Sometimes they’re grumpy, sometimes they’re busy, sometimes they go get the mail in a pair of embarrassingly tight bleach-white briefs and there’s nothing you can do about it. Dads are by nature, mysterious. But, it is our duty, and privilege to bear witness to their bold dismissal of social norms like public nudity. It also, wouldn’t hurt to take a couple notes. Dad’s are stockpiles of wisdom on a variety of topics from fly-fishing, negotiating a raise, or how many miles you can drive with the gas light on. Join Cambridge Local First as we explore all the different localcentric ways to appreciate the dads in our life for all their quirks in the hopes that one day we’ll be lucky enough to follow in their footsteps.
For the out-of-state dad…
Dad might not be in arms reach this year, maybe visiting him isn’t feasible with your workload. However, there are a bunch of great ways to send a thoughtful gift to him.
Does your dad love the meat sweats? A savory or sweet tooth respectively? With the advent of the all-knowing internet you can send your daddy dearest a customized gift to match his tastes perfectly. Try Salt & Olive for a curated bonanza of lux (in store they have even more!) Their neighbor Follow the Honey can deck out some raw honey for Pop. Let us not forget Formaggio Kitchen’s online shop. A hand selected savory “I love you” is only a click away.
Of course an important step to gift giving is intent. You’re going to need an outlet for all your dad-feelings. Let’s get emotional with the amazing card selection at Black Ink in Harvard Square, or Bob Slate Stationer, right across the street.
Need more options? Check out local online maker marker, The Grommet. They’ve curated a bunch of amazing gifts, made by real people, for every kind of dad.
credit: Hungry Travelers featuring Formaggio Kitchen
Before the big day…
Searching for the perfect present that sums up years of gratitude and “I’m sorry”s for the accidental destruction of his favorite power tool, kitchen gadget, or automobile? You can absolutely find it in Cambridge.
Does your dad love remembering the good old days? Why not facilitate his “When I was your age…” mantra with a vintage record from Planet Records in Harvard Square or a classic Hawaiian shirt from Great Eastern Trading Co in Central Square? Oona’s Experienced Clothing in Harvard Square is full of blasts from the past. If you want to remind him of what city lines looked like when he was your age you can buy him a historic map of Cambridge from Ward Maps in Porter Square.
Maybe your dad is more interested in what’s going on now. Might be a good time to dazzle him with the latest technology that can improve his day to day antics. Check out Sound Lion in Harvard Square for amazing audio finds. For something right up his alley check out the selection of gifts from Boutique Fabulous in Inman Square, or Graymist in Huron Village. If you’re feeling very grateful it might be a special treat to head over to Swiss Watchmaker in Harvard Square, they carry the creme de la creme of wrist-wear.
credit: Yelp featuring Swiss Watchmakers
For the dad about town…
If your dad is in Cambridge this Father’s Day consider one of Cambridge’s dadtacular restaurants or clubs.
There’s hundreds of great restaurants in Cambridge with enough selection to please the palate of the meat&potatoes or vegan dad alike. One tip, reservations! You want to show the old man how under control you’ve got everything so step it up by calling ahead to Alden & Harlow, Ole Mexican Restaurant, Cambridge Common, Craigie on Main, Christopher’s, Frank’s Steak House, Courthouse Seafood, East Coast Grill, Tupelo, Park, or any of the incredible class act dining establishments we call our own. Want something specific? How convenient that you’re already on our website! Check out our online directory of locally owned restaurants.
Maybe dad’s a music man, or maybe he just thinks he is. Let the toe-tapping and bottom lip-biting commence! Check out Cambridge’s incredible venues like Passim, Ryle’s Jazz Club, the Lizard Lounge, and Toad. They’re just that perfect mix of hip and comfortable that will create a safe space for all his awkward dance moves.
credit: The Boston Globe featuring Frank’s Steakhouse
When in doubt, go with what he loves!
Whether it’s a neat bourbon or a rosemary bush, you know your dad best. If you’re stuck go with what you’ll know he’ll love. Your boring is ultimately his classic and appreciating him for who he is, well that’s half the battle you fought when you shared the same roof! (Or maybe still do!) Father’s Day is great opportunity to say “Hey man, I know who you are, and I love you for it. Now please go put on some pants.“
Maybe your dad is a tough sell. Maybe he’s just enough to have everything he could want. My advice is not to both getting him something you’ll hope he’ll use. Better to get him something you know he’ll enjoy like a vintage wine, locally brewed beer, whiskey, or cured meat. These aren’t things he’s likely to buy himself which is why you can make a point to treat him. Great places to pick stuff up include, Central Bottle Wine and Provisions, Savenor’s Butcher & Market, Cambridge Spirits, or Liquor World.
Does dad have a green thumb? Does he spend more time in the garden talking to his sweet pea’s than he does talking to his biological sweet pea? Now is the perfect season to head to one of Cambridge’s amazing florists to set him up with the perfect plant. Did you know most herbs can be grown inside the house? Now he’ll be able to hang out with you and still croon to one of his green children.
credit: swelectricinc.com featuring Cambridge Spirits