Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Lake Proctor

"One of the biggest surprises during the pandemic was Dovecote Brasserie chef Clay Miller leaving the restaurant he founded (and partially owned) to become executive chef of the Ravenous Pig. It’s a powerhouse move for the powerhouse Winter Park stalwart, but even before Miller’s arrival, the Pig impressed with their stellar curbside conduct and equally astral Southern-tinged fare. Of note are its convenient curbside “dinners for two” offering everything from prime rib and Nashville hot chicken to shrimp and grits and short-rib tacos."

"It’s no surprise that the opening of this beloved gastropub back in 2007 coincided with Orlando’s rise as a culinary hot spot. While its owners James and Julie Petrakis have not stopped opening other ventures around the city (including..."

"No surprise one of the city’s best restaurants would serve one of the city’s best brunches every weekend from 11 a.m."

"A celebrated and self-taught artist, Earl Cunningham was best known for stunning coastal landscapes, not just of those he witnessed in Florida but also in Georgia, Maine, Michigan, New York, North and South Carolina, and even Nova Scotia. Since 1998, his work has been preserved, exhibited and interpreted by The Mennello Museum of American Art, which is part of Loch Haven Cultural Park just north of downtown Orlando. In addition to its permanent Cunningham exhibit, this museum hosts a rotating lineup of temporary exhibitions, enriching programming and educational initiatives, as well as the Marilyn L. Mennello Sculpture Garden."

"Originally established to preserve Earl Cunningham paintings, The Mennello Museum of American Art, housed in what was once the private home of Howard Phillips, uses its unique space to display American art of all genres and time periods. Marrying art and nature, visitors have the opportunity to experience exceptional exhibits with the beautiful backdrop of Lake Formosa. The Smithsonian American Art Museum Affiliate showcases notable exhibitions, but just as lovely is enjoying the grounds with a picnic lunch and reveling in the charm of the 350-year-old live oak affectionately deemed “the Mayor."

"The Mennello features American art of all genres and is home to a permanent collection of paintings by "primitive" artist Earl Cunningham. Outside, a lakeside sculpture garden is where the Mennello hosts the annual Indie Folk Fest, held the second week in February. Every second Sunday is Family Day, which brings child-friendly activities and free admission with mini-tours for kids in the afternoon."

"One of Central Florida’s leading cultural institutions since 1924, Orlando Museum of Art, aka OMART, is part of Loch Haven Cultural Park close to downtown Orlando. With a stated mission of inspiring creativity, passion and intellectual curiosity by connecting people with art and new ideas, OMART curates and presents a wide range of compelling artwork. Every year, OMART hosts a rotating selection of 10 to 12 on-site exhibitions, in addition to presenting 13 off-site exhibitions, art-enrichment programs, gallery tours, lectures, classes and other services."

"While the Orlando Museum of Art has a wide spectrum of art in various media and style. The Florida Prize in Contemporary Art. Right now in its fourth year, has become a highly anticipated event for the venue."

"The Florida Prize in Contemporary Art is an initiative of the Orlando Museum of Art that brings a new level of recognition to the State?. s most progressive artists."

"One of the beauties of brunch is that it's something of a "Vulcan Meal Meld," giving foodies the option of cobbling together goodies they love for breakfast with fare they generally eat at lunch or dinner. Maxine's is no different, offering seasonal salads and seafood in the same breath as decadent, creative omelets, Benedicts and waffles. Though Maxine's on Shine is a delightful place for date night cocktails and dinner and live music, it retains its cozy, eclectic, neighborhood vibe â€" not to mention gracious hosts and staff --- in broad daylight, as well. That's why they call their brunch a "Rejucination." And if you're booked on Sunday, pop in for brunch on Saturday instead!"

"Maxine’s on Shine is a casual restaurant with whimsical '40s-style decor that serves an eclectic menu for dinner during the week and brunch on the weekends along with regular live music. The brunch menu satisfies diners with biscuits and gravy, wine-lovers’ boards of delectable cheeses, crab cakes and bruschetta, and the ever-popular Southern dish of buttermilk marinated and panko-parmesan crusted fried green tomatoes with a firecracker sauce. Traditional takes on favorite dishes include beef hash, steak and eggs, chicken and waffles, and eggs Benedict along with substantial three-egg omelets with rich fillings and brisket burgers."

"Maxine's on Shine is beloved for its cozy and quirky vibe plus great plates like chicken and waffles or the brisket burger. But did you know about the adorable “I love you to the moon and back” mural on the side of the restaurant?. Before you've filled your belly with great food and drinks, grab your phone and take a cute selfie with your partner."

"One of the most talked about restaurants in Orlando in recent years, Domu crafts house-made noodles to serve in almost a dozen different dishes, along with shareable plates like Asian buns. The delightful happy hour features a wasabi and ginger margarita that's worth driving through downtown Orlando during rush hour to imbibe. Domu does not accept reservations and finding a seat inside the tiny restaurant can be challenging, so be sure to arrive early and be willing to wait, especially on weekends."

