Every year for Father’s Day, for as long as I can remember, my Dad has gotten a gift from a big name brand store and we called it a day. This year, I am thinking outside of the box, and maybe it will inspire you too. Father’s Day is a day to celebrate your loved ones and everything they do for you, so why not make it special, without having to travel too far. While I may have said that I am trying to think outside of the box, I am actually trying to stay inside a certain one; Haldimand County. Haldimand County has a wide variety of shops, markets and online websites that are all local businesses that have wonderful products to provide, you just have to look.
Haldimand County has many great fishing areas for you and that special Father figure to spend some time together. One of my favorite places to fish is the platform at Kinsmen Park in Caledonia. The platform goes along the edge of the Grand Erie River, and is one of the luckiest fishing spots in Haldimand County. Located on Caithness Street West, there is ample parking as well as other activities in the park. There is a tennis court, a baseball diamond, and plenty of open space if those are activities you enjoy doing together. There is also a playground for the little ones, making this an easy and accessible spot to spend your Father’s Day. So, grab some bait, a ball and maybe even a chair, and get ready to spend some quality time with Dad.
For the Dads out there that are seeking a thrilling experience, Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga has a experiences that will get your motor running. Located on Kohler Road, Toronto Motorsports Park has experiences that are fun for everyone, not just Dad. As long as you have a G1 license you are able to attend the training sessions and drive. Their exotic dream car experience allows participants to drive one of their four exotic dream cars around their 1.8km closed road racing circuit. I mean, who doesn’t want to drive a Lamborghini or a Ferrari on a real racetrack? There are various price points including one, three or six lap packages, so you can customize your trip to your Father’s need for speed and stay within your budget.
If the dream car experience leaves you wanting more, Toronto Motorsports Park also offers a drag racing experience. For those who want to go fast and “get behind the wheel of high-powered muscle cars” this is your opportunity. You will learn how to safely race the car, as well as how to do a burnout, staging and acceleration. After learning all of the how to’s, you will participate in a pro-style side-by-side race that simulates an elimination competitions. So you know what that means, you have to let Dad win!
While you may not be able to drag dad shopping, you can always find something he will treasure. For the cool motorcycle loving dad, shopping at Biker’s Haven may just be the place to find something he will love. Located in the Haldimand House Marketplace in Caledonia, there is an array of bikers merchandise ready to be perused. Between tees, shirts, jackets, handwear and Harley Davidson merchandise, Bikers Haven definitely has this Father’s Day covered.
One thing I know for sure about my dad is that he loves craft beers. He is always looking for a new taste of something different, so why not give him a taste of Haldimand, the place he calls home. There are a two breweries that call Haldimand home, the newest of them being Oranje Son Brewing. Located in Caledonia, Oranje Son has over 100 different beers under their belt which leaves their selection pretty wide open. Their unique and colorful packaging reminds me of the cartoons I used to watch with my dad as a kid, making it a great gift.
If you are looking for a tap room, Concession Road Brewing Company in Jarvis is a great place to stop in and have a few flights, whether it be beer or tasty treats. Concession Road does anything from light to dark and seltzers to sours, while serving fan favorites in their snack flights. Concession Road also holds special events like live music, trivia night and their beer and board game night. Maybe one of these events would work best for you and your loved one on his special day.
While at Concession Road Brewery, make a pit stop at The Talbot Street Bar-B-Que food truck. With an amazing variety of tastes and choices, Talbot Street never disappoints. Or even better, stop in at the Bar-B-Que and then head down the Road to Concession Road Brewery to spoil your dad on his special day.
Or, maybe I could get my dad a bottle of Wild Pear Cider from Bains Road Cider Company. Located on the outskirts of Dunnville, this cidery uses fruits from neighboring farms to create their delicious ciders and wines that creates a real taste of “home” to me. They also have delicious liquors like their pumpkin pie liquor, that keep you coming back for more.
If you are looking for fun for the whole family, you may want to check out Michaud Toys. Located in Jarvis, Michaud Toys sells hand crafted wooden board games that are beautifully unique. With games from Sequence to Dice Poker and football to baseball, Michaud Toys has it all. There will be a game there for the little ones, as well as blasts from the past for adults. And do not worry, if you lose a dice or some marbles to your game along the way, Michaud Toys sells extra. These beautiful game boards will last a lifetime and become a treasured gift passed down to new generations.
Finally, if want to go on a family adventure visit Escape in Caledonia. Located on Argyle Street, Escape in Caledonia has four different escape rooms each with different and unique concept. In one of the rooms, You are trying to escape a wizard’s lair so she will take you as her apprentice, and in another, you must find out who is killing members of the CLUE society. These unique and fun escape rooms will have your family working as a team, and maybe even praising dad for his smarts. Check out Escape in Caledonia and see if this is something your family would enjoy for this Father’s Day.
I hope that this list of activities inspires you to get out and “think outside the box” this Father’s Day. Haldimand county offers many opportunities for you and your family to find adventure and explore the communities around you, while still checking off that gift box. This year, my dad will not just be getting a gift from a big name brand store, he will be getting a real Haldimand experience, the place he calls home. What could be better than getting a thoughtful gift from a local entrepreneur for your loved one. Or having a well thought out experience just minutes away from your door? Explore your options this Father’s Day, and explore Haldimand. But don’t forget to wish your loved one’s a happy Father’s Day.
