Location, Location, Location

I’m sure you’ve heard real estate pros say it again and again and again, but they are absolutely correct — it’s all about location, location, location. To me, that is exactly the reason why I have never left Seminole County. Small town atmosphere near Orlando, yet close to lakes, beaches, and the great outdoors.
If you’re planning on visiting Orlando, I highly recommend staying in the Orlando North area. It’s a lot less crowded, less traffic, closer to nature, and there are great dining options at a fraction of the price compared to the tourist areas (with little or no wait times). Even if you hit Orlando’s main attractions, it’s always nice to come back to a little peace and quiet.
Here are some of the attractions you’ll find near me….
Black Hammock Adventures
Step back in time to Old Florida with airboat rides along Lake Jesup, plenty of alligators, and good southern food (with gator on the menu, of course).
St. Johns Rivership Company
See the real Florida with lunch and dinner cruises along the St. Johns River in an authentic, climate-controlled, five-story Rivership.
Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Get up close and personal with animals from around the world and discover native florida plants, wildflowers, and butterfly gardens. Special events include Sunset at the Zoo — a wild, happy-hour alternative for the 21+ crowd!
Zoom Air Adventure Park
Enjoy nature from a new perspective! They have a variety of ziplines for little kids to the adventurous.
Katie’s Wekiva River Landing 
This is a great place to rent a kayak or canoe on the wild and scenic, crystal-clear Wekiva River.
The Tennessee Truffle
Hey, foodies! Here you’ll find a fresh spin on farm-to-table southern cuisine in eclectic downtown Sanford. For a great list of homegrown, culinary restaurants like this one, click here.
Where to stay:
Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando North
Situated on the scenic Cranes Roost Lake, this all-suite hotel is only eight miles from downtown Orlando, walking distance from the Altamonte Mall, and includes complimentary made-to-order breakfast and happy hour in the tropical garden atrium.
The Westin Lake Mary
Beautiful rooms, a tranquil swimming pool, and just minutes from hiking, biking, fishing, shopping, and fine dining (Shula’s 347 Grill is on site!).
For more information about my neck of the woods, go to DoOrlandoNorth.com
Do florida,
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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