Sometimes you want to take your family away for true quality time: no time schedules, no pre-planned activities, just spontaneity, togetherness and freedom. Below are some of my favorites for doing the steal-away family thing.
I loved the answer I received when I called the B&B owners and asked if they accepted children. "Why of course, they're people, too," came the answer in a friendly Southern drawl.


Florida House Inn, Fernandina Beach. I loved the answer I received when I called the B&B owners and asked if they accepted children. "Why of course, they're people, too," came the answer in a friendly Southern drawl. As Florida's first guest accommodations (circa 1857), its style predates the Civil War (nothing frilly like Fernandina's Victorian B&Bs). Enjoy old-fashioned boardinghouse-style, Deep South dining.


Gulf Breeze Cottages, Sanibel Island. The address is Shell Basket Lane, and the place is just that charming. Eleven classic cottages, efficiencies and duplexes make for the ideal barefoot beach vacation. A basket full of beach toys sits next to the sink and table where you can clean your shells and fish.


Old Saltworks Cabins, Cape San Blas. The little slice of quiet known as Cape San Blas is a haven for families with its beaches, parks and near-anonymity. Old Salt Works capitalizes on its historic location, once the site of a Civil War salt-making plant. In Fort Crooked Tree, kids can relive those days. The cabins spread from bay to Gulf.


The Outrigger Beach Resort, Fort Myers Beach. At the south end of the island, families can enjoy a wide, smooth beach. The pool, sunning deck and tiki bar provide further entertainment. It's popular for family reunions.


Steinhatchee Landing Resort, Steinhatchee. I have to smile when I hear the word Steinhatchee. My son and I had a short stay there, but one tinted by sweet memories. We swam off the road dust in the pool. We paddled the river. We drove through the remote fishing village to the corner mart for groceries to prepare in our cozy old Florida-style cottage. Go in summer for scalloping, a Steinhatchee specialty.


Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park and Lodge, Wakulla Springs. Equal parts historic digs, summer camp and Old South hospitality, the circa-1937 lodge overlooks the park's sparkling swimming hole. In the marble-floored lobby, the kids can admire Old Joe, the 11-foot 'gator preserved under glass, or belly up to the soda fountain. In the great outdoors, they can jump off the dive tower into the springs, run around the picnic grounds or drag mom and dad on a river cruise or glass-bottom boat ride.


Weston's Resort, Englewood Beach. Englewood Beach is a family priced place with plenty of water and miles between it and the main thoroughfares. Weston's occupies the island's southern portion, ending where a remote beach begins. The surrounding waters of Lemon Bay and an aquatic preserve ensure prime fishing. Efficiency accommodations (units have up to three bedrooms) on the beach and the bay, plus two swimming pools and other amenities serve families well.