Heron House
Key West
There is no other experience like Key West where the blend of tropical climate, beautiful sunsets, rich history and an on-the-wild-side nightlife leave you relaxed and energized all at the same time. The same could be said perhaps about Key West's Heron House, located in the heart of its historic district. Unassuming from the street, once you step through the doorway of the restored hotel you'll find a fabulous retreat featuring beautiful detailing, including stained glass and intricate woodworking. An exotic orchid collection is set amid lush landscaping with private decks and patios for those romantic moments or when you simply need quiet seclusion.
Modern amenities make your stay even more enjoyable — private baths, cable TV, wireless Internet service, in-house robes, complimentary poolside continental breakfast and wine and cheese on weekend nights.
Of course, this is Key West, so you'll want to explore your surroundings — from sunset celebrations to maritime museums, Hemingway's Home to his favorite hangout... Sloppy Joe's Bar and everything in between!
Heron House
512 Simonton Street
Key West, FL 33040
Toll free: 800-294-1644
Website: www.heronhouse.com
Photo Tour of Key West
Port d'Hiver Bed and Breakfast
Melbourne Beach
Melbourne Beach, on the Atlantic Ocean, sports some of the best surfing along Florida's East Coast. Its beaches — Ocean Park, Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge and Sebastian Inlet — draw locals and big talent to the surf breaks.
Port d'Hiver Bed and Breakfast, a unique seaside retreat, is located in Brevard's oldest beach community — Ocean Park. Its neighborhood beach with a lifeguard on duty, a sand volleyball court, picnic tables and grills is is also home to the office of Eastern Surf Magazine. Port d'Hiver is everything you would want in a romantic getaway. Beautiful, luxurious rooms that are comfortable, yet elegant, although a little pricey.
Port d'Hiver Bed and Breakfast
201 Ocean Avenue
Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
Toll free: 866-621-7678
Website: www.portdhiver.com
Herlong Mansion
Micanopy
As the state's first Florida inland settlement, Micanopy (pronounced mick-can-oh'-pee) is often called "the little town that time forgot." It's a charming place, located in North Central Florida near Gainesville, where historic buildings line the streets and antiques and collectibles are plentiful. For over 30 years, one of Florida's most popular fall festivals is held in Micanopy during October each year.
Stately Herlong Mansion was initially built as a two-story cracker-style home, but early in the twentieth century it was remodeled into the grand Greek Revival mansion that stands today. As a bed and breakfast, it features 10 guest rooms with private baths, a carriage house and a cottage. Each room is uniquely designed and appointed with its own amenities. Guests will enjoy the perennial gardens and the views of the boulevard from the wide verandas. Guests may request special services, such as in-room massages or private five-course candlelight dinners. The home is also available for weddings and receptions.
When you're not enjoying the views from the verandas, you'll want to browse the numerous antique shops in town or enjoy live entertainment and some of the best catfish with crispy hush puppies at The Yearling. In nearby Cross Creek find Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, where you can tour the famous author's simple house. Rawlings wrote the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Yearling on its front porch.
Herlong Mansion
402 N.E. Cholokka Blvd
Micanopy, FL 32667
Toll free: 800-437-5664
Website: www.herlong.com
Photo Tour of Herlong Mansion
Your Choice of Bed & Breakfasts
Mount Dora
Mount Dora is known for its shopping — some say the best antique shopping in Florida. Its charming downtown is a eclectic mix of shops and restaurants. Just outside of town is Renninger's Twin Markets — one is a flea market and the other is for antiques and collectibles.
I found it impossible to choose just one out of Mount Dora's outstanding bed and breakfasts. Each has its own style and charm, all offer gracious southern hospitality.
There are several narrated tours of the town that are perfect for getting to know the area. The Mount Dora Trolley offers 50-minute tours exploring the town's historic neighborhoods, a narrated round-trip train ride aboard the Inland Lakes Railway or spend the day on the chain of lakes surrounding Mount Dora aboard The Captain Doolittle, a luxury pontoon cruiser that offers food during the tour.Website: Mount Dora Bed & Breakfasts
Shamrock Thistle & Crown Bed & Breakfast
Ocala
Weirsdale is just southeast of Ocala, the heart of Florida's horse country. Enjoy sights unlike anyplace else in Florida — horses grazing contentedly amid gently rolling hills, towering oaks and miles of white wooden fences that frame grand Thoroughbred horse farms.
The Shamrock Thistle & Crown Bed & Breakfast is on the Marion County historic register as the Thomas B. Snook House. Situated at the top of a hill the home overlooks acres of land that once was a thriving citrus grove. The bed and breakfast has been featured in Irresistible Overnights in Florida and named one of Florida's "10 Cozy B&B's" by the Palm Beach Post.
The rooms are bright and interestingly decorated and the little yellow Victorian cottage would make the perfect honeymoon suite. Amenities include private baths, elegant breakfast, snacks, cable TV, wireless Internet and a solar-heated swimming pool. Whirlpools are available in select locations.
Nearby you will find a handful of museums — Florida Carriage Museum, Appleton Museum of Art, Don Garlits Drag Racing & Antique Car Museums among others. Outdoor enthusiasts might enjoy a variety of outdoor experiences at Ocala National Forest, Silver River State Park or hiking the Florida Greenway Trail. Of course, let's not forget one of Florida's oldest attractions, Silver Springs, where you can take a glass-bottomed boat ride.
Shamrock Thistle & Crown Bed & Breakfast
12971 S.E. Highway 42
Weirsdale, FL 32195
Toll free: 800-425-2763
Website: www.shamrockbb.com
