Whether you’re ready for a luxurious romantic weekend or a great family vacation, these towns serve up pleasure for all.

When skies turn cloudy and the snow starts to fall, many people start dreaming about a warm, sunny escape. And nothing quite beats Florida for its year-round temperate climate, variety of accommodations, family-friendly attractions and diverse dining options.

Orlando

I started my trip by doing some homework on the Internet. Often overlooked by the general public, some smaller, value airlines offer great rates to Florida locations. I flew via Spirit Airlines who has many affordable routes to the east coast, including Orlando.

While most airlines have drastically cut down their food menu to a mere paltry ration of peanuts or pretzels, Spirit still offers a great little snack selection. I counted 14 items on my snack tray that was more than enough to keep me occupied until my next major meal. I also found that their overall service and attentiveness to their passengers was quite exceptional.

Once in the Orlando Airport you will have your choice of various options for rental cars. Budget is always a good bet and they have a counter right in the terminal that will save you time going to off-site locations. Again, doing some pre-planning on-line will usually afford you a better rate than if you book over the phone.

One of my favorite hotels is the Renaissance Orlando Resort at Seaworld. If you are planning a quick family vacation, it is hard to go wrong with this property. It is conveniently located a short distance from the airport and is close to all major attractions including the quite popular Sea World which is literally right across the street from the hotel.

The Renaissance has all the charm of an upscale luxury resort but their prices are still within easy reach of most families. The rooms are very spacious and tastefully decorated. They have all the amenities that you would expect from an upscale resort including coffee makers, room service, and in-room games for the kiddies. They even offer champagne upon check-in for the adults and hot chocolate for children.

Their Atlantis restaurant, located in the vast atrium lobby of the hotel, recently won the 5-star service award from the North American Travel Journalist Association. Travel writers, who know the most excellent places to dine, bestowed this prestigious award in 2004. If you love seafood, then try their lobster bisque—it’s to die for! One visiting chef from New Orleans recently commented that when he travels, he is always looking for some restaurant that makes lobster bisque as good as he does. When he tasted the Atlantis version he said, “This is better than mine.”

Kids and parents alike will enjoy the large outdoor pool, game room and club floor, that features food and snacks in a series of delightful presentations throughout the day. Even though there is a small additional cost for this service, this will save you a small fortune over the cost of dining out with kids three times per day.

During the day, you can enjoy tennis, any number of spa treatments, or a visit to the many nearby attractions. At night you can relax in their outdoor hot tub and enjoy the aerial fireworks display from Sea World. Visit their website for specials and room rates.

If you are looking for a slightly more upscale experience, then the Grande Lakes Orlando will not disappoint. Set among 600 acres of lush landscaping, the $600 million estate features two properties: The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott. Between them, they offer 1,584 rooms, eight restaurants, an 18-hole Greg Norman championship golf course, and a 40,000-square foot spa.

I stayed at the Ritz-Carlton where the room reminded me of a Thomas McKnight painting. Shades of color-coordinated yellow and coral adorned the furniture, bedding and were even weaved into the custom carpets.

The rooms are shaped around a U-shaped tower affording great views of the pool, golf course and landscaping. They are also well equipped with all the perks of modern technology including fiber optics and high-speed Internet service.

While this would be an ideal romantic place for mom and dad to get away for a weekend interlude, there is no reason to leave the kids at home. The Ritz offers a unique experience for little Bobbie and Sally including their own, personal check-in desk where they can learn about the many different options for children and receive a personal welcome kit. As explained by vice president Marc Hoffman, “It all boils down to treating the kids with the same respect as the parents, while providing a fun hotel experience.”

If your idea of the perfect vacation is lounging by the pool sipping cool drinks, then you will love the mini-water park at the adjoining JW Marriott. There you will find a 24,000 square-foot, winding lazy river pool that holds 672,000 gallons of water. They also feature a dive-in pool party, croquet, bike rentals and volleyball for your entertainment pleasure.

