Have you been to CVS and seen this year’s crop of Father’s Day cards?  They’re awful.  But then, they’re awful every year.  Father’s Day cards go one of two ways — either they’re uncomfortably maudlin and sappy, or they shamelessly stereotype dads as golf-fishing-lawn mowing-remote control-loving lazy shlubs.  I’m not even a dad, but as a guy I’m offended by the assumption that we lie around on the couch all day.

Why am I telling you this?  Because as I was writing this post on fun Father’s Day activities, I realized I was being just as narrow-minded as the greeting card makers. Unintentionally, I’ve stereotyped dads, assuming that a) they’re fairly sporty and b) they like beer, cars and meat.  So to all the indie film, vegetarian, art loving dads out there, I apologize.

The idea for this post is to offer suggestions on local activities dad might enjoy on Father’s Day — and of course, he’s gotta eat, so I included a few food ideas too.  Here goes.

#1 — GO-KART RACING, MT. KISCO

I dare you to find a dad who doesn’t get a kick out of flying around Grand Prix New York‘s indoor tracks on a go-kart.  As guys, we all have a little too much testosterone coursing through us, and GPNY is the perfect outlet for our competitive side.  You’ve got speed, revving engines, G-forces, spinouts and the occasional collision.  What dad wouldn’t enjoy that? None, I say.

Dining Options:
You don’t even have to leave GPNY.  Buy dad a drink at the bar, or treat him to a meal at the in-house restaurant, Eau Rouge.  He’ll love the sliders.  If you’re exploring Mt. Kisco, how about a stop in at Pour for a shot of absinthe?  A dessert at Connie’s Bakery (I recommend the UFOs [aka whoopie pies]). Or an espresso at Via Vanti!?  If dad’s a BBQ lover, head over to Q for a rack of ribs or a pulled pork sandwich. Many, many food options in Mt. Kisco.

#2 — SLOT CAR RACING, ELMSFORD

If go-karts aren’t dad’s scene, then radio controlled slot car racing at Elmsford Raceway might be more his speed.  The raceway’s slot car tracks are like those little toy race car tracks we used to build as a kid, but ten times bigger and twenty times cooler.  Guaranteed fun for the whole family.

Dining Options:
I haven’t been yet, but there’s a new place in Elmsford called Shiraz, the first Persian restaurant in Westchester.  Smoked eggplant, kebabs, lamb shanks, stews… and apparently inexpensive too.  The New York Times recently gave it a good review.

#3 — INDOOR ROCK CLIMBING, NEW ROCHELLE

Do I even need to explain?  How awesome is this?  I’ve been to The Rock Club in New Rochelle several times, and it’s great. Lots of space, plenty of interesting routes, and helpful staff. Gear and equipment are available for rental on-site.  If dad’s never climbed before, he’ll need to take a lesson and a belay test — then he’s good to go.  Climbing challenges you physically and mentally, and believe me, it’s a huge adrenaline rush to hang off a wall face at 40-feet in the air.

Dining Options:
How about AJ’s for burgers, tacos al pastor at Little Mexican Cafe, or Spadaro for wonderfully rustic, home-cooked Italian (be sure to order the peas).  I didn’t love my Philly Chili at SmokeHouse Chili-Grill, but I think that’s just because Philly isn’t their strongest chili.  Go with the SmokeHouse Original, a spicy blend of sausage, bacon and beef.

#4 — MINI GOLF AND ROLLER COASTERS, RYE

That’s right, we’re talking about Rye Playland.  I hate roller coasters and got peer-pressured onto the Dragon Coaster last summer.  The old, rickety, wooden coaster and fear of decapitation while flying through the underpasses scared the living hell out of me, but I’ll admit, it was kind of fun.  Chances are, your dad or husband is much less of  a wuss than I am.  But what I really enjoy at Playland?  Mini golf. Mini golf rules.  And you don’t even have to enter the park. The course is right outside the park, with a gorgeous view of the Sound.

Dining Options:
For the view alone, Seaside Johnnies is worth it.  As I’ve mentioned before, the food is average, but dad probably won’t care as he’s sipping his drink, eating his fried calamari and looking out over the water.  A little divey and un-touristy is Kelly’s Sea Level, where you can grab a cold beer and a good burger.  Another Rye spot off the beaten path is Belluscio’s, which I’ve heard is Italian like your grandma used to make. Feeling indulgent?  Take dad to Koo, my favorite Rye restaurant, for amazingly artful and fresh sushi.

#5 — HIKING, NYACK

You don’t have to drive all the way to Bear Mountain or Harriman for quality hiking.  Hook Mountain State Park is much less crowded, and it’s right across the Tappan Zee Bridge, just north of Nyack. The park, part of the Palisades, has breathtaking views of the Hudson, and the best part is the path with barbecue pits that runs along the water.  Bring a cooler with hot dogs and burgers, and you can make a day of it.

Dining Options:
Don’t feel like grilling your own food?  Okay, then drive down to Main St. in Nyack, which is like restaurant-central of Rockland. I had a very good sushi experience at Murasaki, and loved Velo. Nanuet’s also close by, and that means burgers at Five Guys. But what I’m hearing the most about, and what’s now #1 on my restaurant list, is Bailey’s Smokehouse in Blauvelt. One reader said the ribs there are as good as or better than the ribs at Dinosaur BBQ.  Strong words.  And if that’s true, we need to all go to Bailey’s RIGHT NOW.

#6 — BREWERY TOUR, PLEASANTVILLE

I keep meaning to take a tour of Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, so if you go with dad, let me know how it is.  The complimentary tours and tastings aren’t offered on Sundays, so you’ll have to do it on Saturday instead, from 12 pm – 6 pm. Captain Lawrence makes damn fine beers, especially their Smoked Porter.  And it’s pretty great that we have an award winning brewery right in our own backyard.

Dining Options:
Treat dad to a meal at Haven on Bedford Rd.  Is he a cupcake kind of guy?  Then he’ll dig Flour & Sun Bakery and their popular Oreo cupcakes.  Or you could just leave the kids at home and grab a scotch or martini on the outdoor patio at Lucy’s Lounge (although I suppose ditching the kids on Father’s Day is kind of uncool).

#7 — KAYAKING, SLEEPY HOLLOW

We’ve all driven over the Tappan Zee Bridge, but how many of us have kayaked underneath it?  At Hudson River Recreation, you can.  It’s a completely unique experience — serene, peaceful.  And beautiful.  Kayaking along the Hudson makes you realize how lucky you are to live in Westchester.  Hudson River Recreation offers all types of lessons and tours out of Croton, Tarrytown, and Sleepy Hollow.  I recommend the half day (3 hour) tour, which gives you enough time to get the feel for the kayak and explore the river.

Dining  Options:
You can’t talk about Sleepy Hollow without mentioning Corona’s Lunch and their Cuban sandwiches.  Really, everything there is good — make sure to get a side of their special hot sauce!  Santorini and its enormous baklava are close by, as is Sunflour Cafe on Beekman.  If dad’s hankering for a good burger, take him into Tarrytown to Horsefeathers.  He won’t be disappointed.

Hopefully I’ve given you some good ideas — this is just the tip of the iceberg, but I’m getting carpal tunnel and can’t type anymore.  What are you planning on doing for dad’s big day? If you have any great suggestions, feel free to share them here!