Author: Stephanie Patterson
Lunch Date on a Farm at Bountiful Farms Bistro
A weekly trip to the farmers market is one of life’s simple pleasures. It was at the Winter Garden Farmers Market that I met Ginny, who runs the Bountiful Farms market stand each week. After she mentioned that the farm…
Our Favorite Fall Festivals, Pumpkin Patches and Foodie Events
Temperatures may still hover close to 80 even in our coolest months, but any remotely “crisp” day by Florida standards warrants a visit to the closest fall festival, pumpkin patch or craft brewery. Fall festivities understandably look a bit different…
New Curated Experiences Weekends at Grande Lakes Orlando
Ready for an epic staycation that requires absolutely no planning except making a reservation? Grande Lakes Orlando, home to The Ritz-Carlton Orlando and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, has launched Curated Experiences, an all-inclusive weekend getaway perfect for couples. …
Where to Take a Cooking Class in Orlando
A guide to the best places to take a cooking class in Orlando As Julia Child once said, “People who love to eat are always the best people.” We couldn’t agree more, although people who love to cook are wonderful…
20+ Seriously Spooky Halloween Date Ideas for 2021
Halloween is just around the corner, but you can partake in frightful festivities starting as soon as September. Start planning your couples costume, stock up on your favorite Halloween goodies at the store, and do date night at one of…
Where to See Halloween Movies in Orlando this October
Forget about romantic comedies, scary movies are just as ideal for date night. What other movie genre warrants consecutive hours of clutching each other for dear life through jump scares and extra spooky scenes? There’s no better time to binge…
10 Ideas for a Girls’ Date Night to Celebrate Friendship
One of my favorite Orlando-based artists, Nina Ramos, shared a post on Instagram a few months back about a fun girls “date night” she had recently enjoyed with one of her closest friends. Her friend won a fancy dinner at…
Magical Dining is Back! What’s New for 2021 + Top Date Night Picks
UPDATE: Magical Dining has been extended through October 17, 2021. We look forward to the month of August each year, which always kicks off Visit Orlando’s multi-week Magical Dining program. This annual celebration of Orlando eateries features dozens of restaurants…
Fall on the Farm Festival Returning at Grande Lakes Orlando
Are you counting down the days until Orlando’s slightly cooler fall temperatures arrive? To help get you into the fall spirit, Grande Lakes Orlando, the 500-acre property home to The Ritz-Carlton Orlando and JW Marriott Orlando, is bringing back its…
7 Quintessential Dates at Plant Street Market (VIDEO)
Plant Street Market is a one-stop shop for date night: delicious eats, a bustling brewery, easy access to the 22-mile paved West Orange Trail, and a killer outdoor patio. Located 25 minutes from Orlando in charming downtown Winter Garden,…
9 Upcoming Shows We Can’t Wait to See at Orlando Shakes
This Arts Season, Return Home to Orlando Shakes for the Best in Live Theater and Entertainment! SPONSORED — Looking for the finest on-stage entertainment in Central Florida? After more than a full year away, live entertainment is back at Orlando…
Unlimited Food + Sips at Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic
SPONSORED — Calling all foodies! The beloved Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic returns for its 11th year Friday, October 29 and Saturday, October 30, 2021. Boasting unlimited tastings at more than 20 stations featuring culinary…
Don’t Miss this 3D Art + Bistro Experience at Dr. Phillips Center
From Creative City Project’s lineup of unique art experiences to the anticipation of this fall’s Immersive Van Gogh exhibit, interactive arts experiences are having a moment. And there’s a new one couples need to put on their radar: the new…
Daycation: Day Passes to Central Florida Resorts from ResortPass
We live in a major tourist destination, with incredible attractions, state parks, natural springs and impressive resorts. Not to mention the amazing beaches just a short drive away. In my quest to keep discovering new things, I rediscovered ResortPass, a…
Central Florida Gardens You Can Visit for Free
When was the last time you slowed down to stop and smell the roses—literally? Not only is a day spent in nature rejuvenating, it’s romantic when you’ve got your partner at your side. It got me thinking about all of the…
