Kissimmee, located just south of Orlando, provides the perfect base camp for your next vacation. Only a few minutes' drive from world class theme parks where you can pet a dolphin, ride the movies, and immerse yourself in the thrills of water parks, this central Floridian town is crammed with activities and sights all of its own. To experience it all you will have to come back time and time again.
The Kissimmee area is rich with history and culture. Long before Mickey Mouse, Kissimmee was a trading post known as Allentown. The purchaser of the land drained the swamp and deepened the Kissimmee River which opened the trade route between Allentown and the Gulf of Mexico. The area became prosperous, breeding fine Brahman cattle and sugar cane. In 1883 the area was incorporated into a city and the citizens changed the name to Kissimmee.
By the mid 1900s the cattle and sugar cane industries changed into a booming citrus business. World War 2 brought about the construction of the Kissimmee Airport, which increased the population dramatically. In 1971 Walt Disney World opened its gates, which led to the boom in tourist industry, Kissimmee's newest commerce. From enjoying the pure magic of these amazing theme parks to relaxing in the warm Florida sun on the nearby golden beaches you will have an unlimited selection of accommodation to choose from to find the perfect place to stay.
The Kissimmee area is home to a host of unique and interesting museums including the Flying Tigers War Bird Restoration Air Museum. You can also explore a Florida "Cracker" house and authentic cow hunter's camp at the Osceola County Historical Society and Pioneer Museum, where you will discover the people, places and events that shaped this city. Experience what life was like then, and still is today, by touring one of the area's working cattle ranches, or join in the heart pounding action that comes with a front rail seat at the rodeo.
The Osceola Center for the Arts and the new Silver Spurs Arena at Osceola Heritage Park are excellent places to experience live theater, concerts and art exhibits. You will also discover world-class opera, ballet and symphonic performances nearby.
If you are in the mood for seafood, craving for a succulent barbecue or maybe something a little more romantic like a candlelit dinner, Kissimmee caters for all tastes. For great family fun, consider going to a dinner show or themed restaurant: Capone's Dinner Show, a 1931 Chicago speakeasy offers mobsters and Italian food; Arabian Nights treats you to a gaudy equestrian extravaganza in a giant indoor arena; Pirate's Dinner Adventure, a lavish show set around a pirate's ship entertains with boat races and acrobatics; Sleuth's Mystery Dinner has eight different shows, all with a suspicious death with lots of twists; and at Medieval Times you will see jousting knights!
Kissimmee is packed with family-friendly activities. Race off in a go-kart. Score a hole-in-one while playing at one of the local or surrounding golf courses that includes the miniature kind as well. Enthusiastic shoppers will enjoy a world of opportunities from outlets to antiques, souvenirs to original art work, quaint shopping area to spectacular malls. It's all here.
Just a short drive in any direction takes you on an exciting one day adventure. Head for the sun drenched Atlantic beaches for a perfect day of fun and surf. View the rolling hills and fresh water springs of the Ocala National Forest. At the headwaters of the Florida Everglades, Lake Tohopekaliga (or Toho, as the locals call it) is famous for its vast variety of exotic wildlife. Makinson Island, in the middle of the lake, is a private nature preserve for animals including emus and llamas. There are several eagles nesting on the lake, as well as other birds such as ospreys, herons and egrets.
Anglers come from all over the world to compete in three-day events at Lake Toho, which is one of the best places in Florida for catching trophy bass. For something less organized, why not go fishing with a local guide, take a boat trip around the lake and the Kissimmee River, or simply spend a relaxing afternoon with a picnic lunch?
There are plenty of hiking trails complete with woods, water and wildlife. Photograph native Florida wildlife that can only be seen from an air-boat. You can saddle up for an adventurous trail ride across a cattle ranch and you can even pick your own oranges at local citrus groves.
Whatever your tastes, whatever your style, you will find something to make you happy in Kissimmee. Enjoy your trip and don't be afraid to step of of the beaten (Mickey) path!
This tidbit of real travel advice was brought to you by Janette Peel.
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