Kissimmee (and old Kissimmee) is a Florida community that has several pronunciations and is typically by-passed in travels to Orlando and Disney World. But there is history and a community to see. Some history and background can be found on the website Florida Back Roads and is worth reading. Below are some recent observations.
The exploration of Kissimmee really was a photo opportunity for Eddie and me - visiting the town itself, shooting the Lake Toho Lighthouse and capturing interesting and historical sites. Since Kissimmee was in close vicinity of Orlando and Disney, be ready for traffic delays and extended travel times. Our primary interest was sunset and low light photography, hoping the weather would be on our side.
First up was Pioneer Village. Pioneer Village tells the story of Osceola County's early settlers where you can see original pioneer homes, a general store, schoolhouse, blacksmith shop and an original citrus packing plant. Heading to downtown a must see is the Monument of States - inspired by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The mission of the monument was to demonstrate the unity of America and it was designed to include at least one rock from each of the states in the United States of America. Next it was downtown, where one must see the oldest operating retail store in Florida. The original store establihsed in 1884 was located at what today would be Darlington Avenue and Pleasant Street. Makinson Hardware was rebuilt in 1900 at its present location, since the original structure had burned down. On the side of their building is a town mural.
The exploration of Kissimmee really was a photo opportunity for Eddie and me - visiting the town itself, shooting the Lake Toho Lighthouse and capturing interesting and historical sites. Since Kissimmee was in close vicinity of Orlando and Disney, be ready for traffic delays and extended travel times. Our primary interest was sunset and low light photography, hoping the weather would be on our side.
First up was Pioneer Village. Pioneer Village tells the story of Osceola County's early settlers where you can see original pioneer homes, a general store, schoolhouse, blacksmith shop and an original citrus packing plant. Heading to downtown a must see is the Monument of States - inspired by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The mission of the monument was to demonstrate the unity of America and it was designed to include at least one rock from each of the states in the United States of America. Next it was downtown, where one must see the oldest operating retail store in Florida. The original store establihsed in 1884 was located at what today would be Darlington Avenue and Pleasant Street. Makinson Hardware was rebuilt in 1900 at its present location, since the original structure had burned down. On the side of their building is a town mural.
In the Kissimmee Lakefront Park, there are walking and hiking trails, viewing docks, piers and fishing - all for great photo opportunities at sunrise and sunset. Lake Tohopekaliga comes from the Seminole Indians who lived nearby, and it means “we will gather together here.” The lake is one of the most famous trophy bass fishing lakes in the country and has a small lighthouse.
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