*Caution, affiliate links ahead…Don’t worry, I’ll use the money for something practical, like wine…. or a pony!
I’m kicking off my Mom Needs a Vacation series today with a stop in Kissimmee Fl. In the last few years I have realized how important it is for me as a mom to get a weekend away once in awhile. Whether you getaway by yourself for a weekend of solitary relaxation, or with a group of your besties, it is so very important to your sanity to take some time for yourself once in a while. I know there is a certain degree of mommy guilt that comes with taking time for ourselves, but I can guarantee you that it is one of the best things that you can do for yourself and your family. In my article Top 10 Ideas for a Mom’s Night Out, I gave you some ideas for a great mom’s night out, in this series I’m going to give you some great destination ideas for a mom’s weekend getaway, designed to give you some much needed relaxation and recuperation.
The first destination on my list is Kissimmee, FL
For a while Kissimmee was just thought of as an extension of Orlando without much to offer on it’s own, but I have to tell you that after living in the shadow of Orlando, Kissimmee has had enough and has really become the must visit city in Central Florida. It is a big city with a small town feel, there is so much to do here that Kissimmee is perfect destination for your mom’s weekend escape.
1. Spas
If you are going away on a mom’s escape, you absolutely have to have a spa day! Massages, pedicures and pure relaxation are just what exhausted moms need to kick off their weekend of me time. Kissimmee is home to several world class spas including, Relache Spa at Gaylord Royal Palms Resort, Celebrity Spa at Star Island Resort & Vivian’s Day Spa. You will leave any of these places feeling like you can take on the world, or the hotel pool, your choice 🙂
2. Dining
Kissimmee is home to some amazing local eateries. I would suggest just taking a stroll down Kissimmee Main Street right around dinner or lunch time. Here you will find the widest selection of locally owned and operated restaurants. My personal favorites are 3 Sisters Speakeasy (try the bourbon burger, it’s spectacular and my daughter raves about the sushi!), Broadway Pizza Bar (you can’t go wrong with the island chicken pizza or the chicken parmesan sandwich, and of course you need to save room for the chocolate trilogy!) and my favorite, Nature’s Table (the very veggie panini is simply the best panini I have ever had!)
3. Shopping
Stick around Kissimmee Main Street after lunch or dinner and explore the local boutiques, wine shops, galleries and more. Here you can find one of kind items, talk with the local shops owners (most are so friendly!) and just enjoy being in a store that doesn’t carry Legos, Barbies or baby wipes.
4. Disney World!
Okay, I know what you are thinking, why in the heck would I want to go to a place crawling with children when I have just managed to escape my own? Hear me out on this one, going to Disney World without your kids is like a whole new world (yes I totally just sang that!), my bestie and I got to the park at opening and shut it down that night. We rode a few rides, we walked around, we got the best seats for the parade cause we could sit there and people watch for hours. we made friends with strangers, ate when we wanted, didn’t have to worry about lost sippy cups, binkies or beloved toys. When a child threw a fit, I didn’t even have to think for a second if it was mine. We were one with our inner child and it was fabulous!
5. Entertainment
Kissimmee is riddled with entertainment options! If you like shows, you have Capone’s Dinner & Show right in Kissimmee, within a short drive you have the options of The Blue Man Group, La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil and many more. If dancing is more your style, head directly to Sun on the Beach for some nightclub fun, I suggest pulling out your leg warmers and Aqua Net and heading there on Friday nights for the ultimate 80’s party! If shoulder pads and big hair aren’t your thing, head over on Saturday night to dance the night away to all your top 40 faves. For a more low key experience, make sure to check out the House of Blues or the Vintage Vino Wine Bar.
6. Outdoor Activities
If you are looking to become one with nature while you are on your mom’s retreat, then Kissimmee has you covered. Home to multiple conservation areas and wildlife preserves, Kissimmee is full of opportunities to commune with nature. Whether by foot, horseback or airboat, there are plenty of opportunities to get up close to Florida’s natural wildlife including gators and bald eagles. Florida EcoSafaris is one of the best ways to experience Florida nature in a unique way, by horseback or open air coach (so fun!). Even if you weren’t planning on embracing your nature goddess on this trip, you should really consider checking out some of the different tours 🙂
7. Thrill Seeking!
Come on, you know you want to do something a little daring or out of character on your vacation! How about a hot air balloon ride from Magic Sunrise Ballooning, or maybe a helicopter tour or my personal favorite zip lining over alligators at Gatorland. Step outside your comfort zone and get your adrenalin pumping!
You deserve some time to yourself once in a while and as you can see Kissimmee is a wonderful place to relax and recover from the craziness of motherhood. Now is the time to start planning your mom’s getaway!
Thank you to Experience Kissimmee, Gaylord Palms, Boggy Creek Airboats, Walt Disney World, Capone’s Dinner & Show and Star Island Resort for hosting us on this fantastic getaway. All opinions are my own. Please see my disclosure policy for details.
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