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There’s a lot to love about the whimsical neighborhood eatery known as Maxine’s on Shine. For starters, at how many Orlando restaurants do the owners step up to a microphone and either sing or do improv poetry? Maxine and Kirt Earhart take hospitality to a whole new level as they wander between the tables each…
You’ve seen the billboards on I-4 and the commercials on TV. Clearly, Westgate River Ranch is aiming to tempt Orlando locals to visit this Central Florida dude ranch. And for good reason! As it turns out, this rambling resort is pretty awesome for couples and families, something we confirmed during a recent media visit. Situated…
The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce’s annual showcase of local eateries returns to the Winter Park Farmers’ Market on Wednesday, April 15 when more than 45 of the area’s top chefs, bakers, caterers and confectioners are expected to participate in the 30th Annual Taste of Winter Park. Guests’ palates will be tempted by a variety of cuisines…
Enjoy a feel good date night at one of these fabulous fundraisers dotting the calendar in Orlando this spring. From gourmet galas to wine pairing parties, these fun fêtes double as a stellar night out plus a way to support local charitable organizations. Bacchus Bash Friday, April 10, 5-10pm Orlando Premium Outlets – Vineland Ave…
The Central Florida’s Zoo’s most popular fundraiser returns next month when Brews Around the Zoo beckons beer lovers to drink up and get wild. On Saturday, April 11 from 6-10pm, more than 30 different beers will be on tap to sample at 15 beer stations located around the zoo. This event raises over $40,000 for…
Wander through the “Eats” section of Orlando Date Night Guide and it won’t be long before you realize that I love chef’s tables. If every dinner out was comprised of a series of small plates, each designed to showcase the chef’s current passion and creative flare, I’d be in epicurean heaven. I don’t need to see…
There’s something so striking about the towering 31-floor Hyatt Regency Orlando with its regal glass peak set like citadel over International Drive. It’s a view you’ve probably caught from I-4 dozens of times but the impressive elegance of this huge hotel is not something you can fully appreciate until you step inside. And when you…
In January, Greg Clayton and his wife, Keeya, won the Winter Park Village – Couple at Large Giveaway, which scored them over $1,000 in gift certificates from Winter Park Village merchants and restaurants. Who knew this cute little corner of Winter Park had so much to offer?! The Claytons do now! Read on to see…
We had so much fun creating and tackling our 2014 Date Night Bucket List that we couldn’t wait to do it again. In actuality, there are still a few items left to cross off, but that’s not going to stop us from designing another wish list of all the experiences we can’t wait to have…
Do we all really need more stuff?? I have a hunch that many of the couples on your list would love an experience over a thing. So, consider giving them a date night gift, one that sends them out on the town for some quality time. And if the couple you’re giving a date night experience…
Dinner with seven, random strangers in a converted warehouse space turns out to be a fabulously fun night of unexpected delights. If you ask me, I believe we are in the midst of a cultural revolution where our obsession with the digital world and connecting online has actually caused many of us to crave human,…
Spending quality time with the hubster and handing over cooking duties for a night are two of my favorite things when it comes to date night. But geez, it’s super easy to rack up a $100 bill at some of our favorite restaurants. On nights when we’re watching the wallet but we don’t want to…
Located in Baldwin Park, Bodyscape Massage is a true refuge for couples thanks to the massage packages and couples massage classes it’s offered for years. But now offerings for couples just got even better with the advent of Bodyscape’s new Massage Date Night. Offered every Friday at 6:30pm throughout the holidays, the evening includes a…
Our sister city, Tampa Bay, is an easy two-hour drive away and is packed full with delightful diversions perfect for fun weekend together. Earlier this year, the city launched a brand-new program designed to give out-of-towners the key to the city… sort of. The Tampa Bay CityPASS includes tickets to all of the area’s best…
Now through January 4, 2015, Gaylord Palms will is an epicenter of holiday festivities, complete with free live holiday shows, festive feasts and libations, and of course, ICE!, the legendary frosty wonderland crafted from 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice. ICE! was definitely designed with families in mind, but it’s a fantastic date night for grown ups,…
From the moment I saw photographs of Streamsong Resort, I knew I had to go there. Flip through the snazzy website and the images of sprawling, sun drenched vistas and earth-inspired design are bound to tempt anyone to set out on the two-hour, southeast journey past Lakeland to see for yourself if this place is…
