Best Beach for Romance: Lovers Key
On Lovers Key, explore the mangrove wilds of the west coast Florida by kayak or foot in Lovers Key State Park. Lounge beside a waterfall in a lagoon-style pool at the Lovers Key Beach Club & Resort, a posh all-suite resort. At sunset, dine overlooking Estero Bay. Soak in the spa tub-for-two in your suite.

Best Beach to Watch a Sunset: Naples Municipal Beach & Fishing Pier
Naples Municipal Beach & Fishing Pier (built in 1888 as a freight and passenger dock) shines as an all-time sunset favorite. When the sun begins to set low on the western horizon, beachgoers, fisherman, locals and tourists fill the narrow pier in anticipation of the daily show as the sun melts into the Gulf.

Best Beach for a Drive: Daytona Beach
You can watch surfers catch a wave as you drive along the sands of Daytona Beach. The 18-mile stretch of firm sand along Daytona Beach is one of the few remaining beaches in Florida where cars are still allowed. For $5, cruise it all day, but don’t floor it: The speed limit is 10 mph.

Best Beach to Loaf: New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach is a laid-back beach town, where Orlando co-ed’s come for sun, and top surfers come for waves. There are no high-rises along the beach, only low-rise motels and condos giving it a comforting feel. These 13.2 miles of beach is so relaxed even the currents are laid back here.

Best Beach for a History Lesson: Fort Pickens
At Fort Pickens, brick archways and fortifications topped with cannons, a piece of American history, hug the white sand and aquamarine waters the Gulf of Mexico. This massive fort has protected America from the early 1800s until after WWII. During the Civil War, Union soldiers occupied the fort to prevent Confederate shipments into Pensacola.

Best Beach for Paws: Fort De Soto Park
Fort De Soto Park is a canine paradise – beaches are undeveloped, except for a former fort that can be explored by paws (as long as Rover is leashed), dogs can roam freely along a prime stretch of beach near the park’s pier. There’s also an adjacent fenced field complete with dog facilities – fire hydrants and garden hoses with spray nozzles.

Best Beach to Giddy Up: Amelia Island
On Amelia Island, fulfill that fantasy of riding along the beach, with your windswept hair tickling your face as your horse leaves hoof prints in the sand. At Kelly Seahorse Ranch, experienced riders can canter their steeds along the waves, and actually go into the surf with their horses. These are freedoms most stables won’t allow.

Best Beach for Kids: Siesta Public Beach
When it comes to family beach spots, nothing tops Siesta Public Beach in Sarasota – gradual slopes, shallow waters, lifeguards, a playground, gentle waves, fine white sand and translucent waters. It continually makes several of America’s Top 10 lists of best beaches based on sand, water quality and facilities.

Best Beach to See and Be Seen: South Beach
If you enjoy a beach scene, go to South Beach, and look in any direction. Lounge on the beach among serious sunbathers in European-style swimsuits who are as likely to chat in French or German as in English. Watch shirtless guys prove themselves on the sand volleyball courts. On the other side of Ocean Drive there are pastel Art Deco buildings house sidewalk cafes, trendy nightclubs, posh shops and groovy hotels.

Juan Ponce de Leon discovered Florida in 1513, landing in NE Florida (probably near St Augustine), and claimed Florida for Spain.  In 1565 the first European settlement was established in St Augustine by Spain.

The British took control of Florida in 1763, with Spain regaining the territory in 1783.

Florida became a US territory in 1821, and was admitted to the US as a State in 1845 (27th State).

During the Civil War (1861-1865), the small trading settlement of Allendale (located on the northwest shore of Lake Tohopekaliga) and the surrounding area had become important to the Confederate Army by providing cattle to feed the hungry troops. The local men that worked the cattle during that conflict, became known as the “cow cavalry” and their efforts established the settlement as the heart of cow country. The sound of “cracking” cow whips used by these men to drive the cattle through the palmettos and underbrush led to them being called “crackers” and further led to the designation, “Florida Cracker.”

Following the American Civil War, the land was purchased by Hamilton Disston (owner of Disston Saw Company, in Philadelphia), as being part of four million acres of marshland and plane, for $1million (25 cents an acre!).  Disston infused $1million in the state of Florida reportedly rescuing it from financial disaster.  However, following a disastrous freeze in Florida in 1896, his company returned to Philadelphia.

In 1883, Allendale voted to be incorporated and known as Kissimmee City. (Look out for the Festival & Fireworks on Sat March 29th 2008, when Kissimmee has its 125th birthday).

