Break with small children

HI there, my husband and myself are travelling to Florida over Chrismas with our family. We plan to spend a night in Miami on 11 December. We want to spend a night in a Miami hotel so want to stop somewhere where we are able to have a walk around and grab some dinner. Can you suggest anywhere bearing in mind we do not want to be too close to the nightclubs, but not in the middle of nowhere. Our children and 1, 3 and 7. We will have a hire car. We do not want to spend too much on accomodation

Really appreciate any advice, I just dont know where to start!!!

Lou x

Break with small children

Lou%26gt;

Not sure about your budget, but there are loads of family-friendly hotels on Miami Beach. If you and your kids would enjoy a day by the sea, look into the Albion, the Doubletree Surfcomber, the Crest, the Clay, the Atlantica Suites...the Imapla.

Kids are everywhere in SoBe! These hotels put you in the middle of the action as the restaurants on Lincoln Road play host to kids and well-behaved little dogs at any hour. Please do not feel you need to restrict your schedule because you%26#39;ve got kids in tow.

Lincoln Road is your best bet. Let me give you a quick tour...

Due west of Washington at 546 Lincoln Road, try Cafeteria - a 24 hour kid-friendly AND adult-chic cafe that features fresh juices, a full bar, a really diverse all-day menu including breakfast anytime (Brunching? Try the steak and eggs, a crabcake eggs benedict, croissant french toast or lemony light pancakes) and simple dishes like mac %26amp; cheese if the kids are fussy. If you choose to sit inside as I always do, the center panel of the vaulted ceiling slides back on sunny days to drench the place in natural light and fresh air. A word of caution, sometimes the music is a little loud inside - but the atmosphere is bouncy and kid distracting enough to let you %26amp; the gang feel like you%26#39;re on vacation.

If you will be in town Sunday December 10, the Lincoln Road Mall Outdoor Antique and Farmer%26#39;s Market opens early for holiday shopping - a great people watching opportunity that%26#39;s free and lots of fun. Again, kids, dogs, a balloon twisting guy at Euclid Circle... the works!

If the kids are allowed ice cream, check out this hidden treasure - The Frieze Ice Cream Factory (on the cross street just a few steps south of the Mall at 1626 Michigan Ave). This simple storefront supplies fresh, creative homemade ice cream for all of the area%26#39;s best restaurants. Not satisfied with perfect riffs on chocolate and vanilla, they conjure up tropical fruit flavors and creative combos you%26#39;ll want to sample again and again.

North of the mall on Michigan is the ICE BOX cafe, a small upscale eatery with a really creative menu that changes daily and desserts to ruin every diet.

Weather Issues? Feet feeling iffy?

If you keep walking north on Michigan (1691 Michigan) - about a block off the mall - you%26#39;ll find my new hideout LUCKY STRIKE LANES. I know you aren%26#39;t travelling to Miami to bowl, but this upscale LA hotspot has swept Miami Beach with its perfect combination of brand new high tech bowling lanes and a full service bar and grill that attracts the over 21 crowd all night long. Give them a call at 305-532-0307 for daytime hours and fees. This place is a LIFESAVER if you%26#39;re travelling with kids and it starts to (YIKES - I%26#39;ll say it!) rain. Also, at the far end of the Mall at Alton Road is an 18plex movie theater if you need a few hours of quiet contemplation with a kiddie movie...

In the evenings on this same busy Michigan Ave corner, Finnegan%26#39;s 2 features live local bands and a casual Irish pub atmosphere. You can roll a stroller up to a sidewalk table and relax awhile. If the kids get antsy, BOOKS %26amp; BOOKS is just across the way (933 Lincoln) with a small kid%26#39;s section in the back (plus cookies up front).

Quick Picks for easy sidewalk dining:

*For casual Cuban Dining, try Lincoln Rd Cafe (943 Lincoln).

*Crispy pizza and amazing fried calamari at SPRIS (731 Lincoln).

*Upscale Italian at Da Leo (819 Lincoln).

*Family friendly 50s diner chain Johnny Rockets (1025 Lincoln)

*Thai %26amp; Sushi at World Resources or Sushi Siam (647 Lincoln).

*Just a slice to go at Pizza Rustica (667 Lincoln).

*Lovely sandwiches and salads at Paninoteca (800 Lincoln).

Also - nearby and really special?

Book a garden table for a romantic dinner at Nemo (100 Collins Ave 305-532-4550) under the sparkling lights or create a picnic to remember at Joe%26#39;s Stone Crabs takeaway counter (11 Washington Ave) which includes kid-friendly sandwiches and southern fried chicken... (call ahead 305-673-4611 and just grab a cab).

I know you%26#39;ll be glad you brought the family to South Beach!

Enjoy...

AG