Discovering Old Florida

The one thing I recently discovered when I went horseback riding is that you don’t have to travel very far to find a place in Florida where time has absolutely stood still. Every time I stumble across a bit of Old Florida, it’s like I’ve been sent back to a time before there were cars, internet, or smartphones — heck, before any phones at all. No matter where you live in Florida, you are never far from these undeveloped gems. My suggestion is you experience it the way our ancestors did.

BY LAND:
Trail Link
https://www.traillink.com/state/fl-trails
Discover Florida by foot like the early explorers just a few generations ago. Here you’ll find trail descriptions, maps, photos, and reviews.  

Florida National Scenic Trail
https://www.fs.usda.gov/fnst
This 1,300 mile trail is mostly unpaved and a great way to view Florida at its finest — untouched.
Seminole County Trails
http://www.doorlandonorth.com/things-to-do/hiking-biking-trails
This area just north of Orlando has over 60 miles of nature trails including the Great Florida Birding Trail, where you can check out some pretty cool birds not found anywhere else in the world.

BY WATER:
Our Ancient Florida Springs
http://www.floridasprings.org
This website directs you to the many springs throughout this great state — I guarantee there is one near you and you will love it.

Wekiwa Springs State Park
1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, FL 32703
https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Wekiwa-Springs
Early settlers enjoyed the year-round 72 degree temps of these waters. Come early in the summer — this is a popular place for good reason.

Canaveral National Seashore
S. Washington Ave, Titusville, FL 32796
https://www.nps.gov/cana/index.htm
This 24-mile barrier island is a safe haven to endangered wildlife and is the longest stretch of undeveloped public beach on the east coast of Florida. You can even camp on the beach or an island just off shore that’s only accessible by boat. I highly recommend it.

U-Sail of Central Florida
A-Dock, 531 N Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL 32771
http://www.usailflorida.com
Learn how many of our forefathers travelled the world when there were no motors and only sails to carry you across the waters.

BY HORSE:
​All Trails
https://www.alltrails.com/us/florida/horseback-riding
For thousands of years, long before cars and trains, main transit was by horse. It doesn’t get any more old school than this. Find a trail near you and discover gators, bald eagles, deer, cranes, and other Florida wildlife while on horseback.
Hidden Palms Ranch & Trail Rides
1410 Oakway, Sanford, FL 32773
https://www.hiddenpalmsranch.com
If you’re by my neck of the woods, check this place out. Young and old alike can venture out into the heart of Lake Jesup conservation area to find free-ranging cows and untouched Florida landscape. It’s almost like traveling back hundreds of years ago.

So, Get out and discover Florida as it once was!
Chad

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About the Host/Creator

As a native Floridian, Chad Crawford has always loved his home state, and he’s made it his mission to share it with the world. He’s often called Florida’s Ambassador for this very reason. Emmy award-winning how to Do florida with Chad Crawford began as a way to combine Chad’s passions – filmmaking, Florida, and literally anything outdoors – but has evolved into a passion project. The more he travels the state, meeting people whose livelihood is the land (and water), the more aware he has become of the issues facing Florida – namely the water crisis. ​He has worked alongside Florida Fish and Wildlife, Coastal Conservation Association, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Department of Agriculture, Everglades Foundation, Captains for Clean Water, and author Richard Louv in directed efforts to help preserve Florida’s natural resources, and to communicate how we can all be part of solving the environmental problems the state is facing today. ​

Recognizing that the next generation needs be part of this conversation, he created an Emmy award-winning kids’ show, The Outsiders Club. The series is geared toward kids and young families, takes place outdoors, and educates viewers in a fun and meaningful way about how they can care for Florida’s environment. Chad uses his platforms to create fans of Florida, but more importantly, he’s interested in creating advocates for Florida. He often says, “When people experience the real Florida they are more likely to take interest in the issues that affect it.”  His famous sign-off “Get out and Do Florida” has incited a movement of people, stoking renewed interest in our state’s environmental issues. He encourages his fans to both enjoy Florida and be part of preserving its resources, saying, “If we all do just a little, well, that’s a lot.” Chad and his wife live in Central Florida with their four children.
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