Where the Black Top Ends TourWe admit that simulator rides, roller coasters and glitzy shows are all part of the “must do” theme park experience that visitors to Kissimmee enjoy. But if you’ve been there, done that, we’d like to offer another suggestion!
This one involves swamp buggies, horses, cows, venomous snakes and LOTS of Kodak moments!
To be sure, Kissimmee has a wild side that few know about. It includes cattle ranches, jungle like wilderness and watery swamps that locals like to think of as “nature’s attractions.” This suggested itinerary will take you where the black top ends …and beyond.
For Those Who Seek The Unique on the East Side of Town!
10:00 am – Forever Florida – A horseback tour of this 4,700-acre working cattle ranch and nature preserve gives you a chance to try your hand at some of the techniques demonstrated by the cowboys on the previous tour. Kids will love the pony rides and petting farm, and you’ll enjoy rocking and sipping ice tea on the front porch of the Cypress Restaurant. The horseback tour lasts about 2 hours. Call 407-957-9794 to reserve your horse.
1:00 pm – Lunch - By now you’re probably hungry enough to eat an …alligator? The home-cooked vittles at Forever Florida’s Cypress Restaurant include a tasty selection of real Florida cowboy cuisine including catfish, steaks and yes, even alligator.
2:30 pm – Reptile World Serpentarium – Touring the dark eerie den of venomous snakes at Reptile World is enough to make your skin crawl. But peering at snake handler George Van Horn through a thin glass window as he extracts deadly venom from unwilling cobras and rattlesnakes will make the hair on the back of your neck stand at attention. Reptile World is home to one of the world’s largest collections of venomous snakes and includes a venom milking line that operates twice daily. The complex is open Tues – Sun from 9am – 5:30pm. For more information call 407-892-6905.
