Picture Perfect

Kissimmee, FL, with its beautiful lakefront and teeming wildlife, is the ideal place for Tom Tompkins to sharpen his photography skills.

Thirty-seven years ago, developer and philanthropist Tom Tompkins moved south of Orlando to Kissimmee to raise his family and ride and breed champion quarter horses on a 10-acre ranchette. Now retired, he has hung up his spurs and turned to photojournalism, traveling the world to capture images that tell the stories of far-away people and places. Even so, he's always glad to return home.

Kissimmee has gone through an amazing transition since you arrived in the '70s. How would you describe it now? "If you want a breather, it's nice to stay here and see something other than asphalt. We off er nice accommodations and restaurants, and we're a little more laidback and a little less touristy than other places. We have golf courses, a beautiful lakefront, a historic downtown, pastures and wildlife. It's also become a really diverse place in terms of our residents."

What would visitors be surprised to know about the area? "Florida's cattle industry is one of the largest in the US, and here in Osceola County, raising cattle was the main industry for more than 100 years. We still have dozens of ranches, and some have been owned by the same families for generations. The largest is the 290,000-acre Deseret Ranch (www.deseretranchflorida.com), operated by the Mormon Church."

Where can visitors learn about the history of Kissimmee? The Osceola County Historical Museum and Pioneer Village (www.osceolahistory.org) has an 1898 Cracker House on display along with pioneer artifacts. At the Kissimmee/Osceola Chamber of Commerce (www.kissimmeechamber.com), there are things like branding irons and old photos of Osceola County, and a dateline that goes around the walls."

Silver
Spurs RodeoWhat are some must-do activities? "If you're visiting in February, the Silver Spurs Rodeo (www.silverspursrodeo.com) at the new Kissimmee Sports Arena and Rodeo (www.ksarodeo.com) is the best show in town. There's also a Cowtown Youth Rodeo on Aug. 7 and Sept. 4. Besides that, we have simple things like bass fishing and air boating on Lake Tohopekaliga (http://tohopekaliga. uslakes.info). Just walking beside the lake or spending time in the park there is a great way to relax. We also have two historic districts in downtown Kissimmee that include about 100 buildings and homes. The restored buildings hold a variety of restaurants, shops and businesses. There's also a farmers market on Thursday mornings in Toho Square."

Can you recommend any great dining spots that capture local flavor? "Tarantino's Italian Restaurant (www.tarantinositalianrestaurant.com; 407-870-2622) is great. The owners have been here for a long time, and many of us have followed them from one location to another. I also like Kissimmee Steak House (www.kissimmeesteakhouse.com; 407-847-8050); you'll find a few of the old Osceoleans eating there. Mrs. Mack's Restaurant (407-847-5771) is great for home-style breakfasts and lunches. Joanie's Diner (407-933-0519) is good for breakfast and lunch, too."

Snowy egret
with chicks You've traveled the world taking photographs. What do you shoot at home? "I can walk out my front door and photograph ospreys, hawks, woodpeckers, raccoons and wild turkeys. Right now I'm photographing sandhill cranes that are raising chicks. I've been watching these chicks since they hatched. Now they're really leggy and kind of clumsy-looking-really cute."

Is there a photo op in Kissimmee visitors shouldn't miss? "We have amazing sunsets over Lake Toho in downtown Kissimmee. It's an incredible shot. Th at is the best photograph in town."