The one-of-a-kind gift
This Sunday is Valentine’s Day, and if you forgot to make reservations for a romantic dinner or find the perfect I-love-you gift, then I can help you make even better plans and find an unforgettable one-of-akind gift. Consider some of the artsy happenings below:
The Mennello Museum of American Art is snuggled amid ancient oaks on the north shore of Lake Formosa in Orlando’s Loch Haven Park and is the perfect setting for a romantic picnic any day of the year, and even more so on Saturday. Take your sweetie to the second Indie-Folkfest, noon-5 p.m. There will be live music, hands-on art projects, artists, vendors, and food and drinks for purchase. You can even pack your own picnic basket. Relax on the lakeside, tree-shaded lawn while listening to music, or select a unique gift of art for your Valentine. Admission to the fest is free. The Mennello (407-246-4278) is at 900 E. Princeton St., just a short stroll to park neighbors Orlando Science Center and the Orlando Museum of Art. You could park once and spend the whole day.
There is hardly a more romantic little town in this area than Mount Dora, about 45 minutes northwest of Orlando. Today from 5-8 p.m., enjoy din- ner in a charming café or restaurant, peruse independent boutiques, meet artists and view art during the monthly second Friday art stroll. Pop into Artisans on fifth, 134 E. Fifth Ave., or the Mount Dora Center for the Arts located in the same building, and folks there will direct you to other venues. Artisans will be hosting a reception for clay artist Odalys Garcia and printmaker Jennifer Harper.
New Orlando art house
ODALYS GARCIA The Gatlin will host singer/songwriter Terri Binion, who will be selling her collection of art that she began purchasing in the 1980s. Admission is free today, 7-11 p.m. There will be a donation beer and wine bar, live music by Drew Yardis and stylish furnishings by Mutiny Decor. The Gatlin is at 4940 S. Orange Ave., Orlando.