Once a sleepy little cow town, Kissimmee, Florida has grown in a short time into a tourist destination in its own right. Situated just south of Orlando, its main artery is Highway 192 and is accessible to all the major roads in the Orlando area. Disney's back door is just a 15 minute drive up 192 west or via Osceola Parkway; but if you are burned out on theme parks and looking for other activities, Kissimmee is the place to look.
In February the Silver Spurs Rodeo comes to town. Champion bronco busters and bull riders converge from all over the country to compete in the town's biggest event. There is a brand new indoor arena at Osceola Heritage Park on Highway 192, so rain or shine, you can watch the live action in comfort. During that week the Osceola County Fair and Livestock Show is also going on.
If you want to do a little horse back riding of your own, check out Horse World Riding Stables at 3705 Poinciana Blvd. Family owned and operated by the Wheelers, trail rides are offered from beginner level to advanced and last about an hour. This is a relaxing way to enjoy the Florida countryside. The Wheelers also rescue and rehabilitate neglected and abused horses. Call 407-847-4343 to reserve a ride.
Kissimmee is home to East and West Lake Tohopekaliga or as the locals say for short: "Toho." Large mouth bass is the prize lurking beneath the waters and anglers can charter a boat with Tom and Jerry's Charters on West Lake Toho.
For some excitement why not take an airboat ride at Big Toho Airboat Rides and Eco Tours? There is room for the entire family on their larger boats with theater style seating. Zip over the swampy backwater terrain and see alligators and other Florida wild life in their natural habitat. Located on Lake Toho. Call 888-937-6843.
You can also see alligators up close and personal at Gatorland on Highway 441. The "Gator Jumparoo" is not to be missed if you are here. It's a pretty amazing site watching a huge alligator fly out of the water to grab a chicken suspended from a clothes line. (Calm down, not a live chicken...one from the grocery store!) They also have gator wrestling and other live exhibits and yummy deep fried gator nuggets for lunch. Tastes like chicken! I wonder why?
Those interested in aviation and WWII memorabilia should check out The Flying Tigers Warbird Museum at 231 North Hoagland Blvd. Here they restore WWII planes and if you are willing to pay the price you can actually take a ride in one.
This is just a sampling of what Kissimmee has to offer the vacationer. Come and see for yourself. Vacation memories are just waiting to be made in Kissimmee.
This tidbit of real travel advice was brought to you by Michele Carroll.
Ready for a Gator Nugget? Enjoy one from the deck of your vacation rental. Or from the pool of your vacation rental. Or in the game room of your vacation rental. Find the perfect Kissimmee holiday rental at Zonder.com!