In the 1870’s cargo steamships were a major part of the transportation system.  With the extension of the railroad from Sanford, Florida in 1882, and the dredging of a river highway from Lake Tohopekaliga to the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers (SW coast) in 1884, together with a further railroad extension from Kissimmee City to Tampa in 1885, this area became a center of commerce and trade.

In 1884, Makinsons Hardware store opened in Kissimmee, and remains the oldest operating hardware store in Florida today.

Osceola County was formed by the Florida State Legislature in 1887, and Kissimmee City was chosen as the county seat in 1888, and as where the Osceola County Courthouse would be built.  The courthouse was build and then dedicated in 1890, and is today, the oldest courthouse in the state of Florida still in use for the purpose it was originally built.

1900 saw electricity come to Kissimmee

Kissimmee Airport was built in the 1940’s by the US Army Corps of Engineers ready for the US involvement in WW11, causing Kissimmee’s population to increase by 38%.  (The “Bataan Corregidor Monument” honouring the American and Philipino soldiers, and civilians of WW11 was unveiled in 2002.  It is located at Lakeshore Blvd/Monument Ave, Lakefront Park, Kissimmee.)

A big tourist attraction in Pre-Disney Florida was the Monument of States, erected in 1943.

Walt Disney World opened in 1971, and the population doubled in size by 1980.

Nowadays, the population is over 17 million, with 1000 people moving to Florida every day.

To start getting a feel for Kissimmee’s traditions and history, the best place to go is the Osceola County Historical Society and Pioneer Museum (750 North Bass Road). You’ll be taken back in time as you visit a Florida Cracker house and a cow hunter’s camp.

And to really experience what life was like in Kissimmee in its very beginnings, you can visit a real, working cattle ranch or attend the rodeo .

The park might not be to everyone taste. They have some of the animals in small cages especially the panther and Alaskan bear. The park is opened from 10am - 5pm, check before you go, they close some days in the winter months. It cost $7.00 to park. Admission is $34.99, but there are a lot of coupons in the books which gives you $5.00 off. Still it cost $29.99. Check the entertainment calendar - they have some very popular entertainers scheduled.

There is no food and drink allowed in the park, except water, they check your bags on entry. There is a picnic area near the car park. Make sure you get your hand stamped if you want to return.

There are three different glass boat tours. They are all different. One tells you about the nature of Florida, another about the springs and the third about the history of Florida. It is worth going on them all. The water is clear and the boats are covered. You see lots of fish and turtles. The guides are well informed.

The springs have been used to make about 50 films, James Bond, Tarzan and Steve Irwin have filmed here. On the nature boat ride, you see plenty of alligators, crocodiles and monkeys. On the history tour it tells you about the Indians and the first settlers who came here. Each boat trip takes about 30 minutes.

There is a jeep ride, you can not compare it with the one at Animal Kingdom. You go through the woods, but we did not see any wild life. One you could miss out. There are a few shows, reptile show, snake show and bird show. Each lasting 15 minutes. There is a small playground/funfair for small children and a gondola ride which takes you up 80ft and you can see all over the park. You can take a leisurely stroll around the gardens. There are a small number of shops and cafes.

Disadvantages – not for teenagers, animals in small cages, admission cost, distance.

Advantages – informs you of the history and nature of Florida, no hustle or bustle or queues, peaceful.

You do not have to be an avid fisherman to experience a day of fun and relaxation while on a boat in sunny Florida.  Fishing is for all ages.  There are many licensed fishing guides in Florida capable of taking you and your family out on the water to show you as great time.

On our last trip to Orlando, my wife and I decided to try it.  I would prefer a challenging day out on a Bass boat and trying to angle a Largemouth Bass.  The boats have a flat deck and they are fast.  The guides know of the “hot spots” in lakes and lead you to these areas. 

However, my wife is more of a landlubber. So, I compromised.  I found Fishing Charters Inc. Captain Rick launches out of Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho).  This is actually a chain of lakes which is located in Osceola County.  It is 18,000 acres and spans 42 miles.  His boat is a pontoon boat which is much slower, has handrails, a canopy, and made her feel safer in the water.

We went Bass fishing and caught a few.  As with most guides, the price you pay covers poles, bait, license, and soft drinks. You may bring food, sunscreen, and sunglasses. A half-day trip for two cost $250 an additional $50 per person. We enjoyed the scenery, the fishing, and hearing about the history of the lake.  His company also has trips in southern Florida for salt-water fish like Snook and Tarpon.

