Florida Favorites

Our staff picks for the best staycations in the Sunshine State.

 

‘A Slice Of Old Florida’

By Steven Paul Hlavac, Contributing Photographer

Vacation getaway” means different things to different people. I suppose much of it depends on where you live and what you’d consider a change of pace from your normal routine. When I lived in South Florida, with its hectic and stressful lifestyle, the place I would often go to unwind was Hollywood Beach.

Nestled on the Atlantic Ocean between the twin cities of Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood Beach always felt like a slice of Old Florida right at my doorstep. The pace of this seaside haven has always been as fast or as slow as you choose for it to be.

On the ocean side, thick clusters of beach bungalows and grass-covered sand dunes give way to a long pedestrian boardwalk lined with small shops, boutique hotels, and sleepy cafés. To the west, quaint seafood restaurants and Key West-style bars rub elbows with the Intercoastal Waterway, allowing you the option of arriving by foot, car, or boat.

Now, many might say Hollywood Beach, like most of South Florida, is over-developed, and I’ll admit it can get quite crowded there depending on the time of year. But compared to the urban madness of the massive metropolises to the north and south, it always felt to me like a breath of fresh sea air.

Best Place To Eat:

Le Tub Saloon

‘Shopping In All The Quaint Little Boutiques’

By Mitzi Welch, Account Executive

There are many choices for great condos and hotels, but if you want a fairly economical stay and have the proper equipment, the Bryn Mawr Ocean Resort on Anastasia Island is a wonderful choice. The one- and two-bedroom units are located right on the beach within a short walk to the water. The majority of the sites have large decks/cabanas set up for grilling, chilling, and sunbathing. Most have some sort of covering for when you’ve had too much sun, but still want to enjoy the outdoors. They also have a beautiful pool for a fresh alternative to the salty ocean water. Tents are not allowed, so you must have a motor home, travel trailer, or pop-up to enjoy this resort. I believe they also have a few mobile homes already set up for rental.

Located on A1A, the resort is close to some of the best restaurants around. Salt Water Cowboys has always been a favorite of mine for its incredible seafood, and The Conch House has great rum runners and even better music (especially Reggae Sunday). Additionally, Columbia Restaurant on St. George Street has authentic Cuban cuisine, and A1A Ale Works has the best yucca fries known to man.

Don’t forget to go shopping in all the quaint little boutiques along St. George and Charlotte streets, something that never gets old.

Best Place To Stay:

Bryn Mawr Ocean Resort

Best Places To Eat:

Salt Water Cowboys, The Conch House, Columbia Restaurant, A1A Ale Works

 

‘Like Stepping Back Into Another Century’

By Cynthia McFarland, Contributing Writer

Perched at the tip-top of Florida’s Atlantic coast, Amelia Island is an easy drive with no hectic interstates required. It’s perfect for a girls’ getaway, as well as a couple or family weekend with the choice of lodging at a locally owned hotel or one of numerous bed-and-breakfasts.

I love feeling like a tourist and exploring the myriad shops in the quaint downtown area—from their antiques and artsy creations to the candy, coffee, jewelry, and clothing. It’s fun to walk the docks jammed with fishing boats and pleasure vessels; you can even eat outdoors at Brett’s Waterway Café and watch the water traffic.

Fort Clinch State Park is a must-see, both for the natural beauty (stunning woods and trails) and the historic value (an actual military site). Re-enactors in period dress lend authenticity to this well-maintained fort that was manned by U.S. soldiers during the Civil and Spanish American wars. As you walk the corridors and peer out the gun slits in thick walls overlooking Cumberland Sound, it’s like stepping back into another century.

For the adventurous, this tiny town offers plenty of options. You can take a kayak cruise with Kayak Amelia, ride horses on the beach at the Kelly Seahorse Ranch, or tour the scenic waterways with Amelia River Cruises & Charters. Plus, the island is brimming with places to bike ride, hike, and play golf. Of course, there’s always the beach. Walking that sweeping expanse with the sand beneath my bare feet is a rare, but much appreciated, pleasure.

Amelia Island feels so much like vacation, I’m often tempted to buy a souvenir, even though it’s just one area code away from home.

