Great Dates Orlando

Play Dates!

What do you get when you mix laughter, cheery competition, and martinis? You get a date night you and your honey will be talking about for months. Last month, my hubby and I had one of our best date nights EVER at PlayDate Orlando inside Rix Lounge (Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort). This swanky locale was transformed into an epicenter of fun with classic games gracing the tables throughout the lounge. We played Trouble (I kicked his butt three times in a row), Connect Four (he kicked my butt), Don’t Break the Ice, Jenga, and even met another cool couple who taught us how to play Yahtzee (hi Mike and Krissy).

We laughed all night long… and who doesn’t need a good laugh these days?!  There were people playing Twister and musical chairs on the dance floor, and the DJ spun the perfect party tunes mix for creating a playful mood.

PlayDate Orlando has scheduled their next two events:

Saturday, July 18th
8pm – 2am
Rix Lounge
$10 admission after 9pm

Friday, August 28th
8pm – 2am
Rix Lounge
$10 admission after 9pm

I’ll be there in July. Hope to see you too.

For more info visit www.playdateorlando.com

July 4th Festivities

We're just days away from the Big Bang when spectacular fireworks displays will be lighting up the skies from St. Cloud all the way to Sanford.  Pack a basket filled with your favorite gourmet treats (and wine) and find a cozy corner to settle into for this festive and colorful celebration.

KISSIMEE
July 4th Celebration
Kissimmee Lakefront Park
Free Admission
Activities begin at 5pm
Fireworks begin at 9pm
407-93EVENT

DOWNTOWN
Fireworks at the Fountain
4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. 
Lake Eola Park 
Free  
www.cityoforlando.net 

ST. CLOUD
4th of July Lakefest Celebration
St. Cloud Lakefront
Free Admission
6pm-10pm
Continuing a 4th of July tradition that began on the 
Lakefront in St. Cloud in the 1930s, this event has grown to represent a community “get-together” with a dynamic 
fireworks display. Festivities include local bands, 
cloggers, patriotic singing, carnival rides, and arts and 
craft displays.
407-892-3671

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
Blow Out Your 4th of July
Universal Orlando
General Park Admission
Starting at 9pm
Celebrate Independence Day with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 
artists The O’Jays. Plus the 4th of July Universal 360 show 
will feature a special, high-tech, patriotic finale, 
complete with a dazzling fireworks Flashback 4th of July
JUL 04
Website
Free Admission
5pm-11pm

CELEBRATION
Flashback 4th of July
Celebration's Town Center
Enjoy a 70’s 4th of July celebration packed with fireworks, 
cotume contest, food, live entertainment. The Reflections 
Band will begin performing at 6pm. The fireworks show will 
get under way at 9:30pm.
407-566-2200

SEAWORLD
4th of July Celebration at SeaWorld
SeaWorld Orlando
General Admission
Celebrate the 4th of July with an impressive production 
featuring a giant projection screen illuminating some of 
America’s greatest historical moments. Catch the 12-minute 
fireworks.
407-351-3600

DISNEY
4th of July Concert in the Sky
Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom
Fireworks start at 9pm
General Admission
Enjoy an Independence Day celebration with fireworks, 
“SpectroMagic” night time parade at 10:30pm and much 
more.407-824-4321

SANFORD
Star Spangled Sanford on the RiverWalk
5PM - 10PM
FREE 
Professional Entertainment at Every Turn Featuring:
Music with Scooter the DJ
Extreme Trampoline Show
Strolling Entertainment
Acrobatic Stilt Walkers
Fireworks over Lake Monroe by Melrose Pyrotechnics
407.688.5004. 

AVALON PARK
July Fourth Avalon Park
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
FREE
Traditional Fourth of July Celebration with apple pie 
bake-off, hot dog eating contest and Fireworks.
www.avalonpark.com

LAKE WALES
Independence Day Carillon Concert
Bok Tower Gardens
Adults $10.00, children 5-12 $3.00
Military, Active, Retired and Disabled Veterans are free
1pm-3pm
Enjoy half-hour carillon concerts at 1pm and 3pm as you 
celebrate the birth of our country.
www.boktowergardens.org/

POINCIANA
6th Annual Fourth of July Celebration
JUL 3 - JUL 5
Begins Friday at 11am
Poinciana will be celebrating the Fourth of July by honoring local veterans and those now serving in uniform. There will 
be a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall on display starting 
Friday at 1pm inside the community center at 395 S. Marigold Ave.
863-427-0100

MOUNT DORA
Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration
Gilbert Park, Mount Dora
FREE
The It s a Grand Ole Flag Independence Day Parade kicks off 
the festivities at 10 AM in downtown Mount Dora. At 5 PM 
cold drinks, hot dogs, ice cream and more will be on sale in the newly renovated Gilbert Park. DJ playing music will be 
on hand with games for the youngsters starting at 5PM. The 
sounds of the Mount Dora Jazz Orchestra featuring Shawn 
Paris will play from 7-8PM. Then the DJ will take back over 
until fireworks time around dusk (about 9 PM). The 
festivities conclude at 9 PM when a grand fireworks finale 
light up the sky over Lake Dora.
www.mountdora.com/events.php

GENEVA
Fourth of July Parade and Festival
First Street, Geneva, Florida
10:30am
FREE
Come to a patriotic small-town Fourth of July Parade at 
10:30 AM, First and Main, Geneva - floats, flyover, bikes, 
cars, etc.. After the Parade the Festival takes place at the Geneva Community Center, 161 First St. Food, entertainment, 
games, pony rides, cake walk, etc. Fun for all!

