by Catherine Macallister
Fast approaching is the time of year when we get to spend the day celebrating Dad. It can be hard to pinpoint exactly what he may want- a heartfelt gift, a day out enjoying the weather or perhaps a day at home working through home improvement projects. Whichever way you choose to celebrate, make sure you all the happenings on Island to make this year special.
Start the weekend off on Saturday, June 15 by heading to the Father’s Day Weekend Family Fishing Tournament hosted by Capt. Tom’s Charters from 8:00 am-12:00pm. For a $25 donation, you and your family or you and a borrowed “big brother” can beach fish off of Madaket. Don’t have a rod to fish? No need to worry: rods will be available to share at the event. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Nantucket Boys and Girls Club and prizes include a 4.5 hour Boat Charter as well as prizes from Stio, Orvis, and Maui Jim. Even without a prize, this event is a great chance to spend the day with your father, your family, and the community.
Your day on the sea doesn’t have to end with the Fishing tournament or Sunset Sail, bring your best pair of waders and hop on a Clamming Excursion courtesy of Shearwater Excursions. For 3 hours, you and you family are aboard the Vessel Wampum where you will be taught proper clamming techniques and able to take home any of the clams that you dig. Call 508-228-7037 for tickets and purchase information or check out shearwaterexcursions.com to see the myriad options available for a Father’s Day well spent on the water.
Complete the afternoon with a sunset sail on Endeavor, departing from Straight Wharf and taking you around the waters of Nantucket while taking in a gorgeous sunset. For more information and to book your Sunset Sail with Dad, call 508-228-5585.
If it’s a day downtown that your father is looking for, start off with a fantastic Sunday brunch at Proprietors on India Street from 10am-2pm followed by a relaxing stroll past town favorites like Murray’s Toggery Shop. Whether it’s a fresh pair of “Nantucket Reds” or a new belt or shoe, Dad is certain to find something he likes. If the hustle and bustle of downtown is too much, head out of town on the complimentary shuttle to Cisco Brewers where local beer, wine and spirits coupled with food trucks from Millie’s Taco Cart, Lobster Trap and 167 Raw Bar will give you the afternoon pick-me-up you need. Liven up the afternoon by sticking around for the musical stylings of Funky Dawgs Brass Band, beginning at 3pm on Sunday, June 16.
For the dad who’s looking for a day at home, working around the house, head to Arrowhead Nursery and Furniture where you will find all of your garden improvement needs. You’ll find your home and garden improvement needs at Bartlett’s Farm too, where you can also grab a few staple grocery and beverage items. Throw a few steaks on the grill, turn the Red Sox on -a 1:05 pm start- and spend the day in the sun working through those house projects that have been on Dad’s mind!
Whether Dad likes to be out and about, giving back to the community or taking a day to spend at home with the family, you will surely find a unique way to celebrate all that he does for you, this Father’s Day on Nantucket.