I Heart on the Hunt: Best Places to Unwind in Old Towne Orange

Everyone has those weeks where they almost want to pull their hair out from the stress of it all. Sometimes you just need a little down time to relax and calm down from the crazy week.  Whether you unwind with a drink or even a yoga class, Old Towne Orange seems to have the perfect place for everyone with a range of different interests. The I Heart Team decided to find the places for hanging out with friends or by yourself, to simply unwind and enjoy!

Britt, Citrus City Grill: Hey, it’s Britt! Having a rough day, tough week, or just need a place to unwind? Citrus City Grille is one of everyone’s favorites.  This place is phenomenal in every way, shape and form!  Sitting on the patio while enjoying happy hour with the most delicious appetizers and drinks, all while soaking in all of Old Towne Orange…yes please.  My favorite appetizer is the margherita flat bread, which always makes my mouth water by just looking at it.  All the martinis on the menu are awesome as well, my personal preference is the lemon drop.  Happy hour at Citrus City Grille is EVERYDAY (can I get an amen?), Sundays through Thursday from 3pm to close, and Friday and Saturday from 3-6pm and 9-11pm.  This place is the perfect location to unwind and simply enjoy the atmosphere.  Also, the servers here are incredibly friendly and inviting, which always makes for an even better experience.

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Kelly, Pilates Encore: If you are looking for something GREAT to do in the name of relaxation, I’ve got a few ideas for you. These are my regular go-to’s, which many of you have heard me talk about. First, if you want to get an amazing stretch out, or work out (but nothing too vigorous) then you’ve got to try one of two things. First is Pilates Encore…Liza is amazing at really working out those problem areas, because you can have a private lesson with her you get treated with extra special care. If you’re more of a ‘group’ type of person, then head over to Sunspark Yoga, this is my other spot for all things mind and body. They have a LOT of different yoga classes and there’s one in there that’s perfect for you, I just know it.

Now on the flip side of working out, the other things I highly recommend are heading over to Green Jade Acupuncture for some needles. Whether you’ve got a cold, a headache, some lower back pain or just want to RELAX for 45 minutes, make an appointment with Chris. He is the man that can help you and your body! You can also hook yourself up with a massage in his office too. I have a monthly appointment with Sharon, and again, she will work out the kinks wherever they are hiding. You can call or text Sharon (951-808-7256) to make an appointment and tell her I sent you, I HEART recommended! If you’re really feeling the need, then get an Acupuncture treatment followed by a massage. You will leave their office a big pile of happy mush. Now, head out and spend an hour or two on yourself this week, enjoy!

Megan, 149 Sports Grill: Love sports and need a place to unwind after a long day? 149 Sports Grill has a laid-back atmosphere with great food and drinks! I ordered a $5 Blue Moon off their happy hour menu and the BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich. It was served on a warm hoagie roll with a side of coleslaw and did not disappoint! I enjoyed my meal as I watched some Monday Night Football on one of the many flat screen TV’s. It wasn’t too crowded and the servers were very attentive. This place is  the perfect location to meet some friends on Game Night, don’t forget to wear your jersey!

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Renee, Smoqued: Any place with a outdoor seating in Old Towne is an excellent place to unwind! When I get a chance, I wander over to Smoqued and if the party is small, a table outside gives me a chance to watch the world. I can grab a full meal or just some happy hour hors d’oeuvres. My friends and I can enjoy a quiet conversation or watch the street scene and it’s always deliciously relaxing.

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Lindsay, El Ranchito: El Ranchito is a great place to relax and drink some yummy margaritas after work with friends. Order some snacks and chillax out on the patio! The Chingalingas are especially tasty!

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Andrea, Linx: After a long week, I like to treat myself to a delicious meal at Linx Artisan Sausages. I try something new every time I go and there’s always a friendly face to help me choose some great items from their menu. My favorite so far is the T.J. Street Dog. It’s a spicy polish sausage topped with applewood smoked bacon, chorizo mayo, giardiniera relish, avocado, and cilantro all on a soft potato roll. One bite of this and you might just believe you’re in heaven. If you’re like me and you love trying out new craft beers, Linx has great selection on tap! They’ll even let you sample a few so you can find the right one to pair with your sausage. And no order at Linx is complete without an order of their Belgian Frites and one of their amazing house made sauces. So the next time you’re looking for a great place to unwind, grab a meal at Linx. You won’t be disappointed!

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Cat, Provisions: Provisions Market is one of my favorite places to unwind after a long day. They have a fantastic list of craft beer on tap and delicious food that is perfect to share with friends! The inside space is open and the walls are adorned with racks of beer bottles – the best kind of decoration! They also have a great patio out back if the weather is nice, which if we’re being honest, is almost every day here in Orange. If you’re grabbing a beer after work, make sure you try their deviled eggs! They are pickled in beets so they are bright pink and they are to die for! Kelly and I have to share an order every time we go! If you’re looking to unwind somewhere else (say at home or on a duffy cruise with friends), they can also put together a great meat & cheese board to take to go! Grab a couple bottles of beer or wine from their extensive selection and you’ll be good to go!

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That concludes our favorite places to relax in Orange! Hopefully you have a place where you can get away from it all and enjoy yourself, but if you don’t, take a chance and try out some of our spots! Let us know what you think and we hope you love them as much as we do!

Last Updated on April 5, 2016 by IHOTO Staff