Home Away from Home

One of the best things my family and I love about living just north of Orlando is that we don’t really have to deal with tourists and traffic. Yeah, we occasionally get a lost soul or two wander into our neck of the woods, but you know what? I bet they are glad they strayed over here. That’s because they are discovering that this area has just about everything Florida has to offer while still being able to get away from the crowds.
The great thing about Seminole County is that you can have the best of both worlds — you can be close to both nature AND theme parks. We’ve even had hotel staycations just minutes from our home and enjoyed everything Orlando has to offer while retreating from the masses. It’s like an Orlando oasis here.

Where to stay:
Residence Inn Marriott Orlando Lake Mary
There are plenty of choices, but this extended-stay hotel is a home away from home with a full kitchen and separate bedrooms (yeesss!), plus it’s smack-dab between Orlando and New Smyrna beach. Pet friendly, too!

What to do:
Seminole County Nature & Outdoor Activities
You know me. I’m all about getting out there and doing Florida, and there’s no better place than my own back yard. Seminole county has some of best places to hike, bike, canoe, and fish.

Where to eat:
4 Rivers Smokehouse
If you’re looking for something really *good* but casual, you’ve come to the right place. There’s something for everyone here, even the picky vegetarians.

Enzo’s on the Lake
This place has been around forever. Local Italian dining at its finest.

Where to chill:
Day Spas
Get a local massage at a fraction of the prices you’ll find near the theme parks. Easier bookings, too.

So, get out and Do florida!
Chad Crawford

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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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