You've seen them, those all-too-obvious last-minute gifts, already picked over and strewn across the superstore aisles. The "World's Greatest Dad" matching hat and tee, "#1 Stepfather" coffee cup complete with easy bake-on decal perfect for an inkjet print of your smiling mug. And no matter how compact and conveniently packaged, another set of screwdrivers is not what your Pops needs. He has enough novelty ties, golf balls and History Channel DVDs. He may not say it, but all he wants is an afternoon with his offspring, proof that you really did turn out all right.
This year is your chance to dispel those tired do's and don'ts for Dad's Day and take him on an adventure. Is he into the outdoors? Grab lunch at the Silverton's Sundance Grill (complete with TVs tuned to a variety of Sunday sports events). Have an ale and let him win a few frames in the Airstream bowling alley. Then amble into the city's most impressive sporting-goods store, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, where the two of you can try out the archery range, practice your cast on their fully-stocked fishing hole, find your favorite firearm or climb the rock wall in the comfort of climate control.
Maybe your dad's been playing too much wilderness warrior and needs a manly makeover. You could get him the short-lived spa shave, the take-home kit, lather cake, aromatic aftershave and uber-expensive razor he'll never use again, or you could take him for a Black Angus bacon-and-cheeseburger at Mandalay Place's Burger Bar, then over to ARCS Salon for a proper buff and polish. ARCS Man-I-cure is an experience you can share and maybe while you're there, Robert Cromean's savvy stylists can convince your dad to tint his tresses, using Paul Mitchell's softest colors to gently blend away grays. Top off the afternoon with a visit to Mandalay Bay's 300-seat race and sports book for a beer and a last-minute bet and he'll head home happy.
No matter what you do for your dad this weekend, don't forget the card. He might not get misty from the mushy sentiment like your mom, but he appreciates the effort and likely tucks them away in his nightstand just as you've always suspected.
For more info visit
silvertoncasino.com and
mandalaybay.com.
Jennifer Henry's got the goods on what to get & where. E-mail her at
[email protected].