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Ah, Father’s Day — honoring dads across the globe for all they do with cliché greeting cards that poke fun at falling asleep in a recliner, not reading maps for directions, and not reading instruction manuals. The annual celebration of all things paternal can be traced back to 1910, though it wasn’t made an official holiday until 1972 (thank you Richard Nixon). This year, steer clear of the cheesy greeting cards and “world’s greatest dad” boxer shorts and do something fun in the neighborhood. You don’t have to travel far to enjoy some quality time with dad on Capitol Hill.
What could be more traditional and patriotic than a baseball game on Father’s Day in the Nation’s Capitol? Well, I’m sure there are more patriotic things to do, but fortunately the Washington Nationals play at home on Father’s Day at 1:35 pm against the Chicago White Sox. The first 20,000 fans to the game receive a travel mug in honor of dads everywhere.
If dad is more of an international sporting event guy, perhaps he’d enjoy watching some of the World Cup at Biergarten Haus. Since beer is the major form of hydration, this might be best for dad to enjoy during afternoon nap time or later in the evening…
Father’s Day isn’t the big brunch holiday that Mother’s Day is, but there are a few places on the Hill honoring dad with special menus. Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar is offering a special “Dad’s Burger” for $12, topped with bleu cheese, bacon, grilled onions, and mushrooms. Belga Cafe is offering a Father’s Day brunch menu that includes standard fare plus some new additions starting at 9:00 am. The Hawk ’n’ Dove is also offering a Father’s Day brunch with wine specials. At the west edge of the Hill, celebrate by taking dad to a special dinner at Charlie Palmer Steak or peruse the Father’s Day brunch and dinner menus at Art and Soul. Art and Soul is also offering a free flight of beer to every dad with purchase of an entree. Sounds like a refreshing deal to me…
Interested in a day-trip with dad? The Maryland Western Mountain Scenic Railroad is letting dads ride for free on Sunday with a full-fare paying adult. Two and one-half hours from DC, the scenic railway uses authentic steam locomotives to take riders on a tour from Cumberland to Frostburg and back.
And that gift for dad? Sure a Frager’s Hardware shopping spree or a massage at Spa on the Hill would go over well, but don’t forget the macaroni picture frame and finger-painted self-portraits. Dad may bask in his nationally-sanctioned holiday, but he probably also wants something to remind him how fortunate he is for the rest of the year too.