Five Types of Dads and Where to Take Them in Portland This Father's Day
Dads come from all walks of life. Sometimes you'll find them in their favorite chairs, yelling at the television with a beer in hand. Other times, they're reading their fifth Nirvana biography and sharing the inspiration behind all the tracks on "In Utero." And sometimes they're standing at the grill, pretending to cook when they're really standing guard to make sure no one touches the burgers before they're ready.
No matter what kind of dad you're celebrating, there's something for everyone. But planning a Father's Day outing isn't always easy. That's why Maine Coast Life identified five common types of dads and some Portland destinations that could make for a memorable Father's Day.
Classic Sports Dad
For live sports, catch rising stars and rehabbing veterans at Hadlock Field, where the Portland Sea Dogs take on the Somerset Patriots at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Arrive a few hours early and you and Dad can play catch on the field before the game.
Meanwhile, at Cross Insurance Arena, the Father's Day Pro Boxing Classic returns Saturday night, celebrating Maine's rich boxing tradition.
Portland also has plenty of sports bars where you can grab wings and catch a game, including Oddfellahs, Jerome's, Fore Play Sports Pub, and more. After all, it's about time you helped clean his face after a messy meal when he's been doing it for you your entire life.
Beer Dad
If your old man has ever taken a sip of craft beer and said, "I can taste the Mosaic," you've got yourself a beer dad.
Fortunately, the greater Portland area has one of the highest rates of breweries per capita in the country. You could park in almost any neighborhood and catch the aroma of fresh beer being brewed. You can't even head into Portland from the north without passing Bissell Brothers at Thompson's Point.
On the East End, you'll find Maine favorites such as Oxbow Brewing and Shipyard Brewing Co. Bayside is home to Austin Street Brewery, Lone Pine Brewing Co. and Rising Tide Brewing Co.
But Industrial Way in Riverton may be the ultimate destination for dads who love hops. Breweries like Allagash Brewing Co., Definitive Brewing Co., Battery Steele Brewing, and Foundation Brewing Co. are all within walking distance — which shouldn't be a problem if Dad is wearing his prized New Balance sneakers.
Hobby Dad
Dads love hobbies. They're always trying to learn something new, so why not encourage it?
Is Dad into cooking and grilling? Stop by LeRoux Kitchen, SKORDO, or Stonewall Kitchen for accessories, sauces, and rubs. Is he more of a board-game enthusiast? Visit Another Round, where you can choose from more than 250 games while enjoying food and drinks. Want to help Dad relive his childhood? Head to Arcadia, where vintage and modern arcade games, pinball machines and console games line the walls.
Hipster Dad
It's funny when some dads have better taste in music than their kids, but plenty do. Make Dad proud by taking him to a show at one of Portland's venues.
Father's Day will host a couple unforgettable shows. Spend the evening basking in sunshine and indie rock with Wilco at Thompson's Point or Rhett Miller of Old 97's at One Longfellow Square.
You can also spend the day crate-digging through Portland's record stores. Create a vinyl scavenger hunt with stops at Enterprise Records, Strange Maine, Electric Buddhas, Little Ghost and Moody Lords.
Cultured Dad
Some dads appreciate the finer things in life, and Portland offers plenty of ways to indulge those interests.
Pick up a book by Dad's favorite author at local bookstores such as Sherman's Maine Coast Book Shop, Longfellow Books, Print: A Bookstore, and Green Hand Bookshop.
You can also wander through the galleries and exhibitions at the Portland Museum of Art. Film-loving fathers may enjoy screenings such as "Steal This Story, Please!," a documentary about journalist Amy Goodman, and "Turner & Constable," which explores the lives and work of two of Britain's greatest painters.
Attention, dads: What's your favorite place to visit in Portland? Let us know at hello@mainecoastlife.com.