Give dad a day to remember
By: Tiffany Maleshefski
Special to The Examiner
June 19, 2009
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| (Examiner File Photo) |
SAN FRANCISCO —
If you’re like many children, you’ve already bought dad every book he is ever going to read, every tool he could possibly need and every piece of sports paraphernalia ever produced for his favorite team. So ditch the material goods and give dad an awesome, unforgettable experience in — or around — our fair city. The memories won’t wind up somewhere in the garage — or worse, on eBay.
BEHIND THE BAR
Got a dad who loves nothing better than a fine cocktail in his hand?
Invite him on a tour of St. George Spirits distillery in Alameda, which produces, among other things, Hangar One vodka. Tours are 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. This Saturday is the distillery’s annual Summer Open House, which celebrates the seasonal release of Hangar One’s Fraser River Raspberry Vodka. Entry includes three cocktail tasters, food, live music, shuttle service and more. Tickets are $35 in advance, $45 at the door. Call (510) 864-0635 to reserve.
On another note, there’s City Beer Store, at 1168 Folsom St., in SoMa. The store offers more than 300 specialty beers; you can mix and match your own six-pack. You can also knock back a few right there, and munch on yummy edibles. For details, call (415) 503-1033 or visit www.citybeerstore.com.
THE ADVENTURER
If you’ve always cherished dad’s spirit of adventure, treat him to a day at the Mission Cliffs Rock Climbing Center, 2295 Harrison St. For pros, the center offers lead climbing and bouldering. But the center also offers an introductory class. This might be the time to embark on a new hobby together. All the equipment you’ll need is available for rental. For details, call (415) 550-0515 or visit www.touchstoneclimbing.com.
If dad loves a good adrenaline rush, get him a ticket on the Rocket Boat, a 44-knot, 30-minute ride on a 70-foot speedboat in the San Francisco Bay that zips past sea lions, AT&T Park, the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz and Treasure Island. The Rocket Boat departs from Pier 39; advance reservations are required. Call (888) 478-1465 or visit www.sanfranciscotours.us.
For speed on the ground, dad might find some thrills at GoKart Racer in Burlingame, where he can drive a high-caliber racing machine on a European-designed road course. Suits, helmets and instruction are provided. For information, call (650) 692-7223 or visit www.gokartracer.com.
SCENE STEALER
Perhaps dad has always been the kind of guy who loves to take in a beautiful view. Here’s your chance to show him a stunning vista as you ride off together into The City’s sunset. Mar Vista Stable in Daly City offers 60- and 90-minute horseback rides along Ocean Beach. No reservations are required, so drop in anytime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Be sure to bring cash because credit cards aren’t accepted. For more information, call (650) 991-4224 or visit www.marvistastable.com.
To really knock dad’s socks off, sign him up for a zeppelin tour of the Bay Area. Airship Ventures offers tours of San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, Monterey and the Wine Country, all from a zeppelin aircraft. There’s even a chance to be a pilot for a day. To book a flight, call (650) 969-8100 or visit www.airshipventures.com.
HIS-STORY
If every family vacation you can recall involved long road trips where dad was easily detoured by the site of a small town with a rustic city hall, old churches and cemeteries, then take the opportunity to satiate your history buff. The San Francisco Museum and Historical Society offers a self-guided walking tour of the infamous Barbary Coast. Download a printable map and trail guide at www.sfhistory.org or call (415) 775-1111 for more information.
SHOW STOPPER
Even if dad’s not a theater buff, it’s almost guaranteed that he’ll have a blast seeing "Monty Python’s Spamalot" starring John O’Hurley at the Golden Gate Theatre. For ticket information, visit www.shnsf.com or call (415) 512-7770.
Lovers of music from the 1930s and ’40s may enjoy a Father’s Day lunch and cabaret show featuring comedian Jeff Appelbaum, the Blenders paying tribute to the Andrews Sisters, Matt Helm as Dean Martin, pianist David Miotke, and singers Dorothy Donell and Kathy Holly. It’s at noon Sunday at Patio Español, 2850 Alemany Blvd. For tickets, call (415) 648-7531 or e-mail holly7531@aol.com.
Sometimes, though, there’s no substitute for tradition, so indulge in a time-honored custom by going to a ballgame. The San Francisco Giants take on the Texas Rangers at home today through Sunday. Visit www.sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com.
