Montrose Has All Your Father’s Day Gifts Covered
Father’s Day is rapidly approaching, yet there’s no need to worry. Haven’t found a perfect gift for dear old Dad? There are plentiful options within the Montrose District to cover just about any type of father. Whether he’s a coffee enthusiast, an art aficionado, a rodeo-goer or a musician, there’s something here to pique his interest. A little thoughtfulness can go a long way, and so can a trip to Montrose.
For the Coffee Cognoscenti
Black Hole / 4504 Graustark
Even if the plans don’t involve a stop at this chill coffee house on Father’s Day, a bottle of Black Hole’s cold-brew concentrate could be the best gift dad gets all year. This 32-ounce bottle of the other black gold will be good for quite a few caffeine fixes. The smooth brew is so concentrated, Black Hole suggests mixing it with milk or water for the perfect ratio. Pour it over ice and Dad has himself a cool way put some pep in his step this summer.
Southside Espresso / 904-B Westheimer
If cold coffee doesn’t get Dad’s motor running, perhaps a bag of small-batch roasted beans from Fusion Beans (the same owners as Southside Espresso) will. There are a handful of selections on any given day at the shop, and as a bonus, you can pick up an espresso for yourself before heading out the door.
Artistic Pursuits
Space Montrose / 1706 Westheimer
Part art gallery, part retail shop, Space is the place to visit in Montrose when you want to give a gift that is truly one of a kind. There are handcrafted items galore, all reasonably priced, all as beautiful, unique or quirky as they come. If you’re struggling to come up with something fun to give the father in your life, chances are there’ll be something onsite that strikes your fancy. Or your father’s fancy. Or both. In any case, everything for sale here is made in the U.S., and half of them by local artists. Think of it as an Etsy, only more personal and in real life.
Houston Center for Photography / 1441 W. Alabama
Perhaps your father bought himself a camera, or maybe he’s getting one from another family member for Father’s Day. For the budding photographer — or even for a seasoned professional — a membership at the Houston Center for Photography is a gift that keeps on giving. Not only does it foster the photography scene in Houston by building the community, the center is also a great place for classes that cater to beginners as well as professionals. As a member, Dad will have first crack at registering for classes and have a discount to boot. It’s a mere $55 for an individual membership.
The Music Man
Rockin Robin Guitars & Music / 3619 South Shepherd
Endless possibilities are available at this Houston institution. It’s been around since 1972, and has a huge showroom of gorgeous guitars to show for it. If a guitar is not in your price range, there are also options for piano, bass, guitar, drum or voice lessons, sheet music, strings, ukeleles, repairs, amplifiers, vintage equipment and just about anything else (legal) related to the rock ’n’ roll lifestyle. It’ll be easy to find something here to show dad he still rocks.
Book Worms
Hugo’s / 1600 Westheimer
Street Foods of Mexico, by Hugo’s chef Hugo Ortega, is the perfect gift for a father who knows — and enjoys — his way around the kitchen. A fan of authentic Mexican food would also be the proper audience for this cookbook that includes recipes written by Ortega alongside some mouth-watering photos. Books are available online or in the restaurant. While you might not have the funds to send Dad on a trip to Mexico, you can give him the next best thing. Plus, it’s cheaper than a trip to Hugo’s Father’s Day buffet.
Half-Price Books / 1011 Westheimer
What’s better than a store full of books? A store full of half-priced books. The name says it all at this consignment book store with a giant selection. Whether the family patriarch prefers mysteries to science fiction, self-help paperbacks to non-fiction, it’s all here. Think ahead and trade in some of those old books that have been collecting dust on the shelf and get a credit with which to buy the perfect Father’s Day present. Everyone wins.
Outdoorsmen
Bici 713 / 2309 Dunlavy
With folks rediscovering the convenience and fun of riding their bicycles around town — not to mention those shiny new bike racks going up throughout Montrose — a new bike might be just the right fit for Father’s Day. Bici 713 carries rides for the serious cyclist as well as the beginner, plus they service existing bikes and sell accessories, books and specialty items like handmade leather wallets.
Luke’s Locker / 1953 W. Gray
Whether he’s into marathons, 5Ks or just a stroll around the block, Luke’s Locker is one of the premier places to find not only the best shoes, but a sales staff that will ensure Dad gets the right pair for his purposes. The process involves extensive research that even includes a stride analysis. Just so he gets the right fit and the best possible shoe, your best bet here is probably getting a gift certificate and letting pops jump — or run — through all the hoops.
Soundwaves / 3509 Montrose
The “Largest Surf Shop in Texas” just so happens to be located in Montrose, which is convenient for the purposes of shopping for a surfer, skater, music or outdoors-loving dad. If hanging ten, getting tubed or paddling out is in your father’s vocabulary, check out the surfboards, stand-up paddle boards, accessories, GoPros (mountable, waterproof cameras) and more. There’s also a huge selection of short and long skateboards, footwear, used CDs, DVDs and clothing that may still be appropriate for dads that enjoy the beach, but aren’t into catching waves.
Boot Scootin
Tejas Custom Boots / 415 Westheimer
There’s an unspoken rule that no one is an official Texan until they own a pair of real cowboy boots. The kicks at Tejas Custom Boots are as authentic as they come, and all come custom made, literally designed and crafted to fit individual feet. While there’s not enough time to get your dad a pair specially made, you can set up an appointment for a measurement and consultation (and probably pitch in some for the pair), or stop by to pick up a shiny belt buckle, alligator-skin briefcase and even a custom alligator-skin bike seat cover.