Sure, Kissimmee is a great location for access to Orlando’s theme parks and the Everglades, but it also has a fascinating history all its own.
You’ve got to love Kissimmee. First things first, it’s in a brilliant location. Situated on the north shore of Lake Tohopekaliga (say that five times fast), it allows you to stay close to the bright lights of Orlando’s top attractions without breaking the bank. It’s also conveniently located for the Everglades to the south. But the great location is just one of the reasons to stay in Kissimmee.
Before it was a family vacation hotspot, Kissimmee hosted some very different residents: cows. Once known for cattle ranching and citrus farming, Kissimmee’s small-town heritage can still be glimpsed in local landmarks like the Osceola County Historic Courthouse, the only courthouse in Florida to be used daily since opening in 1890. Learn more about Kissimmee’s past while walking down the historic downtown Main Street.
If you’ve come to appreciate Kissimmee for its popular attractions, you’ll want to book a seat at the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. Put on your team colors, feast on a turkey leg with your bare hands, and watch as a knight jousts their rival with a theatrical flair.
More into natural Florida? Kissimmee’s got an abundance of that too. Go canoeing on Shingle Creek, a waterway cutting through the heart of Kissimmee. Pack a picnic for dinner and head to Twin Oaks Conservation Area (a popular hangout spot for the locals watching the sunset). Or rent a bike and make your way at your own pace along the Shingle Creek Regional Trail – it’s untouched nature at its finest.
And what would a premier vacation destination be without tons of food choices to keep you fueled up? Enjoy Kissimmee’s delicious dining options, ranging from American diners to tapas with a Latin American flair. You’ll also find a host of cozy cafés just waiting to be enjoyed with a good friend or a good book.