An Afternoon in Downtown Kissimmee
10 November 2026 · 5 min read · How-To Guides
Kissimmee, Florida • Historic downtown
Away from the theme park traffic, downtown Kissimmee has brick streets, a lakefront and family-run food shops. This timed plan links barbecue by Lake Toho, a custom cake bakery, a 50-year-old florist and liquid nitrogen ice cream into one easy afternoon.
The historic center sits just off the theme-park roads. Broadway and the streets around it still have low-rise storefronts, murals and local businesses, and the lakefront on East Lake Tohopekaliga is a few minutes' walk away. It is a good half-day for locals showing family around, or for visitors who want a break from the parks. The route below is timed to the published hours of four businesses, so check each Cottlink profile before you go, because hours can change.
11:30 am: barbecue by the lake
Start with lunch at Big John's Rockin' BBQ on East Monument Avenue, right beside the lakefront. Owner and chief smoker John "Big John" Glover began smoking meat as a hobby, firing up the grill for family gatherings and neighborhood cookouts before Kowboy football games, until friends and church members started asking him to cater. The menu covers pulled pork, pulled chicken, brisket and ribs, with a sampler if you cannot choose. Victoria's country fried green tomatoes are a southern side worth ordering, and the smash burger can be stacked from a single at $7 to four patties at $16.
Hours vary by day: 11 am to 8 pm Monday to Wednesday, 7 am to 9 pm Thursday to Saturday, and 8 am to 8 pm on Sunday, with breakfast served on the early-opening days. The restaurant caters party-size portions and has space for gatherings, so it is worth knowing about if you are planning a reunion or office lunch.
1:00 pm: walk the lakefront
After lunch, walk off the brisket along the lakefront. On a clear day you can watch boats head out onto Lake Toho and herons in the shallows. Bring water and a hat, especially from May to September, and head indoors if you hear thunder; afternoon storms build quickly here.
2:00 pm: order a cake on Dakin Avenue
Walk back into the historic streets to Kenny's Cakes and Bakery at 10 West Dakin Avenue. The bakery has been in Kissimmee for more than ten years, and you can watch the bakers decorate through the glass. Everything in the display case is made from scratch, from cupcakes baked each morning to pastries and desserts. The bakery is best known for custom cakes for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, graduations and baby showers, with fresh sponge and buttercream.
One thing to know: all orders are taken by phone, so if you want a custom cake for a later date, call ahead to talk through size, flavour and design. Kenny's is open Monday to Saturday 7 am to 8 pm and Sunday 8 am to 6 pm.
3:00 pm: flowers on West Oak Street
A short drive or a longer walk west brings you to Kissimmee Florist at 1213 West Oak Street, which celebrated 50 years of service in 2020. Danny Sexton has worked at the shop since 1981 as the second generation to run it, now with his wife Nancy. The designers make arrangements for every occasion, from birthdays and new babies to sympathy flowers, weddings, Quinceañeras and proms, plus plants, gift sets and subscriptions. The shop delivers the same day in Kissimmee and St. Cloud and makes daily deliveries to the Walt Disney World Resort area, which is handy if you want flowers waiting for a guest at a hotel.
Note the hours: Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm and Saturday 9 am to noon. If you are doing this route on a Saturday, swap the order and visit the florist first.
4:00 pm: liquid nitrogen ice cream on Main Street
Finish at Abracadabra Ice Cream Factory on North Main Street, where every scoop is made to order with liquid nitrogen in front of you. Flavours include banana split, almond joy and coconut, and lactose-free options are available. Children can use the bounce houses after a parent completes a play waiver, there is outdoor seating, and the shop is pet-friendly. If anyone is still hungry, the kitchen also serves Philly cheesesteaks, cheese fries and chicken tenders. Abracadabra opens daily at 11 am, hosts birthday parties and fundraisers, and offers catering.
Make it work for your group
- 1. With kids. Do the route in reverse: ice cream and bounce houses first, then lunch, then a short lakefront walk.
- 2. On a Saturday. Visit the florist before noon, then lunch, bakery and ice cream.
- 3. On a Sunday. The florist is closed; the barbecue, bakery and ice cream shop are open.
- 4. For a celebration. Order the cake by phone a week ahead, book flowers for delivery and ask Big John's about catering.
Parking and getting around
Downtown is compact, and you can park once for the barbecue, lakefront and bakery. Kissimmee Florist on West Oak Street and Abracadabra on North Main Street are easier by car. If you are coming from the parks, allow extra time on US 192 in the late afternoon. A small insulated cooler bag in the car keeps a cake or ice cream from melting on the drive home.
Disclosure: Cottlink may earn a small commission from qualifying Amazon purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Own a downtown Kissimmee business?
If your shop, restaurant or studio is in historic downtown Kissimmee and is not on Cottlink yet, claim your free business profile so visitors can find your hours.
Quick answers
What is there to do in downtown Kissimmee?
Eat by the lakefront, walk along Lake Toho, browse the historic streets and stop at local bakeries and shops.
Where can I get custom cakes in downtown Kissimmee?
Kenny's Cakes and Bakery on West Dakin Avenue makes custom cakes. Orders are taken by phone.
Is there liquid nitrogen ice cream in Kissimmee?
Yes. Abracadabra Ice Cream Factory on North Main Street makes each order with liquid nitrogen and opens daily at 11 am.
