Great Dates Orlando

Valentine’s Day Rant

I’m going to let you in on a little secret about me… I am totally ‘bah humbug’ about what most people consider to be one of the most romantic days of the year.

Surprised that someone who constantly touts the benefits of romance and quality time would be so jaded? Excuse my French but Valentine’s Day, in my opinion, is a crock of sh*t.

It’s become a day, hijacked by marketers, that guilts you into spending money on and time with your significant other because not doing so would make you a jerk. 

Guess what? Opting out of Valentine’s Day does not make you a jerk… but not having a regular date night throughout the year surely does.

There are a lot of really great things happening around the city over the next week and by all means, do as many as you can. Marc and I are going to Nude Nite on Saturday. If we weren’t going there, we’d surely be going to Harbor Night Romantico at the Portofino Bay Hotel. There’s a free Michael Andrew concert happening this Sunday in Park Avenue that’s sure to be stellar. Andrea Bocelli is in town Sunday night at the Amway Center. Enzian has created a great event themed around the epic romance An Affair to Remember. All kinds of restaurants have planned special Valentine’s Day menus.

By all means… I encourage you to get out on the town and celebrate. 

But then do it again the week after… and the week after that… and the week after that. 

What makes Valentine’s Day so lame is that for so many people it stands as the only day ALL YEAR when they really put any effort into their love life. And we wonder why the divorce rate is skyrocketing!

A University of Virginia study finally revealed what I have been trying to tell people for years… that couples who devote time to one another at least once a week are more likely to enjoy high-quality relationships and lower divorce rates.

So, here is my request: use February 14th as the beginning of a renewed commitment to a regular date night. Read this blog frequently for ideas. Follow me on Twitter for a least 25 more date night ideas each week. And join the conversation on my Facebook page where you’ll not only get a few more ideas, but I hope you’ll share some of your own as well. You might even win a pair of concert tickets or a free dinner. 

Put as much effort into your love life as you did when you first met and it will start to feel like it did then too. I promise. 

New Year's Eve Ideas... Part Two

Church Street will be blocked off for the 11th Annual New Year’s Eve Street Party. The party will include admission to the Church Street bars as well as the outdoor street party, a huge video wall, confetti cannons, fireworks and the traditional Orange Drop high above Church Street. The festivities start at 8 pm. Admission ranges from $39-$99 with different all-you-can-drink packages. 

The Improv Orlando will present a dinner show (6 p.m.) followed by a late show (10:15 p.m.) featuring Alonzo Bodden from Last Comic Standing. 

Baby Grands Dueling Piano Bar is hosting a rockin’ New Year’s Eve party with private VIP tables, reserved seating and general admission pricing. Seating reservations include party favors, a gourmet buffet and champagne toast. Doors open at 7 p.m. 

Enzian presents its New Year’s Eve celebration, “Licensed to Thrill: A James Bond New Year’s Party,” at 8 p.m. Themed to the James Bond film series, the celebration features Bond-themed drink specials, a live DJ and an outdoor screening of the movie, “Dr. No.” General admission tickets are $25 ($20 in advance) and V.I.P. tables are $200 per couple.  

Howl at the Moon Dueling Piano Bar will host a New Year’s Eve party starting at 7 p.m. Several packages are offered starting with the “Just Dance” package for $75 per person, which includes admission at 9 p.m. and champagne toast at midnight. 

Head to Wall Street Plaza in downtown Orlando from 8 p.m. – 3 a.m. for access to nine nightclubs and outdoor bars, DJs spinning and drink specials. Tickets are $25 general admission and $100 for VIP tickets.

BB King’s Blues Club at Pointe Orlando will present a New Year’s Eve Show with dinner and entertainment starting at 5 p.m. The three-course dinner (served until 10pm) will be enjoyed along with live music, champagne and party favors at midnight. Dinner is $75 in advance and $100 the day of the event. General admission to the bar and dance floor is $40 in advance and $60 the day of. 

Medieval Times will host its New Year’s Eve Extravaganza featuring New Year’s Eve Fireworks starting at 9:30 p.m. The event includes pre-show hors d’oeuvres, admission to the Museum of Torture, two-hour live entertainment, four-course feast, party favors, DJ and dancing, champagne and non-alcoholic toast and midnight countdown with balloon drop. The price is $69.95 for adults and $35.95 for children ages 12 and younger. 

