Kissimmee Old Town, on the shores of Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho, to you and me) is well worth a visit. And if you want to impress the locals, do pronounce their city’s name correctly, with the stress on the second syllable - “Kissimmee”.

Kissimmee (previously known as Allendale) was incorporated as a city in 1883. It was the heart of cow country and the sound of the men “cracking” cow whips led to them being called “Florida Crackers”. Ranching and citrus packing remained an important part of the local economy until the opening of Walt Disney World in 1971. After that, tourism took over, although cattle ranches still operate nearby.

The Kissimmee downtown area is a bit of real genuine Americana, and is pedestrian friendly. Yes - you can park your car and actually walk around streets full of brick buildings, boardwalks, shops and restaurants. Currently the Kissimmee downtown area has several restaurants, an art gallery, photographers, and a number of retailers selling clothing, music, art, antiques, video games, and furniture; plus lawyers, doctors, accountants, architects, printers, beauty & barber shops.

We came across the Farmers’ Market which operates at Toho Square on Thursdays from 7 am to 1 pm. It is modest in size but has lovely fresh produce for sale.

And if you are looking for some good ol’ “down home” cookin’ and a bit of old time service, do what we do, and eat at Joanie’s Diner at 120 Broadway, Kissimmee. You will not be disappointed with the food or the friendly service. It’s where the locals go.

Should you be in Kissimmee in the evening you can also go on ghost walks, and hear tales of the “headless horseman”, the “hanging tree” and the “ghost of the lake”.

A lot of money has been poured into the area for improvements, and a lot of the historic houses in the roads leading down to the lakefront have been renovated or rebuilt and are well worth a look. Also on the road down to the lake is the very quirky “Monument of States”.

Down at the Lakeside, you can walk along a long promenade by the lake which has piers, bait shops, boat slips and marinas. Chill out, watch the fishermen, or take an airboat ride, daytime or night time. There’s also a lot of green space for relaxation down by the lake, with playgrounds, picnic areas and bike paths, all well used by the locals at the weekend.

Do have a look at Kissimmee. It’s well worth it.

Andy Brownlie

 BIG TOHO AIRBOAT RIDES

Big Toho Airboat Rides

100 Lakeshore Blvd

Kissimmee, Florida, 34741

Tel 321-624-2398

Big Toho Airboat Rides is very easy to find, and there is plenty of parking available. The rides depart from the public marina located on the northern tip of Lake Tohopekaliga (known locally as Lake Toho), which are the headwaters for the Florida everglades – the closest swamp and everglades area to Walt Disney World.  The little creek where the everglades actually start is seen on the tour.

The airboat pilots are experienced guides and US coast guard master captains, and operate 2 x 15-passenger boats, and 1 x 6-passenger boat, to accommodate either large groups or a family group wanting a boat to themselves.  The pilots are very knowledgeable about the area, its history and the environment.

It is an unforgettable chance to see the real Florida, and marvel at the breathtaking scenery and territory that can only be seen from an airboat.  As well as the thrill of skimming over the marshes, there is a slow trek through Shingle Creek, a very serene and beautiful expanse of water. Go early if you want to see lots of alligators, as come noon, they are often caught sleeping. There is also a wide variety of birds to be seen, such as eagles, osprey, sandhill cranes, and egrets, and wildlife such as wild deer and pigs.

Prices (@ Jan 09):

Adults: 1 hour tour                               $41.00

                         ½ hour tour                             $25.00

Children:           1 hour tour                               $31.00

 (3-10)            ½ hour tour                              $20.00

Under 3’s are free.

Night Tours:                                                     $60.00 (all ages)

Directions

About 3 miles past marker #15 on US192 going east, turn right at Space Coast Pkwy onto N Main Street for 0.6m, continue on Broadway for 0.3m, turning left at Ruby Ave for 0.2m, and finally turn right at Lakeshore Blvd.

Gator Hunting

For something a little different, they also offer gator hunting trips (when in season), for which you must have a gator hunting permit from the state of Florida – see website for further details, rates and trophy fees, and rates for observers only.