Celebrating Father’s Day in Omaha, NE

A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow. Each year in June we get the opportunity to celebrate all of the fathers in our lives. We get the chance to show them just how much we look up to them and appreciate what they do. For many, this will mean getting together for brunch or an evening meal; it might mean spending quality time outdoors enjoying the summer weather, or finding the perfect special gift. And while you could show Dad how much he’s appreciated with another new tie or coffee mug, if you’re looking for fresh ways to help Dad feel special this Father’s Day, there are many ways to show him how important and loved he is.

For those shopping for the ideal gift for Dad, and if he plays golf, your shopping just got a lot easier. If Dad loves to “hit the links,” Play It Again Sports (www.playitagainsportsomaha.com) has a huge selection of new and gently-used golf clubs. There are lots of great gifts at all different price points for this year’s golf season. For many, Father’s Day and golf are an annual tradition, as many golfers share the game with their father or are fathers themselves who are sharing the game with their children. Golf is a bond that brings many fathers and their children closer. Here in Omaha, we’re surrounded by many gorgeous golf courses in the metro and surrounding areas, and Play It Again Sports in Canfield Plaza is the sporting goods store for all of Dad’s golfing needs. Owner Richard Messina says, “All of our used clubs are pro-line clubs, from manufacturers such as Ping, Callaway, Taylormade, Nike, Cobra, and Titleist. We have over 180 drivers and 80 sets of irons in stock, and our selection accommodates all skill levels with the best equipment at the best price.” When shopping for Dad, Messina explains that the biggest thing to know is his skill level. Play It Again Sports has starter sets all the way up to something only highly skilled golfers would be able to use.

Their new sets include starter sets at a great price and range anywhere between $150-$400. Messina points out that customers can get the most value from Play It Again Sports’ used clubs. “For example, some of our sets were $1,200 new a few years ago, and now are available gently used at a much lower price point,” Messina explains. If you’re unsure of what to buy for Dad, Messina recommends getting him a single club—whether it’s a putter, wedge, or driver. “You can easily pick one club to upgrade in Dad’s arsenal,” he says. Single clubs run anywhere from $15 up to $200, with a wide range to choose from on any budget.

In addition to clubs, Play It Again Sports has a wide range of golf items. Messina says, “We pride ourselves in our selection of not just clubs, but also accessories—bags, shoes, training aids, balls, unique headcovers, and so on.” For last minute shoppers, Play It Again Sports, located at 8453 West Center Road, will be open Father’s Day weekend and is having a golf equipment special, with 20% off golf equipment that Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Messina and the rest of the Play It Again Sports team welcome you to come browse through the store and can help you to find the perfect gift to help dad up his game on the course.

When finding the perfect Father’s Day gift, the best source for guidance is taking into consideration Dad’s hobbies. If your dad is a woodworker, Midwest Woodworkers, Inc., (www.midwestwoodworkers.com) located at 14605 Wright Street in Omaha, has the tools, gadgets, and wood that will make his day. Owner Gerry Phelan offers recommendations about how to make Dad feel special, “From exotic hardwoods to quality tools, we have woodworking supplies you can’t find anywhere else. Or, you might consider a woodworking class. Whether Dad is a new woodworker or an accomplished craftsman, there is always something new to learn. We offer classes on a wide range of woodworking topics, from carving to turning to cabinet making. Dad can go home with anything from a handmade wooden pen to a bowl, or a small nightstand. All of our classes are limited to five or less participants so everyone has plenty of ‘hands-on’ experience.

Midwest Woodworkers has served amateur and professional woodworkers for over 30 years by providing domestic and exotic hardwoods, quality tools and a wide range of woodworking supplies. Our ‘Wall of Wood’ is unique in the Omaha area, featuring over 65 species of wood. Our mission is to ‘bring out the best woodworker in every customer.’”

Phelan explains, “It can be hard to choose a gift for a woodworker, particularly if you are not familiar with woodworking. Our staff consists of woodworkers with years of experience, so we have the expertise to help with gift suggestions that fit his style.” If you’re completely stumped on a gift for dad, there is always the gift certificate option. As Phelan suggests, “Nothing tells dad ‘It’s okay to spend time in your workshop’ like a gift certificate from Midwest Woodworkers. We offer gift certificates by phone, online, or in-store. The best part is that they can be purchased for any amount and they never expire or decline in value. You can even get him a gift certificate for a class so he can try something new.

Ultimately, your time and attention is the best gift of all. If you can find something you can enjoy together, you will both benefit from having him pass along his knowledge while you both enjoy some quality time together. Be sure you listen to and focus on the things that he really cares about.”

Midwest Woodworkers will also be open on Father’s Day if you would like to bring Dad into the store.

In addition to finding Dad the perfect gift, many look forward to Father’s Day each year because it gives us a chance to get together and share quality time together. Sean Fuller, owner of Just Good Meat (www.justgoodmeatomaha.com) suggests, “It’s always busy in restaurants on Father’s Day, but we’re also always busy here because a lot of guys like to grill out for the holiday.” The store will be running many Father’s Day weekend specials for the meats and cuts that Dad will love. In particular, Fuller recommends treating Dad to a thick-cut porterhouse, as this is a Dad favorite. Just Good Meat is the place to find the finest quality beef, chicken, pork and seafood in Omaha today. The store, located on 84th Street between L and F Streets, also prides itself in offering a full line of award-winning sausages, exotic and smoked meats, homemade deli items, fresh sandwiches and foods ranging from Chili to BBQ meats.

For those doing the grocery shopping for Dad and doing the grill prep work—for example, if it’s girls or moms or those who might be shyer with the grill or haven’t been to the store before—Just Good Meat specializes in customer service and can guide you to the right products. Fuller assures, “For those who aren’t familiar with what to buy or how to shop for quality meat for grilling and the other necessities involved, we’re a full service meat store. Even if you have questions on how to grill or how to set up the grill to create a delicious meal that will be the highlight of the day, we can answer a lot of those questions and help out quite a bit. We also have the wood and logs for the grill, seasoning, side dishes, and all of the little things that go along with grilling.”

As Fuller mentions, in addition to the main meat entrées, the store offers wood, wood chunks, and logs of wood for smoking, deli meat, cheeses, as well as all of the side dishes to complete your Father’s Day meal. What makes Just Good Meat stand out from other places is the variety and quality that they have available. Fuller says, “All of our sausages are handmade. We have a wide variety ranging from our award-winning bacon and cheese bratwurst, to our deluxe apple sausage, jalapeno cheese brat, 4-cheese Italian sausage, Hawaiian pineapple sausage, to our newest sausage, ‘Taco Grande.’ And, for those who are in a hurry, we have excellent smoked products.” The store’s “low and slow” cooking methods have made their cuts of meat a delicacy sought after all over Omaha. If your Father’s Day weekend will be a busy one, Fuller recommends stopping in on the way home to pick up ribs, brisket or pulled pork. Stop by the store, or visit www.justgoodmeatomaha.com to see the current Father’s Day specials, as well as recipes, cooking tips and ideas to plan a memorable cookout that will show Dad how loved and appreciated he is.

Whether it’s spending time on the green with a round of golf, a woodworking class so Dad can practice his craft, or enjoying a savory summer cookout, there are lots of ways to show our immense appreciation and gratitude. To all of the special people who fill the role of “Dad” in our lives we wish you all a very Happy Father’s Day!