New Year’s Eve at SeaWorld Orlando will feature shows, food, ice sculptors and dancing stations with live DJs. At the stroke of midnight, a spectacular fireworks show will light up the night. Admission to these festivities is included in regular park admission.

Universal CityWalk hosts a New Year’s Eve celebration from 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. featuring a performance by Smashmouth and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. The event also includes a gourmet buffet, a champagne toast at midnight and live entertainment at seven of CityWalk’s nightclubs. Tickets are $139.99.

House of Blues will host WJRR's Big Friggin' Eve featuring the bands Sevendust, Trivium, Black Tide and LoveJuice. Tickets are $48.50 and the night kicks off at 8 p.m.

The party starts at 5 p.m. inside the Hard Rock Hotel offering a variety of party packages including a dinner event at The Kitchen as well as festivities in The Lobby and Velvet Bar. 

New Year's Eve Ideas Part One

Happy New Year date nighters. Cheers to a 2012 packed with fun and romantic nights with the one you love. I’ll drink to that. So, why not kick off a date-night-filled year with a New Year’s eve out on the town? Here are a few ideas to motivate of you off the couch this weekend…

Get one of the best views of the city at One80 Grey Goose Lounge, which will host the Rise Above NYE 2012 party. $70 = cover, self-parking, hor d’oeuvres and midnight fireworks. $120 = open bar until midnight. 

Sak Comedy Lab presents two Yule of Fools shows, one at 7:30 p.m. and one at 9:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Tickets are $15 ($12 for FL residents). 

Share a posh dinner at one of several restaurants at JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes and then stick around for the onsite midnight fireworks. Better yet, make it an overnight and hit the spa on New Year’s day. 

Slightly Stoopid & The Expendables will perform at Hard Rock beginning at 8:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. $65 (advance) $70 (at the door) includes party favors, champagne toast and SKULL DROP at midnight! 

Head to the Portofino Hotel for a Party on the Piazza much like the hotel’s Harbor Nights events. The New Year’s Eve celebration features all-you-can-eat gourmet food samples from four onsite eateries plus a selection of more than a dozen wines and sparkling wines served throughout the open-air venue. For entertainment there will be live jazz music by Johnny Cool and the Mobster Swing Band as well as live opera by Portofino’s opera singers. Tickets are $125/per person. 

Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk invites revelers to dance into the new year from 8 p.m.until 2 a.m. $35 for access to the main floor of the Dance Hall, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight.

Bistro de Paris, at France in World Showcase, will offer a multi-course meal at two seating times: 6:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Cost is $150 per person, with an optional wine pairing for an additional $75 per person. To book, guests should call 407-939-3463. Epcot admission is required.

Icebar Orlando presents the New Year’s 2012 ICE BALL with an all-inclusive package option including food, drinks and entertainment for $60 per person ($100 for VIP). 

Route 46 Entertainment District Rockin' New Year's Eve Party starts at 8:30 p.m. and features live entertainment on two stages. 

Ember in downtown Orlando is hosting a POP 2012 New Year’s Eve party with two DJs spinning music in separate areas. Cover is only $10.

Love Struck Robot will be taking the stage at Blue Martini where $50 ($60 at the door) gets you drinks and nibbles from 8 – 10 p.m. 

Mills Avenue will host a NYE Block Party featuring live music by Andy Matchett & The Minks, Thee Wilt Chamberlain, Alias Punch and a number of other bands and DJs. There will be a champagne toast at midnight. Will's Pub and Peacock Room are host locations.

Cin cin! Salute!

More Holiday Hoopla - Five Fun and Festive Date Nights

You can’t deny it any longer… Christmas is almost here. If you’re still suffering from a case of the humbugs, these five holiday festivities should get you in the spirit.

The Abbey presents “Michael Andrew’s Swingin’ Christmas,” Dec. 13 – 22 in downtown Orlando featuring an all-new swanky 10-piece orchestra, special guests and spirited holiday favorites. Tickets are available $41.50. 

The dazzling holiday extravaganza, known as The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, is electrifying Disney’s Hollywood Studios with millions of sparkling lights until January 3rd. Admission is included in regular park price. 

