Kissimmee Located in Osceola County, Central Florida, 18 miles south of Orlando, 70 miles south west of Daytona Beach on the Atlantic coast, 75 miles north east of Tampa on the Gulf Coast, and 210 miles north west of Miami.
Background Kissimmee is the home of Walt Disney World, as well as other major attractions and theme parks. The main entrance to Walt Disney World is only 10 minutes drive from our home, and with the massive range of attractions on offer, you will be in a prime location.
Whilst most people visit Kissimmee for it's major theme parks and other attractions, it has so much more to offer. It is a community of authenticity, wrapped in a nearby world of make-believe. Kissimmee is a feast for the senses, which is why we, and thousands of others, visit year after year. Let us tell you a little bit more........
Kissimmee is flat and only slightly above sea level. It was once swamp and citrus groves, now it is lush with trees and lots of lakes and rivers. Much of the area's past marinates in the waters of the world-famous Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, where fishing is legendary. Its three main towns Kissimmee, St. Cloud and Celebration hug lake shores. Every Thursday morning, a Farmer's Market blooms along Pleasant and Darlington Streets at Toho Square in downtown Kissimmee. Colourful stands burst with fleshy vine-ripened tomatoes, juicy Florida oranges, bright yellow lemons, and a cornucopia of crisp vegetables. There is also seafood, flowers, plants, and baked goods. Find the same festive display on Friday mornings at the Mill Creek Mall parking area, also in Kissimmee.
In addition to hosting most of the key Central Florida attractions, and bordering Lake Tohopekaliga, Downtown Kissimmee is made up of businesses and light industry, often in buildings dating back to the 19th century. More importantly, it consists of a 20 mile long ‘Main Street’, US Highway 192. This is lined with shops, eateries, accommodation, sporting facilities, theme parks, and attractions.
Old Town appeals to all ages, abetted with 75 specialty shops, 8 Restaurants/Diners, 18 Thrilling Rides, Live Entertainment, Free Parking, Free admission. Thursday - Weekly 'Bike Nite' . Friday Nite Cruise highlights 1973-1987 cars and trucks, as well as custom and exotic cars. Saturday Nite Cruise is the largest weekly car cruise in America, and features more than 300 classic cars, hot rods and antiques, all of which date from 1972 or older. Cars cruise down Old Town's brick streets and crowds dance to live rock 'n' roll. And if that's not enough, several additions will be unveiled this summer, including the world's tallest Sky Coaster ride and two multi-level go- kart tracks. Fun for all the family, and only 5-10 minutes from our villa.
Celebration Stroll through this picture-perfect community with old-fashioned appeal, just off U.S. Highway 192 in Kissimmee (approx 10 min from our villa). Saunter down Market Street, a collection of charming shops and tempting eateries nestled around a lakeside promenade; wander miles of walking paths and nature trails; The fountain, in the town centre, is also a prime spot for little ones to burn off energy while Mum and Dad relax. Several renowned architects were commissioned to design the buildings and create the hometown ambiance of Celebration's downtown area; stroll the lovely neighbourhoods for architectural visions in neo-traditional design. Art festivals and other events bring friends, neighbours, and visitors together in a convivial setting. Peruse the Sunday Farmer's Market October through May.
Local Historical Sights and Points of Interest Historic Downtown Kissimmee Explore historic sights whilst touring beautiful tree-lined streets filled with antique and speciality shops, cafés and family owned restaurants. Visit the farmer's market every Thursday 7am to 1pm. (Kissimmee Main Street Program, 320 E. Monument Ave. Kissimmee)
Bataan-Corregidor Memorial Dedicated to the Americans and Filipinos who fought in the Philippines during World War II, especially Bataan and Corregidor, and on the Death March. (Corner of Lakeshore Drive and Monument Ave. Kissimmee)
Makinson's Hardware Store Opened in 1884 by W.B.Makinson Sr. This is Florida's oldest operating hardware store. Still owned and operated by the third generation of Makinsons. Their trademark is a 60 year old life-sized plaster horse that is rolled out in front of the store each morning. (308 E. Broadway Ave. Kissimmee)
Monument of States The 40 foot high monument was designed by Dr. Bressler-Pettis. Built from stones furnished by tourists, governors, a prime minister, and the president of the U.S., the Monument of States contains 1500 stones, collected for 22 years, including meteors, stalagmites, petrified wood, teeth and bones. It represents every U.S. State and 20 foreign countries. The doctors ashes are buried at the foot of the obelisk. (Corner of Monument Ave. and Johnston St., Kissimmee)
Kissimmee Historic Train Station Built in 1911 by the Atlantic Coast Line, old timers reminisce of cattle being loaded onto the train for shipment to Cuba. With Atlantic Coast Line still etched in the windowpanes, Amtrak operates the station, welcoming visitors to Kissimmee (111 Dakin Ave., Kissimmee)
Historic Downtown St. Cloud Find the perfect gift, trinket or treasure throughout the historic district of St. Cloud. Enjoy beautiful hand painted murals depicting the city's beginnings, and make sure you visit one of the family owned diners or restaurants. (St. Cloud Main Street Program, 903 Pennsylvania Ave. St. Cloud) More Info.......
Orlando Villa with Private Pool & Games Room 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms Cumbrian Lakes, Kissimmee, Florida