south's coastal treasures, the

You'll find plenty of style and swanky goods at Mizner Park, the city's premier outdoor shopping plaza; (561) 362-0606 or www. miznerpark.org. Step out of the lap of luxury long enough to visit The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in nearby Delray Beach; (561) 495-0233 or www.morikami.org.

For more information: (561) 233-3000, 1-800-554-7256, or www.palmbeachfl.com.

Key West

You don't just happen upon this enchanting resort town approximately 150 miles south of Miami at the end of U.S. 1. Make the effort to get here, and the quirky atmosphere will hook you in a heartbeat.

Pop into the souvenir shops on Duval Street, check out the goods in Fast Buck Freddie's, and tour the former home of Ernest Hemingway. If you have to get out on the water, local outfitters will set you up for offshore fun. Just before sunset, head to Mallory Square for the Sunset Celebration. Street artists, fire-eaters, and animal acts entertain the crowd while the sun gets ready for its grand finale. For more information: 1-800-527-8539 or www.fla-keys.com.

Naples

Shopping and fishing may seem an incongruous pair, but they fit together perfectly in Naples. The 1,000-foot Naples Pier remains the local hot spot for fishing. It's also one of the best places to watch the sun set.

When you're not fishing, stroll Fifth Avenue South and do a little shopping at the galleries and boutiques. For more information: 1-800-688-3600 or www.paradisecoast.com.

Tampa

Neighborhoods hold the keys to good times in Tampa. Old Hyde Park Village offers shopping and dining in a European-style setting; (813) 251-3500 or www.oldhydepark.com. In the Ybor City historic district, you can sample a taste of Cuba. Be sure to catch the flamenco dancers (every night except Sunday) at Columbia Restaurant; (813) 248-4961. Entertainment fee: $6. Reservations required.

For more information: (813) 223-1111, 1-800-448-2672, or www.visit tampabay.com.

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Fairhope

Go for the shopping. Lots of cool places showcase the works of local artists. Get started at the Summit Gallery on Fairhope Avenue and the Lyons Share Custom Frame & Gallery on De La Mare. For designer jewelry, visit the Private Gallery on the corner of Church Street and Fairhope Avenue.

Overnight at the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa; (251) 928-9201 or 1-800-544-9933. Rates: $149-$300.

For more information: (251) 928-6387 or www.eschamber.com.

Mobile

Whether you have a sweet tooth or a soft spot for antebellum charm, Mobile offers plenty of cures. Our favorite downtown spot is Three Georges Southern Chocolates at 226 Dauphin Street. Choose from such freshly made offerings as fudge, sugary pralines, and divinity. For more pralines and chewy chocolate-pecan turtles, shop Mrs. Wheat's Treats at 154 South Florida Street.

Spend a morning or afternoon at Bellingrath Gardens and Home in Theodore, 20 miles southwest of downtown; (251) 973-2217 or 1-800-247-8420. The first blush of roses begins in mid-April. Make dinner reservations at The Pillars. Start with the crab rangoon ($9); (251) 471-3411. Our choice for overnight is the historic Radisson Admiral Semmes, just a short walk from the shops on Dauphin Street; (251) 432-8000 or 1-800-333-3333. Rates: $149-$179, but ask about specials.