From Golf Greens to Game Day
Implicit in the many memorable ways to celebrate dads this Father’s Day is our appreciation for the time they spent raising us, supporting us in our endeavors, and lending an ear or advice as we journey through our lives. Those selfless acts do not go unnoticed. When planning how to honor the fathers in your life this June, consider these inspired options that bring joy, relaxation or entertainment to the quality time you spend together.
On the Green
Venture onto the greens Kansas has to offer. If dad is a golfer, book a tee time on one of the many beautiful courses and spend time together playing a quick 9, a full 18 — or even 36, if it’s a cool, enjoyable day. Even dads who don’t golf might enjoy an afternoon together at TopGolf, where the driving range provides a relaxing escape for the day, along with refreshments. Families with younger children can bond with dad and have fun in a few rounds of miniature golf.
On-the-Town Dining
For fathers who cook and grill for their family members, a dinner out is the perfect thank-you. Dining out as a family can be such an enjoyable and relaxing way to spend time together. With no shopping, preparation, cooking or clean up, sharing a meal in a great restaurant is the way to go. Wichita offers so many dining options from laid back and casual to elegant fine dining. Sports restaurants like Pumphouse, Hurricane Sports, B&C Barbeque, Wichita Brewing Company or Social Tap Drinkery combine three great loves: sports viewing, crafted and on-tap beer with great grilled foods.
Turn it Up
For music loving fathers, find a concert that showcases musical vibes from today’s favorites or bygone bands from his younger years. Music transcends time and frees us of constraint that ties us to schedules and responsibilities. Musical lyrics and melodies transport us to other times and ignite memories. While totally in the moment and completely transported, each concert creates a space for showcasing one-of-a-kind artists and musical ability beyond imagining. And it’s the perfect way to share in something that will be forever remembered.
Evergreen
A unique way to honor a dad this Father’s Day is to create a lasting tribute by planting a tree. As you both watch it flourish and grow, it can be symbolic of the relationship you share. Just as a father nurtures a son or daughter, the birch, oak or maple will require support, nourishment, commitment and love. From year to year and from one season to the next, the changing colors reflect how a father begins as a caretaker with unconditional love, moves to a source of encouragement and expectations, and later, to a lifelong companion and friend. The Kansas winds may blow, but the solid foundation and stability of the roots will endure, mature and, like a father’s love, stand strong against the world.
Ice Cream Night
One a warm June evening as the sun begins to fade, treat your dad to a cool favorite — ice cream. Wichita offers chilled confections in every corner of the city. Some stone slab options for ultimate ice cream creations include Cold Stone Creamery, Freezing Moo and Marble Slab Creamery. For creamier selections, Freddy’s Frozen Custard, Dairy Queen, Andy’s Frozen Custard and Braum’s await families this Father’s Day, ready to create treats and smiles, moments to be remembered.
Game Day
With America’s pastime in full swing, nearly every day offers a chance to watch a favorite team or two compete on the dirt diamond. If another sport sits close to Dad’s heart, plan a game day to watch together. College sports offer competitive play on Saturdays throughout the year, while professional sports do the same. If pro football is a primary focus, NFL games can be viewed on Thursday, Sunday and of course, Monday nights.
Dinner In
One way to let someone know they’re special to you is to prepare a delicious meal for them; choosing a father’s favorite speaks of love, whether that be a juicy steak on the grill, smoked brisket or ribs, or some lovin’ from the oven like a luscious lasagna (see recipe below). Time spent cooking for someone shares creative culinary talents and can be a gift that honors another person and expresses gratitude.
World-Class Lasagna
2 lbs. ground beef
1 lb. Jimmy Dean sausage
1 Tbsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. butter
2 jars of Prego Traditional Spaghetti Sauce
16 oz. package of American Beauty oven-ready lasagna noodles
8 oz. cream cheese
8 oz. shredded mozzarella
8 oz. shredded Italian cheese blend
8 oz. cheddar
1 egg
8 oz. carton cottage cheese
8 oz. freshly grated parmesan, divided
Black pepper
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix cottage cheese, egg and 4 oz. of parmesan together. Set aside. In a large skillet, brown ground beef and sausage. Add butter to the center of the pan. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook 1–2 minutes. Incorporate with a spatula. Drain or blot with a paper towel. Stir in spaghetti sauce and leave on low heat. In a cake pan or disposable aluminum pan, (I like to use a disposable pan. Be sure to place a sheet pan underneath to add stability for removing from the oven, as the pan will be heavy) begin layering the dish by covering the bottom of the pan liberally with the sauce mixture. Next, lay lasagna noodles on the sauce layer. Spoon and spread half of the cottage cheese mixture on the noodles. Pinch and distribute half of the cream cheese over this layer. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella, Italian, cheddar and remaining parmesan cheese over this. Repeat the process — sauce layer, noodles, cottage cheese mixture and drops of cream cheese — topping with remaining shredded cheeses. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove foil and bake for another 15–30 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden brown.