They call it the Vacation Home Capital of the World...
With its world-famous theme parks so close by, it's no surprise they have the perfect homes for every Florida vacation dreamer. They've got it all — from glorious 15-bedroom mansions to cozy poolside homes, lavish resorts, to family friendly hotel rooms.
Most find it's so tempting a spots for bringing the whole family along or even having that family reunion. Many rent a vacation home to split their time between theme park adventures and have bonding time over a hot grill.
Me... I found a inexpensive hotel room.
I've learned that the area was actually founded by cowboys...
Sorry Texas, but Florida was first when it came to cowboys in the United States. Before it was a dream vacation destination, one of Kissimmee’s old nicknames was “Kowtown,” where ‘cracker cowboys’ (named after the ‘crack’ their whips made) tended to herds of cattle on large ranches. Ranching was an important part of the local economy until the opening of Walt Disney World Resort in 1971 brought the tourism trade to the area.
Even today, you can still see the City's love of cowboy heritage and culture with the annual Silver Spurs Rodeo — the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi. The twice-yearly rodeo is a longtime favorite for locals and visitors at the Silver Spur Arena in Osceola Heritage Park.
Shingle Creek was the first Kissimmee settlement.
The name ‘Kissimmee’ itself means long water, and the city is named after the Kissimmee River.
Shingle Creek, known as the headwaters of the Everglades, runs through the town. I'm told you can take a relaxing canoe, kayak, or standup paddleboard trip through its historic waterways. You’ll float beneath 100-year-old cypress trees, and maybe even spot a turtle or two.
The nearby Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek gives you a taste of what Florida life was like back in 1900.
There is an old-time general store, where you can gaze at pioneer artifacts, and visit a sugar cane mill.
Another tidbit... Southern Florida is the only place in the "World" where American alligators and American crocodiles co-exist. 😳
It's another day of adventures... 😎
Nana
Comments