Cheap Central Florida weekend trip idea -- visit the museum and see antiques

I love when there are a few events lined up that, when put together, can create a very nice cheap weekend. This is one such weekend.

First, the annual antiques extravaganza in Mount Dora is this weekend. Tickets are $10 for Friday, $6 for Saturday or $15 for both days. Parking is free. Tons of antique dealers inside and out will be exhibiting their wares. It's a great, fun time for any antique lover or anyone who just likes to look at stuff. Plan to spend the day if you go.

Second, the Orlando Science Center is offering a special $5 all-day admission on Saturday. That's a $12 savings on adult tickets. The museum has plenty of hands-on exhibits and activities to entertain young budding scientists.

So, here's the idea: Get a couple of girlfriends together and head to Mount Dora. Leave the kids with the dads to hit the science museum. It's a great win-win for everyone. The kids will have lots more fun playing at the museum, you'll be able to enjoy yourself perusing antiques without dealing with whiny bored kids and you'll be saving money!

Mount Dora is about 45 minutes from Orlando. Meet in the middle in Apopka.

Cheap, but romantic, ways to spend Valentine's Day weekend in Florida

Valentine's Day is Monday, which limits plans for many people because of work. But there's no rule that says you can't celebrate Valentine's Day on the weekend. And, despite what jewelers and card sellers tell you, there's no rule saying you have to spend a lot on a romantic Valentine's Day weekend.

Remember, even the most expensive restaurant in town knows. It's all about the ambience and mood. Trust me, all you need is a picnic basket with food and a quiet moonlit evening at the beach. And you'll have spent very little.

Here are a few other ideas for romantic settings without breaking your budget:

* Go to the artificial night sky: Cloudy skies? No problem. The Seminole State College Planetarium presents "Heavenly Love: Love Stories of the Night Sky" Friday and Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Doors open at 8 p.m. Admission is $6 each. The show tells ancient love stories seen in the stars.

* Stargazing at Silver River State Park with the Ocala Astronomy Club. The club bring telescopes and help participants see the stars. Event begins at 6 p.m. Admission to the park is $6 per car.

* Florida Scrub Jay Festival at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Saturday, 8:30 to 3:30 p.m. Admission is free. While this might not be the most romantic event to attend, it sounds kind of fun for the family.

* ArtsFest Weekend at the Albin Polasek Museum and Gardens, Winter Park. Friday and Saturday, 1o a.m. to 4 p.m. Watch artists create and tour the historic Polasek home, chapel and gardens. Weddings can be booked at the museum and gardens -- so it stands to reason this would be a romantic setting to get engaged as well. Admission to ArtsFest Weekend is free.

Happy Daytripping!