Inside The Orlando Eye & Madame Tussaud's

What a great day my husband and I had on Valentine's Day - one that I would recommend to other couples and families! We played hometown tourists on International Drive, experiencing The Orlando Eye, Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum and Orlando Sea Life Aquarium for the first time.

You can buy a package to visit all three attractions - which are in the same building - or you can just visit one or two. The Orlando Eye did not disappoint, with 360-degree views of The City Beautiful and out to the coast. While I have stayed at several Orlando-area hotels, I have never seen Orlando from this vantage point. We truly enjoyed the stunning scenery.

We took a break for lunch at Yardhouse, but there are several other great restaurants in the area you can choose from, including Tin Roof, Funky Monkey, Shake Shack and Paramount Fine Foods. We have always had good food and service when we visit Yardhouse, and this time was no different. 

I ordered the Chicken Pot Pie, which I thought was pricey at nearly $16. However, I didn't realize that the pie would be the size of a dinner plate! The flavor was excellent and it was stocked full of huge pieces of chicken and carrots. My husband ordered the hamburger, which was also excellent and well worth the $12 price tag.

Next on our adventures for the day was Sea Life, which is a small aquarium, but is great for families. You can see baby sharks, octopus and so many other cool fish and sea turtles. I could see children spending quite a bit of time here. Of course, if you have visited Sea World, this will be a letdown because it is on such a smaller scale.

Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum was outstanding. The wax figures of all the celebrities and political figures are truly spot-on. See our photo album on Facebook to get a glimpse of the celebrities you get to have your picture taken with!

Also, listen to more about our visit here. 

Related: 

Top Reasons to Visit Disney's Hollywood Studios

What we love about Yardhouse

Top 3 Sweet Gifts for Valentine's Day

There are plenty of amazing Central Florida restaurants and bake shops where you can eat incredible desserts. But do you know where you can find unique sweet treats for your love? 

Here are our top picks for best sweet gifts for Valentine's Day in the Orlando area:

1. Le Macaron Melbourne. The shop not only has the most delicious macarons, but is also a great place for you to pick up high quality chocolates (with heart and lip shapes) for your significant other. 

2. Babycakes Arrangements. This company makes custom cupcake bouquets - which look like real flower arrangements! -  along with custom cookies, cake pops, cakes and more. I know I would rather receive a scrumptious edible bouquet than real flowers!

3. Peterbrooke Chocolatier. Like Babycakes Arrangements, I like that Peterbrooke makes all sorts of custom chocolates. Would you like your love's name in chocolate? They can make it. Is your wife a shoe lover? They can make chocolate heels that look like the real thing. Also be sure to try their Chocolate-Covered Bacon and Chocolate-Covered Oreos.

Have you tried these desserts? If so, let us know your review in the comments section below. Which sweet shops should we add to the list?

Why This Orlando Resort is My Favorite Staycation

Earlier this week, I told you about the new LakeHouse restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando. I think this restaurant - or the classy, unique Hemingway's restaurant at the resort - would both be a special spot to celebrate Valentine's Day.

Now, I want to tell you what it is like to enjoy a staycation at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress for Valentine's Day - or anytime. This is a resort where my family has stayed many times over the years - including celebrating every Father's Day here. That is because we not only enjoy great accommodations and food, but there are so many things for families to do here. 

I literally feel like I am in a different world when my family and I stay here. I lay in the hammocks, dip my toes in the sand and look out on the lake. We use paddleboats and canoes for free. We go rock climbing as well as bike riding and walking along the resort's beautiful trails. The best part is the pool -three huge areas for families and couples. There is not another like it in Orlando. The pool area features waterfalls you can swim under, a water slide, a cool wooden bridge and a hot tub. We often just lounge by the pool - what a relaxing staycation!

Of course, the entire grounds are just beautiful, and include bronze statues, bridges and fountains. You really do feel transported to another area of the world - say Southeast Asia. 

And, when you rise in the morning, you can choose a casual, quick breakfast or take advantage of LakeHouse's many options - which my husband and I did on our last visit. The Breakfast Buffet - $24.95 - is pricey, but there is so much delicious food to choose from. Omelettes, waffles and pancakes are cooked to order. But there is also a broad array of fresh fruit, cereals and pastries. We loved the buffet. I also ordered the LakeHouse Benedict ($16), which features poached eggs with avocado on Ciabatta bread, along with Canadian bacon, roasted tomatoes and Hollandaise sauce. This dish was outstanding.

Let me know if you have stayed at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress - or have any questions on staying there - in the comments section below

Where to Celebrate Valentine's Day in Orlando

There are so many romantic restaurants to choose from in Central Florida, that we wanted

American Gymkhana

to tell you about just a few that you may not have thought of. While some are five-star, upscale restaurants, others provide a very nice atmosphere on a budget.

Here are some of Flavorful Excursions' top choices:

1. Bull & Bear, inside the Waldorf Astoria. We had the most romantic dinner date and best food in Central Florida when we ate at this steak and seafood restaurant. Every appetizer, entree and dessert is unique and executed perfectly. Because of its price tag, this is a restaurant to reserve for special occasions.

