And the place to stay is the regal Herlong Mansion, a three-story structure that dates to the early 1800s and was converted to a bed-and-breakfast in 1987. It's a grand Southern Colonial mansion, with four carved Corinthian columns drawing attention to a wide veranda, a popular congregating spot for guests.

Inside, the mansion has floors inlaid with maple and mahogany, 12-foot ceilings, ''tiger oak'' and walnut paneling, and floor-to-ceiling windows in the dining room. Guest rooms come with soaking tubs, and many have fireplaces.

Breakfast: Full course breakfasts are served in style in the dining room. Specialties include egg-sausage strata and blueberry muffins.

Rooms: 12 rooms; rates $119-$189.

Be sure to: Go to Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings HistoricState Park, a 15-minute drive. Rawlings, who won the Pulitzer Prize for The Yearling, did her writing on the porch of an old farmhousenow inside the park. 352- 466-3672; www.floridastate parks.org/marjoriekinnanrawlings/.

Details: 402 NE Cholokka Blvd., Micanopy; 352-466- 3322 or 800-437-5664; www.herlong.com.

GARDENS HOTEL

Key West

Well-located near Duval Street and within walking distance of restaurants, shops, galleries and Mallory Square, The Gardens is a tropical paradise with orchids, bromeliads and other exotic plants, as well as fountains, old brick pathways and a cool pool.

Inside, rooms have Bahamian plantation style furniture and paintings by Key West artists. Fine Italian linens cover the beds.

After the long drive to Key West, I especially appreciate being offered a mimosa at check in. Thoughtful details like that make The Gardens a perfect place to plant yourself in Key West.

Breakfast: An expansive continental breakfast with fresh fruits and locally made pastries is served in the sunroom or beside the pool.

Rooms: 17 suites; rates $165-$710.

Be sure to: Take a walk to Mallory Square for the sunset celebration, then have dinner at elegant Antonia's Italian Restaurant on Duval Street.

Details: 526 Angela St., Key West; 800-526-2664 or 305-294-2661; www.gardenshotel.com.

DICKENS HOUSE

St. Petersburg

Over the years, the 1912 Craftsman-style Dickens House had become a low-rent apartment building and an eyesore. In 1995, the house got a new owner and a major renovation. Now it's one of St. Petersburg's finest inns, furnished with things the savvy owner scavenged, including a heart-pine staircase from an old hotel and a six-burner Garland commercial stove he got from a rod and gun club.

There is much to admire at the Dickens House in St. Petersburg's Old Northeast neighborhood. The beds are firm, the pillows plump; fine Egyptian linens cover the mattresses. Four of the five bathrooms have whirlpool tubs. Common areas have hardwood floors. There are rocking chairs on the front porch, and plenty to do within walking distance. We never miss a sunset at the marina overlooking the city pier.

Breakfast: The chef (innkeeper) is always coming up with new recipes. Favorites: sheared egg on toast points; mini croissants filled with Amaretto peach pecan preserves, brie cheese and banana.

Rooms: Five rooms; rates $109-$215.

Be sure to: Ride the trolley to museums, the pier and shops; the trolley stops a few blocks from the inn.

Details: 335 Eighth Ave. NE, St. Petersburg; 727-822- 8622 or 800-381-2022; www.dickenshouse.com.

SHAMROCK THISTLE

& CROWNE

Weirsdale

The Shamrock Thistle & Crown is a quiet, peaceful place, where folks have time to savor a book, listen to music, stroll the grounds, take a dip in the pool or lounge on the front porch swing. The Victorian B&B with an Irish flavor was once the site of an orange grove.

Built in 1887 and designated as a historical landmark in Marion County, the house has refinished hardwood floors, wood-burning fireplace and a formal dining room set with Irish crystal and fine china. The second floor has an observation deck.

Some second-floor rooms come with four-poster antique beds, fireplaces and whirlpools. The Victorian dollhouse cottage is a favorite with honeymooners.

Breakfast: Freshly squeezed juice and fruit are a given. Entrees may include Belgian waffles, French toast, pancakes or Eggs Benedict.

Rooms: Seven rooms; rates $89-$215.

Be sure to: Take a glass bottom boat ride in nearby Silver Springs. 352-236-2121; www.silversprings.com.

Details: 12971 SE Highway 42, Weirsdale; 800-425-2763 or 352-821-1887; www.shamrockbb.com.

Mary Thurwachter is founder of INNsideFlorida.com (www.innsideflorida.com).