Sometimes, it’s hard to know what to get the fatherly figures in our lives. Whether it’s the dad that has every tool in the shed, bowtie in the closet, or lures in his tackle box. Sometimes experiences are the best thing to get someone who’s hard to shop for! We’ve put together a great list of things to do with your dads, stepdads, grandpas, or important men in your life to create some awesome core memories this year.
Swing for the fences – Take Dad out to the ballpark! There are two minor league parks in the area. The newest park in the country is the home of the Spartanburgers, which had their first game on April 15, 2025 and is a High-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. The Greenville Drive, a High-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, have been around since 2006. Both parks light up the night sky with Friday night fireworks.
Take Dad for a drive…at the BMW Performance Center. Nothing better than letting Dad drive a sports car at high rates of speed around a track. You can learn more, buy a gift card, and book your experience to see available days and times here.
For the outdoorsy dad, there’s always whitewater rafting the Chattooga River and hiking the open wilderness. Some of our favorite spots to walk to the waterfalls and great views of the Upcountry include Paris Mountain State Park; Spoonauger Falls (named one of the best hikes for families); Table Rock (the best trail to an overlook); and Raven Cliff Falls (a tougher, 1-hour 40-minute long hike with a beautiful view in Caesars Head State Park).
Fore! Score a hole-in-one with Dad this year by taking him to one of our many beautiful golf courses across the Upcountry. We have a fantastic list of golf courses to choose from in Travelers Rest based on our weekend guide here; 3’s Golf in Greenville is fun for the whole family and recently got a revamp with a generous donation from Justin Timberlake himself; and don’t miss Chickasaw Point in Westminster, SC or The Rock at Table Rock Resort for an enjoyable day with other activities as well.
For the Dad who loves his morning brews, take him to M.Judson Booksellers in downtown Greenville, or Hub City Bookshop in Spartanburg (one of only a few independent bookstores in the country), for a cozy cup of tea or coffee, a homemade baked treat. Enjoy a walk among the books, puzzles, and other locally stocked goods. There are also other great spots like the new Chef 21 Tea Republic in Greenville, SC, or Ninja Warrior Coffee for bubble teas in Easley, SC. For those who want to take Dad somewhere for a fun experience like coffee or hot chocolate flights, check out Steam Coffee & Cream in Fountain Inn, SC, or Cohesive Coffee in Greenville, SC!
Whether your father figure loves baseball, speeding around a racetrack, climbing up a waterfall, or hitting a great iron, what he’ll love the most is spending time with you this holiday weekend.
By Sarah A. (Moore) Gross, Pimento & Prose Media