2. Emeril's Tchoup Chop. This is a another restaurant that foodies will appreciate. We love the new chef's Hawaiian-inspired and healthy dishes, such as meat and veggie skewers from its Robata grill and the Ahi Tuna Poke Rice Bowl. Don't forget dessert, which is different every night. One recent feature was Baklava Cheesecake! While it is an upscale eatery, there are some affordable apps and happy hour specials that will help you stretch your dollars further.

Emeril's Tchoup Chop

3. Shula's 347 Grill. We have romantic dinners here often, in part because it is close to home but we also love that we can have an affordable meal in an upscale atmosphere. Servers and staff and always professional and friendly. While you can spend more to order Shula's delicious filet or scallop entree, you can save money by choosing one of their delicious burgers or the Mahi Sandwich. Its Happy Hour app and cocktail specials are also not to be missed. Just make sure you leave room for dessert. They make the most delicious Apple Cobbler and Creme Brulee, and we love their homemade sorbets.

4. Highball & Harvest, inside the Ritz Carlton Orlando, is a true farm-to-table eatery that has gotten rave reviews. Chefs pick produce from the garden on-site to use in the Southern-inspired dishes, such as Shrimp and Grits and Chicken and Dumplings. I can't wait to try this restaurant for myself.

5. American Gymkhana. This is another new restaurant that I haven't yet been able to try, but have heard wonderful reviews about its food. And it's atmosphere is perfect for a special occasion. The restaurant serves modern Indian and fusion cuisine and it is featuring a special $65 6-course tasting menu for Valentine's Day.

Top Orlando Restaurants for Valentine's Day

Bone Marrow App - K Restaurant & Wine Bar

This is one of my favorite times of the year. While it is best to keep the romance alive year-round, it is also great to celebrate your loved ones (whether it is a spouse, girlfriend/ boyfriend, family or friends) on Valentine's Day.

Here are suggestions for special Valentine's Day dinners at restaurants that I have dined at or want to try soon:

1. K Restaurant & Wine Bar:  Recently voted one of the most romantic restaurants, K Restaurant in College Park is known for its farm-to-table cuisine. I know the executive chef and owner, Kevin Fonzo, and I can vouch for the high quality of his food and the type of atmosphere he creates. The seasonal menu changes daily, and Chef Fonzo uses as much local meat, seafood, produce, and dairy as possible. Here's a romantic dish to try if it is on the menu when you visit: the Bone Marrow appetizer. The creamy, smooth marrow is complemented perfectly by the sauteed onions and jus. Any fish dish you order - I had the cobia - is sure to be cooked perfectly. And the desserts are to die for. The French Toast Bread Pudding was light, unique, and very flavorful. With two separate dining rooms, couples can definitely get some alone time here.

Christner's Prime Steak & Lobster

2. Christner's Prime Steak & Lobster: Formerly known as Del Frisco's, this beatifully revamped restaurant on Lee Rd. is perfect for date night, or any special occcasion. For Valentine's Day, Christner's is offering a special menu for $200 (tax & gratuity included), featuring an 8-ounce filet, a 12-ounce prime strip, a 16-ounce ribeye or salmon, a bottle of champagne, chateau potatotes and other vegetables, and two decadant desserts. 

3. If you are looking for delicious food AND a different type of experience, check out The Enzian theater in Maitland. On February 15, Enzian is featuring a speical event with with a huge buffet spread, live entertainment, and a showing of the movie, Ghost. 

4. Kasa Tapas and Raw Bar in downtown Orlando is featuring a Cupid's Adventure Dinner on February 14. Sweets are provided afterwards at Ghost Bar & Lounge, and the afterparty is at Avenue Gastrobar. Sounds like a fun night!

5. Taverna Opa Orlando on I-Drive is another exciting place to celebrate with your love this Friday nihgt. The restaurant is featuring a special $65 prix-fixe dinner for two with drinks and live entertainment. 

Where do you plan to celebrate Valentine's Day? Let me know your favorite romantic restaurants in Orlando and around the world.

Special Menu at Emeril's Orlando for Valentine's Day

Want to make Valentine's Day special this year? A restaurant where I experienced one of the most fabulous meals of my life is offering some affordable specials on February 14. 

At Emeril's Universal Citywalk, Chef de cuisine Bernard Carmouche created a special four-course tasting menu and a selection of special appetizers, entrees and desserts in addition to the restaurant’s regular menu.

The Chef's Tasting Menu, at $60 per guest, features an Amuse Bouche, Salmon Carpaccio, Butternut Squash Tortellini, Beef Wellington, and Limoncello Mousse. Also on special are: Grilled Bone-in Strip Steak, Grilled Lobster, and Black & Blue salmon.

I love the ambiance and high quality of food at Emeril's Universal Citywalk. Even if you don't get there for Valentine's Day, make a reservation soon for dinner. While you're there, you must try Emeril's New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp and Andouille Gumbo.

For Valentine's Day menu and reservations, visit: http://www.emerilsrestaurants.com/article/valentines-day-emerils-orlando.