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Been There, Haven't Done That!
You've seen the theme parks, the big cities and the major attractions. Now it's time to go off the beaten path. On your next Florida excursion, plan for some extra travel time to visit these offbeat, quirky roadside attractions.
Tags: dining, museums, history, historical_sites, nature, parks, culture, Apalachicola, Carrabelle, Fort_Walton_Beach, Marianna, Milton, Panama_City_Beach, Pensacola, Santa_Rosa_Beach, water_sports, Cross_Creek, Gainesville, Madison, Suwannee, Tallahassee, White_Springs, Steinhatchee, Amelia_Island, beaches, Flagler_Beach, Jacksonville, Palatka, St_Augustine, Crystal_River, St_Petersburg, Tampa, Tarpon_Springs, Kissimmee, Lake_Placid, Lake_Wales, Lakeland, Winter_Park, Hobe_Sound, Okeechobee, Ponce_Inlet, Sebastian, Stuart, Titusville, kayaking, Vero_Beach, Bradenton, Clewiston, Punta_Gorda, Coral_Gables, Delray_Beach, Fort_Lauderdale, Florida_Keys, Miami, Key_West, Homestead, Palm_Beach, Marathon, BeenThere, Monticello,
Kissimmee's Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
This one-story Masonry Vernacular church was constructed in 1916.
Tags: African_American, Kissimmee, historical_sites,
On the Hunt for Treasure in Kissimmee
The rules are simple: Solve 14 clues and a final challenge. At the end of the summer, whichever team has the most points will win the $10,000 bounty.
Tags: Kissimmee, resorts, family, Orlando,
Classic Florida Rides
The Haunted Mansion has been there since before opening day. Because parts for the Florida ride were built alongside the Disneyland original, the attraction was ready six months before the rest of the park.
Tags: Winter_Haven, theme_parks, Walt_Disney_World, Lake_Buena_Vista, Orlando, Universal_Studios, Kissimmee, Tampa, Daytona_Beach, St_Augustine,
Kid-Friendly Fun in Orlando
Liki Tiki Village is practically overflowing with family appeal. Each of the one-, two- and three-bedroom villas features a spacious living room, fully equipped kitchen and a washer and dryer.
Tags: Orlando, family, resorts, theme_parks, Kissimmee,
Off the Beaten Path
In the 1800s, Florida was an open range with no fences, so the great herds of cattle - some with as many as 50,000 head - roamed freely.
Tags: Kissimmee, Ocala, Tampa, history, historical_sites, parks, Homosassa,
Planning a Florida Family Reunion
From renting a picnic shelter to reserving a block of campsites, Florida's parks are sometimes overlooked as reunion hotspots.
Tags: Kissimmee, Palm_Coast, Pensacola, reunions, family, resorts, parks,
A-Foot in Orlando-Kissimmee
The neighborhood buzzes with excitement nightlong. Attractions stay open late and a wealth of restaurants draw the theme-park crowd for relaxed casual to fine dining in a setting of bright lights and big city.
Tags: Kissimmee, Orlando, Universal_Studios, family, theme_parks, walking_tours, SeaWorld,
You Can't Hide From the Best Guide
The time of day we head out has a major bearing on our success. As he quickly points out, fish will bite all day in the spring, but early mornings and late afternoon are the best bets in the summer heat.
Tags: Kissimmee, fishing, boating, nature, family,
Paddling Pursuits
Most folks who paddle the trail will make this a nine-to-10-day journey that tests self-reliance as much as it rewards the love for adventure.
Tags: Cedar_Key, Estero, Flagler_Beach, Fort_Lauderdale, Kissimmee, Suwannee, kayaking, canoeing, wildlife, nature, parks,
Boys of Spring
Among the legends who roamed the field were Babe Ruth, Dizzy Dean and many others you may be able to recall from years past.