Now in its fifth year, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic kicks off Friday, October 31 for an unforgettable two-night epicurean celebration. Featuring more than 40 food and wine stations, the event’s culinary causeway gives guests an all-access, all-inclusive feast prepared by award-winning chefs from the hotel’s restaurants, including Todd…
One of the great things about living in Florida is our access to great hotels, everywhere. Our stay-cation spots are abundant and diverse. We don’t always want the beach or a fancy lazy river. Sometimes we want some good ole fashioned Vegas style fun. This is the case at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino…
This Friday begins 53 days of foodie festivities at Epcot, home to the 19th International Food & Wine Festival September 19 – November 10. Nearly 300 chefs have come together to showcase fare from across the globe at more than 25 food-and-beverage stops, hundreds of food and beverage seminars and workshops, as well as dozens…
Located just a stone’s throw from Epcot and Disney’s BoardWalk, Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort sprawls across 87 acres dotted with sparkling lakes and five shimmering swimming pools. With easy access to all of Walt Disney World’s parks and entertainment districts via Disney shuttle and water taxi, the resort is a great starting…
The Mills 50 District just keeps getting better. On that small strip of space on Mills Avenue between Princeton and Colonial, there are great restaurants like Pho 88, Tako Cheena, and Hawkers, and some of the best local watering holes like Quantum Leap Winery and Lil Indies. And on Monday, July 21, it gets even better:…
Emeril’s Tchoup Chop (pronounced “chop chop”) opened in 2003 at Universal’s Royal Pacific Resort. Though I’ve lived in the area—and visited City Walk and even Emeril’s Orlando—many a times since then, I never ventured to Tchoup Chop. It’s located in the hotel, so parking would be more expensive, I told myself. It’s too far of…
South + York opened up in a Winter Springs plaza at the top of Tuscawilla Road more than six months ago and has slowly but steadily created a loyal following of avid fans ever since. Inside the minimalist space where a chalkboard touts the name of Central Florida farms tapped to source the local focused…
Channel your inner child during Retro Game Night at the Orange County Regional History Center, Friday, May 30 from 7pm – midnight. Besides a slew of fun board games— Pictionary, Chinese Checkers, Clue, Battleship, Candy Land, Mystery Date, Scrabble, Twister—the event will also feature video games, two Giant Jengas, free nostalgic treats and a cash…
Not a lot of restaurants have figured out how to make the wait for your table just as enjoyable as sitting at it. But thanks to a new winery meets restaurant concept, recently unveiled at the Waterford Lakes Town Center, the guest experience begins steps before the hostess stand. Arrive at Cooper’s Hawk Winery &…
For most Orlando locals, it takes an hour or less to travel to The Shores Resort, a AAA Four-Diamond, beachfront resort located in Daytona Beach Shores. Just a stone’s throw from the Atlantic Ocean and quietly tucked away from the more bustling Daytona Beach (about a mile away), the resort is an enjoyable yet affordable luxury…
Walt Disney World and date night. Maybe not two things most people would put together. But Brooke Fehr, Disney Food Blog contributor, would advise you to reconsider. She’s studied the sprawling 40-square-mile resort extensively over the past few years and has picked up some stellar date night ideas, tips and recommendations along the way. Lucky…
Two upcoming foodie events, both organized by local restaurant critic Scott Joseph, are worthy of your consideration. Here are the details… Sous Chefs, Road Food & Rioja! This Pop-Up event will put the spotlight on up-and-coming sous chefs from some of Orlando’s best restaurants. Held inside the showroom of the Orlando Harley-Davidson dealership off of I-4,…
Orlando couples with a love for getaways packed with gourmet adventure will want to check out the new Epicurean Hotel, a 137-room boutique property that just opened in Tampa’s trendy South Howard (SoHo) district. I recently visited this food-focused spot and fell in love with its culinary aesthetic, rooftop bar, French patisserie, and luxurious spa,…
Calling all Disney dining fans? Here’s a way to get mega savings every time you eat at Walt Disney World restaurants plus get access to exclusive culinary events. Tables in Wonderland is a membership-based dining card that’s purchased annually through WDW. Members receive a 20% discount on food and beverage, including alcohol, at over 100…
Get me started talking about date night ideas for Orlando and you probably won’t be able to shut me up. I love, love, love finding out new things for couples to do together. But we haven’t done it all… far from it. There are still a ton of awesome date night spots and restaurants on…