May 2022
Sherwood Forest RV Resort Kissimmee FL

I booked 14 nights at an Encore resort which is an extension of my Thousand Trails membership. The prime feature of Sherwood Forest is location. This 514 site resort is one mile from Old Town Kissimmee with a wealth of shopping and restaurants within walking distance and within a 15 minute drive to all the local attractions. The resort like so many is showing it's age and there are precious few concrete pads for setup, most sites are pull through but a little on the short side. The water facet was oddly located and the welcome packet warned that there would be a $50 charge if the backflow preventer is missing when you leave. Yikes!! The bath houses and laundry facilities looked newer but there didn't seem to be any thought to upgrading the individual sites giving me a greater appreciation for the incredible modern expansions going on at Thousand Trails Orlando RV. There is an undeniable charm about the Sherwood Forest grounds including numerous pet stations located throughout the public areas residing primarily under the old growth Live Oak canopy with Spanish moss. This is a life saver for dog walks on those 90+ afternoons.

The public areas include a pool with a hot tub and tiki bar, RV Cafe, playground, mail room ($5 per package), Rec Hall with free WiFi, Fitness Center, Library, Billiards, Dog Park, picnic area, Mini Golf, basketball, shuffleboard, bocci ball, and horseshoes. Laundry rooms use $1 tokens that are purchased in the laundry room. Cable TV search found 61 channels including most of what I was looking for. There are WiFi packages available on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. I was warned within the first 3 minutes that the key card I was assigned must be turned in upon check-out or I would be charged $100. Yikes!! My site, like many others, was mostly black sand. To be fair, it looks like long-termers have used large outdoor rugs in many spots and killed the grass below. Most spots had more grass than black sand and I just drew the short straw with my spot. You should consider a Swiffer Sweeper, a Dust Buster, and a small Whisk Broom / Dust Pan set to be required equipment. The longer my stay lasted at Sherwood Forest the more I liked it. All in all, Sherwood Forest is a fine place for a 2 week stay and I wouldn't hesitate staying here again.

May 2022
Kissimmee Lakefront Park

When traveling with your dog(s) it's often necessary to pick activities the are pet friendly. Kissimmee Lakefront Park is that and so much more! We made several trips to this incredible park during our 2 week stay in Kissimmee. This public park features Walking Trails, Open Fields, Benches Everywhere, Picnic Tables and Dining Areas, Playgrounds, Splash Area, Fishing Piers, Boat Launch, Marina & Bait Store, and Free Parking. The park is adjacent to the downtown courthouse and hospital district and there are many restaurants and cafes within walking distance particularly along Broadway. Lakefront Park and the city of Kissimmee rest on the north shore of the 19,000 acre Lake Tohopekaliga. Lakefront Park is the perfect place for visitors to view the lake area's vast array of birds, alligators, turtles and other wildlife. On the west end of the park you will find Big Toho Marina and on the far east side of the park is a large grilling area with a pavilion and picnic tables. Along Monument Ave you will find The Veterans Monument, The Monument of States, and the Bataan-Corregidor Memorial. There are places in this world where you can enjoy a quality day without spending a penny and Kissimmee Lakefront Park is one of the best I've ever seen.

May 2022
Old Town Kissimmee

Old Town is on the west end of Kissimmee on Hwy 192 and five miles east of the main gate of Walt Disney World. Old Town is an 18-acre entertainment district with 70+ Shops and Restaurants, and Carnival style Amusement Park. Old Town is a recreation of a classic Florida town with a brick-layered Main Street. Every Saturday night features The Old Town Classic Car Show on Main Street. Check an events calendar because there is something going on almost every night. There is no admission charge to Old Town and there is ample free parking although there are some paid parking lots. Old Town is both Family Friendly and Pet Friendly. Amusement Rides are paid individually with tickets or you can buy a $25 ride-all-day pass for Old Town Rides. There is also an all day pass for Fun Spot America (Kissimmee or Orlando) which is $55. My favorite restaurant in Old Town is El Borrego, an authentic Mexican restaurant.