In case people are searching for some safe outdoor dining date ideas in Orlando, I have some options for you!
When it comes to dates or even double dates. In a pandemic, it's even more reassuring to find a space where you can safely sit outdoors and people aren't breathing down your neck 😅
Listed below are some date ideas that I've tried out and really add some adventure to going out without actually “going out.”
#1 - Go On A Long Drive To Pick Something Up
Kyle and I recently did this for Tortas El Rey's and it was so much fun! Everyone was masked up, it was drive-thru only, utter perfection.
We ordered the Lunch Special ($8.50) and got 4 tacos each and an agua fresca each.
The carne asada might be my favorite taco there, plus the tamarindo agua fresca is the perfect heat-diffuser.
All tacos come with cilantro, onions, and hot sauce on top unless noted otherwise.
We ate our tacos in a separate parking lot on the back of my trunk 🤣 it was windy but so worth it.
The drive there allowed us to really catch up with one another and get a chance to see views that we wouldn't normally see day-to-day.
If you and your significant other are into music, a longer drive is even better because you both get a chance to listen to some vibes on the way there.
#2 - Stay In A Remote Airbnb For A Night
Now, this might not be for everyone. Let's be real, you're going to be sleeping in a space where other people have also slept.
But if you do your research on the hosts and check and see what cleaning guidelines they're doing for COVID, that can align with your booking decision.
We stayed overnight at a cute little A-frame cabin in Ocala during a cold front and it was spectacular.
We listened to the Armchair Expert podcast on the way there, stopped off at Publix to pick up some food supplies, then enjoyed the rest of our evening together amongst the sounds of nature on a farm.
One night’s stay was the perfect amount of time to really feel like we got away for a moment, it was really relaxing and rejuvenating!
We got to eat our pub subs out on the patio overlooking the water.
Another nice thing about taking a little day/night trip is that it gives you the empowerment to come back home with a new headspace and motivation (at least it did for me).
#3 - Outdoor Picnics Anywhere In Orlando
We are very lucky in Florida to have so many areas that have open grass areas that can be used for picnics.
What I've been doing lately is getting takeout from Deli Desires (open Fri, Sat, Sun), driving to Lake Ivanhoe, and sitting by the playground park with my blankets and friends.
Pictured is Deli Desires Labneh (right) and their BLT (left) with a teeny weeny cinnamon syrup cortado.
The important thing about picnicking outside is to find some trees that will give you shade at the same time.
Because if you're getting directly hit by the sun the whole time, you're eventually going to get upset.
The benefit of going to the Lake Ivanhoe is it is walkable distance to Virginia Dr.
So once you're done eating grub, you can grab a beer at GB Bottle Shop or Ten10 Brewing. Both have outdoor spaces available.
#4 - Poolside Potluck
Again, we Floridians are very fortunate to have the weather that allows us to be outdoors all year round.
Ideally, this plan works best when the forecast does not declare rain which is almost never a guarantee. 😂
Poolside Potlucks can be a double date or even a triple date. As long as you have enough space at either your community pool or your personal pool, plus many umbrellas!
What's fun is each couple can bring their own item to share with everyone (with COVID in mind, you can always pre-prep portions so there isn’t any touching).
I love doing this with friends because it allows other people to bring dishes that they love. Plus giving you a chance to try something you may never have had before!
For instance, my friend Becca made a concoction of watermelon, strawberries, and fresh lime juice on top. This is now my favorite fruit combination!
If you don’t wanna risk contamination with home-cooking, there’s always trusty Publix Subs!
#5 - Patio Hangs Happy Hour (At Home)
If you possess outdoor patio furniture, you're already winning at #adulting. This can be a beautiful date day/night idea because it gives you the illusion of being at an outdoor bar or patio.
Kyle and I give ourselves some “happy hour time” before we start making dinner indoors.
Sometimes I'm the one making the drinks for us, other times he's doing it, sometimes I'll do one round and he'll do the next round. Keep it funky!
Maybe wear some matching denim outfits while sipping margaritas, live life. 👀
What's fun about this is you're still feeling the sense of being served plus enjoying the element of lounging and not feeling rushed.
Plus bring out your Google Home, Alexa, outdoor speaker, even your cell phone! Pump out some more music vibes to add to the evening.
This can be a normal couple's date or it can be a double date as well. Depending on how big your patio is 😂🤣
So if you're stuck in a date ideas rut, I hope that this blog helps with that a little bit!
If you happen to do any of these date ideas, be sure to let me know so I can see it! Feel free to tag me @allysoneatz or #allysoneatz.
Ttyl! 👋
-Allyson