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Father's Day Top Ten Things To Do

Published: June 15, 2022

 

Ready for some fun with Dad on Fathers' Day? Here are ten ideas to celebrate his awesomeness in the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region!

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1. Host a Classic BBQ

Fire up that backyard grill, but make it extra special this time. Instead of a packet of hot dogs, pick up some local, hand-cut steaks at Springfield's best butcher shop, Benedetti's Meat Market and Restaurant. Or maybe your father would relish a dinner from Fisherman's Market, whose fresh seafood selection is hauled from the Pacific from their very own boats. Even Guy Fieri's Food Network Show took note of this popular local spot, featuring them in a 2014 episode of "Diners, Drive-ins & Dives." If Dad is taking the night off, pick up barbecue to go.

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BBQ Grilling Hamburgers

2. VISIT A VINTAGE CAR SHOW

Oldies but goodies, right? The Emerald Empire Vintage Auto Club will roll their beauties into Valley River Center for a special Father's Day Car Show, June 17 -19. During mall hours, ogle vintage cars to your hearts delight and talk with their owners. Then take Dad around Valley River Center on a shopping spree to stock up on Oregon gear at The Duck Store. Dads with younger kids will be the hero when they take the family to the Adventure! Children's Museum or for a treat from local toy store Elephant's Trunk.

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Vintage car by Graphic stock

3. Treat Dad to a River Trip

Book a jet boat to cruise the Willamette River. Your small family group can enjoy a personalized tour of the river. Watch for birds and wildlife and enjoy the scenery on an easy, comfortable journey. Or get a little wilder and wetter with a river rafting trip on the McKenzie River! After all, a family that paddles together—stays in the boat, right?

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Whitewater Rafting the North Fork Willamette by Melanie Griffin

Whitewater rafting the North Fork Willamette

Photo: Melanie Griffin / EugeneCascadesCoast.org

4. Take Dad Out For a Beer or Glass of Wine

Many winery tasting rooms in the Willamette Valley have outside seating, sometimes by reservation. And many of the local breweries also have outdoor patios and beer gardens.  Have you heard of Alesong Brewing & Blending? They have a unique approach to brewing and blending craft beer, and if your father isn't already familiar with them, this is the perfect opportunity to acquaint him—now that they've opened up their Alesong on 5th tasting room. 

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Alesong Beer Flight by Sally McAleer

Alesong Beer Flight

Photo: Sally McAleer

5. Run With Dad

If you and your dad share a love of fitness, lace up your tennis shoes for one of the many runs happening this summer. There are a variety of charities and good causes to support. 

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Amazon Trail Runner by Nicole Nelson

Running on Amazon Trail

Photo: Nicole Nelson

6. Discover a New Waterfall

If you and your dad want to see some of Oregon's great outdoors this Father's Day weekend, you're in luck: this region is knows for its abundance of waterfalls! Go for a short walk to see some of Oregon's best waterfalls from easy-to-see viewing platforms, or reward yourself with a gorgeous cascade off the beaten path after a long hike. Bring your camera!

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Sahalie Waterfall, McKenzie River by Sally McAleer

Sahalie Falls on the McKenzie River

Photo: Sally McAleer

7. Ride a Dune Buggy

Whoop as you plunge down the Oregon Coast sand dunes in a dune buggy! Wild or mild rides are available, or haul in your own OHV for an independent adventure. Sandland Adventures has go-karts and miniature golf too!

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OHV on the Oregon Dunes by Eugene, Cascades & Coast

OHV on the Oregon Dunes

Photo: Eugene, Cascades & Coast

8. Play a Round of Golf

There is one thing you can count on these days — golf! Operating procedures may be a bit different but you can still swing your clubs and enjoy the pleasant course setting. Emerald Valley Golf Course is offering Early Bird and Twilight Specials.

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Oregon Dunes Golf Links by Julia Carr

Oregon Dunes Golf Links

Photo: Julia Carr

9. Watch a Movie 

Let your father have the remote control for once! Pop local corn from the farmers' market or order a pizza to make the movie experience complete. Need inspiration? Check out movies filmed in Lane County. Or go to City Lights Virtual Cinema online for a selection of independent films. 

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Animal House Death Mobile by Angie Riley

Spot "Animal House" scenes filmed at places you know!

Photo: Angie Riley

10. Go on a Bike Ride

Out in the fresh air, physically distant, enjoy a rolling adventure along the region's many great cycling routes. From riding through Oregon wine country to looping through scenic covered bridges, there are plenty of short and long rides to do.

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Three cyclists ride along the road in the country near Junction City.

Road cycling in the springtime

Photo: Melanie Griffin
Author: Taj Barnhart Morgan

Taj Barnhart Morgan is the Director of Content Strategy for Travel Lane County. A journalism graduate from the University of Oregon, Taj has two decades of special event management and hospitality marketing experience in San Diego, CA and Maui, HI. Passionate about mothering, and back to her Oregon roots, she is discovering the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region all over again through the eyes of her daughter.

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