The Perfect Group Date Night: The Escape Ventures Orlando
SPONSORED — When it comes to a group date night, it’s great to have some staples to lean on: dinner and drinks, a movie and dessert, appetizers and board games. But while everyone loves visiting their go-to spots in Orlando…
50 Date Night Ideas on I-Drive for Locals
Tourists may come to mind when you think of International Drive. But reducing this vibrant district to solely a tourist mecca does it an extreme disservice. Local couples can take advantage of happy hour deals, diverse dining options, live music,…
100 Orlando Date Night Ideas
I’m guessing you are here for Orlando date night ideas, right? So, here are 100. You’re welcome. Post last updated September 2021 1. Paddle around Lake Eola in a swan boat Booking a swan paddle boat is practically a right…
Your Guide to a Perfect Afternoon on Park Avenue in Winter Park
A local hub for dining, shopping, and exploring, Winter Park’s Park Avenue is no secret to Orlando locals. Offering up everything from popcorn drizzled with chocolate to pontoon boat tours, the area is popular for good reason. While small in…
How to Have an Orlando Food Truck Date
Looking for a date night experience that’s the perfect marriage of food and fun? Orlando’s delicious food truck scene has it all. Weekly and monthly meet-ups throughout Central Florida make for an easy breezy evening, and you’ll never have to…
50 Bucket List Summer Date Ideas
Soaring temperatures, rainy afternoons, and a daily giving of thanks for air conditioning…yep, it’s officially summer in Orlando! Don’t let the season put a damper on date night; instead, tackle this bucket list of summer date ideas with your partner…
Orlando Hotel Deals for a Romantic Summer Staycation
We live in one of the nation’s top tourist destinations and most of our Orlando hotels and resorts are offering deals for local couples itching for a change of scenery. If you’re feeling ready for a mini getaway (even if…
Remembering Pulse: 5-Year Anniversary Memorial Events
June 12, 2021 marks the 5-year anniversary of the tragic Pulse Nightclub shooting, a day that devastated—and united—the Orlando community. In honor of the 49 lives lost and all of those affected by the Pulse tragedy, we’ve put together this…
Three Perfect Days in Indian Shores
There’s no need to travel far for a getaway when we have some of the world’s best beaches right in our backyard. Sandwiched between Clearwater Beach to the north and St. Pete Beach to the south, Indian Shores beckons with…
Free Admission at Wild Florida May 24 – 29 for Annual Gator Week
Wild Florida’s Annual Gator Week is back May 24 – 29, 2021! It just doesn’t get more Florida than a week-long celebration honoring alligators, and at a local gator park no less. To many, alligators are viewed as fierce carnivores…
Brunch then Beach at Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Want to slip into that vacation state of mind, even if only for just a day? The lively Brunch Remix served every Saturday and Sunday from 11am – 3pm at Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach combines three things we love…
What’s New on I-Drive for Locals
International Drive isn’t just for tourists. It’s a playground for locals, too, thanks to a host of fantastic restaurants, walkable entertainment complexes, exciting attractions and a constant stream of new additions. And now is the perfect time to visit and…
Adults-Only ‘Sunset at the Zoo’ Series at the Central Florida Zoo
Sunset at the Zoo, a seasonal adults-only event at the Central Florida Zoo is back this year on select dates from May 20 – October 21, 2021. This 21+ event invites you to step into the zoo after hours for…
Mother’s Day in Orlando: Brunch, Local Gifts and More
Between work, housework, and distance learning, moms deserve to be celebrated more than ever! While celebrating might still look a little different this year, get creative and show the fantastic moms in your life just how much you love and…
Spring U-Pick Date at Southern Hill Farms
Winter and spring are my favorite Florida seasons, particularly because of the abundance of fresh, local produce that’s available. And it doesn’t get more fresh than picking your own at one of Central Florida’s local farms. My personal go-to is Southern…
50 First Dates in Orlando
Reader Recommendations + Editor Picks for the best First Date Ideas in Orlando “Where should I go for a first date?” is the question we get asked by readers most often. You want to make a good first impression, but also…
