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Since your dad is probably one of your first travel buddies in life, why not plan a Father’s Day trip that suits him to a T? Whether your father is a sports nut, a kitchen wiz, or a true outdoorsman, the destination options for planning a special trip for him are plenty. The location could involve one that’s been on his wish list for years, or even an old favorite he’s always wanted to revisit. This year, give him a keepsake that he’ll always really remember—a trip of a lifetime.

RELATED: 7 great golf resorts (where you don’t even have to like golf)

 

Sports-loving Dad: An MLB ballpark stadium tour
If your dad made sure that taking you to your first baseball game was a family rite of passage, consider paying him back with a multi-city stadium tour. Along with your shared favorite team, venture beyond your loyalties by exploring the cities of the houses that Ruth, Seaver, Williams, Ripken or Simmons built. Hit up the Northeast, for a Major League Baseball stadium tour with multiple stops including Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia or Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, then head to NYC for two heavy hitters: Yankee Stadium and Citi Field where the Mets play. Finish your trek in Boston at Fenway Park; it’s the oldest stadium still in use.

Elvis Presley Automobile Museum

Rock ‘n’ Roll Dad: Memphis
Before your phone could double as a Walkman, your dad listened to his favorite songs on cassette, CD and vinyl. All generations, however can agree on one thing: live music can’t be beat. Go to Memphis, a city known for its music landmarks. The king of them is all is Graceland where the King himself lived. Take in impressive collections of Elvis Presley’s stage attire and gold records, plus view areas of the estate such as the famous Jungle Room. After that, see where Elvis made his first recording. Sun Studios is not only where Presley played but also served as a who’s who of talent: B.B. King, Ike Turner, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and Jerry Lee Lewis. Also, tap into the sounds of soul at the Stax Museum. As day turns to night, pop in and out of music clubs along Beale Street and sink your teeth into some ‘cue at Charles Vergos Rendezvous.

Big Spender Dad: Las Vegas
Give props to the pops who gives generously with a high-rolling boys’ night out. Book dinner reservations at hot spots ranging from Bavette’s Steakhouse and Bar at Park MGM to Mario Batali’s upscale chophouse Carnevino at The Palazzo. Keep the good times going with time spent at the tables followed by two premium tickets to a show that will take him back to his youth—Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil. Looking for a killer crash pad? Go big with a swank stay at either Aria or Encore at Wynn.

Active Dad: Utah’s Mighty Five
Answer nature’s call by taking on Utah’s Mighty Five. The state’s southern region holds five U.S. National Parks, each having a distinct topography. Capitol Reef National Park is graced with natural rock formations ranging from cliffs and canyons to domes and bridges. Canyon Lands National Park sports its famous point of interest, the Mesa Arch, while Bryce Canyon National Park dazzles  with spiral-shaped rock formations known as hoodoos. Let’s not forget about Arches National Park, with its plethora of arches. Finally, climb the trail to Observation Point at Zion National Park and be rewarded with wonderful overhead views.

Pequod’s in Chicago

Foodie Dad: Chicago or New Orleans
Whether he’s the grill master or the Thanksgiving meal preparer, encourage dad to take a seat at the table. If your father is a true foodie, he’ll enjoy his fill in Chicago. Every culinary weekend in the Windy City should include a bar seat at New American eatery Giant; inventive Asian fare at either Parachute or Fat Rice; an all out Michelin-starred stunner at either Oriole or Alinea; and of course, Chicago-style pizza at Peqoud’s. If dad prefers to “play” with his food, then New Orleans is the place to be. Sign him up for classes at cooking schools such as the New Orleans Culinary Institute but be sure to bring him to NOLA’s epicurean institutions such as Cochon, Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits and Commander’s Palace.

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Peter Pan Dad: Disneyland
If your pop is the boy who never grew up, let him feel like a kid again as he gives your own kids the time of their lives at a destination he probably took you to when you were younger—Disneyland. The multi-generational theme park features eight wonderlands with classic Disney characters and trending figures. After a day or two or more within the park, see what else coastal Orange County has to offer. Hit up hip food court Anaheim Packing District, ride a duffy boat in Newport Harbor and spent a day seaside in postcard-perfect Laguna Beach.

Nostalgic Dad: Route 66
Does your dad get misty-eyed when he thinks of the times you and your sibs piled into the car for a road-trip? Relive those moments by literally taking him on a ride down America’s memory lane—Route 66! The Mother Road winds from Chicago to Santa Monica and along the way loops in all kinds of roadside greats like the Largest Catsup Bottle in the World in Illinois, Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch in California and many more.

Car Jock Dad: Detroit
Maybe he’s the repairman you turned to when your car needed an oil change or maybe his eyes always lit up when seeing a classic roadster. Either way, a Motor City vacation is in order. Start with the Ford Rouge Factory Tour to see how this American car company’s truck, the Ford F-150, is built. Learn more about the man behind the concept of the assembly line at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, and to Greenfield Village, a salute to Americana. Next, swing by the defunct Packard Plant, the former site of the luxury automaker and that’s now being redeveloped. Although it doesn’t coincide with Father’s Day, consider making a trip during Detroit’s North American Auto Show, which rolls out various auto industry events every January.


Golf Dad: Minnesota

If your dad likes to spend his time off perfecting his swing, the Land of 10,000 Lakes has golf courses in every corner of the state. In the center of Minnesota, Maddens on Gull Lake is a golf/family resort within Brainerd’s north woods and with four course layouts ranging from a 1929 design to one that’s a relaxing challenge. In the southwest, Dacotah Ridge Golf Club has an 18-hole champion course amidst a prairie landscape and a golf shop and restaurant. In Minneapolis, the Minikahda Club hosted the 1916 U.S. Open, while the Interlachen Country Club in suburban Edina was the third leg in Bobby Jones’ 1930 Grand Slam. Write these places down on Dad’s score sheet.

Photo courtesy of Kore Tulum Retreat and Spa Resort

Pampered Dad: Tulum
Reassure your dad that pursuing wellness is a manly thing. This Caribbean coastal town on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is the setting for beaches and well-preserved Mayan ruins but is getting buzz for its locally-operated yoga studios and excursions to cenotes. Relax by the sand with a stay at the Kore Tulum Retreat and Spa Resort or the Auzlik, with a full service spa.

Tagged: California, Chicago, Chicago, Disney, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Memphis, Michigan, Midwest, Minnesota, New Orleans

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Michele Herrmann

Michele Herrmann

Michele writes about women's travel, destinations, culinary, and cultural topics for various outlets and has ventured as far as Fiji, to date. She also muses her tales on She Is Going Places.
Michele Herrmann

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