Wondering how to celebrate dear old dad on Father's Day weekend? Here are a few ideas.
Saturday, June 18
' 11 a.m. Father's Day storytime at Barnes & Noble, 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd.
The bookstore will honor dads, granddads and other male caregivers accompanying children to storytime with readings from two charming books, "Dad School" by Rebecca Van Slyke and "Grandpa Loves You" by Helen Foster James. Free.
' 8 p.m. Free tours for dads at Dalton Ghost Tours, beginning at the wooden deck across from the Wink Theatre on West Crawford Street in Dalton, Ga.
Connie Hall-Scott, author of "Haunted Dalton, Georgia," leads a 90-minute tour of the city's legendary past and haunted present. Free for dads. $12 for others; free for children under 6. For more information, call 706-275-4416.
Sunday, June 19
' 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Father's Day Brunch at Broad Street Grille, 1201 Broad St.
Executive chef Adam Roe and his culinary team change the menu each week for their award-winning Champagne Brunch. This week's menu has dads in mind, with hearty portions of ribs, chicken and prime rib among the selections. Cost is $26.95 for adults, $13.95 for children 6-12. Reservations are highly recommended. Call 423-424-3700.
' 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Bacon, Blues & Brews at Chattanooga Market inside First Tennessee Pavilion, 1829 Reggie White Blvd.
The folks at Chattanooga Market have relaxation in mind for dads, with samples of craft, small batch and seasonal beers on tap and blues music on the EPB Stage from Rick Rushing & The Blues Strangers from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Lunch can come from one of the on-site eateries or food trucks, and the cooks will have extras of the things dads like - did someone say bacon? Or pick up fresh cuts of meat, farm cheeses and produce to make a home-cooked dinner. Artists and crafters can set you up with a unique gift for dad, such as handmade wood cutting boards and bow knifes, bow ties, wallets or gun holsters. For more information, call 423-648-2496 or visit ChattanoogaMarket.com.
' 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. Father's Day meals at Main Street Meats, 217 E. Main St.
Meat is always on the menu at this neighborhood butcher, and starting Father's Day the restaurant will be open Sundays for lunch and dinner. Selections from chef Erik Niel and head butcher Parker Hudson change daily, but you can expect to find house-made products that showcase bacon, sausages, sauces, charcuterie and local cheeses. Call 423-602-9568 for more information.
' 4:30-6:30 p.m. Happy Father's Day Cruise on River Gorge Explorer at the Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad St.
Celebrate with your father or grandfather aboard the high-tech vessel, relaxing in the climate-controlled cabin or taking in the scenery from the topside observation deck. Bluegrass musician Matt Downer will pick out tunes during the cruise. Catered food will be provided by HoneyBaked Ham. A cash bar will have wine, beer, soft drinks and water. This all-ages cruise is limited to 68 passengers. Cost is $48 for adults, $40 for children up to age 12. Register online at www.tnaqua.org/events-programs.
' 11 a.m.-8 p.m. CDT. Father's Day buffets at Tennessee state park restaurants. http://tnstateparks.com/about/promotions.
The Homestead Harvest Restaurant at Cumberland Mountain State Park in Crossville is showcasing smoked pork ribs, country fried chicken and roast beef and gravy, plus a full complement of sides, salads, soups, breads and desserts. Cost is $15.95 for adults, $7.95 for children 6-12; drink and tax not included. Call 931-484-7186.
Gaul's Gallery Restaurant at Fall Creek Falls State Park in Pikeville will make whiskey-smoked salmon, chipotle smoked barbecue ribs, roast beef and fried chicken the stars of its massive buffet. Cost is $15.95 for adults, half price for children 6-12, and 10 percent discounts for ages 62 and older; drink and tax not included. Call 423-881-5241.