Kissimmee, Florida:You CAN have it all! You could easily spend a week (or longer) exploring nature in all its glory, while just minutes away from great theme parks, dining and entertainment.

LAKE KISSIMMEE STATE PARK: If you can, I recommend spending the day here. Hike or walk on over 13 miles of trails; observe white-tailed deer, bald eagles and an occasional bobcat. Other activities: boating, canoeing, fishing and horse-back riding on a 6-mile equestrian trail.

When we think of cowboys, we tend to think of the Wild West. Kissimmee is one of the nation's biggest cow-towns;we were entertained by cowboy demonstrations and a visit to a cow-hunters camp, circa 1876.
863.696.1112. (There is an entrance fee of $4 per vehicle, carrying 2-8 passengers)

BULL CREEK WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA: 23,470 Acres the area provides both flood protection and recreational opportunities. Pick up a brochure at the entrance to embark on a self-guided tour. Enjoy hiking, a picnic, bicycling, canoeing, fishing and horseback riding while viewing the wildlife. You can spot great egret, gopher tortoise, white ibis, green-backed and great blue herons. (Being city-dwellers, we were captivated by the atmosphere and the frequent wild-life sightings. The natural quiet and calm were much-needed and heavenly.)
386.329.4404

KISSIMMEE LAKEFRONT PARK: Just steps from Disney, locals and visitors mingle among the volleyball and basketball courts and horseshoe pits. Kids and adults are entertained in the new Fountain Park, where water is squirting at you from every conceivable angle. (Kissimmee is home to dozens of parks; for more information go to www.kissimmeeparksandrec.com)

The park also features boat ramps as it fronts Lake Tohopekaliga:

LAKE TOHO (As it's called by locals): boasts of the best bass-fishing anywhere. A new world's record was set on Sunday, September 16, 2007, when Ben Matsubu reeled in an 8 lb., 13 ounce bass. He was awarded 1st prize and $100,000 for winning the Sunshine Showdown.

While you can cast a line from a bridge or from shore, the best results are said to be had from a boat. The four of us did go out with a guide, who doled out equal parts fish wisdom and humor. Though inexperienced anglers, everyone caught something. (The debate continues as to who caught the biggest fish, as I am sure it will for years to come.)
407.518.2501

COCOA BEACH: About one- hour's drive from Kissimmee and well worth the trip, you can lounge on the 6-mile-long beach all day; or swim in the Atlantic while watching dolphins at play around you. Enjoy a quiet kayak exploration off the Banana River Islands or play a round of golf on their 27-hole course. We rode horseback on the beach (a life-long dream) while watching world-class surfers. Where else can you choose from all of this and possibly watch a space launch from nearby N.A.S.A.?

While we all knew Kissimmee had much to offer, we were pleasantly surprised to find the expansive territory devoted to nature, wild-life preservation and so many forms of outdoor recreation.

Learn more about this author, Mary Dorice Wills.
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