CLERMONT
Summer Music Series
Lakeridge Winery
July 4th (1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.)
Free Admission
Enjoy live music by the area's most talented musicians on 
the outdoor stage. Each week a different Band will appear 
for your entertainment. Lakeridge wine, beer, soft drinks 
and a variety of food is available for purchase, along with 
complimentary Winery tours and tasting.
www.lakeridgewinery.com/aboutus-events.php

The $18 Date Night at Fleming’s

Who knew that Fleming’s catered to the frugal romantic? With the launch of Fleming’s new Five for $6 Until 7 menu, couples can head out for a quick drink and a bite as a prelude to dinner or a movie at nearby theaters such as the Enzian or Regal Cinema at Winter Park Village. You can spend as little as $18 on two drinks and an appetizer as each selection is just $6 and served nightly at the bar until 7pm.

Check it out…

5 Cocktails
White Cosmo, Ketel One Vodka
Appletini, Grey Goose Vodka
Basil Lemon Drop, Ciroc Vodka
Fleming’s Mojito, Bacardi Limon Rum
Diamond Rita, Herradura Silver Tequila

5 Wines By The Glass
Chardonnay, Solaire By Robert Mondavi
Pinot Grigio, Luna Freakout Blend, Napa Valley
Pinot Noir, Cartlidge & Browne, California
Merlot, Red Diamond, Washington
Cabernet Sauvignon, Five Rivers, Paso Robles

5 Appetizers
Tenderloin Carpaccio, Creole Mustard Sauce
Sweet Chili Calamari
Wicked Cajun Barbecue Shrimp
Seared Ahi Tuna, Spicy Mustard Sauce
Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Red Pepper Sauce

Contact Info
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
399 North Orlando Ave
Winter Park, FL 32789
407-699-WINE (9463)
www.flemingssteakhouse.com/locations/fl/winter-park/

Summer Opera Series at Enzian

Gone are the days when opera was reserved for only the aristocratic; thanks to the Enzian’s Summer Opera Series, the best in high definition opera is coming to Central Florida for a fraction of the typical ticket price.

For all you opera newbies, this is a great opportunity to sample a taste of the opera without having to invest much $$. Plus, if you really hate it, at least the Enzian stocks enough wine and beer to get you through the experience painlessly.

 

These operas hail from a prestigious selection of world renowned venues including La Scala, the Salzburg Festival, the Bolshoi at L’Opera de Paris, and the Teatro Regio (Parma).

•  “Don Carlo”: June 13 and 15, 2009
• “Don Giovanni”: July 5 – 6, 2009
• “Rigoletto”: July 19 – 20, 2009
• “Otello”: Aug. 1, 2009
• “Eugene Onegin”: Aug. 15 and 17, 2009
• “Romeo Et Juliette”: Aug. 29 and 31, 2009

Individual tickets are $20 and season tickets are $99.

www.enzian.org

407-629-1088

 

 

Golden Ticket

I know I just blogged about the new downtown Plaza Cinema Cafe last week but I just came across an event that makes it worth mentioning again. To support the Downtown Arts District, the Cinema has planned three Golden Ticket Movie Nights from June 1st - June 3rd. Tickets sell for $20 and include single admission to any movie shown June 1-3, complimentary popcorn, soft drink, and one alcoholic beverage of choice for those ages 21 and older.

The best part... FIVE guests holding a specially marked Golden Ticket will receive a private behind-the scenes tour of the new Plaza Cinema Café along with one year of free movie admissions! That's a lot of date nights! Tickets can be purchased at CityArts Factory Guest Services, Tuesday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. or by calling (407) 648-7060. Tickets can also be purchased at the Plaza Cinema Café box office the day of show time. 100% of ticket proceeds will benefit the Downtown Arts District.
www.orlandoslice.com/page/plaza-cinema-golden-ticket

New Downtown Orlando Movie Theater Opens

The much anticipated Plaza Cinema Cafe opens in downtown Orlando today adding another great downtown option for date night. This state-of-the-art movie meca is located on Orange Avenue right by Wall Street Plaza which means lots of dinner and after-show drink options are just steps away. Plaza Cinema boasts 12 screens, two wine bars, and a full-service kitchen serving sandwhiches, pizzas and desserts. The theater will be showing all the current blockbusters as well as a handful of bygone hits such as 'Grease' and 'The Italian Job'.

