At this point in quarantine, many of us are itching to get back outside. While I may not be ready to venture out into the world the second everything reopens, I do have a list of Orlando gems that I can't wait to visit again.
1. Enzian
Enzian is a beautiful little non-profit theater in Winter Park that shows every kind of film imaginable. If it wasn't for quarantine, Enzian's Florida Film Festival would have just been wrapping up last week. Though I don't attend every day of the festival, I definitely did miss not popping over to see a movie or a shorts program. They are currently hosting Enzian on Demand, where you can stream some of the movies they were going to show online, but it's just not the same without their food.
2. RockPit Brewery
Anyone that knows me, know I don't drink. However, I love spending time at RockPit Brewing near SoDo. If you do like to drink, they have some amazing craft beers on rotating taps. I mean, who wouldn't want to try Jolly Quencher, their sour beer that tasted exactly like a watermelon Jolly Rancher?! However, if you're more like me and would rather drink water, RockPit still has a wonderful ambiance that you will love. They have plenty of card games to play with friends and you might even catch a glimpse of a cute puppy or two hanging around the patio! Plus, they've paired with locale #3 to offer you amazing food as well!
3. Cecil's BBQ
Cecil's BBQ is an amazing and underrated BBQ place right next to RockPit Brewing. The two have partnered together to offer a limited menu that you can order right from the comfort of your table at RockPit. If you're feeling a wider range of options though, Cecil's BBQ is only a few short steps from RockPit's patio. I highly reccomend their nachos, tots, and briscit!
4. Arlia Tattoos
@findyoursmile
Russell Van Schaick (@findyoursmile) is a local watercolor tattoo artist. He does amazing work and designs a lot of cute, nerdy pieces. Now, I am NOT getting a tattoo any time soon. However, I am looking forward to the opening of his new tattoo shop, Arlia Tattoos. From the sneak peeks he has posted, the place looks like it is going to be incredible! It is highly themed, to the point where it looks like you could be walking onto a Disney or Universal attraction rather than getting a tattoo. I am definitely looking forward to hanging out there while my boyfriend gets another one of Russell's amazing watercolor pieces.
5. Disney
And last, but not least, I can't wait to go to Disney again! I know this might seem like a bit of a cheat since it's not really as much of a hidden gem as my other places, but it's a wonderful place to visit nonetheless. I have no idea what it will look like when the theme parks do finally open again, but I do know that I miss Food and Wine/Flower and Garder/whatever seasonal event excuse I have to eat around the world. When this quarantine is over and it's safe to visit Disney again, no one is going to stop me from spending $12 on two lobster ravioli.
I definitely miss these five Orlando gems, but I am more than willing to stay inside until this pandemic is over so we can all stay safe. Until then, I'll be dreaming about being back at my favorite places.
