Not Quite Free

[anorak]

We just went to an American Civil War re-enactment battle at the Chisholm Park on the shores of E lake Toho at the St Cloud end of Narcoossee Rd which is an extension of the back road from the South Exit of Orlando MCO airport to St Cloud/Kissimmee area.
Its the 3rd weekend of every March so you can't go until next year but we can thoroughly recommend it, $5 to get in (free parking) and a program, authentic civil war camp to visit, hundreds of properly uniformed soldiers on both sides,cavalry horses, artillery, and a great mock battle with an informative commentary.
There are even stalls set up where you can buy memorabilia and uniforms etc.
Some of the combatants come several thousand miles to take part, its a great tradition down here.
If you want more info just google it using "battle narcoossee mill" as the keywords and some info should come up.
Great for kids and adults alike and lots of friendly locals there but not overcrowded by any means.
Rather more real than Medieval Times, See the Real South! There is more to Central Florida than theme parks with expensive admissions.

[anorak]

Last weekend a totally FREE entry event, on every year, St Cloud Spring Fling. Various food stalls, funfair rides etc (you do have to pay a bit for those) and powerboat racing on E Lake Toho, practice on Saturday, the actual race on Sunday.
Also helicopter rides at modest cost.
Spectaular noisy powerboats, watch from the Lakeshore Boulvard of E Lake Toho in St Cloud just 12 miles down 192 from Kissimmee and turn left on New York Ave or anywhere around there.
At other times of year I can recommend Crabby Bills Seafood Restaurant, not expensive, don't dress up, plenty of food and cheerful service down on the St Cloud Lakefornt at the new marina, don't go to Crabby Bills Spring Fling weekend its packed out!
Go next year to Spring Fling as a real Florida event for locals and vistors are just as welcome.

[anorak]

On the eve of March 17th every year or thereabouts there is a St Patrick's Day Parade in the evening outside City Hall St Cloud, down 192 from Kissimmee and turn left at New York Ave or Pennsylvania Ave by the Poffenbaugh Ford Dealership.
Plenty of stuff chucked from the floats, like Mardi Gras. Lots of floats and fun, bring your fold up chairs if you have any, it goes on for over half an hour or more.
Totally free, and you can buy draught Guiness ($4.75) at the excellent O'Doherty's Irish Pub right there by City Hall,owned and run by genuine Micks and makes a change from the Rover's Return!
Sorry this is all stuff for next year and that its all in St Cloud but thats what we have checked out this year and St Cloud is where we live.

[anorak]

Do you want to smell the OrangeBlossom? Its getting harder to do as Florida gets overdeveloped but we found a small road called Hickory Tree which is full of Orange Groves still, and if you go from Mid to end of March to early April you will be overcome by the beautiful scent of OrangeBlossom.
Down 192 from Kissimmee past St Cloud a couple of miles to the 192/Narcoossee Rd junction traffic lights - turn right into Hickory Tree , drive along several miles and you will experience the scent.
I expect you could do the same thing down US27 and around Davenport which would be closer for most of you.
Do you know orange trees are one of the few fruit trees which bear blossom and fruit at the same time?

[orlandobabe]

we are over in march-but leave on 27th-sounds like we will miss it.

if you have more ideas for march 6-27th i'd love to hear them

[caroline]

OB this thread was from 2007...;)