"And then there's Domu, a local favorite with four stars out of 970 reviews. Stop by 3201 Corrine Drive, Suite 100 to hit up the cocktail bar and Asian fusion spot, which offers ramen and more, next time you're in the mood. This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor."

"Domu, in East End Market, is a chic, modern space with whitewashed brick walls, cheerful murals, and edgy fixtures. House-made noodles and slow-cooked broths are just part of what makes the ramen here so good. Beyond that, a pan-Asian menu includes rice bowls, lobster buns with bonito flakes, and grilled octopus with yuzu."

"Housed in a historic building in the heart of downtown Orlando (it's been on Magnolia Street since 1894!), Mathers Social Gathering is where dapper bartenders shake up drinks made with small-batch spirits and house-made cordials, bitters and syrups. The bar is known for Prohibition-era specialities like bathtub gin — a surprisingly creamy drink made with Brokers gin, ground lavender, honey simple syrup, lemon and half-and-half."

"Mathers Social Gathering's story, or at least that of the charming building in which it is housed, begins back in the 1800s, and the third-floor space that Mathers occupies is rife with charm and atmosphere. Expertly mixed craft cocktails await its well appointed customers. There are many places for cheap beer and its oft inexperienced consumers in downtown Orlando."

"The Historic Titusville Playhouse provides enriching theatrical, artistic and social experiences to both artists and audiences. Every season presents a variety of shows that range from dramas to comedies, family themes and musicals."

"Warm, melty grilled cheese: that's serious comfort fare right there. At Toasted, they level it up a notch with gourmet takes on the good old ooey-gooey, flat-pressed fave that takes you straight back to childhood. For nostalgia junkies and "safe" eaters, they've got the 101 (that's actually what they call it), simple, unfancy tomato and cheddar."

"That should be clear from the name, otherwise it might be AC Sky Cafe or AC Sky Bistro, which would make it sound more like an in-flight food option. It’s not quite at cruising level, but it does sit higher than an aerie, on the 18th floor of the newly constructed SunTrust Plaza building at Garland Avenue and South Street. The bank occupies the lower floors; the hotel has the topmost eight floors."

"While the fare may not be quite as elevated as its 18th floor setting, the AC Sky Bar inside the AC Hotel downtown is one of the most buzzed-about venues for Sunday brunch. Towering glass windows lend the space some big-city swagger, while the crème brûlée French toast (fashioned from croissants) and crispy chicken and churros offer spins on trad brunch standards. Bottomless mimosas run $18."

"The newest hotel in Downtown Orlando has a chic rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Orlando. AC Sky Bar’s menu includes Spanish-inspired tapas, craft beer, and artisanal cocktails to toast the sunset together. Dine indoors at the large bar and lounge seating or step outside on the terrace for incredible views of downtown Orlando as the sun sets below the horizon."

"The staff is always kind and friendly, plus we love supporting local small businesses!. Not to mention, the ice cream is delicious!"

"Pose for family photos among the giant cypress trees and the namesake blooms at Winter Park’s Kraft Azalea Garden, a 5-acre site located on the shores of Lake Maitland. Related:Universal Orlando Express Pass vs. Universal Orlando VIP Experience. Beth Luberecki is a Florida-based freelance writer who writes about travel, business, and lifestyle topics for a variety of publications and websites."

"Also located in Winter Park, this 5-acre public garden on the shore of Lake Maitland is open all year from 8 a.m. till dusk, and admission is free. Billed as the charming city's "secret garden," it's shaded by enormous cypress trees and boasts unique features like the Exedra, a columned, neoclassical structure that's perfect for wedding ceremonies and other special events."

"Kraft Azalea has always been a popular spot for many photographers to bring their couples or even families out for a photo session. The reason for that is just the environment. It has tall beautiful cypress moss trees and pillars that will make for beautiful photos."

"At the Orange County Regional History Center, you can experience life in Orlando, once known for its citrus farming and cattle, as it was long before Walt Disney famously set his sights on it. Travel through history in the restored 1927 brownstone courthouse, located in the heart of the city, and turn back the clock thousands of years to see how Florida’s indigenous people lived. Discover the life of early pioneers who slept on pillows stuffed with moss, or even step into modern times by visiting Courtroom B, the very place where notorious serial killer Ted Bundy allegedly carved his name into a desk as he sat on trial."

"For shoppers who want to pick up local products, this is the place to be. Not only will you find notorious Floridian treats, but there are also souvenirs, vintage photographs, and classic books and toys to be found here. You’ll be bringing home more than just memories of your vacation here in Orlando when you drop by this place."

"Located in Maitland close to Winter Park, about 30 minutes north of International Drive, the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center doesn’t just teach about the past. It also focuses on a future that is free of antisemitism and all forms of prejudice and bigotry. One of this museum’s most unique exhibits invites you to don Oculus googles for a powerful virtual-reality experience that will transport you to the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis, with Frank sharing her inspirational story along the way."

"When visiting Orlando, I was unsure which sushi place I should try but ended up going here because of the pictur..."