Father's Day is quickly approaching.
The annual holiday is on Sunday, June 16, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate dads in the greater Iowa City area.
From breweries to perfect gifts and thrilling experiences, Press-Citizen reporter Jessica Rish suggests several ways to make it a memorable celebration.
Where to take Dad to eat
Field Day Brewing Co.
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Field Day is a perfect family-friendly establishment in North Liberty to take dad if he craves the quintessential brewery experience. With more than 20 beers made in-house on tap, an expansive food menu and duckpin bowling, there is something for the whole family at Field Day.
Big Grove Brewery
Big Grove is solidifying itself as an Iowa legend and a must-try. Luckily, Johnson County has two locations to choose from: the Iowa City taproom at Riverfront Crossings or the home base brewpub in Solon. With a vast selection of award-winning beers and mouthwatering pub fare, Big Grove offers a lively atmosphere, perfect for a Father's Day meal.
Wilson's Orchard Ciderhouse
Located on the large Wilson's Orchard and Farm, the restaurant's seasonal menu uses ingredients from local, sustainable farms and vendors. The spring menu currently features a grilled New York strip with mustard-roasted carrots, peppercorn jus, red wine carrot puree and herby onion rings. Other menu highlights include a braised lamb neck tagliatelle pasta and a roasted Great Lakes walleye. The restaurant is taking reservations online for its scenic dining experience on Father's Day.
Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack
If dad is a fan of barbecue, Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack on the east side is the perfect spot for Father's Day. The Iowa City establishment serves up Southern-style gumbo with smoked chicken and andouille sausage served over rice with a slice of honey-butter cornbread. While the restaurant might be known for having some of the best barbecue in town, Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack encourages guests to try something new or unexpected on the menu.
Where to find the perfect Father's Day gift
Prairie Kitchen Store
Whether dad is a self-proclaimed grillmaster or keen on sweet treats, Prairie Kitchen Store can help you find a great gift. Located in the Northside neighborhood of Iowa City, the brick-and-mortar shop believes in an in-person shopping experience, with hundreds of cooking gadgets, specialty foods, cocktail garnishes and essential cookware and bakeware items to peruse.
Active Endeavors
Located in the quaint Iowa River Landing, Active Endeavors is an expert in all things activewear. The store carries top-selling brands like Patagonia, The North Face, On Shoes and smaller indie brands like Cotopaxi and Arc'teryx. Whether dad is in the market for new hiking equipment, gym shoes or even nothing at all, Active Endeavors is a fantastic place to find a gift.
Record Collector
The Record Collector is a longstanding favorite in the heart of downtown Iowa City. It's a must-stop if Dad is a music enthusiast. The Record Collector specializes in new and used vinyl, used CDs, and special orders, focusing on oddities and rarities. The store also embraces modern hits and popular music. It's the perfect place to find a unique present that dad will surely cherish.
How to spend time with Dad this Father's Day
PinSeekers is one of the latest additions to the greater Iowa City community. Located in Tiffin just off Interstate 380, the facility is powered by TopGolf's TopTracer technology. PinSeekers features 56 bays that can hold up to six people apiece, perfect for families. The cost to reserve a golf bay ranges from $38 to $48 on Father's Day, and reservations can be booked online.
Quad Cities River Bandits
Make a day trip to the Quad Cities to catch the Quad Cities River Bandits take on the Beloit Sky Carp. The River Bandits are a high-A minor league affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. Roughly an hour's drive from downtown Iowa City, Modern Woodmen Park offers scenic views of the Mississippi River. Tickets can be purchased online in advance at prices from $10 to $17.
Cedar Ridge Distillery Tour
One of Iowa's 13 whiskey distilleries can be found in Swisher, right in Iowa City's backyard, home to Cedar Ridge. The Saturday and Sunday-only tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the award-winning Cedar Ridge whiskey is made. Tickets are $5 and include two samples, a branded tasting glass and $5 off any gift shop item. Tickets can be booked online on Cedar Ridge's website.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached atJRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_
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