Spoil Dad In Syracuse This Father's Day
Thursday, June 6, 2019 12:00 PM by Maggy Stewart

June in Syracuse means grilling, the great outdoors and time to celebrate the guy who taught us how to enjoy both — Dad. This Father's Day, we've rounded up fun activities for the man who taught us everything, so he can enjoy everything our city has to offer.
For the history buff dad
Syracuse has no shortage of history, and there's no better place to immerse the man of the hour than at the rich industrial, architectural, agricultural and cultural exhibitions at the renowned Onondaga Historical Association (OHA) and Museum in downtown Syracuse. Experience the extensive collections and travel back in time with Dad at the Onondaga Historical Museum, where you can explore everything from Syracuse China Company's 140-year-old saga to the city's unique Underground Railroad history. The museum features permanent and temporary exhibits, as well as on- and off-site exhibitions and a gift shop loaded with fun pieces of Syracuse history you can take home with you. Congress Beer coasters and paraphernalia, anyone? Cheers to Dad!
For the Dad who loves golf & good grub
Golf and Father's Day go hand-in-hand, so grab your clubs and spend the day at one of the area's most secluded courses (with some of best food and views, too). The Ridge in Chittenango offers a 9-hole Robert Trent Jones course operated by Clear Path for Veterans, as well as a fully-stocked tavern dishing out phenomenal cuisine and beautiful summer views. Known for their live music and exceptional outdoor amphitheater, The Ridge highlights their Sunday Brunch Acoustic sessions from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. as well as live music every weekend, so Dad can get his groove on whether you're celebrating on Father's Day or all weekend long.
For the art-loving Dad
Give Dad a break from the day-to-day by letting him savor the beautiful collections at Syracuse's distinguished Everson Museum of Art. The Everson's permanent collection boasts nearly 11,000 modern and contemporary pieces, including ceramics, paintings, sculptures, photographs, videos and more. And for the arbor-appreciating father, the Tree of 40 Fruit ongoing series by contemporary artist Sam Van Aken displays unique hybridized fruit trees growing over 40 different types of stone fruit including peaches, plums, apricots, cherries, nectarines and almonds. Dad can also feast his eyes on the great works of Jackson Pollock, Gilbert Stuart, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Edward Hicks, and even the special collection of landscapes of New York State by New York State artists. The museum shop is stocked with pottery and ceramics by local artists, children's toys, framed prints, jewelry and more to complement your visit.
For the craft brew connoisseur Dad
If there's one thing you can't go wrong with on Father's Day, it's an ice cold beer. Luckily Syracuse has enough local, craft and micro breweries around town for Pops to sample as many cold pops as he'd like. Stop into Middle Ages Brewing Company and give Dad the freedom to pick from a wide variety of delicious IPAs, sessions, lagers, stouts, pales ales, fruit beers, wheat beers, sour beers, blonde ales, red ales and more. And if you're sticking around the downtown Syracuse area, stop by Syracuse Suds, Empire Brewing Company or The Blue Tusk for a refreshing pint or two. Give Dad a taste of what some other local breweries are pouring — pop into Willow Rock Brewing Company for a mix of seasonals, test batches and specialty brews (including Congress lager), or wander over to Buried Acorn Brewing for barrel-aged sours and farmhouse beers. You can even score Dad a free Sip On Syracuse koozie or other great prizes by downloading the Stamped Syracuse app and getting your passport stamped at our participating beverage partner locations!
For the Dad who deserves a five-star meal
The options to treat Dad to a top notch meal in Syracuse are endless, and what better way to spend Father's Day than indulging in some of the best brunch options our city has to offer. Check out our favorite places to experience a great brunch in Syracuse and give Dad the gift of the ultimate Sunday Funday. Or if Dad's more into firing up the grill and enjoying a fun-filled barbecue at home, stop into Liehs & Steigerwald butcher shop and deli to grab some of their one-of-a-kind brats, sausages, hot dogs, salads, burgers, kabobs, cutlets, spedies and more. On the east side? Grab some fresh meats at Side Hill Farmers in Manlius and kick off Dad's special day with a prime gift of locally-raised beef, pork, lamb and poultry. Not only will Dad be happy to indulge, but the entire family will thank you too.
Looking for other ways to spoil Dad in Syracuse? Check out more fun things to do in and around Syracuse and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for additional ideas.