A Day With Dad: Father’s Day in RVA
I am fortunate to have not one, but two very strong father figures in my life. I’m thinking about them both as we approach Fathers Day in RVA.
My stepfather helped raised me since I was five years old. My biological father always maintained a close and open relationship with me. We’ve had our challenging pasts and disconnects, for sure. Today, though, we see eye to eye more than ever. Both have one thing in common: they are always there for me. I live an alternative lifestyle and they both accept me and support me. They never ask me to be different. When I slip up, they simply offer a hand to help. I cannot express how much I appreciate their presence in my life as I’ve grown older and evolved.
I am not sure I’ll get to spend the day with them because of different circumstances, but I have been thinking about an ideal day in Richmond if I had my way to spoil them. I put together a guide of my favorite places and events for you and your fam if you’re still looking for ideas.
Kick it off at Kabana
Whenever my dad visits me in Richmond, he asks “Can we go to that rooftop?” This Father’s Day would have been no exception. Kabana is hosting a Father’s Day event 12-3 p.m. You can approach it from one of two angles: buy single tickets or take the VIP route. For $12 a person, you’ll get one order of sliders and one select draft beer or bourbon. That’s the perfect way to chill on the rooftop if you ask me: a snack and a drink. If you take the VIP route, you’ll pay a discounted $250 to get up to 10 people on a couch (I have a big family, so this is what I’d do). You’ll get a choice of a bottle of liquor from a select list and a platter of wings. Learn more and share with your fam here.
Get Him Some Boots
Your dad deserves a pair of shoes he can wear every day, to work, and to dinner with mom. I’ve written about Rider Boot Shop here, here, and here. I’ve gotten to know the father-son team, which only seems fitting to support on Father’s Day. Ron will offer you and your dad an espresso or shot of Jameson when you arrive. You’ll get comfortable and really have fun talking about what you need in a shoe. Friends who’ve gone here have offered repeated testimonials about their boots, some a few years into wearing them at this point. The shop located on Broad Street in the Arts District, so it’s a great neighborhood to walk around with dad, too. Pop into A Man’s World, which is the only consignment store for men in the area. Dad may find a belt, a scarf, or a whole damn suit. The owners and staff are super helpful!
Upgrade his Denim
Another men’s shop I love: Jackson & James. I wrote about the shop in RVA Magazine when they opened in 2017 here. The shopping destination prominently carries raw denim, all made in the USA. You’ll also find hand crafted and boutique items like razors, candles and interior decor. Bonus: they just began to carry women’s clothing! I’m excited to pop in and see what I can find for myself.
Buy Him a Beer
This is probably a no brainer. We are a city saturated by breweries. Dads like beer, especially the fancy craft kind. Of all the times my dad has visited, his favorite breweries include The Veil Brewing Co. for the stouts, IPAs and the food trucks. We all like Ardent Craft Ales for the outdoor seating. Both Veil and Ardent located in in Scott’s Addition. Then, he always wants to head to Stone Brewing, which has a dynamic interior and exterior hang out space and carries his wife’s favorite beer. Wherever you end up, get him a growler to go so he remembers the Father’s Day he spent with you here in RVA.
Finish Off with a Bangin Dinner
Honestly, this part of the evening could go many ways. I’m loyal to several restaurants in town because of staff, food, and atmosphere. For a higher end meal, my favorites include Max’s on Broad for a filling full course meal, paired with wines and cocktails. We’re all big seafood fans, and there’s just nothing better in town than Rappahannock Oyster. I also have a soft spot because I spend time in rivers of the Rappahannock for work. Finally, I recently had my mind blown at Fleming’s Steakhouse in Stony Point Mall. Try out the changing Chef Tim’s Table menu for something like this, which I shared on Instagram.