There are many food options on-site and one of the best is the club-floor lounge. The kids will love the sheer variety of foods available during the day and each is presented as a work of art. They feature everything from sumptuous snacks and appetizers to beer, wine, and champagne for mom and dad. I happen to love a nice cup of tea and the brand they offer such as Orchid Oolong was the best I have ever tasted. You can make reservations at either of these properties via their website listed in the resource section.

Discovery Cove

While Orlando is best known for Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World, one of the lesser-known diversions can be found at Discovery Cove, which is also just a block or two from the Renaissance.

Surrounded by lush tropical landscapes, Discovery Cove is a mini-aquatic paradise filled with dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, tropical fish, colorful birds and great food.

If you have ever dreamed of a snorkeling adventure in the Caribbean, but your budget wouldn’t allow it, then this is the next best thing. Here you can make a reservation to swim with Bottle-Nose Dolphins or glide over large coral reefs along with Yellow Tangs, Puffer Fish, Parrotfish and about 100 other varieties of marine life.

One price gives you exclusive access to the park including your meal at their buffet-style restaurant. After a day of swimming or just lounging on one of their many beaches, you and your family will feast on a full variety of meal options, including dessert that is sure to satisfy even the finicky eater.

Sarasota

Traveling across the state via Interstate 4, the charming town of Sarasota is a pleasant two-hour drive from Orlando. Located within its borders are some of the finest white-sand beaches you will find anywhere in the world. Combine this with great shopping, the Ringling Museum (of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus fame), a world-class Aquarium, and a rich cultural heritage and you may find yourself looking for real-estate property.

One of the things that I most loved about Sarasota is the close proximity to many fine beaches. While you may be used to the typical brownish-sand that gets plenty hot in the summer, you will find that the sand at Siesta Key is different. It is actually made up of pure quartz that reflects sunlight and stays cool even in the hottest temperatures. It has won many awards including “America’s Best Sand Beach” and “Florida’s Top Ten Beaches” by the Travel Channel.

The Mote Aquarium is not your usual aquatic attraction. This is a working marine laboratory that will capture your interest and imagination. Here you can learn about manatees, sea turtles, artificial reefs and see a 12-minute presentation about life as a hungry shark. The Aquarium is open all year long from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Having established a presence in the 1920’s John and Mable Ringling transformed the city into a cultural arts capital. The Museum of Art features works by Flemish master Peter Paul Reubens as well as artifacts from their colorful history with the Ringling Bros. Circus. Their house, Ca’d’Zan (House of John) has been restored to its original splendor and is available for touring.

There is shopping galore in Sarasota and St. Armands Circle caters to an upscale crowd with fine jewelry and clothing shops. If antiques are your passion, then you can find them in any number of downtown stores in the Herald Square area.

Art aficionados can stroll the streets of Towles Court every Friday in their “Art by the Light of the Moon.” Here resident artists display their wares against the backdrop of their colorful pastel homes.

As if Sarasota didn’t have enough to offer, they have become the first and only tourist destination to offer Segway Human Transporter tours. Courtesy of Florida Ever-Glides, Inc. you can take a two-hour tour along the bayfront and arts communities via these marvels of human engineering. The cost is only $59 per person with a maximum of six riders per tour. Hey, why walk when you can ride?

There are many hotel options in Sarasota but if you want to pamper yourself then the Ritz-Carlton is your best choice. As with all of the other properties, the Ritz is famous for its elegant and exquisite service and this location is no exception. Having recently been included in The Conde’ Nast Traveler Gold List, the Ritz will even roll out the red carpet for guests traveling with pets.

Overlooking Sarasota Bay the property has a fitness center (including exercise machines with their own TV screens), five food and beverage outlets, massage therapy and facial treatments and a AAA Four Diamond Award for their Vernona Restaurant.

Even if you don’t decide to stay at the Ritz, still come for their High-Tea.This is a great way to spend a pleasant afternoon surrounded by luxury while listening to the melodic sounds of a musician playing classical guitar.

