There is no one in the world quite like your dad, even if he insists on wearing crocs with cargo shorts to every occasion! Hey, who's to say how to define "business casual" anyway? From dads to stepdads, grandfathers to father figures in your life, Father's Day weekend in Southwest Louisiana boasts some of the most joy-filled experiences you can have while creating memories or just picking out that perfect gift to celebrate.

 

The Fashionable Dad:
If you’re looking to upgrade your dad’s style, Iron Shop Provisions is where to do it. This boutique exudes fresh and head-turning style from every corner with its carefully curated selection of quality made clothing and accessories. Each item has a story of responsible craftsmanship, from their true denim clothes and leather jackets to relaxed shirts and stylish shoes. Beyond the incredible selection of clothes, you’ll also find eyewear, boots, leather goods, iron goods, and other accessories for the best dad. Speaking of accessories, for custom knives, check out Sulphur's Smith & Son's

 

Sporty Competitive Dad: 
Gather you up your siblings and friends to take your sporty dad out to play volleyball at South Beach and enjoy their bar & grill. Or, head over to Game2Life which is a key entertainment destination for those looking for another level of fun. Their iCOMBAT Tactical Laser Combat is a multisensory combat experience straight out of your favorite video game. Play with strangers or take over both teams with your crew and put in a solid workout while you’re at it. And to top it off, there’s a great bar and axe throwing! 

 

The Pampered Dad: 
Who says men don’t enjoy mani-pedis? When the dad in your life needs a break, head to L’Auberge for their luxurious barber experience, complete with a premium Scotch or bourbon in hand. 1740 Barbier offers a full line of skin care, grooming products, and gift sets, or book your dude for one of their relaxing manicures, pedicures, cuts, shaves, or waxing.

 

Barbier at L'Auberge Casino Resort in Lake Charles
Barbier 1740 is the perfect place for dad to get a shave, haircut, and enjoy a glass of scotch.

The Foodie Dad: 
Pasta Lab is a love letter to fresh and clean eating, and whether you’re looking to cook up a great Father’s Day pasta bake or want to book an entertaining and informative pasta-making workshop, this place has it all. When you drop by, pick up a variety of olive oils, balsamic vinegars, cheeses, and sauces, and your resident pasta experts will give you the behind-the-scenes tour of their workshop while offering the best pasta/sauce/cheese pairings for your dish. You can also take dad out to enjoy fine dining or downhome goodness! For a foodie event, purchase tickets to bring dad to Chuck Tastes Restaurant Night and the Louisiana Seafood Cookoff on June 27 at Golden Nugget.

Check out the Pasta Lab Experience:

 

The Sipping Dad: 
You may think of Crave as the wine place with fancy oils and vinegar, but you’ll be happily surprised to hear that they have a serious section for the man who’s looking for the finer things to sip on. Crave and The Cellar at Crave have a dynamic selection of spirits – both local and non-local – that can upgrade your guy’s liquor cabinet. Smoke & Barrel Inc.'s signature Single Barel Ocean Jefferson is a great addition to Dad's shelf, plus proceeds support the United Way of SWLA. Then top it off with the perfect addition of bourbon balls, whiskey glasses, and other perfect drink pairings. Other ideas are taking Dad out for a brew at Crying EagleThe Boardwalk for a cocktail, or Bodega Wine Dive for an assortment of wines and spirits! 

 

 

The Rockstar Dad: Sunday Jazz / Zydeco Brunches 
So, this is a win-win. If your dad loves music, plays music - and also - needs to eat, Louisiana's Playground is going to be rocking on Father's Day. The popular Jazz Brunch at Luna is always a crowd favorite as well as the Zydeco Brunch at Rikenjak's with evening jazz. Not to mention, Crying Eagle's Summer Concert Series is kicking off June 17. Check out more live music Father's Day weekend here. For music memorabilia and vintage finds, check out Panorama Music Exchange

 

Luna Jazz Brunch
Luna Jazz Brunch on Sundays is a popular hot spot for delicious food and lively music!

The Artistic Dad:
If you’re at your wit’s end trying to find the best unique gift that’s not going to max out your credit card, then head to your local art market and peruse a selection of one-of-a-kind gifts that’ll give you some serious credit with dad. Weekly markets like the Cash & Carry Farmers Market (801 Enterprise Boulevard, Tuesdays, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.) and the Charlestown Farmers Market (1001 Ryan Street, Saturdays, 8 a.m. - noon) have regular art booths with handmade gifts and artwork. For a hands-on experience, check out the new Wicks & Wax Candle Lab's Father's Day event. You can also find local art and artists as part of the HeartBeat Virtual Tour in Lake Charles or check out exhibits at local museums & galleries.

The Outdoorsy Dad:
If the dude in your life needs to reconnect with nature (or just get out of the house for once), then Lake Area Adventures is your perfect Father’s Day gift. They deliver family fun with kayak and boat rentals, water tours, and scuba certifications. Southwest Louisiana is full of beautiful waterways ready to be explored, so pack a picnic, rent a boat or kayak, and hit the water for a summertime adventure among the beauty of the marshes and rivers. Also, check out other ways to get out on the water or see the city from a glow bike tour with activity rentals in the area. And, of course, golf or a nice drive along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road!

Kayaking Photo
Kayaking with dad is relaxing on Southwest Louisiana's waterways.

However you decide to celebrate the dads in your life, they will no doubt have a memorable experience in Louisiana's Playground. Also, check out other things to do this summer!