Family Vacations Are Fun Again
Take a scenic road trip from Miami to Maine
Writer: Beth Chapman

Miami, FL

WHERE TO STAY Located in exciting Coconut Grove, the Mayfair Hotel and Spa (800-433-4555; mayfairhotelandspa.com) features an extraordinary assortment of services and amenities such as a 24-hour fitness center and business center. Step into the Westin Colonnade, Coral Gables (305-441-2600; starwoodhotels.com) and enter a world of comfort and satisfaction.

WHERE TO EAT Whether enjoying a Sabrinatina with friends or savoring Chocolate Fun-Do, revel in the relaxed sophistication of Barton G The Restaurant (305-672-8881; bartong.com). inspired by the basic beliefs of Indian spiritual philosophy, Tantra Restaurant (305-672-4765; tantrarestaurant.com) provides you an environment that immediately enhances four of your five senses.

WHAT TO DO Speed over the Florida Everglades on an exciting airboat ride with Everglades Airboat Ride Tour (800-987-9852), and see abundant native wildlife including birds, mammals, snakes and alligators. Hialeah Park (305-885-8000; hialeahpark.com) contains one of horse racing’s oldest and most prominent tracks and includes the Renaissance Revival clubhouse and formal landscaped gardens of flora and fauna native to southern Florida.

Savannah, GA

WHERE TO STAY Come and enjoy the history and nineteenth-century character of The Marshall House (800-589-6304; marshallhouse.com) as well as modern features such as high speed internet and private baths with pedestal sinks. Experience all the warmth and charm of a small inn with the services of a grand hotel with a stay at Planters Inn (800-554-1187; plantersinnsavannah.com).

WHERE TO EAT See true Southern hospitality and cooking at its best at The Lady & Sons (912-233-2600; ladyandsons.com), and you might just run into Paula Deen or her two sons. Walk back in time and enjoy a wonderful Southern coastal menu at Elizabeth on 37th (912-236-5547; elizabethon37th.net).

WHAT TO DO A long-lived Savannah tradition, the original City Market (912-232-4903) opened in 1755 as a fish, game and produce market. Now it is home to art galleries, specialty shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes. Load up the family for a narrated, horse-drawn carriage tour through the Historic District (912-236-6756), which enlightens the city's heritage and colorful past.

Charleston, SC

WHERE TO STAY The Mills House Hotel (800-874-9600; millshouse.com) is a gem of a historic hotel and embodies the epitome of true Southern hospitality paired with the conveniences of modern luxury. The Market Pavilion (877-440-2250; marketpavilion.com) is one of Charleston's newest and most luxurious hotels and is just minutes from the waterfront, shopping and grand old homes.

WHERE TO EAT The original Southern bistro, Carolina's Restaurant (843-724-3800; carolinasrestaurant.com), is a landmark in Charleston's culinary history with local ingredients and classically rooted preparations. Hyman's Seafood (843-723-6000; hymanseafood.com) specializes in fresh local seafood, award-winning “She” Crab Soup and friendly service.

WHAT TO DO Music Farm (843-853-3276) continues to be the premier live music venue, offering local, regional and national acts. Middleton Place (843-556-6020), the eighteenth-century plantation, is listed as a National Historic Landmark and boasts one of America's oldest formal gardens.

Baltimore, MD

WHERE TO STAY Step inside and gaze at the wonder that is the Pier 5 Hotel (410-539-2000; harbormagic.com) with its blend of comfortable, hip designs, vibrant colors and gorgeous harbor views. Experience the elegant comfort of the Tremont Park Hotel (410-576-1200; tremontsuitehotels.com), where it doesn't take a household name to receive star treatment.

WHERE TO EAT Immerse yourself in a dining environment varying from the fun and casual to the tailored and elegant while feasting on natural and pristine seafood at the Blue Sea Grill (410-837-7300; blueseagrill.com). A variety of entrees and authentic Irish cuisine are featured in an elegant pub atmosphere at Slainte Irish Pub and Restaurant (410-563-6600).

WHAT TO DO Fort McHenry (410-962-4290) is best known for its role in the writing of our national anthem—Francis Scott Key watched the flag wave above this fort during the Battle of Baltimore and wrote his moving tribute to the Stars and Stripes. Since 1782, citizens have purchased staples such as breads, cheeses and meats from the historic Lexington Market (410-685-6169). Now consumers can purchase crab cakes and sweet treats from local restaurants and bakeries.

Portland, ME

WHERE TO STAY Rich in tradition, yet charming and delightfully understated, The Eastland Park Hotel (888-671-8008; eastlandparkhotel.com) is conveniently located in the heart of the downtown acclaimed arts and shopping district. Relax and refresh in Victorian elegance at The Inn At St. John (800-636-9127; innatstjohn.com) with all the modern amenities. 

WHERE TO EAT Enjoy a traditional New England lobster bake aboard DiMillo's Floating Restaurant (207-772-2216; dimillos.com). The menu at Fore Street (207-775-2717; forestreet.biz) is founded upon the very best raw materials from a community of Maine farmers, fishermen, foragers and cheese makers.

WHAT TO DO Located in the Arts District, the Children's Museum of Maine (207-828-1234; kitetails.com) features a wide variety of interactive exhibits and activities for children and families. Jewell Island is available for public visitation and camping and offers a combination of woods, walking paths, rugged rock formations and beautiful evergreens for a great outdoor adventure for the whole family.