With the weather still temperate and somewhat predictable, March is the perfect time to enjoy a romantic, outdoor picnic. Flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and Orlando is bursting with charming little spots to nestle into for a pleasant feast and some well-deserved quality time. Here are a few of my favorite spots!

Lake Eola Park
Free
Hours will easily and peacefully drift away while strolling around the lake, taking in the floating fountain and watching the white and black swans paddle about the lake. Established in 1888, the park's 43 acres of land are continuously enhanced with vibrant flowers, perfectly manicured grounds, and charming gazebos. Pack your own basket or grab take-out from one of the many restaurants in nearby Thornton Park.

Leu Gardens
$7.00 per person
A visit to this 50-acre botanical sanctuary on its own is a wonderful experience, but when you throw in a romantic picnic on a warm spring day, the romance-meter soars. Call ahead of time to check with their policy about bringing blankets on site. You might be better off packing lawn chairs. Gardens are open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm. There is no admission after 4:00pm.

Big Tree Park
Free
This park is located on General Hutchinson Parkway between U.S. 17-92 and State Road 427 north of Longwood. Find some shade under the park's namesake landmark, "The Senator," a 3,500 year old Bald Cypress. Picnic tables and restroom facilities are available in the front of the park. This 11-acre park is open from 8:00am to sunset daily.

Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens
Gallery is $5.00, Garden is Free
Located on beautiful Lake Osceola, the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens is the perfect place for an afternoon picnic. Visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket and food baskets, find a shady spot on the grass by the lake, and spend a peaceful and tranquil afternoon in this perfect blend of art and nature. As long as you bring all trash with you, they don't even mind if you bring a bottle of wine. Pets are discouraged.

Central Park, Winter Park
Free
Bordering the brick lined streets of Park Avenue, Central Park offers lots of shade and people watching. Grab lunch at one of the many restaurants nearby and enjoy your time together in this idyllic setting.

Loch Haven Park
Free
Enjoy a romantic picnic along the lake shore, and then stroll over to the Orlando Museum of Art to enjoy one of their many traveling exhibits. You can also visit one of the few museums in the nation dedicated to folk art, The Mennello Museum of American Art.

Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake (aka - Turkey Lake Park)
$4.00 per car
Just beyond the craziness of Universal Orlando lies a 300-acre oasis along the shores of Turkey Lake. Turkey Lake Park is a beautifully landscaped park offering picnicking, hiking along seven miles of nature trails, and biking along a three-mile bike path. Picnic tables are available in shaded areas and there's even a sandy beach you can relax on (although there is no lake swimming). Open daily 8:00am to 5:00pm, November to March; 8:00am to 7:00pm, April to October.

Picnic Essentials

• Mixed cheese selection, cut up into cubes
• Fruit such as grapes and strawberries
• Sandwiches or sliced meats
• Veggies and dip
• Potato or pasta salad
• Desserts such as cookies, mini brownies or cream puffs
• Wine or champagne and corkscrew
• Water, soda or juice
• Plastic glasses
• Napkins
• Plastic cutlery
• Paper plates
• Plastic bag for garbage
• Blanket or lawn chairs
• Pillows
• Freezer pack to keep everything chilled
• Frisbee
• Camera
• Anti-bacterial gel to clean up sticky hands

Until next time, happy dating!

The Date Diva
www.thedatediva.com

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