Tags: Bradenton, Daytona_Beach, Fort_Myers, Jacksonville, Kissimmee, Lake_Buena_Vista, Lakeland, Miami, Orlando, Palm_Beach, Tampa, Vero_Beach, West_Palm_Beach, sports, St_Petersburg, Walt_Disney_World,
Mural Towns Paint Heritage
Tags: Charlotte_Harbor, DeLand, Gainesville, High_Springs, Kissimmee, Lake_Placid, Lake_Wales, Milton, Palatka, Punta_Gorda, Sebring, art,
Family Must-Sees
Your kids will be kissed and hugged by dolphins and sea lions respectively at Theater of the Sea in Islamorada.
Tags: Clearwater, Crystal_River, Fort_Myers, Gainesville, Islamorada, Jacksonville, Kissimmee, Marianna, New_Smyrna_Beach, Orlando, Palm_Beach, Pensacola, Tampa, Venice, West_Palm_Beach, Winter_Haven, Walt_Disney_World, SeaWorld, Universal_Studios, Busch_Gardens, Kennedy_Space_Center, museums, wildlife, sealife, family, Siesta_Key, Fort_Walton_Beach, theme_parks, zoos, water_parks, aquariums, Everglades_National_Park, Daytona_Beach,
Big, Bad Bass
Anglers who fish the Suwannee fall in love with its cypress swamps and spring-fed creeks. From its headwaters in "The Swamp" to the wide flood plain near its mouth, the Suwannee's scenery seems to evolve every 30 miles.
Tags: Cedar_Key, Crystal_River, DeLand, Gainesville, Kissimmee, Lake_Placid, Lake_Wales, Ocala, Palatka, Panama_City_Beach, Stuart, Suwannee, Tampa, Tarpon_Springs, Vero_Beach, fishing, events,
Houseboating on Nature's Doorstep
The lower portion of the Suwannee is a nature preserve, so we saw very little development or housing. Just our drifting boat along the winding river, and not a billboard or electrical wire for miles.
Tags: Cocoa, DeLand, Fort_Lauderdale, Kissimmee, Naples, Panama_City_Beach, Sandestin, Suwannee, family, boating, nature,
A-Foot at Walt Disney World Resort
Kids programs and video arcades at many resorts keep the little ones happy while the big ones sneak off to be pampered at one of two major spas on property (many of the resorts also have their own smaller day spas), or for adult recreation and sizzling nightlife.
Tags: Kissimmee, Orlando, theme_parks, family, walking_tours, Walt_Disney_World,
Gone Fishin'
You get the feeling that, when Sheriff Andy Taylor took his boy Opie out to fish - not just for the afternoon strolls pictured at the beginning of every Andy Griffith Show episode, but for weekend respites - this is where they landed.
Tags: Kissimmee, Lake_Wales, Lakeland, Madison, fishing,
Fast-Forward on the Fairways
Perhaps the Academy's most unique characteristic is three practice holes that allow "real conditions" practice.
Tags: Orlando, golf, resorts, Kissimmee,
Florida in Flight
Florida's 320 days of sunshine a year are perfect for tasting the sweet, delirious freedom that is human flight.
Tags: Kissimmee, Lakeland, Tampa, flight, Kennedy_Space_Center, family, museums,
A Walk on the Wild Side
Later, I spot what I can only assume is a family of sandhill cranes, two gray-and-red adults, and juveniles whose feathers have not yet turned - they're still a downy yellowish brown.
Tags: Kissimmee, Lake_Wales, Winter_Haven, hiking, nature, parks, wildlife,
Tall in the Saddle in Kissimmee
Sandy trails cushion footfalls. Fog low to the ground turns spiderwebs pewter. Days in the saddle you might cross creeks deep enough to soak your boots.
Tags: Kissimmee, equestrian,
Dinner and a Show in Kissimmee
Children of all ages thrill to the pounding hooves and glistening coats of the horses and the Broadway-quality costuming and effects.
