In the October issue of Orlando Magazine, I had the opportunity to share 25 ideas for things to do in the Orlando area "After Dark." Check it out…
After Dark
Our area has a lot to offer after the sun sets, from family-friendly to risqué, romantic to adventurous. Here are 25 prime evening excursions.
Jazz and Tapas
Part live music venue, part gourmet tapas bar, Maitland’s Jazz Tastings (jazztastings.com) filled the void in Orlando’s jazz scene earlier this year when it began hosting live jazz bands six nights a week. Only about a dozen tables are crowded into this space but all get unobstructed stage views of the band, which is typically a local crew. “Most venues that play music are restaurants that have music as the background,” says co-owner Rory Frazier. “Our venue focuses on the people enjoying the artist, and we complement it with an intimate setting, good food and wines.”
Peek-a-Boo Shows
Step into the slightly naughty world of burlesque at Peek-A-Boo Lounge, a revival of the classy and classic striptease. Hosted inside downtown’s dimly lit, retro Vegas-themed Stardust Lounge (stardust orlando.com), Peek-A-Boo features the tantalizing talents of local burlesque dancers, all skilled in the bold and theatrical art of almost taking it all off. The show, which usually sells out with pre-booked table reservations, begins at 10 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month.
Night Riders
Kick off the weekend with a bike ride: First Friday—Take it to the Streets, the monthly social cycle organized by Bike/Walk Central Florida (bikewalkcentralflorida.org). Riders meet outside the Mennello Museum of American Art at 6 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, then head off at 10 mph on the 10-mile, roundtrip route through downtown. “This is not a spandex group; we’re a social ride,” says Brad Kuhn, executive director of Bike/Walk Central Florida. Afterward, the group breaks bread at one of the restaurants in nearby Mills 50 or Ivanhoe Village.
By the way, you should follow GDO on ODNG.