155 South Orange Ave
Orlando FL
www.plazacinemacafe.com

 

Recession Proof Orlando Date Night Idea

Dinner and a movie for less than $50?! Believe it! Thanks to the Meal and Movie Deal at Universal CityWalk, Date Night in Orlando just got a little easier. Priced at just $21.95, this package includes dinner plus one admission to the AMC theatre featuring great digital sound and stadium-style seating. With twenty screens showing all the newest releases, you’re certain to find a film you’ll both agree on. Call 407-354-5998 for show times.

The package's set dinner menu is available at one of eight restaurants inside CityWalk’s 30-acre entertainment complex. Your meal will include a beverage plus an entrée from a huge list of options at such favorites as Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom and Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville.

You can purchase your Meal & Movie Deal tickets at the CityWalk Guest Services ticket window when you arrive. There is no admission charge to CityWalk and parking in the Universal parking garage is $3 after 6:00 pm. CityWalk is open until 2:00 a.m. seven nights a week. After your movie, you might consider checking out some of the nightclubs located on the property, such as The Red Coconut Club or the newest addition, Rising Star. Have a little cash on hand, as many of the nightclubs have a
cover charge. 

The Coolest Farmer’s Market in Orlando

Have you been to the Downtown Orlando farmer’s market lately? The DOFM is the perfect Orlando Date Night activity where you can …

1. grab a beverage at the beer and wine garden, also serving Bloody Mary’s
2. listen to the band playing fabulous live music
3. check out more than thirty food and artisan vendors
4. eat everything from funnel cakes to gelato
5. get a chair massage

Tucked into the south east side of Lake Eola Park (by Central Blvd), this eclectic shopping and strolling experience has finally matured into something that could actually rival Winter Park for the title of best local farmer’s market.. at the bare minimum, it should at least be dubbed the 'coolest'. While you're there, grab brunch at Hue, Dexter’s or the new Sanctuary Diner, take a stroll around the lake, or even paddle up to the fountain in a tranquil swan boat.

Downtown Orlando Farmers’ Market
Lake Eola Park
321-202-5855
Every Sunday
10 am - 4 pm
www.orlandofarmersmarket.com

May Couple's Calendar

Here's a snapshot of a few fabulous couple's events coming up this month... CLICK HERE or go to the Couple's Calendar for the full list

Battle of the Parks
The Beacon
Sunday May 3rd
1-5pm
$35
Culinary challenge and tasting featuring chefs from Graze, 
Ravenous Pig & K Restaurant
www.kwinebar.com/home_page_020.htm
407-872-2332

Cinco De Mayo Feasting Cooking Class
Julia's Gourmet Magic Cooking Classes at HADCO
Tuesday May 5th
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
$65 Advance Registration & Payment Required
407-484-7378

Cress Restaurant & Gustavo Thrace Winery on Cinco De Mayo
Cress Restaurant, DeLand
Tuesday May 5th
5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
$80 per person
396.734.3740

Wine Class - School is in Session!
Put A Cork In It Wine Bar and Store, Winter Garden
Thurs May 7
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
$15 in advance
"Bring your taste buds and brain, because "school is in 
session". Sample great wines, learn about the grapes, the 
wineries, the wine-makers, and hear some of the varietals 
stories. This is an interactive class where participation is  
encouraged. We also have some tasty snacks to pair with the 
wines. We promise you will love your home-work!" 
407-654-2188

Guess the Grape Tasting!
WineStyles, Dr Phillips, Orlando
Friday May 8th
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
$10 per Person(refundable with any purchase of $10 or 
more)/Free for Members
407-351-9463 
 
Harbor Nights
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal
Friday May 8th
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
$35 - $60
"Join us for Harbor Nights Primavera featuring Michael Andrew  
& Swingerhead. Enjoy our wine tasting and jazz event that 
captures the ambiance of the Mediterranean. Featuring select  
wines and sparkling wines, gourmet food, live jazz, 
complimentary hand-rolled cigars and a balcony performance 
by Portofino's opera singers."
407.503.1200

.... more events listed at greatdatesorlando.typepad.com/weblog/c.html

Harbor Nights Primavera

Any couple in need of romance (if you are reading this blog, this probably means you) should never miss the chance to see Michael Andrew perform live. Who knows why this suave crooner turns up the heat the way he does, but everywhere he performs, couples start edging a little closer.

On Friday, May 8th, Michael Andrew and Swingerhead will be performing at Harbor Nights Primavera, a fabulous wine tasting, gourmet food and jazz event at the Italian-themed Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando. Your $35 admission gets you unlimited wine and gourmet food samples all night long.

Friday, May 8
6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Harbor Piazza
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando

TICKETS:
$35 general admission
$60 reserved seating and includes private wine station and passed hors d'oeuvres (this option is a good idea… wine and food stations for the general mob get pretty crowded)

Log onto www.LoewsHotels.Tix.com to buy tickets
For more information, call 407-503-1200.

PARKING: Free self-parking or $5 valet parking