There are many ocean charters available throughout the state. Some of these are more challenging and one could catch a Marlin or Sailfish. One issue with the ocean charters is experiencing sea-sickness.  Even the novice boater can get the nausea and aftermath of the effects of sea-sickness. 

I found a charter which leaves out of New Smyrna Beach which I want to try next trip.  It is called the Pastime Princess.  This ship can take up to 60 passengers. The website shows the schedule. It sails for both day and night time trips. 

The trip is fairly priced and costs $65 for adults and $40 for children 16 and under.  Those riders who are not fishing pay $34.  The cost includes rod, reel, license, bait, tackle, and fish cleaning.  That’s right if you want to keep the fish and cook it back at your villa, they will prep it for you.  They have a cafe on-board with food you may purchase for reasonable prices.  The phone number is 356-427-5393

But visitors shouldn’t overlook the opportunity to see some new blockbuster films, perhaps catch some live music - or visit one of the largest music stores you are ever likely to encounter!

Films

Films are often released in the USA ahead of the rest of the world.  So check out the listings - see the local newspaper ‘The Orlando Sentinel’, or have a look when passing one of the cinemas (or theaters).  There are two large multi screen cinemas in the area, as well as many smaller cinemas.  No prizes for guessing where the two largest cinemas are - Downtown Disney and Universal City Walk.  A visit to one of these is a great way to finish off a day at the theme parks.  And Florida being Florida, tickets are usually cheaper than in Europe, and there are plenty of opportunities to finish the evening with a meal at one of the many nearby restaurants.

Music

The House of Blues at Downtown Disney has live music most evenings -featuring local bands as well as better known artists.  Many different styles of music are catered for - as they are at other local venues.  The Hard Rock Cafe also has regular live music (the venue was opened by Elton John) - although many of the bigger names stage concerts at the Amway Arena, a few miles North of the attractions area, just off the Interstate I-4 near Downtown Orlando.  A few weeks before your holiday, check the websites for each venue to see if there is something that tempts you.

Listening to Music

There are countless local radio stations, each specialising for a particular market.  For ‘rock and roll of yesterday and today’ tune in to 98.9 WMMO - if you have to wait longer than a couple of hours for a track from Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumours’ you must have tuned in to another station!

Buying Music

Great prices on DVDs, videos and CDs at Wal-Mart and the other supermarkets.  But for the widest choice, visit the enormous Virgin Megastore at Downtown Disney.  But a word of warning for visitors from outside the USA - make sure your DVD and video players are compatible before taking advantage of the great prices.

Whilst there is no doubt these attractions on their own are enough to fill even the most demanding of vacations, there is so much more to do.  Many of the options are described elsewhere within these articles, and help make Central Florida the ‘vacation capital of the world’.

But many visitors also choose to catch up on the professional sport on offer - why not take a day away from the parks, relax in the comfort of your own private pool (well, having visited this site, you weren’t thinking of staying in a hotel room, were you?) - and take a couple of hours to watch the professionals.  Some of the sport on offer is at the highest level - here are just a few ideas.

Baseball

The all American game - sometimes a mystery to visitors from Europe, but well worth a visit to see the action.  Spring Training is the time to see the world’s top players in action, as many teams take advantage of the great Florida climate for their spring training.  The Atlanta Braves are regular visitors to Disney’s Wide World of Sports (at the time of writing, they are scheduled for their eleventh consecutive year of spring training in March 2008).  But there is so much more than training - there are full scale matches against other top teams, played out in front of a packed stadium.  And the competition is of the highest level, as players seek to prove they are worth a contract for the coming season.

Basketball

Central Florida also plays host to top level basketball - the Orlando Magic play their home games between October and April at the Amway Arena, just north of Downtown Orlando adjacent to the I-4 Interstate.  There are often several matches a week, but tickets sell out quickly.

Ice Hockey

A little further afield to see top notch ice hockey.  The Tampa Bay Lightning can be seen at The St Pete Times Forum in Tampa, a little more than an hours drive from the Disney area.  The season runs from October to April, and the excitement of an ice hockey fixture is a great way to finish a day relaxing on the wonderful Gulf Coast beaches.  Again, sort out your match tickets in advance, as these matches often play to sell out crowds.

So there’s a few thoughts - but there’s many more!  Sport in Central Florida is big business.