 

Best Places to Stay:

Amelia Hotel, The Fairbanks House

Best Places to Eat:

Beech Street Grill, 29 South, Brett’s Waterway Café

 

‘Animals & Fish To See’

By Sharon Morgan, Account Executive

Whether touching the stingray as it swims by, interacting with the dolphins, or feeding the sea lions tray after tray of their food (Grandma’s favorite activity), seeing my grandson doing these things for the first time is sheer joy.

Our trip through Wild Arctic and seeing a polar bear and a beluga dolphin was exciting, but the best part was the walrus. He swam to the viewing window, rose to the top of the window, and slid down with his flippers crossed in front of his face. But the real excitement—and the missed “Kodak moment”—was when the same walrus rose to the surface a second time, slid down again, and stopped right in front of my grandson and “puckered” his lips as if to kiss him.

A day in the warm Florida sun, animals and fish to see, a kiss by a walrus, and feeding those always-hungry sea lions—what could be better than that? Now if we could only remember which parking lot the car is in.

Best Place to Eat:

Sharks Underwater Grille

 

‘Frenetic Energy & Laid-Back Cool’

By Claudia O’Brien, Contributing Writer

Florida’s international city and the surrounding metro area is an enthusiastic kaleidoscope of old neighborhoods and young skyscrapers, first- and second-generation ethnicity alongside Middle America, frenetic energy and laid-back cool.

As a Miami native, my visits home offer up an extra level of entertainment for me, glimpses of the 20th century Miami I knew so well. When we visited late last year, we stayed at the Mandarin Oriental on Brickell Key near downtown. It was our good fortune to have a room with a city-facing balcony offering amazing views of the glittering downtown skyline. It was also a Dolphins home game weekend and we had club-level seats (thanks to our son, Brian) a couple of rows below Jennifer Lopez and Mark Anthony’s private box. They waved; we waved.

If you’re planning a trip to The Magic City, as it’s been known since the ‘20s, a good place to start creating your itinerary is at miamigov.com where you’ll click the “Visitors” link. Do your research, and then go and have an amazing time!

Best Place To Stay:

The Mandarin Oriental, Miami

Best Places To Eat:

The Rusty Pelican, Azul, Natural Chicken Grill

 

‘World-Renowned For Shelling’

By Kristina Kolesa, Associate Editor

As a native of nearby Fort Myers, I’ve been visiting this barrier island for years, and I never tire of its beauty and charm. I highly recommend lunching at The Island Cow and then renting a bike at Billy’s Rentals for a leisurely pedal out to the lighthouse on the island’s easternmost tip for a spectacular view of the water.

Sanibel is world-renowned for its shelling, so be sure to pick your own (no live shells, please) or buy a whimsical shell souvenir from the aptly-named She Sells Sea Shells, which has been around longer than I have. Seaside Inn is a gorgeous place to stay overnight, and the kitschier Waterside Inn is also a treat. Really, how can you go wrong anywhere on an island where the landmark Dairy Queen is as commercialized as it gets? Enjoy!

 

Best Places to Stay:

Seaside Inn, Waterside Inn

Best Places to Eat:

The Island Cow, The Lazy Flamingo

 

'A True Escape’

By Karin Fabry-Cushenbery, Associate Editor

One of the best things about the inn is its location. Situated at the edge of beautiful Henderson Park, the inn is secluded enough to feel like a true escape, yet close enough to town to experience shopping and Destin’s other amenities.

Wine, grapes, and flowers welcome each couple upon check-in. Another bonus? A complimentary breakfast each morning (not to mention lunch in the afternoon).

The inn is right on the Gulf of Mexico and the water is pristine and clear. They don’t call this area of Florida the Emerald Coast for nothing. Private umbrellas and lounge chairs are already set up for you on the inn’s private beach and a community fridge is fully stocked with cold drinks.

For me, the Henderson Park Inn is all about relaxing. Each room is filled with lush linens in muted tones and piles of pillows, and as if the turndown service isn’t enough, they also leave tasty treats for each guest, including homemade cookies and chocolate.

I recommend sleeping with the French doors cracked to take in the salt air and the sounds of the surf.

WRITER’S NOTE: You may want to wait out the BP disaster before booking this particular trip. Believe me, though, it’ll be well worth the wait!

Best Place To Stay:

The Henderson Park Inn

Best Places To Eat:

Beach Walk Café, Marina Café (off-site)