Small but mighty, Kissimmee covers only 17 square miles, with a population just under 60,000. It's the principal city in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford area. In the midst of this large metropolis, Kissimmee provides a hometown feel away from the bustling tourism industry of Orlando. It was first called Allendale, after a riverboat captain whose cargo steamboat was the first of its kind on the Kissimmee River. Later, Kissimmee became known as the end of the line for ranchers on horseback, offering some of the first bars catering specifically to these visitors.

Today, people love the city for its outdoor spaces and a plethora of opportunities for recreation. One of the best ways to spend an afternoon here is the Shingle Creek Paddling Trail. Slip your canoe or kayak into the water, soak up the sunshine, and enjoy the stunning plants and wildlife. From the trail, you get the chance to hear songbirds and glimpse osprey, cranes, herons, and red belly turtles. Depending on the route you take, Shingle Creek Paddling Trail will drop you right into Lake Toho. From here, you can cook up some hot dogs and relax in the open space at Kissimmee Lakefront Park. The park offers visitors a fishing pier, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and concessions. Regardless of what you choose to do, you're sure to spot native fish and wildlife all throughout this park.

A very different kind of park, Osceola Heritage Park is the hub for Central Florida's outdoor events and festivals. The Silver Spurs Arena hosts everything from rodeos to comedy shows. Also within the park is the Osceola County Stadium. Home to USL's Orlando City B, it is also the location of the Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring. No matter what you're in to, you'll want to keep an eye on Heritage Park's calendar of events.

To beat the afternoon heat, Kissimmee offers plenty of things to explore indoors, as well. Learn about the Revolutionary War, the Vietnam War, and everything in between at the Museum of Military History. Or set your sights on the sky at the Air Museum, featuring airshows, a vintage flight school, and a dual-cockpit P-40 Warhawk. And if you'd rather learn more about the area's history, Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek is definitely the place to start. Operated by the Osceola County Historical Society, Pioneer Village is a permanent collection of authentic structures from across the country. Visit the general store, drop off a letter at the post office, and brush up on your arithmetic at the schoolhouse. If you're looking to catch up with a friend, do some shopping, see the newest blockbuster, or enjoy a great meal, you can't go wrong with The Loop.

No matter what you choose to explore, you don't want to be stuck at home battling overgrown grass and weedy flowerbeds. Instead of missing out, let LawnStarter take care of your landscaping so you can get back to doing what you love.

LawnStarter is the area's premier choice for all outdoor maintenance and landscape design. Whether you need the grass cut or want a native garden installed, LawnStarter knows exactly the pro to help you. Download the app and enter your ZIP code to get a vetted list of local landscaping experts. Schedule and pay through the app. It's easy. Now, get out there and have fun.