For Dad this year I've put together a list of things he'll actually want. No ties here!

Craft Spirits: A deliciously crafted cocktail goes a long way. Lately I've been diggin' on Cardinal Spirits, a new distillery here in Bloomington, Indiana. Their vodka makes a mean White Russian that dad could appreciate. Bonus - they make their own coffee liquor too! Craft distilleries are popping up almost as fast as breweries so you might be pleasantly surprised to find one near you.

Pappy & Co. Bourbon Balls: If you can't give Dad a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle, these bourbon balls are a close second. For real.

Sea Island Forge Fire Kettle: Beautiful, useful and handcrafted: a piece like this will be handed down for generations. Sea Island Forge is based on St. Simons Island and does some of the most remarkable ironwork in the South.

Money Clip Card Wallet: I tried to stay away from really practical gifts but if you're going to give dad a wallet, make it a damn good looking one. Shinola makes gorgeous leather goods for men and women, watches, and bicycles all in Detroit, Michigan. I'm dying to visit their headquarters while we're in the Midwest.

BS Hat: To the unknowing passerby this hat could pass as a very sarcastic statement on the street but if you know what's up you know that BS stands Bitter Southerner. Shop expertly curated Southern classics in The Bitter Southern online general store. If you don't subscribe to their weekly magazine - get on it.

Beer Pop Chart: Time to get rid of that High Life light neon... This vintage inspired infographic serves up brewing history in a cool way. Printed using vegetable-based ink on 100-pound, FSC-certified archival paper, the poster can be savored as a delicious decorative accent, or a full-bodied toast to brewing history for any beer lover. Printed by Ben Gibson and Patrick Mulligan in Brooklyn, NY. I'd throw in a six pack of a local brew to sweeten the deal.Via Uncommon Goods

Man Crate: No wrapping paper or frills, just awesome gifts for dudes in a crate - crowbar included. My dad happens to make excellent pancakes so I might send him the Morning Glory crate with protein pancake mix, bacon press & flipper, batter dispenser and marion berry syrup. He'll get a cool, useful gift and I'll get a tasty breakfast. Win, Win.

Thanks to online shopping, shopping small has never been easier. Click the bold text to shop!

Hope y'all have a great rest of the weekend!

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emily hines

Raised in the South with a love of Spanish moss, craftsman bungalows and front porches, I am Emily Hines, writer, dreamer and beer drinker. You can find me strolling down a century old city block snapping iPhone photos of colorful facades and searching for flea market treasures.

With my burly husband Ryan, I enjoy searching for edible mushrooms to escape the hum of the city. He proudly donned the beard and man bun way before it reached the masses – a critical point he’ll remind you of whenever he sees an Urban Outfitters.

Dog mom to two wild black lab pups: Junebug, in honor of the summer beetles she’d follow around as a puppy and Lula, my swimmer who was named after the Tallulah river in Georgia. Both constant companions.

My traveling goal is to find the hidden gems. There are stories everywhere, you just have to find them. Let’s hit the road.

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