The Westchester Happening Father’s Day Dirty Dozen (or…Not Just Another Tie)

Well, its here again.  That time of year when we honor the Dads in our lives.  Our fathers, husbands, Grandfathers, brothers, uncles and friends.  Maybe even the occasional son-in-law.  Each year we agonize over what to get Dad, where to take him, and what to do to celebrate his day.  And every year…without fail, someone, somewhere is getting yet another tie.  We are here to put an end to that this year.  If you live in Westchester, we have a few ideas for you.  We like to call it our “dirty dozen” – twelve descriptions of places to eat, gifts to buy, or things to do.  Whether you have a lot to spend, or not much at all, we have something for you that will let that special Dad, or dude, know that he is loved.

1. How about a weekend of music on the Hudson?  Take a trip to Croton-on-Hudson this June 18 and/or 19 for the Clearwater Hudson River Revival.  The gates open at Hudson Point Park for this musical festival to benefit the Sloop Clearwater, at 10am.  Ticket prices vary, so for more information, including a list of artists appearing, visit the website at www.clearwater.org.

2. “Spillane’s the name, and pubs are my game”.  Mickey Spillane’s, that is.  Dad and the whole family can enjoy a yummy brunch buffet at this Eastchester eatery and pub, and Dad won’t have to suffer financially, because the kids eat free!  The food and fun begin at 11am, and continue until 3pm.  Check out the “sisters”, Molly Spillanes in Mamaroneck, and Maggie Spillane’s in Mount Vernon, for similar fare.

3. Is Dad a crafty fellow?  Why not whittle away your time with him up at Muscoot Farm in Somers?  On Sunday, June 19, the farm will be featuring a whittling demonstration.  So, spend some time with Dad (and some wood), and create something beautiful together to celebrate fine craftsmanship.  The demonstration begins at 1pm, so be prompt!

4. Where’s the beef?  Well…at Morton’s Steakhouse, in White Plains, dontcha know!  The famous Mortons is running a Father’s Day special.  For $69 per person, they have a special menu, and…they are offering their Steakhouse Grilling Gift Basket for only $115 now through the 18^th of June.  It is normally priced at $139, so that’s a great deal.  It includes the Morton’s Steak Bible, a set of 6 Morton’s Steak Knives, a Morton’s Grilling Apron, Grilling Salts and a $25 Morton’s gift card.  So, not only can Dad enjoy a great meal at Morton’s, but he can continue the grilling flavor all summer long!

5. You have a man who enjoys the links, you say??  Well, then a trip to GolfSmith on Central Avenue in Scarsdale is a must!  They have everything golf, and even everything tennis for that special guy!  But, our two faves are the PingK15 Driver (if Dad is a slicer, this is the club for him), at about $299.00; and the Taylor Made Burner Super Fast Driver…a bargain at $149.00 (on sale for $100 off!!

6. If Dad is looking to get in shape, and enjoys self-defense, then there is a new shop in town.  Look no further than Excel Martial Arts on Palmer Avenue in Larchmont.  They offer classes in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) and even Krav Maga, which is the personal defense system perfected by the Israeli Army (and also a fabulous way to kick your butt into shape!).  Contact the Sensei at [email protected], and ask about a free trial class.  They also offer Yoga, Zumba, and other popular fitness regimes.

7. Guys need pampering too.  If your guy is in need of some relaxation in the form of a massage or facial, visit Adriana Spa in Eastchester.  With a long-standing reputation of excellence in massage therapy, let the experts at Adriana ease all the tensions from Dad, and pamper him with one of their Father’s Day Specials.  Visit www.adrianaspabeauty.com for more information, or to make an appointment.

8. Do you have a romantic dinner for two in mind for your husband?  Give Caffe Azzuri a try.  “Centrally” located on Central Avenue in Hartsdale, this lovely restaurant is offering Father’s Day specials on the menu, and also a $27.00, 3-course Prix Fixe menu.

9. If Dad is a beer aficionado, take him to the Captain Lawrence Brewing Company in Pleasantville for a tour and beer tasting.  They are not open on Father’s Day, but are open the day before, from noon to 6pm.  There is no greater fun than a tour of a brewery….especially the tasting part!

10. If you want to start the weekend off early, grab Dad and head out to Palmer’s Crossing in Larchmont on Friday, the 17^th.  In addition to having some great food, at 9pm, you can also listen to live music.  The restaurant will be featuring the sounds of the band, The Big Bad Dogs.  Woof, woof!!

11. With so many “gourmet” supermarkets around, and the many local farmers’ markets, how about doing some food shopping on Saturday, and then having a super-grillin’ and chillin’ feast on Sunday for Dad?  It’s lighter on your wallet than eating out, there is no wait-time or reservations needed, and no one is going to kick you out at closing.  For good meats, visit either Stew Leonard’s, or De Cicco markets, and you will find the freshest produce and deserts at any one of the fantastic town farmer’s markets.

12. And…what would our “dirty dozen” be without our last pick?  If Dad has a good sense of humor, and likes theatre, there is the last showing of DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS on Saturday, June 18.  It is a live production, and will be performed at the Westchester Sandbox Theater, on Boston Post Road in Mamaroneck.  For ticket information, call (914) 630-0804

So, there you have it.  No ties, no Old Spice Aftershave…just a few fun, interesting and delicious ideas to show Dad a little love and affection.  After all, where would we be today without great Dads??