage
We are very lucky on the Central Coast to have some wonderful companies that have excellent meat varieties and choices. From delicious marinated tri-tip, sausages of all varieties, and cold cuts of the highest kind, you can find it all from local businesses.
- Freedom Meat Locker in Watsonville provides a fantastic butchery and deli that boasts award-winning meat. The sandwiches from the deli make a great picnic food. Find them at freedommeatlockers.com.
- Corralitos Meat Market also has a great butchery and grocery store. Their sausage cannot be beaten! They ship boxes all over the country, too. Find them at corralitosmarketsausagecompany.com.
- The Meatery in Seaside is a fine butchery and deli that has both a cold case and hot food available. Their pop-up nights require tickets but are definitely worth it. I highly recommend the ribs. Find them at themeatery.us.
- As for beverages, there are many choices from award-winning wineries and breweries to tap houses and tasting rooms. Why not make an experience out of it?
- Anatum Winery is nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains outside of Watsonville. It boasts both a wonderful variety of wine and a beautiful setting. They also have a wine club that would be a fantastic gift! Find them at anatumwines.com.
- Seabright Brewery is a Santa Cruz institution. Get a growler to go or sit on the patio and enjoy good food and brews. Find them at seabrightbrewery.com
- If dad is an adventurous guy, get him a home brew kit where he can make his own brew! 52brews.com provides a list of the best home kits that can be purchased.
Subscriptions
With so many new subscription services popping up, you’re sure to find something that is perfect plus dad will be able to enjoy it all year.
- Audible by Amazon is perfect for dads on the go. This audiobook service is $14.95 a month and has thousands of options. Find it at audible.com.
- Coffee and a Classic is a monthly service that sends its readers not only a classic book each month but also coffee to enjoy it with. Find it at coffeeandaclassic.com
- If dad is a podcast listener visit patreon.com, where for a monthly fee (each podcast is different) they will be able to receive additional content from the podcast.
- Spotify is a great service to subscribe to because it has both podcasts and music to stream. The fee is $9.99 a month and it can be found at spotify.com.
- Harry’s provides shaving, grooming, and other personal hygiene products at affordable prices that can be delivered to your door each month. Find it at harrys.com.
Experiences
My favorite thing to do on Father’s Day is to share in an experience together. The Monterey Bay provides so many opportunities to create memories in unique ways.
- Whale Watching: Monterey, Moss Landing, and Santa Cruz all have whale watching expeditions leaving daily
- Kayaking/Paddle Boarding: there are many places to participate in these fun activities. Whether it be on the ocean, slough, or harbor, get out in the sunshine.
- Glass bottom boat: Little Mermaid Glass Bottom Boat leaves from Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf and is perfect for a short activity. Contact them at (831) 372-7151.
- Hikes: There are many national and state parks in our area to explore. For ideas of where to go visit findyourpark.com
- Golf: Does dad like to hit the links? Almost every city on the Monterey Bay has a golf course. Send dad to one he has never been to before!
- Racing: For a once in a lifetime opportunity you can send dad out to Laguna Seca for the day at Skip Barber Racing School to try his hand at the wheel. Find info at skipbarber.com. If he’s more of a spectator go to weathertechraceway.com for a list of events at Laguna Seca.
- Rodeo: The historic California Rodeo Salinas is July 18-21, 2019. Get dad tickets to bull riding, bronco riding, barrel racing, or the Tim McGraw concert. Tickets for all events are available at carodeo.com