Orlando has many secret places tourists and locals alike ignore. Sometimes the best spot is hidden right behind your neighborhood. Maybe it's even hidden in your very own neighborhood? A walk around Winter Park or a stroll down Lake Eola might just give you a different perspective on the city.
Unlike Miami's relentless heat, Orlando gets more moderate weather (or least Florida's version of moderate weather) and you can take advantage of the fall season and rock that new sweater. Orlando has magical backdrops for photo shoots and great places to enjoy an intimate time with your girlfriend.
Plan your next date at one of these places and surprise your girlfriend. She'll be amazed she hasn't been to one of these locations. Also, don't forget to bring a jacket as some of these places might bring the fall chills.
Orlando Museum of Art
Where: 2416 N Mills Ave
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Orlando has one of the fast growing art communities. The museum is currently showing the work of Chicago-based artist Nick Cave. The installations and sculpture are surreal and provide a different vibe from contemporary art. Learn about the art culture and snap a photo at one of the colorful installations.
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@mistibrookeblankVoodoo Doughnut
Where: Universal City Walk Orlando
@kmserrIf she loves donuts, bring her here after your Sunday mass. The donut shop only accepts cash but it's so worth it. The bakeshop serves colorful donuts in a quirky environ. Welcome fall with Bacon Maple Bar, Dirt Doughnut, and Memphis Mafia. Don't be afraid to add some extra pounds to your diet and have a delightful afternoon filled with sugar.
Bar 17 Bistro
Where: Universal's Aventura Hotel
@kristinaallyseLooking for a more urban environment? This rooftop bar at the Aventura Hotel will make her feel in a dream. The rooftop combines spectacular views of Universal's three amazing theme parks. The food menu is also amazing. Order one of their pao buns, Chinese bread rolls, and add a custom cocktail.
@erikgraumans1974Purple Ocean Superfood Bar
Where: 1620 N Orange Ave
This laidback acai bar has everything you need for your meetup brunch. This bar has one of the most popular acai bowls in town. Your heart will sing when you try one of the many acai or pitaya bowl combinations. Bring your girlfriend for a delightful breakfast before you head to your next activity.
@purpleoceansuperfoodbarJacq & Jack
Where: 6900 Tavistock Lakes Blvd.
@jacqandjackThis is a beauty activity you can both enjoy. This is a salon with men and women services including blowouts, updos, manicures, haircuts, and everything else. Enjoy a beauty makeover together before that special event. Girls love when a guy brings her to the salon.
The Heavy WP
Where: 1152 Harmon Ave.
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Go plant hunting at this whimsical boutique. You can eat, drink, and shop at The Heavy WP. Bring her for a hands-on floral experience. The flower bar has many flowers to choose from and you can make your own floral arrangement. All girls love flowers and especially when it's a personalized bouquet.
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@whitehysteriaThe Glass Knife
Where: 275 S Orlando Ave.
@kmserrBrunch just turned prettier at this feminine location. The Glass Knife serves brunch, breakfast, desserts, cakes, sandwiches, and other sweet things. Your girlfriend will love the ambiance and admire you for the effort. Join the next event on dessert and champagne pairing for an unforgettable evening.
@victoriaangelaphotoVolcano Bay Water Theme Park
Where: 6000 Universal Blvd.
If she has an adventurous soul take her to this exhilarating theme park. This is a tropical paradise in the middle of Orlando with huge water slides and relaxing cabanas. Plan a full day at this park and make sure to bring her bathing suit. You'll be spending most of your time in the water anyways.
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@universalorlandoBartaco
Where: 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd.
@gardenof__edenTaco makes everyone feel good. The taco restaurant has one of the best menus in town. It has a relaxed ambiance and amazing guacamole. Come with your girlfriend for a happy hour and try one of the best mojitos. The drink menu has a broad selection and it will not disappoint.
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@andras0203Florida Cactus
Where: 2542 Peterson Rd
@annannunezThis wholesale plant nursery will bring a smile to her face. Select a few succulents for her home and get some cacti for your garden. You'll be digging deep into her heart and she'll love this date idea. The best thing about this place is the colorful endless hallways.
