by Amy Strauss, Dish Works

June 13, 2014

West Chester, PA — Father’s Day hits downtown West Chester on Sunday, June 15. Whether you’re looking for the best gift yet for dear old dad, or you’re running out of time and need shopping recommendations, we have the top 10 gifts you should surprise the big man with. Best of all, you can pick ‘em up without leaving town!

From the suit-wearing business execs to the craft beer and food-loving men, and everyone in between, West Chester’s best gift ideas are revealed below.

For the Dad with Great Taste. . .

The 5 Senses
133 W. Market St., West Chester
Representing North American and regional artists, this funky boutique is stocking one-of-a-kind gifts for that special guy in your life, with unforgettable options ranging in price from $9–$96. From killer kitchen accessories like Jonathan Spoons’ native cherry wood utensils and Wood U Like wine stoppers, to H & K Metalworks’ figurative steel wine caddies and CIMI Glass by Cagla Inselbag’s fused glass bowls and plates, and so much more, any gift from this imaginative shop will capture dad’s attention and impress even the hardest pop to shop for.

Penwick Design
132 N. High St., West Chester
Swing by Cyndi Meadows’ charismatic gift shop for the “it” gifts he can’t get anywhere else. Perhaps he’s a caffeine addict, and in that case, the on-the-go customized tumblers and travel mugs will come in good use for his fast-paced lifestyle. Or, he’s an amateur chef that loves high-quality kitchen gear? If so, select from Penwick’s Casafina Stoneware inventory, which features everything from dinner plates and bowls, to bakers and platters.

Visual Expansion Gallery
126 N. High St., West Chester
Go the sentimental route this Father’s Day by swinging by this custom framing boutique to memorialize your dad’s favorite memory in time. Whether it is his favorite family photo or an exceptional photograph he shot, Visual Expansion will assist with all your framing needs. Better yet, if your special guy is an art junkie, this High Street stop spotlights a remarkable collection. Restoration services also available for his inventory of antique paintings.

G&G Cigar Company
118 N. High St., West Chester
If the old man’s a true cigar connoisseur, look no further than this premier shop. Step inside to experience the state of the art humidification system, which houses over 600 cigar selections. Even better, there are gifts like hand-crafted pipes, fine humidors and cigar cases in stock that’ll seal the deal on this gift and blow dad away this Sunday.

Fairman’s Skate Shop
43 W. Gay St., West Chester (corner of Church St.)
Fairman’s reveals that the trendiest items for pops are longboards and retro skateboards that’ll time warp dad back to his teenage skating years. Also rocking the shelves are vintage Fairman’s tees that reflect the shop’s original logo. Even if dad has thrown in the skating towel, any of these edgy gifts will lead him to reminisce of his rebellious yesteryears.

Mainline Custom Clothiers
129 W. Market St., West Chester
Sharpen your dad’s style with a little help from this downtown mens’ apparel boutique. With stylish, professional and contemporary shirts, ties and suits in stock, it’s easy to add pure sophistication to your main man’s wardrobe. Plus, what dad wouldn’t like you to shop for him?!

For the Beer Lover. . .

Side Bar & Restaurant
10 E. Gay St., West Chester
Kick off your Father’s Day with chefs Blaise Labik and Dave Young’s innovative brunch. The undeniably delicious options like steak Benedicts, challah French toast, cheddar-bacon pancakes topped with poached eggs, and a crispy scrapple-topped burger served on a buttery brioche bun are the perfect accessory for celebrating a holiday. The craft beer selection is equally as impressive and will fare very well with any beer geek dad. Gift cards are also available.

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
3 W. Gay St., West Chester
Special guys deserve special treatment on Father’s Day. Treat him to a special meal and Honey Do Wit beer release at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant on Sunday, June 15. The exclusive Father’s Day menu includes bacon-wrapped filet mignon, char-grilled porterhouse, steak au poivre, and so much more. Can’t stay for dinner? Swing by anytime between June 13–15 for a bottle of the Father’s Day beer release, Honey Do Wit, an unfiltered Belgian-style double wheat beer brewed with 60 pounds of orange blossom honey that features distinctive yeast and fruity citrus flavor. Better yet, if dad’s a repeat Iron Hiller, grab him a King of the Hill Rewards Club membership. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

For the Foodie Father. . .

Carlino’s Specialty Foods
128 W. Market St., West Chester
From grilling materials to all things gift-giving, the Carlino family has you covered. Whether you want to stock up on the necessary ingredients to host a feast for you king (steaks, salads, cheeses, olives, etc.), or you want to award him with the best artisanal snacks, pop into this downtown market and get shopping. We particularly have our hungry eyes on the Antipasto Gift Box stocked with tapenade, house-made salami, imported provolone and artisan crackers and the Supremo Gift Basket touting Carlino’s best of the best—extra virgin olive oil, classic marinara sauce, Giuseppe Cocco Artisan Abruzzese Pasta, imported roasted peppers, and much more. Of course, it’s always a good to let him be a culinary kid in the Carlino’s food playground by gifting him a gift certificate.

Taste of Olive
26 S. High St., West Chester
From infused olive oils, flavored vinegars and white and dark balsamics, pop into this high-grade boutique to gift dad bottles that will truly elevate his cooking pursuits. From complementing bottled flavors like oregano and garlic EVOO, to clever accents like cinnamon pear, fig and red apple balsamics, once he’s stocked with his new Taste of Olive supply, we know he’ll be coming back soon for more.

Explore even more gift-giving stops at DowntownWestChester.com.

• See the shopping directory

• See the restaurant directory