Tags: Kissimmee, theater, dining,
Kissimmee: Just For Fun
In one section, rides and games are tot-sized and throughout, snack stands and restaurants sell kid favorites: cotton candy, popcorn, giant pretzels and pizza.
Tags: Kissimmee, family,
Kid-Tested (and approved) Kids Programs
These counselors are not simply slightly older kids who are baby-sitting for a few bucks an hour. They have earned degrees in recreation. In other words: professionals.
Tags: Kissimmee, golf, family, resorts, Walt_Disney_World,
Back to Bass-ics
The rod is yanked high moments later, line flying, until a 21-inch, six-pound bass is wrestled into the boat.
Tags: Kissimmee, Okeechobee, fishing,
Take to the Skies in Kissimmee
Treat the kids to a multi-sensory tribute to flight as you move through significant moments in aviation history.
Tags: Kissimmee, flight, family,
Kissimmee Golf Safari
The National presents a formidable challenge with three double doglegs and fairway-long bunkers on some holes.
Tags: Kissimmee, Orlando, golf, resorts,
Toho Sunrise
If you are lucky enough to be in town on Friday night, drop by the Kissimmee Sports Arena for a taste of one of Florida's favorite native sports: the rodeo. Long before The Mouse came to the Sunshine State, cowboys ruled the scrubland.
Tags: Kissimmee, tours, fishing, wildlife, nature,
Kissimmee: The Coolest Place to Be During the Holidays
Temperatures outside may average a balmy 70 degrees, but inside the 18,000-square-foot "Florida Fridge," as the huge structure housing ICE! is dubbed, it's kept at a chilly nine degrees.
Tags: Kissimmee, resorts,
Point Your Bow to Central Florida
Aside from relaxing in a riverbank hammock, most rewarding for laid-back visitors would be touring the 16 lakes in the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes by pontoon boat.
Tags: Kissimmee, Lake_Wales, Winter_Haven, boating,
City Profile: Orlando/Kissimmee-St. Cloud
Experience the bustling marketplace of Port of Entry, battles between good and evil on Marvel Super Hero Island, slapstick ruckuses at Toon Lagoon, prehistoric megalosaurs in Jurassic Park, mythical sorcerers on the Lost Continent, and fanciful revelry at Seuss Landing.
Tags: Kissimmee, Lake_Buena_Vista, Orlando, Universal_Studios,
Cocoa and Kissimmee
Back on terra firma, go on a turtle trek. The Canaveral National Seashore, on A1A near Titusville, is a virtual turtle incubator, with hundreds of sea turtles making the journey to lay their eggs in the warm sands beside the Atlantic.
Tags: Cape_Canaveral, Cocoa, Cocoa_Beach, Kissimmee, Okeechobee, Orlando, Titusville, nature, wildlife, Kennedy_Space_Center, driving_tours, Tours_on_a_Tankful,
Neighborhood Attractions in Orlando, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale
Fish from the pier. Whack volleyballs in the very capital of beach volleyball. Play on the covered playground. Rent water toys. Relax with a good book.
Tags: Clearwater, Clearwater_Beach, Dania_Beach, Fort_Lauderdale, Hollywood, Kissimmee, Orlando, Tampa, family, beaches, aquariums, museums, parks,
Fishing Sites
You'll get ample cracks at yellowtail and mangrove snapper, plus shots at black and gag grouper.
Tags: Daytona_Beach, Gainesville, Islamorada, Jacksonville, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Miami, Naples, Ocala, Okeechobee, Orlando, Palatka, Stuart, fishing, Homosassa, Boca_Grande, St_Petersburg, Panama_City, Melbourne,
Must-Do Hikes in Florida
In just a few short hours, hikers can escape the pressures of civilization and relax in the tranquility of a wilderness paradise, then return to their former lives, recharged.
Tags: Gainesville, Jacksonville, Key_Largo, Kissimmee, Milton, Ocala, Orlando, Palm_Beach, Stuart, hiking, trails, parks, nature, Jupiter,
Thrill Quest
The car climbed higher and higher in the creepy hotel through a maze of elevator shafts and hallways, building our anxiety before the inevitable drop. Everyone let out a scream as we plummeted 13 stories, bounced up and then shot down the shaft again.
