Swept Away

Looking for a nearby spot for a romantic honeymoon or just a cozy weekend retreat where the two of you can slip away? We asked Bruce Hunt, author of "Visiting Small-Town Florida" and "Florida's Finest Inns and Bed & Breakfasts," to name a few of his favorites within driving distance of Gainesville. "I personally like the small, quaint towns because of the pace and friendliness of the people, and there are usually locally owned shops and restaurants so you're not in strip-mall heaven," says Hunt, who recently updated and released the second edition of his popular guide to Florida's best inns and B&Bs. Whether it's the sugary sands of a seaside retreat, the majestic grandeur of an old-style inn, or the Old Florida charm of an historic small town, the four destinations here are bound to sweep you and your loved one off your feet. <p>APALACHICOLA</p> <b>The allure:</b> Maybe it's the oysters that make Apalachicola such an attractive destination for lovers. This quaint fishing village at the mouth of the Apalachicola River in Florida's Big Bend supplies 90 percent of the oysters served in the Sunshine State. But Hunt says the area's unspoiled natural beauty, together with the historic town's cute shops, great restaurants, charming inns and friendly locals are what brings him back time and again. Hiking, cycling, kayaking, fishing or boating — you'll find it all here, too. Apalachicola may be part the state's Forgotten Coast, but a weekend stay here is guaranteed to be unforgettable. For more information go to www.apalachicolabay.org. <b>Driving distance:</b> 200 miles; approximately 4 hours from Gainesville <b>Where to stay:</b> The Coombs House Inn, 80 Sixth Street, Apalachicola, (toll free: 888-244-8320), (850-653-9199), www.coombshouseinn.com This turn-of-the-century mansion was built in 1905 by one of the Apalachicola cypress lumber barons, James Coombs. It was, at the time, one of the most elegant houses in Apalachicola, featuring black cypress wall paneling, nine fireplaces and a majestic 12-foot foyer. The mansion was purchased in the 1980s and renovated and converted into a bed-and-breakfast inn in the 1990s by the internationally renowned interior designer Lynn Wilson, who also designed the interiors of the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables and the Vinoy Hotel in St. Petersburg. The inn has been featured in Travel & Leisure Magazine, The New York Times and was named best bed- and-breakfast inn in Florida in 2008 and 2009 by Florida Monthly Magazine. <b>Where to dine: </b>Chef Eddie's Magnolia Grill, 99 11th Street, (850-653-8000), www.chefeddiesmagnoliagrill.com Critics claim the Gulf seafood dishes served at Chef Eddie's, including shrimp-scallop bisque and fresh dolphin Pontchartrain, along with a number of daily specials, are some of the best around. The restaurant also features an extensive wine list. <p>FERNANDINA BEACHON AMELIA ISLAND</p> <b>The allure:</b>There's no shortage of ways to relax and get away from it all on this 13-mile- long barrier island just north of Jacksonville, which offers golfing, paddling, horseback riding, hiking, biking, fishing, antiquing, boating and more. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Fernandina Beach, a shipping town on the northern tip of the island, was a mecca for a number of wealthy Americans. Many of them built elegant Victorian-style homes in the center of town, which became known as the Silk Stocking District. <b>Driving distance:</b>107 miles; 2 hours from Gainesville <b>Where to stay:</b> The Amelia Island Williams House, 103 S. Ninth Street, (800-414-9258), (904-277-2328), www.williamshouse.com Romance combines with history at this Victorian B&B. Built in 1856, it's one of the oldest houses in Fernandina, and once served as a safe house for runaway slaves. Each of the 10 guest rooms features period antiques and fireplaces, as well as all of the modern amenities. The B&B's "Lover's Getaway" package includes chocolate-covered strawberries in your room on arrival, a picnic lunch to take to the beach, a carriage ride through historic Fernandina Beach and a candle-lit dinner for two at a local restaurant. The B&B will even book a sunset sail or a river cruise on your behalf. <b>Where to dine: </b> Beech Street Grill, 801 Beech Street, ( 904-277- 3662), www.beechstreetgrill.com. Partners Rick Erickson and Liz Smiddy opened this eatery in 1990, which serves contemporary, creative world — and world-class — cuisine and fine wines in one of the town's picturesque restored historic homes. <p>GULFPORT</p> <b>The allure:</b> Most cities in Florida developed around the railroads. But before the railroad made it to Gulfport, just south of St. Petersburg, the developer ran out of money. As a result, Hunt says, this trendy, bohemian arts community has retained its small-town appeal. "It's a small town encapsulated in the city," he says. The town, located on the Boca Ciega Bay, has its own beach and fishing pier, a nature preserve (the Clam Bayou Nature Preserve), as well as a waterfront district featuring unique shops, art galleries, antique stores and great restaurants. Don't miss the regular Art Walks held along Beach Boulevard beginning at 6 p.m. on the first Friday and third Saturday of every month. <b>Driving distance:</b> 155 miles; 2-1/2 hours from Gainesville <b>Where to stay:</b>The Sea Breeze Manor 5701 Shore Blvd, (727-343-4445), www.seabreezemanor.com This beautiful restored 1920s bungalow-style mansion sits right on the beach overlooking Boca Ciega Bay. The two-story main house, built in the Tudor style, features several spacious guest suites, each with a separate sitting area and either a private patio or balcony overlooking the beach or a tropical garden. The inn includes two adjacent guest cottages with private entrances, patios and views of the bay. The Gulfport waterfront district's shops and restaurants are a short walk from the inn. <b>Where to dine: </b>Backfin Blue Café 2913 Beach Boulevard, South, (727-343-2583), www.backfinbluecafe.com. The café, housed in a 1920s cottage in the heart of Gulfport's art district, is known for its old Florida charm and it's fabulous Maryland-style crab cakes, along with prime rib, meatloaf and fresh seafood. <p>ANNA MARIA ISLAND</p> <b>The allure:</b> Cast away your cares on this island beach haven just off the Gulf coast from Bradenton. Years ago, the city's visionaries voted never to allow high-rise condos on the island, helping the seven-and-a-half-mile-long stretch of tropical sand and surf to retain much of it's Old Florida charm. "It's what the beach was years ago — cottages, motels, good little restaurants," Hunt says. "It's very romantic." Island activities include cycling, boating, fishing, kayaking, shopping and much more. <b>Driving distance:</b> 177 miles; 3 hours from Gainesville <b>Where to stay:</b>The Harrington House Beachfront Bed and Breakfast, 5626 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, (888-828-5566), (941-778-5444), www.harringtonhouse.com This cluster of four historic homes sits right on the beach, where many of the 20 guest rooms and suites offer breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. The Main House, constructed of coquina shell in 1925, is where guests gather each morning for a fabulous full island breakfast, featuring such mouth-watering delights as Sweet-tart Apple Cranberry Crepes, Stuffed French Toast or the Harrington House Famous Buttermilk Pancake Sundae. <b>Where to dine: </b>Beach Bistro, 6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, (941-778-6444), www.beachbistro.com This award-winning restaurant's picturesque views of the Gulf are as spectacular as the food itself. With such enticing entrees as Bistro Bouillabaisse, Floribbean Grouper (Gulf grouper with a coconut and cashew crust), beef tenderloin served "surfing" (with buttered lobster tail), "flying" (topped with foie gras) or "going wild" (with wild forest mushrooms and peppercorn demi cream), it's easy to see how the restaurant landed in Florida Trend magazine's Golden Spoon Hall of Fame and on Zagat's list of "Top Restaurants in America."