St. Petersburg

Traveling north on Interstate 75 across the Sunshine Skyway will take you to the town of St. Petersburg. I pulled into town and starting driving around the downtown area in search of a good breakfast. I’ve found that if you are attentive, you can usually find the place where the locals hang out just by looking for small crowds congregating in and around quaint eateries.

I found such a place at the Central Coffee Shop. To be honest, you are lucky to be greeted upon your arrival but the food is a great value. I ordered the “John’s special” which came with three eggs topped with cheese, home fries and your choice of meat. The total came to around $5.00 and I found myself agreeing with a local customer who I overheard say, “This is the best breakfast in town.”

Tucked into a little corner of South Third Street you will find a St.Petersburg gem—The Dali Museum. According to the Michelin Florida Guide, the Salvador Dali Museum is the only 3-Star Attraction on the West Coast of Florida as well as the only 3-Star Single Artist Museum in the United States.

Over 200,000 people visit the museum each year to view the collection of an artist whose paintbrush depicts buildings turned into giant milk cartons and offices converted into overnight restrooms. Such was the vision of this surrealist artist whose works are more popular than ever.

They have a fantastic gift shop and I managed to do my Christmas shopping for my wife at this one-stop location. She, being an art lover, was of course delighted.

The Trade Winds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach is a very popular AAA Four-Diamond resort for families. Many enjoy their stay so much that they come back year after year. Located directly on the white sands of the Gulf of Mexico, this property features 585 guest rooms and has recently undergone an $11 million dollar renovation.

The Trade Winds always has something going on for kids with such things as Captain Red Beard’s Pirate Show, miniature golf, paddleboats, shuffleboard and the KONK Club that features a variety of activities for children ages 4-11.

Parents will love the golf, fitness centers, tennis, snorkeling, parasailing, and variety of dining options as well as the sheer beauty of the beach, just a short walk from your room. There is even a 2-hour sunset sail trip for unwinding after a busy day of activities.

The room rates at the Trade Winds are quite reasonable and there are several kid’s packages to choose from. You can check their website for reservations, activities and any specials.

Since its construction in 1925, the Vinoy Resort and Golf Club has had many incarnations and quite a colorful history. It served as military housing for soldiers during World War II and almost fell victim to the wrecking ball in the 1970’s. A $93-million renovation saved the property and restored its former grandeur.

Over the years, the Vinoy has attracted many personalities of history. F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Babe Ruth and Calvin Coolidge have all stayed here. Back during those days, it was imperative to keep up the appearance that the hotel was ”the” place to visit in St. Petersburg, a city that dubbed itself “The Sunshine City.” One way that the bellman would insure that guests believed that it was warmer than it actually was, would be to hold a match under the thermometer raising the temperature a few degrees. As visitors came downstairs for their morning walk, they would take a peek at the thermometer and cheerfully go outside for their daily constitutional.

Today, the Vinoy is still considered to be the finest luxury hotel in the Tampa Bay area. Everywhere you will see examples of Mediterranean Revival architecture included carved archways, bas-relief portals and Terra-cotta frescoes.

The Vinoy has won many awards including the AAA Four-Diamond Award, and Conde’ Naste Traveler magazine’s Gold List. And it’s no wonder. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, they have award winning cuisine, a golf club and more.

Their Terrace Room and Marchand’s Bar and Grill both perform double-duty for the Sunday Buffet. The entire space is occupied with various food stations offering eggs, seafood, hand-carved meats and delectable desserts. This is an elegant affair and you will want to linger over your food as you take in the surroundings and enjoy the company of family and friends.

Marchand’s Bar & Grill features Mediterranean cuisine and I started my meal with the Stone Crabs that happened to be in season. They were delicious with just a little bit of butter and lemon being scraped right off the bone.

I ordered the spinach salad with golden raisins, peppers and blue cheese off the menu of The Terrace Room located right across the dining area along with an entrée of Seared Snapper, with orange chili glaze. Both dishes were mouth-watering and were presented in an artful manner. John Pivar, their Executive Chef won the best chef award from among all the Renaissance hotels worldwide.

