Author: Stephanie Patterson
Happy Hour Test Drive: Ruth’s Chris Steak House Orlando
Dining at an upscale eatery doesn’t have to break the bank, as long as you’re willing to get a little creative. Many higher end eateries around town offer surprisingly affordable—and robust—happy hours allowing you to experience fine dining at a…
5 Unique Eateries for Global Dining on I-Drive
Written by Kendra Lott Foodies in Orlando know that finding Orlando’s best restaurants often requires a bit of sleuthing. In her new book, Unique Eats and Eateries of Orlando, local author and Edible Orlando publisher Kendra Lott offers up a comprehensive guide…
Double Date: Local Wine Tastings + Dinner
The best way to learn is by doing, and at a handful of local wine bars and spirits stores you can do just that. Learn and sip by attending one of these Orlando wine tastings paired up with dinner nearby…
Brunch Buzz: Mia’s Italian Kitchen
What to do when you’re craving an Italian holiday but can’t spring for a pricey plane ticket? Orlando isn’t Italy, but it does have a few notable places where you can play pretend for the day, especially if it’s fresh…
Four Must-See Shows During the Annie Russell Theatre 2019/20 Season
From Broadway shows to ballet and monthly arts events, Orlando has no shortage of options when it comes to supporting the arts. Beyond Dr. Phillips Center and Loch Haven Park, the Annie Russell Theatre at Rollins College is your ticket…
Catch Flashdance The Musical at Garden Theatre July 5 – 28
SPONSORED — Relive the romantic ’80s classic film on stage when Flashdance The Musical hits the stage at Winter Garden’s historic Garden Theatre this summer from July 5 – 28, 2019. Bringing the beloved film to life, the musical follows Alex,…
Four Adventurous New Date Night Experiences to Try This Summer
Orlando and adventure go hand in hand. Beyond the obvious theme parks, you can get your kicks by trying something new like falconry (!!!) or glamping (glamorous camping) in a fully furnished luxurious tent at a local state park. Add…
How to do a Walking Food Crawl Through Gaylord Palms
Hankering for a romantic getaway to Key West? How about St. Augustine or the Florida Everglades? If a romantic escape isn’t in the budget, we’ve found the next best thing. Just park your car and crawl your way through the…
Orlando United Day: Pulse Memorials and Events
June 12, 2019 marks the 3-year anniversary of the tragic Pulse Nightclub shooting, a day that devastated—and united—the Orlando community. While the pain, hurt, and confusion will never subside, we continue to remember and honor those whose lives were lost…
Happy Hour Test Drive: Tony Roma’s
International Drive’s reputation as a tourist mecca isn’t inaccurate, but locals keen to avoid the crowds are missing out. Lean in to the full “Orlando like a tourist” experience and you’ll be rewarded with dozens of restaurants, exciting attractions, live…
Day Trip: Rainbow River Tubing at KP Hole
Ready to escape from normal life, if only for the day? You don’t have to travel far. Central Florida is a natural playground for water activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and my personal favorite: tubing. From Orlando, tubing at Kelly…
Shop Local + Live Music at Winter Garden Summer Sidewalk Sale June 8
SPONSORED – Support local businesses and enjoy free live music while strolling the streets of Winter Garden’s picturesque downtown during the upcoming Summer Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, June 8, 2019. From 11am-7pm, Downtown Winter Garden will be transformed into a…
24 Free Outdoor Movies in Orlando: Spring and Summer 2019
Daytime temperatures are heating up as summer makes a fast approach. But when the sun goes down and the stars come out, outdoor movies make for enjoyable spring and summetime dates. Below, we’ve rounded up the best outdoor flicks being…
Florida Artists + Local Eats at the Orlando Museum of Art Florida Prize Preview Party May 31
SPONSORED – An annual highlight of Orlando’s art scene, the Orlando Museum of Art Florida Prize in Contemporary Art is an exciting exhibition featuring the work of 10 significant Florida artists. Art lovers won’t want to miss the celebratory Exhibition…
An Electric Bike Taco Tour of Orlando
Do you religiously celebrate Taco Tuesday and have an affinity for exploring Orlando’s natural side via bike? Meet your dream date: an electric bike taco tour of Orlando. Bike Cubed, a new bicycle tour company in Orlando, has fused biking…
Orlando Fringe is Back May 14 – 27! Best Shows for Couples + Festival Tips