Head to Graffiti Junktion (900 E. Washington St., Orlando) on Wednesday, December 14th when Bad Santa & The Angry Elves will perform parodies of holiday tunes. Admission is free. 

Theater Downtown will perform Dickens’ holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, until December 19th. Tickets are just $20. And for another festive play, head to Winter Park’s Breakthrough Theater, presenting It’s a Wonderful Life until December 19th. Tickets from $10. 

On Saturday, December 17th at 7:30 pm, the Russian Ballet of Orlando will perform the holiday ballet The Nutcracker at the Lake Eola Amphitheater. This show is free… wonderful free.

Popcorn Flicks Holiday Double Feature - Friday Dec 2

It’s officially December, which means if you haven’t started revving your holiday engines, it’s time to get into gear. Getting into a festive mood is a cinch thanks to Enzian’s Popcorn Flicks holiday double feature this Friday, December 2. In their usual Central Park setting off Park Avenue (in Winter Park), the art house theater will present two of the best holiday classics ever made.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas will kick off the outdoor cinema night at 7pm followed immediately by A Christmas Story, the tale of a 1940’s kid totally transfixed by the goal of getting a Red Rider BB gun for Christmas.

This event is free and open to the everyone... even Grinches. Click here for more info.

2011 Guide to Holiday Ice Skating

Use this temperate weather as the perfect opportunity to snuggle up on one of the many ice rinks set up this holiday season.

Winter in the Park
Central Park West Meadow in Downtown Winter Park
Now until January 8th, 2012
$10 all day (includes skates)

Light up UCF
Ice Rink Pavilion
Now until January 1st, 2012
$12 includes rental (2 for 1 on Tuesdays!)

Town of Celebration
Celebration Town Center
Daily from 4pm - 10pm until January 2nd 2012
$10.00 for a 1/2 hour minimum skate (skate rental  included)

RDV’s Ice Den
Maitland
Open year round
Admission for regular skate sessions is $6.71 plus tax. Admission for Friday and Saturday night skate sessions is $9.53 plus tax. Skate Rental Fees are $2.82 plus tax.

The Ice Factory
Kissimmee
Open year round
$7 admission and $3 for regular skate rental

And if skating is not your thing, try sipping a chilly cocktail inside ICEBAR Orlando, the frosty locale on I-Drive where you can sit inside a winter wonderland kept at a frigid 27 degrees. 

 

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Pssst.... we're tweeting an additional 30+ Orlando date night ideas each week on Twitter. Make sure you're following @Gr8DatesOrlando

Seven Tips For Date Night at Gaylord Palm’s ICE!

I’m not going to lie… there are a lot of families at Gaylord Palms Resort these days. With the newly rebranded ICE! and SNOW experiences splashed with Shrek and Kung Fu Panda plus visits with Santa, screenings of the Puss in Boots 3D movie and a colorful little nook where you can decorate gingerbread houses…we’re talking a cornucopia of kid-focused festivities.

But for all the merriment and eventual meltdowns this spectacular holiday extravaganza will produce, there are, in fact, a few mature elements if you know where to look. Here are seven tips for experiencing a Gaylord Palms date night this holiday season:

1. Definitely check out ICE! but you can skip SNOW… with its kids playground and giant slide, it’s really intended for little ones.

2. Go on a night when ICE! is open until 10 p.m. (Nov 25, 26 + Dec 3, 10, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22).

3. Buy your tickets online ahead of time so you don’t have to stand in line for tickets or chance having ICE! be sold out once you get there.

4. Valet park…. it’s free when you have your ticket validated at one of the onsite restaurants.

5. Which leads me to my next tip… make a reservation to have dinner at the resort before ICE!. My personal favorite is Old Hickory Steakhouse thanks to its out-of-the-way locale in Gaylord’s ‘Everglades’ wing. 

6. Sip cocktails at SORA, the South Beach-inspired lounge just off the main lobby. It’s also a great place to have sushi if you’d rather pass on a formal sit down dinner.

7. Become an official member of the Polar Bear Club by running through ICE! in your swimsuit at 7:30 a.m. (not a typo) on Saturday, December 3rd. 

At the very least, skip all the ‘attractions’ like ICE! and simply spend a few hours wandering through Gaylord’s 4.5-acre atrium. This indoor oasis has been completely decked out for the holidays and will transform even the Grinchiest of Grinches.