Tags: Kissimmee, Orlando, Tampa, Busch_Gardens, Walt_Disney_World, SeaWorld, Universal_Studios, theme_parks,
Florida Spa Sampler
Succumb to the luscious Coconut Rub and Milk Ritual Wrap or the Exotic Flower Bath.
Tags: Bonita_Springs, Fort_Myers, Islamorada, Key_West, Kissimmee, Miami, Miami_Beach, Naples, Orlando, Palm_Beach, Ponte_Vedra_Beach, St_Pete_Beach, spas, resorts, luxury, Sanibel_Island,
Orlando/Kissimmee Area
The propensity for over-the-top entertainment has infected the environs with a love for fun, faux, goofy and imagination.
Tags: Eatonville, Kissimmee, Lake_Buena_Vista, Mount_Dora, Orlando, Sanford, Winter_Park, theme_parks, Walt_Disney_World, SeaWorld, Universal_Studios,
Unique Dining
If you're in the Space Coast area, make a lunch date with an astronaut. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex's Lunch with an Astronaut program is a popular dining treat for kids and parents alike.
Tags: Bradenton, Captiva_Island, Clearwater, Clearwater_Beach, DeLand, Fort_Lauderdale, Grayton_Beach, Hollywood, Key_West, Kissimmee, Lake_Wales, Miami, Miami_Beach, Orlando, Palm_Beach, Sarasota, Tampa, West_Palm_Beach, Ybor_City, St_Augustine, dining,
Little-Known Cycling Trails
Largely shaded by the mixed hardwood and pine forests, the trail is of particular interest to birding enthusiasts, who will enjoy spotting more than 40 species that call the forested hills home.
Tags: Beaches_of_South_Walton, Clewiston, Key_Largo, Key_West, Kissimmee, Okeechobee, Seaside, Tallahassee, biking, trails, Grayton_Beach, birding, wildlife, Boca_Grande, Florida_Keys,
Hands-On Fun
The ultimate hands-on sea experiences take place where special programs allow you to swim with dolphins and other marine creatures as you learn about their behaviors and habits.
Tags: Boca_Raton, Boynton_Beach, Clearwater, Daytona_Beach, Fort_Myers, Gainesville, Islamorada, Jacksonville, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Marathon, Miami, Naples, Orlando, Palm_Beach, Pensacola, Sanibel_Island, Sarasota, Stuart, Tallahassee, Tampa, West_Palm_Beach, museums, family, nature,
Florida's Best 18 Holes
Always a highlight hole during the PGA Tour's annual stop on Arnie's home course, the long, narrow fairway wraps around a lake from tee to green. Players have to decide how much water to cut off - twice.
Tags: Amelia_Island, Brooksville, Clearwater, Kissimmee, Miami, Orlando, Palm_Beach, Palm_Coast, Panama_City_Beach, Ponte_Vedra_Beach, Sandestin, Tampa, Tarpon_Springs, West_Palm_Beach, golf, Port_St_Lucie, St_Augustine,
Florida's Water Parks
When your child's essay entitled "What I Did On Summer Vacation" includes swimming with sharks (albeit docile nurse sharks), his status may rise instantly with classmates.
Tags: Kissimmee, Lake_Buena_Vista, Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, water_parks, family, Walt_Disney_World,
Florida's Seven Great Natural Wonders
Even without binoculars I sighted crested caracara, deer, gopher tortoises, ospreys, rabbits, red-shouldered hawks and wading birds. A great blue heron lazily lofted itself above spatterdock lilies.
Tags: Gulf_Breeze, Jacksonville, Kissimmee, Pensacola, Vero_Beach, Florida_Keys, nature, wildlife, parks, Everglades_National_Park, Okeechobee,
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