The Ultimate Summer Bucket List to Do with Dad
As summer nears, so does the annual day to celebrate the dads in our lives. With Father’s Day around the corner, we have ideas for how to spend some quality time with him all season long. Explore this summer bucket list, complete with adventures, activities and eateries to show dad you appreciate him.
Bond Over Nature
What better way to soak up the summer air than by spending time admiring our region’s most scenic spots? Embrace nature with dad on any of these outdoor adventures.
2023 was named the “Year of the Trail” in North Carolina, so live up to this ideal on a walk through the Piedmont’s sprawling forests. Close to home, check out the newest trail at Eno River State Park — the Panther Branch Natural Area — with over two miles of paths.
For fathers who are often “gone fishin,” cast your rods at a local fishing spot. For fishing in Chapel Hill, visit University Lake, Eastwood Lake or Fan Branch. To venture further, try Twin Lakes Park or Eno River where you could hook a largemouth bass, bluegill, chain pickerel, crappie or bullhead catfish.
Test Your Skills
If dad enjoys some healthy competition, Chapel Hill offers both indoor and outdoor activities to take on your old man.
For dads who love to golf, take your pick of classic golf at The Preserve at Jordan Lake or Twin Lakes Golf Course, or try your hand at disc golf at Southern Community Park or Leigh Farm Park. Or bring the whole family out for a round of mini golf and laughs at Ryan’s World Skate Park of Chapel Hill or Putt-Putt Fun Center.
Reminisce about playing catch in the backyard while practicing your swing at Homestead Park’s batting cage, Baseball Rebellion or Ryan’s World Skate Park. For an activity that will get your adrenaline pumping, try axe throwing at Top That Axe or Chatham Axes.
Score the Hottest Tickets in Town
From sports fans to foodies, scoring tickets to these upcoming events would make an excellent Father’s Day gift.
Professional soccer fanatics are in for a treat this July. For the first time ever, the Premiere League powerhouse Chelsea will play Wrexham at UNC-Chapel Hill on July 19. This showdown will be hosted at Kenan Memorial Stadium for a surreal sporting experience and perhaps even a celebrity sighting of Wrexham’s owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Across town, the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival is coming to Koka Booth Amphitheatre in early August. At this annual event, dad can sample a spread of barbeque, 60+ beers and 40+ bourbons. Complete with lawn games and live music, this is sure to be a father favorite.
Show Off the Family Genes
Why not take this Father’s Day to help dad feel his finest? From clothing to pampering, Chapel Hill has it all.
Take dad on a shopping spree at Julian’s for ready-to-wear or custom clothing. From jackets to neckwear to their Carolina Menswear collection, Julian’s is a Chapel Hill classic that will leave dad feeling spiffy.
For a relaxed spa day, try out Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa or Infinite Allure Medical Spa in Chapel Hill. If dad is looking for a trim, Edge Aveda Men is the place to be.
Taste the Town
Experience the flavors of Chapel Hill to celebrate the foodie fathers in your life. Here are some classic Father’s Day bars and restaurants.
Bourbon or beer? Take dad to try both on Franklin Street. For a classy ambience with signature cocktails, visit The Crunkleton. Then head up the street for a beer at Top of the Hill, where the Bell Tower Blueberry Wheat is their most popular, and colorful, seasonal selection.
If dad craves a burger on his special day, look no further than the award-winning menu at Al’s Burger Shack. Or for an at-home alternative, load up on meat at Cliff’s Meat Market in Carrboro for a backyard cookout.
We hope this list helps you enjoy quality time with your old man all summer long. Happy Father’s Day!