Breakfast: Apple pie pancakesand mini pecan-pie muffins are guest favorites.

Rooms: Seven rooms; rates $135-$269.

Be sure to: Check out the shops, galleries and antique shops in downtown Lake Worth.

Details: 109 N. Golfview Road, Lake Worth; 888-722- 2572 or 561-582-1090; www.sabalpalmhouse.com.

HARRINGTON HOUSE

Anna Maria Island

We discovered dolphins swimming in front of our room one morning at the Harrington House. Little surprises like that aren't uncommon at the seaside retreat.

Each room has a different décor. Most feature French doors opening onto balconies that overlook the heated swimming pool or the beach and the Gulf of Mexico. The beds are comfortable with stylish linens. We especially like the large suite in the Huth House and the upstairs room overlooking the gazebo in the Carriage House.

Breakfast: There's a chef on the premises and guests have a choice of breakfast entrees.

Rooms: 19 rooms in four buildings and three condos; rates $139-$529.

Be sure to: Watch the sunset while having dinner at Beach Bistro, just a short walk up the beach. 941- 778-6444; www.beachbistro.com.

Details: 5626 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach; 888-828-5566 or 941-778-5444; www.harringtonhouse.com.

GRANDVIEW GARDENS

West Palm Beach

This restored 1924 home has private entrances to guest rooms, terraces, large bathrooms and a swimming pool. It also has 1937 Bermuda-style home and a 1925 Spanish Mission style cottage for weekly rental. Surrounded by lush, tropical landscape, the inn has a great sun deck and heated pool. Guest rooms are larger than most. Close to CityPlace, the Norton Museum and Armory Art Center, Kravis Center, the Convention Center and Antique Row, Grandview Gardens B&B is a good choice for culture-seekers.

Breakfast: Buffet -- including fresh fruit and freshly baked muffins -- with seating inside or on the patio.

Rooms: Five rooms; rates $125-$199. Two cottages; rates $1,000 to $2,300 a week.

Be sure to: Take a historic bike tour led by the innkeepers.

Details: 1608 Lake Dr., West Palm Beach; 561-833- 9023; www.grandview-gardens.com.

PORT D'HIVER

Melbourne Beach

Just over a year old, Port d'Hiver (French for winter port) has a great beach location close to restaurants. Melbourne's Historic Downtown, Sebastian Inlet Park, the Brevard Zoo, and Forever Florida -- a nature preserve and working cattle ranch -- are within an easy drive.

The houses are historical and superbly renovated. Catch up on your reading on your private porch, or stretch out beside the pool. From turndown service to making dinner or golf reservations, the staff excels at its concierge service. Book a room here and expect to be pampered.

Breakfast: Served in the dining room or on the deck of guest rooms. Fresh squeezed orange or grapefruit juice, freshly baked muffins, granola-yogurt parfaits, French toast and more.

Rooms: 11 rooms; rates $200-$575.

Be sure to: Use one of the B&B's complimentary bikes and pedal your way along Riverside Drive along Indian River Lagoon. At sunset, toast the day at the pier or from your dinner table on the veranda at Djon's Steak and Lobster House.

Details: 201 Ocean Ave., Melbourne Beach; 866-621- 7678; www.portdhiver.com.

HERLONG MANSION

Micanopy

Micanopy is a tiny town 10 miles from Gainesville, sprinkled with ancient oak trees draped with Spanish moss. Visitors check out the antiques shops along Cholokka Boulevard. There are no traffic lights, no fast-food restaurants, no door-to-door mail delivery. It's a place where people take time to smell the magnolia blossoms.

Join the discussion

The Miami Herald is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. We encourage lively, open debate on the issues of the day, and ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point. In order to post comments, you must be a registered user of MiamiHerald.com. Your username will show along with the comments you post. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

     Showing: Oldest first Newest first Most-recommended first Least-recommended first

@Nyx.AuthorDisplayName@ wrote on @Nyx.PostedAtTime@:

@Nyx.repliedToText@

@Nyx.replyAnswerText@

Reply to this Comment @Nyx.Recommender@ @Nyx.AbuseReporter@