Icon Orlando 360
Where: 8375 International Dr
@iconorlando360For a more intimate experience take a ride on top of the Icon. You will have a 360-degree view of the city and it'll get you closer together. If she's afraid of heights maybe you can just walk around the place and take pictures of the backdrop. This is a great idea if you're looking to escape the noise. This is the place to watch the city lights.
Joysticks Arcade Lounge and Retro Bar
Where: 69 E Pines Street
@missoliviafayeDon't play with her heart, but play at this gaming bar with a retro video arcade. This is a great alternative to clubbing. It combines games with drinks. Some nights are for karaoke, which adds an extra experience. If she wants to bring her friends, that's ok. Everyone will be so busy and entertained. The best part is that all the games are free!
Canvas Restaurant & Market
Where: 13615 Sachs Avenue
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For a more hipster vibe, visit this restaurant with a home good store. This place is perfect if you want to work together and get a nice cup of coffee. Also, it's a great opportunity to buy home accents and that last minute gift for your friends birthday. Don't be afraid to show her around the lake and take a picture at the glass house.
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@iamnickolewoodyardEtoile Boutique
Where: 2424 E Robinson St
@etoileboutiqueWhen couples shop together they dress better. This boutique is known for vintage, handmade, and locally-designed clothes and accessories. The boutique is located in The Milk District and will have a Lazy Sunday Market event soon. Just in time to get your fall fashion ready.
Park Avenue's Central Park
Where: 150 W Morse Blvd
@bimmercrazeeThis park is located in the heart of the downtown shopping district. A stroll around the 11-acre community with the fall breeze will connect you together. The best thing about this place is that there's a lot of restaurants and boutiques around. You'll have many options and things to do.
Lake Eola
Where: 512 E Washington St
@andreaalenaaIf swan is her patronus, take her to Lake Eola. This place has a magnificent view of downtown and swan boat rentals. Take her on a sunset boat ride with a glass of champagne and watch the sunset. Can it get more romantic than this?
Leu Gardens
Where: 1920 N Forest Ave
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Gardens are for lovers. This place has nearly 50 acres of landscaped grounds and lakes. You can come for a tour of the gardens or a picnic. The place also has a museum to discover more about 1900s history. Also, if you're planning to propose, this place will help you to do the perfect proposal.
Wekiwa Springs
Where: 1800 Wekiwa Circle
@alissamorganDiscover this relaxing spring near Downtown Orlando. The park has kayak rentals and you can bring her dog. The place has lush tropical hammocks and emerald water. But if you want to get active, the thirteen miles of trail is perfect for hiking, biking, running, and horseback riding. Bring with you some bug repellent and of course, a bathing suit.
Halloween Horrors Night
Where: Universal Orlando
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Have a spooky night at Halloween Horror Nights. During the month of October, this park turns scary and mysterious. The haunted houses are the main attraction of this park. Some of the rides are still open to the public but you'll want to show her the real nightmare. She'll be sleeping in your bed for weeks, after bringing her here.
Long & Scott Farms
Where: 26216 County Rd. 448A, Mt. Dora
@hannahklingThe perfect way to start your fall adventure is with pumpkin. Go pumpkin patching with your love and get her the biggest pumpkin at the farm. The best thing about this fall activity is that you can make pumpkin tarts, pumpkin smoothies, pumpkin donuts, and pumpkin-everything. Create a recipe from scratch and give her the real fall experience. Your cooking skills will definitely pay off.
Each place on this list has a special activity. Some of these locations and attractions are only found in Florida. Unfortunately, Miami doesn't have it all. Orlando is a magical land where you will find the unexpected and the unreal.
Start discovering the local restaurants and boutiques this weekend, and you'll have time for the real attractions. Some of these are free and some cost a fee. But, is ok because they all offer something unique.
The best thing is enjoying the time with your girlfriend and building memories together, that hopefully will last a lifetime.