 

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Pssst.... we're tweeting an additional 30+ Orlando date night ideas each week on Twitter. Make sure you're following @Gr8DatesOrlando

Kick off the Holidays at Ivanhoe Village’s Jingle Eve

Normally I steer clear of the holiday hoopla until after Thanksgiving, but this year I’ll be making an exception and heading to Jingle Eve Holiday Open House at Ivanhoe Village (a.k.a. the Antique District) on Friday, November 18 from 6pm- 10pm. This festive affair will give attendees the chance to kick off their holiday shopping at the district’s eclectic boutiques (like Washburn Imports and Déjà Vu) while drinking up some holiday spirit, literally, during the area’s 10-stop wine stroll ($15).

Participating stores and eateries along North Orange Ave south of Princeton to Alden and up Virginia Drive will be welcoming us early holiday revelers with shopping sales, food specials and live entertainment.

And… the FOOD TRUCKS will be there! They’ll be lined up along Virginia Drive, creating the perfect pit stop on your way to the mini concert stage (and beer garden!) across from The Hideaway. Planners will have a “food truck café” with tables set up so partakers of nosh from truck favorites like The Flattery and Travelling Gourmet will have somewhere to sit.

Supporting local businesses while enjoying a fun night out in this snazzy little corner of Orlando sounds like a stellar plan to me. Hope to see you there!

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Pssst.... we're tweeting an additional 30+ Orlando date night ideas each week on Twitter. Make sure you're following @Gr8DatesOrlando

Follow @Gr8DatesOrlando

 

Valentine's Date Night Painting Class

Grab your favorite bottle of bubbly and head to Cheri's Art Uncorked, a new DIY art studio in Winter Park. The $45 lesson fee includes all your materials and instruction. Participants are encouraged to bring their own snacks and beverages.

This Friday, February 11th from 6pm - 9pm, Cheri's will be featuring a special Date Night class. 

For more details, visit http://cherisartuncorked.com/feb/datenightlove/

ALSO THIS WEEKEND...

Michael Andrew and Swingerhead will be giving a free Valentine's concert in Central Park, Winter Park at 4pm on Sunday, February 13th.

For more Valentines ideas, please visit www.nileguide.com/destination/blog/orlando/2011/02/09/more-orlando-valentines-day-happenings/

20 New Year's Eve Ideas

Hard Rock Live at CityWalk has planned a New Year’s Eve Disco Party + Classic Albums Live presentation of Saturday Night Fever. Doors open at 9pm. Tickets start at $27.50. www.hardrock.com/live2/live.aspx

The Rix Lounge at Disney Coronado Resort is offering several well-priced packages including the "Countdown Package" which serves guests 1 bottle of champagne, 1 appetizer, 2 dessert shots, and party favors for just $45 per couple. www.rix-lounge.com

Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk invites revelers to dance into the New Year from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $35 for access to the main floor of the Dance Hall, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. www.disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/disneys-boardwalk/entertainment/atlantic-dance-hall/

Icebar Orlando presents New Year’s 2011 ICE BALL, with two package options. The Polar Bear Package includes admission into Fire Lounge, Icebar, thermal capes and gloves, entertainment, midnight buffet, champagne toast at midnight and a photo keychain for $40 per person. The Penguin Parade Package includes everything above, plus open bar and a snow globe photo memento for an additional $35. icebarorlando.com; 407-426-7555

Ember in downtown Orlando is hosting a New Year’s Eve party with no cover at the door. The party will feature two DJs spinning music in separate areas, bottle service at all tables and 50 lbs of confetti released at midnight. emberorlando.com; 407-849-5200

Church Street will be blocked off for the 10th Annual New Year’s Eve Street Party. The party will include admission to the five Church Street bars as well as the outdoor street party, a huge video wall, confetti cannons, fireworks and the traditional Orange Drop high above Church Street. The festivities start at 8 pm. Admission ranges from $39-$99 with different all-you-can-drink packages. churchstreetbars.com; 407-649-4270

CRAVE has created a chef inspired four-course dinner for two for just $99 and wine pairings will be available for $25. CRAVE’s regular menu will also be available. craveamerica.com; 407-345-8788S

