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Off-Ramp Recommends: Spending a day with your "dad"
Off-Ramp with John Rabe Hero Image
(
Dan Carino
)
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Jun 15, 2017
Off-Ramp Recommends: Spending a day with your "dad"
It might be weird to ask the men in our life "What the hell do you want?" under the veil of Father's Day, so to spare you we've compiled some ideas.
Off-Ramp's Rosalie Atkinson, her dad, and her dad's mustache circa quite a few facial hair fads ago. (Credit: Rosalie Atkinson)
Off-Ramp's Rosalie Atkinson, her dad, and her dad's mustache circa quite a few facial hair fads ago. (Credit: Rosalie Atkinson)
()
John Rabe (with father W.T. Rabe) was born in 1966
John Rabe (with father W.T. Rabe) was born in 1966
(
Joe Clarke HBSS
)
()
Statue of Gene Autry from the courtyard of the Autry Museum in Griffith Park.
Statue of Gene Autry from the courtyard of the Autry Museum in Griffith Park.
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Photo by David Hoshor via Flickr Creative Commons
)
The Abbey in West Hollywood, CA.
The Abbey in West Hollywood, CA.
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Photo by Jen Lund via Flickr Creative Commons
)

It might be weird to ask the men in our life "What the hell do you want?" under the veil of Father's Day, so to spare you we've compiled some ideas.

These cool tips would have landed in your in-box with no extra effort on your part IF you'd subscribed to Off-Ramp's weekly e-newsletter. We send out a recommendation every week, along with all the latest Off-Ramp news. Sign up now!

Father's Day is coming quick! But before you run to Walgreen's Sunday morning to find they are sold out of touching cards for the father figure in your life, let us help you curate a fun day out with dad.

Thinking about significant-figure holidays, there seems to be more of a method for planning Mother's Day surprises. You get the breakfast-in-bed together quietly for mom or grandma or aunt, etc., wake her up early on a Sunday, she quickly scrambles to hide the fact that she decided to sleep pantsless, then you present her with some poorly made waffles and juice which she will inevitably spill on her white sheets.

John Rabe (with father W.T. Rabe) was born in 1966
John Rabe (with father W.T. Rabe) was born in 1966
(
Joe Clarke HBSS
)

But what about your father-figure? A card? Yes. Maybe a golf ball? Okay. A mug you Amazon Prime'd to him in a last-ditch effort that says "Captain Dad?" Don't do that. It might be weird to ask the men in our life, "What the hell do you want?" under the veil of Father's Day, so to spare you we've compiled some ideas.

Idea #1: Take your father to get pampered! Spa days are are not gender-specific and when was the last time someone even looked at your dad's feet? Hollywood salon Hammer & Nails focuses on men's cuticle care. Treat your dad to a MANi-pedi, and he'll also enjoy a glass of bourbon, a personal flatscreen TV with noise-cancelling headphones, all while relaxing in an over-sized leather chair. Although Hammer & Nails targets men, women are also welcome. 8257 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046.

Idea #2: Take in a tasting. Greenbar Distillery is LA's first spirit distillery since the Prohibition was repealed in 1933. They boast the "World's largest portfolio of organic spirits." Take a tour, pose with their gigantic copper stills and whiskey barrels, sign up for a class, or just taste some of their 16 spirits and five bitters. Their tours are reserved for Saturday so consider this a pregame to your other Father's Day plans. 2459 E 8th St, Los Angeles, California, 90021.

Statue of Gene Autry from the courtyard of the Autry Museum in Griffith Park.
Statue of Gene Autry from the courtyard of the Autry Museum in Griffith Park.
(
Photo by David Hoshor via Flickr Creative Commons
)

Idea #3: Younger kids? Let's play! Sunday, the Autry Museum of the American West is opening a new exhibit about the history of play. Experience the next generation of toys and games, but also see how they differ across generations and cultures. The exhibit is very interactive and the museum is in beautiful Griffith Park, so there are plenty of hiking trails, picnic spots, or viewpoints to snap some pictures with your man/men.  234 Museum Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90065 .

The Abbey in West Hollywood, CA.
The Abbey in West Hollywood, CA.
(
Photo by Jen Lund via Flickr Creative Commons
)

Idea #4: The Abbey's annual Father's Day Brunch. For the past six years, The Abbey in West Hollywood has hosted a brunch in celebration of LGBT families or those considering starting one. There will be a breakfast buffet from 9am-1pm and attendees can get more info about fostering opportunities. $18 per person. 692 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 .

Much love to all the dads, uncles, grandpas, friends, and men nurturing other people!