It’s back!! Celebrate the wild, wacky and wonderful at Orlando Fringe, taking place at Loch Haven Park from May 14 – 27, 2019. If you’ve never been, the multi-day festival is an uncensored, unjuried, accessible and inclusive festival comprised of…
7 New Orlando Restaurants to Discover this Spring and Summer
Written by Stephanie Patterson and Kristen Manieri A shipping container food truck park, Italian-inspired concepts, and tacos…oh my! Orlando’s food scene continues to surprise (and cause my waistline to expand in the name of research) with creative concepts and high-quality…
Double Date: Nona Adventure Park + Lake Nona Food Crawl
Itinerary: Get in touch with your inner kid at Nona Adventure Park followed by a Lake Nona food crawl Lake Nona has got it going on for date night. New restaurants are constantly on the horizon, adding to the area’s…
$5 Food and Drink Specials During Reyes Mezcaleria’s Two Year Anniversary: April 30 – May 4
Budget-friendly date night alert! Reyes Mezcaleria is celebrating their two-year anniversary and Cinco de Mayo with $5 food and drink specials from April 30 to May 4, 2019. Each day features a different drink and menu item for $5 each,…
Happy Hour Test Drive: STK Orlando
Budget friendly and Disney Springs may not seem to be a likely pair. But with a little research and planning, there are a surprising amount of inexpensive activities to enjoy alongside affordable eats. While happy hour deals are a bit…
Pizza + Wine Deals for $40 or Less
Pizza isn’t just for casual nights at home spent snuggled up on the couch binging on the newest Netflix series. Trade in your sweatpants, beer, and takeout pizza for a night out at one of our local restaurants or pizzerias….
Book Your Spot for Our Epic Weekend Scavenger Hunt Experience at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
We’re putting our own twist on the traditional staycation with an action-packed couples’ weekend at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress May 17-19, 2019! SOLD OUT – fill out the form below to join the waitlist We’re inviting 15 couples to join…
Science of Wine Returns to Orlando Science Center April 27
SPONSORED – Unleash your inner scientist as you expand your palate–and your mind–at the 9th Annual Science of Wine presented by Southern Glazer’s Wines and Spirits! Held on April 27, 2019 at Orlando Science Center, this unique wine tasting event…
Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Presenting ‘Star Wars and More’ Concert April 13
Concert spectacular to feature the music of star wars, jaws, harry potter and more SPONSORED – Love music and movies? The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will highlight the legendary scores that make movies come to life with Star Wars and More:…
Awesome Places to Host Your Book Club in Orlando
For a book lover, finding the right book club is akin to finding the right hairdresser. It just has to click. And when the stars align and you find the right one, you’ve suddenly got a tribe of like-minded people…
Happy Hour Test Drive: The Melting Pot Orlando
Gooey cheese and decadent chocolate are the stuff of my date night dreams. And nobody combines them better than The Melting Pot Orlando. Maybe it’s the moody lighting, maybe it’s just all that chocolate, but dining here always feels like…
Our Favorite Romantic Weekend Getaways from Orlando
What’s more blissful than a weekend away full of quality time with your other half? Living in Central Florida means being surrounded by stunning beaches and hip cities in all directions. And with many locales just a few hours’ drive…
WINNERS: Readers’ Choice Picks in the 8th Annual Orlando Date Night Awards
The votes are now in for this year’s Orlando Date Night Awards, which ran from March 4-15, 2019 and was sponsored by Beth Hobart, Mainframe Real Estate (bethsellsflorida.com). Readers selected from dozens of fabulous nominees for best date night picks, but only…
7 Ideas for Date Night in Hannibal Square
Updated May 2019 Written by Stephanie Patterson and Jeanne Amend Just minutes from Winter Park’s famed Park Avenue, Hannibal Square boasts many of the same charms in a more compact form with a quieter atmosphere. Romantic restaurants line the brick…
Happy Hour Test Drive: Menagerie Eatery and Bar
A multitude of high-quality restaurants, fun monthly events, and proximity to Lake Eola Park make the Thornton Park District a no-brainer for date night. But if you’re on a budget, happy hour is an affordable alternative to a fancy dinner….
Where to do Goat Yoga in Central Florida
It’s Saturday morning and you’re adding a touch of zen to your routine, flowing through a peaceful outdoor yoga class. Feeling tranquil in tabletop pose, you suddenly feel a jolt as four little hooves take up residence on your back….