The Vinoy is located right across from the St. Petersburg pier. This is a great place to stroll after a hearty meal. Just be sure to check the thermometer before you venture out.

Tampa

I continued my road trip north across the Franklin Bridge into the City of Tampa. Ranked 12th among “America’s Best Places to Live & Work” in Employment Review’s 2003 issue, Tampa was the only Florida city to be included in a list of 20.

From the arts to dining to dramatic theme parks, Tampa is a top destination for families looking for fun, affordability and diversity. Easily accessible, Tampa International Airport offers 270 daily non-stop arrivals from 58 domestic destinations as well as a host of international markets.

I started my excursion at Busch Gardens. Highly organized, trams whisk passengers from the parking areas to the front gate. Once inside, you have your choice of 335-acres of fun that feature water-related rides, African safari adventures, an Egyptian village, a bird sanctuary and, a new attraction, R.L. Stine’s Haunted Lighthouse in 4-D.

If you are into thrills and chills, Busch Gardens has four steel roller coasters. Three of these; Kumba, Montu and Gwazi are rated among the world’s best.

Busch Gardens is located only 60 minutes from Walt Disney World and a luxury shuttle service is available to take you from Orlando to the park. You can also purchase a 5-park “Flexticket” that will give you unlimited admission to five theme parks for up to 14 days.

Once known as the “Cigar Capital of the World,” Tampa’s Ybor City was home to nearly 12,000 tabaqueros (cigar-makers) who were employed in some 200 factories. They produced over 700 million cigars each year during their heyday.

Today, you can still watch cigars being rolled with old-world craftsmanship at a local shop and take a walking tour to view the many historic sites. You can also sample some Cuban cuisine at Florida’s oldest restaurant, the Columbia Restaurant, which opened its doors in 1905. It was named after the ballad—“Columbia, Gem of the Ocean.”

While Ybor City might have been built upon tobacco money, the area has evolved into a trendy Latin quarter and nicknamed, “Nightlife Capital of Florida’s West Coast.” On any given weekend you will be mingling with 40,000 other visitors as you stroll past art galleries, ethnic eateries, pulse-pounding nightclubs, movie theaters and unusual shops.

For shopping, International Plaza is hard to beat. This $200-million retail extravaganza features upscale giants like Tiffany & Co, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom along with 100 other specialty shops. This is a great place to come on a hot summer’s day and browse in air-conditioned comfort.

Bay Street Plaza and a children’s play area are located adjacent to the Plaza and add another 200 retail tenants for your shopping, and dining delight. I had fun just walking around and admiring the architecture and high-tech lighting found in many of the restaurants and shops. If you do plan to dine, come prior to peak times to avoid waiting in line.

Tampa has many options for accommodations, from upscale hotels to quaint bed and breakfast properties. For my stay I chose a Woodfin Chase Suite Hotel located on North Rocky Point Drive. These are affordable, spacious two-room suites that are fully equipped with a kitchen, oversized desks/workstations, complimentary breakfast buffets and even wood-burning fireplaces. I found this to be like living in a condo for the day or two and they were quite comfortable.

Chase Suite Hotels are located in select cities throughout the United States. Check their website for a hotel where you will be visiting.

As dinnertime rolled around on my last day in Florida, I was looking for a restaurant close to the Chase Suites but also something different. Fortunately, I found such a place right next door at Bahama Breeze.

Their Caribbean fare was just what I was craving and I ordered one of their Cuban Supreme sandwiches. This is a hot-pressed roll with roasted pork, ham and pickles. It came with a side of bar-b-que sauce and was simply delicious.

For dessert, I tried their Bananas Supreme, a totally sinful concoction of bananas, vanilla ice cream on banana-nut bread with hot butterscotch and brandy sauce. I reasoned that I could walk all this off in the 600 yards to my hotel but whom was I kidding? Anyway, it did make for a wonderful end to a great trip.

Each time I visit Florida I discover something new and this trip was no exception. Driving just an hour or two can provide you and your family with fun-filled adventures, cultural enrichments and a little bit of history along the way.