El Yunque National Forest
It’s not all your fault those lavish plans of surprising your dad with World Cup tickets never quite panned out. Who knew scheduling a trip to Brazil would prove so complicated? If you have thoughts of waving the proverbial white flag and giving up on the holiday, hold off until you’ve checked out some of the cool events and packages in other parts of the map. From dream getaways to the top of the world to fantasy racing experiences, these trips around the June 15 holiday should score you some major points with the old man.
Cooperstown, New York
Your pop has had a visit to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum on his bucket list for as long as you can remember. Help him cross this biggie off by making the pilgrimage to Central New York this Father’s Day weekend. Now in its 75th year, the hallowed home of Lou Gehrig and Hank Aaron is as awe-inspiring today as it was when it opened back in 1939. On June 12, the hall held a special anniversary celebration that included appearances from diamond legends Joe Morgan and Cal Ripken Jr., as well as a giant birthday cake and sing-along. Festivities continue on June 13 with the official opening of the Babe Ruth: His Life and Legend exhibit with members of The Bambino’s family in attendance for the dedication.
If you can somehow overlook the flat-screen TVs and Bose stereo systems in your room, Chatham Bars Inn Resort and Spa would feel like a step back into the Cape Cod summer of 1950, what with all of the nautically inspired art, hardwood flooring and elaborate chandeliers. This holiday weekend, the 100-year-old hotel is further setting a nostalgic vibe with a calendar full of vintage fun coming in the form of the second annual Chatham Antique Car Invitational, an afternoon of lawn games and croquet, and two Chatham Anglers baseball games at nearby Veterans Field. While those kinds of perks would make the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star resort’s Anniversary Package an easy sell on their own, the deal becomes a no-brainer once you realize it also includes tickets to the Roaring 20s Costume Ball, a formal event with a three-course dinner and 20-piece band as its highlights.
Hotel El Convento
Forbes Travel Guide has had its eyes on Puerto Rico for some time. One glance at hospitality wonderlands such as Hotel El Convento explains why the area will be one of the next to be rated. The charming, 58-room escape offers Spanish Colonial-inspired décor, an international spectrum of cuisine and some of the most breathtaking landscapes you’ll find anywhere. With the property’s Nature Vacation Package, you and your father can explore two of the island’s most renowned natural attractions: El Yunque National Forest and Fajardo Bioluminescent Bay. Though we’re pretty certain your male guest will be blown away by El Yunque’s majestic 28,000 acres, the deal’s other perks — Vista room upgrade, wine reception and tote bag amenity — should do their part in swaying his decision.
The reigning World Series champion Boston Red Sox will be the first to tell you that defending a title is really hard work. Some of this could explain the team’s tepid 30-36 start to the 2014 season. But no matter what the standings say, diehard Boston fans believe that things will turn for the better. In this instance, we’re hoping that’s by the June 30-July 2 series with the Chicago Cubs — that will make XV Beacon’s Linger Longer promotion sweeter than a handful of cotton candy. Though game tickets are sold separately, if you stay three nights or longer at the Four-Star hotel, you get 15 percent off the best available rate each evening. Talk about having all of your bases covered.
Nepal
Reaching the summit of Mt. Everest is one of the most difficult and impressive feats in the world. Many have tried to make it to the peak, but only a few have successfully reached the top of the Nepalese wonder. If you have a thrill-seeking dad, the perfect Father’s Day package is being made available by experiential marketplace, IfOnly. As part of its latest over-the-top opportunity, veteran pilot Chris Dewhirst will lead your father on a hot air balloon expedition over the nearly 30,000-foot mountain. Chris’ team is the first and only group to fly over Everest. This once-in-a-lifetime experience includes roughly a month of fitness and training sessions in your hometown — someone would fly to you to lead the exercises — as well as pre-expedition time (ideal conditions will be in October or November) in Nepal. The trip costs a cool $4.8 million, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting UNICEF. With a stunning 360-degree view of Earth, this offer is sure to put your pop on top of the world.
Photos Courtesy of iStock and Hotel El Convento