The Improv Orlando presents Dan Cummins  starting at 5 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and include a buffet dinner featuring crab cakes, jambalaya, prime rib, chicken marsala, bread pudding, cheese cake, decadent chocolate cake and more. For the late show beginning at 10pm, $30 includes admission, a split of Champagne & party favors. theimprovorlando.com; 407-480-5233

Plaza Live presents country music artist, Brantley Gilbert, at 9 p.m. for a special New Year’s Eve throwdown featuring hits such as “Kick it in the Sticks.” The show is open to all ages and tickets range from $20-$22.  theplazatheatre.com; 407-228-1220

Baby Grands Dueling Piano Bar is hosting a rockin’ New Year’s Eve party with private VIP tables, reserved seating, and general admission pricing. Seating reservations include party favors, a gourmet buffet and champagne toast. Doors open at 7 p.m. and dinner is served until 9 p.m.  babygrandsduelingpianos.com; 407-579-9972

Enzian presents its second New Year’s Eve celebration, “Dress to Kill: A James Bond New Year’s Party,”  at 8 p.m. Themed to the James Bond film series, the celebration features Bond-themed drink specials, a live DJ and an outdoor screening of the Academy Award-winning movie, “Thunderball.” General admission tickets are $25 and V.I.P. tables are $150 per couple. enzian.org;  407-629-1088

Howl at the Moon Dueling Piano Bar will host a New Year’s Eve party starting at 7 p.m. Several packages are offered starting with the “Just Dance” package for $70 per person, which includes admission at 9 p.m. and champagne toast at midnight. howlatthemoon.com; 407-354-5999

VAiN, one of Orlando’s newest and largest clubs, is throwing one of the biggest New Year’s Eve parties in the area. Hosted by Joey Fatone from “Dancing with the Stars” and NSYNC, the evening will feature world-renowned DJ’s along with aerial acrobats entertaining on and above the grand stage. The price is $25 for general admission, $50 for open premium bar until midnight and $75 open premium bar all night. vainorlando.com; 407-835-3590

Celebrate with Wall Street Plaza in downtown Orlando from 8 p.m. – 3 a.m. This year's New Years Eve Party features nine night clubs and outdoor bars, DJ Digital spinning and drink specials provided by Coors Light and Pinnacle Vodka. Tickets are $25 general admission and $100 for VIP tickets.
wallstplaza.net; 407-849-0471

BB King’s Blues Club at Pointe Orlando will host the Let the Good Times Roll New Year’s Eve Show with dinner and a show starting at 5 p.m. The three-course dinner (served until 10pm) will be enjoyed along with live music, champagne and party favors at midnight. Dinner is $75 in advance and $100 the day of the event. General admission to the bar and dance floor is $40 in advance and $60 the day of. bbkingclubs.com; 407-370-4550

Buca di Beppo has planned a five-course menu offered along with a champagne toast and party favors. Live entertainment will be available at select locations beginning at 9pm. The price is $45 per adult and $20 for children ages 10 and under. bucadibeppo.com; 407-859-7844

Medieval Times will present a New Year’s Eve Extravaganza featuring New Year’s Eve Fireworks starting at 9:30 p.m. The event includes pre-show hors d’oeuvres, admission to the Museum of Torture, two-hour live entertainment, four-course feast, party favors, DJ and dancing, champagne and non-alcoholic toast and midnight countdown with balloon drop. The price is $69.95 for adults and $35.95 for children ages 12 and younger. medievaltimes.com; 1-888-935-6878

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will count down to 2011 with a concert by “The Guess Who” beginning at 10:30 p.m., immediately followed by fireworks at midnight for the ultimate New Year’s Eve celebration.
buschgardens.com; 1-888-800-5447

New Year’s Eve at SeaWorld Orlando will feature shows, food, ice sculptors, dancing stations with live DJs, a large scale ice vodka bar in the Christmas Market. At the stroke of midnight, a fireworks and fountains show will lights up the night. Admission is included in regular park admission.
SeaWorld.com; 407-363-2259 (public)

Universal CityWalk hosts a New Year’s Eve celebration from 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. featuring a performance by Bret Michaels, lead singer and songwriter of the metal band Poison. The event also includes a gourmet buffet, a champagne toast at midnight and live entertainment at seven of CityWalk’s nightclubs.Tickets are $139.99. universalorlando.com; 407-363-8000 (public)