Save that soap on a rope (for what, we have no idea — was that ever a good gift?). Instead of sweating the perfect one-and-done Father’s Day present, this year give dad an experience. A place to go, things to see and contemplate. Getting pops a subscription or membership to one of these awesome spots will be the gift that gives all year long — and for some of them, you can even come along for the ride. And that’s what dad really wants: Good memories.
Sag Harbor Cinema, 90 Main St., Sag Harbor, 631-725-0010
Is dad a movie buff? Get him a tax-deductible membership to Sag Harbor Harbor Cinema, where $120 gets him a 20% discount of special screenings and swag, extra reasons to hit up the Green Room rooftop cocktail lounge and ever-fascination exhibits, and free admission on his birthday.
Westhampton Beach Brewing Company, 220 Roger’s Way, Westhampton Beach, 631-998-0800
WHB Brewing’s awesome Mug Club is $125 for the whole year and makes dad feel special every time he’s thirsting for a cold one. You get a ton of bang for your buck here, like 1$ off pints any time he heads over to the brewery, 10% off all merch and canned beer purchases, a free pint on his birthday, early event access, plus all these perks on the first Friday of every month for him and friend (or legal-age offspring!) plus 30% discount on his entire beer tab that day, too. If that weren’t enough, he even gets a giant 19.5 oz numbered mug that’s his very own to sip from at the brewery.
Guild Hall, 158 Main St., East Hampton, 631-324-0806
There is no better time to grab dad a membership at Guild Hall. With the re-opening of the theater formerly known as the John Drew (now the Hilary and Mitchell Morgan Theater), Guild Hall is entering a new exciting era with tip-top technology and, of course, all the amazing diverse programming you’ve always loved them for. Membership gets him early access to exhibits and shows, a 10% discount on all programming, special invites (who doesn’t like that?!) and lots of members-only initiatives to make him feel special. Individual memberships start at a pocket-friendly $100 — for an extra $50, make it family membership so dad can bring you along, too.
LongHouse Reserve, 133 Hands Creed Road, East Hampton, 631-329-3568
With year-round access, a membership to LongHouse Preserve gives dad free admission to all the art and gardens here and a discount on special shows and events, guest passes, a 10% discount at the gift shop, early access for members only on Saturday and Sunday mornings plus reciprocal admission to the Wharton Esherick Museum in Paoli, Penn. and the Cranbrook Art Museum in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. — all for 95 bucks!
Channing Daughters Winery, 1927 Scuttlehole Road, Bridgehampton, 631-537-7224
Joining a local winery’s wine club is not only a great way to really get to know a producer’s style and the nuances of vintages, but at Channing Daughters it comes with some super fun extra perks, like an invitation to their members-only annual Rosati Party, a 10% discount on wines and vermouth and other special invites and access. Dad will get six shipments of two bottles at a time — plus, if you opt to pick up the wines, he may well get a bonus loaf of Orwasher’s amazing bread (they use the expelled yeast from the winemaking process to make some loaves — how cool is that?!).