With Father’s Day just weeks away, the annual conundrum of finding a gift befitting Dad presents itself again — but, as is typical for the First Coast, local gift buying options offer up ideas that shake up the Father’s Day formula for gifts as unique as they are sincere.
Palm Valley Outdoors
377 S Roscoe Blvd.
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
(904) 834-7504
Coastal living all but mandates a love of nature — especially on the water — in some capacity. For the outdoorsman, consider local options that provide the gear and experience needed for an unforgettable Father’s Day spent outside.
As a part of Palm Valley heritage for more than 60 years, Palm Valley Outdoors is an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink shop for water activities. The Roscoe Boulevard storefront stocks bait, tackle and gear brands like Dry Case, Berkley and Mustad in addition to providing hourly and daily paddleboard and kayak rentals, guided boat and eco tours and operating a bar and grill.
Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
370 Zoo Parkway
Jacksonville, FL
(904) 757-4463
Dads will receive free entry to the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens Sunday, June 18 with the purchase of a child or adult ticket where they can enjoy a family outing of animal exhibits like the River Valley Aviary, Giraffe Overlook and Range of the Jaguar and zoo experiences such as behind the scenes tours, 4D theater and animal encounters. Download the coupon at www.jacksonvillezoo.org/fathersday.
John Craig Clothier
280 Village Main St., Ste. 950
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
(904) 686-1501
For all the pressure of a unique gift, tradition certainly doesn’t hurt — and for a gift blending contemporary trends with the classic tie option, consider Winter Park-based John Craig Clothier’s menswear stylings at its Sawgrass Village storefront. Choose from button downs, neck- and bow-ties, pocket squares and essentials in patterns and prints that breathe new life into classic pieces. Offerings also include sportcoats, leather goods and men’s boutonnieres.
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Baseball Club
301 A. Philip Randolph Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL
(904) 358-2846
Take dad to the ballgame Father’s Day weekend as the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp go head to head against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos on June 18 at 3:05 p.m. The Sunday game coincides with Sunday Family FUNday wherein families can play catch on the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville’s fields and children 12 and under can run the bases after the game. Kids will receive free face painting and balloon animals and meet the dancing Inflatamaniacs as they roam the park. To purchase tickets, visit www.jaxshrimp.com.
World Golf Hall of Fame
One World Golf Place
St. Augustine, FL
(904) 940-4123
Celebrate Father’s Day with complimentary admission for all dads and families at the World Golf Hall of Fame and Museum. From noon to 6 p.m., fathers and families will receive free entry to the World Golf Village’s Hall of Fame Museum as part of the U.S. Open Week at the Hall of Fame. Dads will also receive a free round on the putting course, including the Challenge Hole’s replica 17th island green.
