Fort Lauderdale is about 28 miles north of Miami, on Florida's southeastern coast. If you're flying to Florida, the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood airport (FLL) is a great choice-it's served by almost every low-cost carrier, so fares are low, but there's far less congestion than at busy Miami International. The "Greater Fort Lauderdale area" is comprised of the following towns (from south to north): Hallendale Beach, Hollywood, Dania Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Pompano Beach, Hillsboro Beach, and Deerfield Beach.

New Smyrna is about 55 miles northeast of Orlando, in the "Central East" area of Florida. When traveling on I-95, pay careful attention to the exits; they were re-numbered several years ago, but both sets of numbers are still in use.

As in all Florida, peak season runs from mid-December into April; November and early December visitors can take advantage of pleasant weather, no crowds, and great rates. The tacky "Spring Break" tradition of crazed collegiate partying has been eliminated, replaced by a level of elegance that will surprise and delight anyone who grew up during the "where the boys are" era.

Fort Lauderdale: The Greater Fort Lauderdale area is ideal for an active vacation, starting with its easily accessible 23 miles of clean white-sand beaches and extensive waterside walking and riding paths. Scuba divers and snorkelers flock to its three-tiered natural reef system, enhanced by more than 75 artificial reefs. More info... In addition, you'll find ample opportunities to watch or try deep-sea fishing, horseracing, ice hockey, hiking, and bicycling. More info... Anchored by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District encompasses a 22-block downtown area, including Las Olas Riverfront and Boulevard, and features major cultural institutions, galleries, shopping and dining - all within walking distance along the 1.5 mile Riverwalk park. Other major cultural institutions include the Museum of Art, the Fort Lauderdale Historical Museum, the Stranahan House, Florida Grand Opera and the Concert Association of Florida.

New Smyrna Beach Clean, quiet beaches and a welcoming, laidback little town are key reasons to visit; its natural beauty contrasts with Orlando's manmade attractions. Browse in the galleries and antiques shops; explore the area via bike, boat, or kayak; take time for surfing, fishing or golf. Plan to spend a day at Ponce Inlet, with its walking trails, Marine Science Center and amazing Ponce Inlet lighthouse and museums. If you've never been, take another day to tour the Kennedy Space Center about 45 minutes south of New Smyrna and the same distance east of Orlando. More area info...

Fort Lauderdale Close to the Intracoastal and the beach, the recently renovated Granada Inn has twelve guest rooms encircling a lush courtyard and swimming pool.

Innkeeper Yann Bris welcomes guests to the Montfiallo Bed and Breakfast, an elegant escape decorated with European panache, convenient to both the beach and the downtown charms of Las Olas Boulevard and the River Walk.

If you're looking for country inn charm and boutique hotel elegance, stay at The Pillars at New River Sound, with 23 handsomely decorated guest rooms overlooking a garden courtyard with swimming pool, and the Intracoastal waterway beyond. For a perfect romantic getaway, book their two-night B&B package, including breakfast, welcome bottle of wine, and Water Bus passes; ask the staff to make dinner reservations for you at the waterside River House and get there by boat.

Hollywood A 1930s home impeccably restored by innkeeper Dean Liotta,Hollywood By the Sea B&B has ten guest rooms, combining original period artwork, appealing but uncluttered décor, modern amenities from DSL access to satellite TV, plus lovely views of the garden and swimming pool or the white-sand beach. Food is also a highlight, from the home-cooked breakfast to the fresh-baked cookies.

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Although a motel, not an inn, we loved the hand-painted, tiled, individually decorated guest rooms (with kitchenettes) at the Blue Seas Courtyard, and the lush courtyard garden with swimming pool. The Courtyard Villa is right on the beach and ocean, and has an inviting courtyard hot tub; guest room décor is highlighted by period antiques and reproductions. A Little Inn has a great location, directly on the ocean in the charming seaside village of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. Rates include a breakfast buffet, use of bicycles, and tennis court access; children under 12 stay free in their parents' room.

Pompano Beach Elaine Fitzgerald has done a remarkable job of renovating 1940s-era beach cottages - Pineapple Place and Cottages by the Ocean -- into bright, cheery, comfortable cottages, close to the beach and available for weekly rentals.

New Smyrna Beach

A third-generation Floridian, innkeeper Linda Gill Hayes guarantees you a warm welcome at Coquina Wharf, a B&B with three guest rooms plus a two-bedroom cottage.

A 75-year-old "Florida Cracker" house, the Longboard Inn is a restored bungalow that showcases the exceptional artistic talents of innkeepers Blythe and Steve Ethridge. The common areas as well as each of its six guest rooms are delightfully decorated with hand-painted and hand-crafted furniture, ceramics, stained glass, and paintings; rates are exceptionally affordable.

An 1883 riverfront estate home, the Little River Inn has spacious guest rooms and common areas, with a garden that's a favorite for weddings.

Overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, the Night Swan B&B is a 1906 home, with a dock on the Indian River; its beautiful antique furnishings complement the Old Florida ambiance.

An restored 1885 hotel, the Riverview has an adjacent restaurant, swimming pool, and loaner bikes for guests to ride down to the beach, just two blocks away. Guest rooms have period décor and open to the landscaped gardens and swimming pool, or overlook the Intracoastal waterway