I’m Dating Myself…Kind of…
If you’ve been following the blog, you will remember that I recently whined that I was in a rut. And if you are new to the blog…I recently whined that I was in a rut.
So to turn the tide on the rut, I started going to a trusty, not so dusty friend to find a wide variety of things to do in the greater Orlando area – the Orlando Date Night Guide
What is the Orlando Date Night Guide you might ask?
Let’s get into a DeLorean together and briefly travel back in time to 2007 – 2008…
From the fall of 2007 until the spring of 2008, my marriage was in the death throes. My (now) ex and I went through about six months of couples counseling in a last-ditch effort to reconcile our marriage. Each week, we would start our session by articulating what we appreciated about the other before moving on to confronting issues and the validation of feelings. I cried and used more than my fair share of Kleenex. He slouched in his chair, stared at the floor, and mumbled answers. We were quite the pair.
A couple of months in, it was determined that we needed to introduce a “date night” to “connect.” The marriage counselor handed me a book by Kristen Manieri – Great Dates Orlando – 52 Ways to Discover Orlando’s Romantic Side. And I immediately fell in love…with the book. It had cheap dates, expensive dates, daring dates. And I wanted to try them all.
Honestly, I can’t remember if I even went on a single Great Date Orlando-inspired date with that particular ex. That relationship has long been in the rearview mirror, but fast forward 11 years and Kristen Manieri is still a part of my life. She has since expanded from the book to Orlando Date Night Guide – a blog filled with AWESOME things to do in and around Orlando. It’s a dating smorgasbord…that won’t leave you bored…
Over the years, the Orlando Date Night Guide introduced me to…
The Jazz Stroll at Leu Gardens. It’s a biannual event that is essentially tailgating for music. You can “stroll” the gardens, but most people bring all of their picnic/beach accouterments of the food and comfort variety and just park themselves in a spot for the remainder of the evening. The event is the perfect blend of the foods, people watching and music.
More insights into what to do in and around the theme parks. Yes…Orlando is known for its theme parks. And you know what? I LOVE them!!!
And, of course, there are plenty of dining recommendations on the site. We checked out Hamilton’s Kitchen at the Alfond Inn. The atmosphere is very “date-y.” And the food and wine are quite divine. Make a reservation, and have a good time.
- Candlelight. Flowers. The only thing missing is Chris Harrison.
The Orlando Date Night Guide has provided me with so many great experiences over the years that I have shared with my (now) fiancé and friends. When I meet people that are new to the area, it’s one of the first websites I share.
And now I am sharing it with myself again. Because I have gotten out of my darn rut. And YOU will see some of the fun stuff that I have planned!
What are your favorite date nights? Will you go out with me? <—no pressure
Work Hard. Play Hard. Drink Chard.
Laurie
P.S. I’m getting better, Grammarly. Neener. Neener. Also, this is not a sponsored post. I just really enjoy Orlando Date Night Guide.
16 Comments
Pathfinder Mom
I would totally go out with you. Beam me up, Scotty! Excited to read more about your adventures.
lauriegannon1
I will go out with you!!! I can’t wait to share adventures AND go on some with you!!!!
Dr. Nic
You are still my favorite date! Oh, don’t tell my mom 🙂 looking forward to many more great ideas, fun to have, foods to eat.
lauriegannon1
Shh…I won’t tell your Mom! There are so many ideas up these sleeves of mine! Smooches. 🙂
Kristy Wyatt
I love your writing style! You also give me hope. I’m going through a divorce right now, and it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through. It’s inspiring to see you that you have made such a happy life after divorce. And now I need a date book for Kansas City. LOL
lauriegannon1
Thank you for the kind words! Divorce isn’t easy, but it DOES get better! My life (and hopefully his) has gotten so much better. Maybe you should create your own KC Date Book? 🙂
Laura Beth
Love this. Can’t wait to read more!
lauriegannon1
Thank you, Laura Beth!! I’m so excited to write and share more! #BloggingRules
Laura Beth
Definitely!
Tiffany
The Jazz stroll at Leu Gardens sounds SOOOOO fun!
lauriegannon1
It is really fun! It’s a beautiful venue.
Thank you for checking out the blog. 🙂 Where are you from?
Brian Ojakapeli
Real nice memories… from 2007-2008. I love this article
lauriegannon1
Thank you so much, Brian! Sometimes the not so great times can lead to the best of times. Thank you for the post love! 🙂
Kristen Manieri
Thank you so much for your kind words. When I started Orlando Date Night Guide in 2007 I had no idea it would be what it is today. It feels incredibly rewarding to know our team has impacted you so positively. We so appreciate you sharing what we do with the world.
lauriegannon1
Hi, Kristen! Thank you so much for your kind words! You and your team have been an integral part of my “Orlando Love Story”. I never really knew how much this city had to offer until I was handed that book. I will always happily share my continued experiences with Orlando Date Night Guide.
Thank you!!!
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