For those who like to vacation in style, here's a sure-fire travel log for enjoying the holidays at some very special Florida destinations.

With a boom then a sizzle, the night sky flashed with bursting petals of purple, red and gold, like flowers blooming to the heartbeat of America. This Fourth of July fireworks display seemed more significant than usual. The huddled masses on the small bridge overlooking the Hillsborough River in south Tampa emitted a special kinship: We were only a few miles from MacDill Air Force Base.

As the grand finale kept all heads turned skyward to marvel at the spectacle, excitement enveloped me. This special occasion marked the beginning of my high-style travels through some of our nation's major holidays.

My journey took me from Independence Day in Tampa Bay. . . to an outrageous Fantasy Fest vacation in Key West at Halloween. . . to Christmas in beautifully lit St. Augustine. It was an adventure.


Independence Day in Tampa Bay

 Patriotic spirit provided a special rush for me on this Fourth of July, and so did the plush Westin Tampa Harbour Island Hotel. Tampa is my hometown, and playing tourist at the Westin made the city's attractions seem that much sweeter.

We found the hotel modern and luxurious, though not overly ornate. Comfy-looking chairs and sofas filled the lobby. Lovely floral arrangements gave the hallways a regal look. The restaurant, 725 South, and adjoining lounge were quiet and calmed the nerves (something we appreciated after a raucous day of celebrating).

In addition to a king-sized bed, our spacious suite provided a lovely view of boats moored in a small marina that bordered a deep lagoon of the Hillsborough River. Another window allowed us to peer at downtown and Channelside, where the fireworks would soon take place.

As plush as the Westin is, no self-respecting tourist would just loll around the hotel all day. We headed to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, which made its allegiance clear by displaying the Stars and Stripes everywhere, though it's doubtful that the tigers, elephants and gorillas quite knew why. This July 4th, the park was even more fun than usual. Maybe it was the small U.S. flags waving proudly from visitors' hats or the anticipation of evening fireworks. We signed on for the Ultimate AdventureTour, an exclusive all-day VIP excursion that includes a behind-the-scenes tour, a personal guide, no line waits (I rode the Kumba and Montu coasters over and over), reserved seating for all shows and other perks.

On the morning of July 5th, we headed to the Florida Aquarium, a modern marine attraction so special it's named after the whole state. We especially enjoyed the aquarium's Sea Dragons exhibit, displaying marine creatures whose shaped and colored bodies look like floating vegetation.

For more information on the Tampa Area, contact the Tampa Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-44-TAMPA or visit www.VisitTampaBay.com.
Fantasy Fest, the Southernmost City's Halloween celebration, involves a swirl of week-long antics that are part-Mardi Gras and part-spring break, with some tropical weather thrown in for good measure.


Halloween in Key West

 Halloween might seem like kid's stuff to some, but you'd be wise not to mention that in Key West, where the holiday is serious business.

Fantasy Fest, the Southernmost City's Halloween celebration, involves a swirl of week-long antics that are part-Mardi Gras and part-spring break, with some tropical weather thrown in for good measure. The outrageous assortment of sights and sounds would make a sailor blush.

Not being bashful, we jumped right in. Most of the fun, however, involved watching everyone else letting loose. People were decked in feathers, leather, body paint and other bizarre costumes. The surreal sideshow shocked my visiting Alaskan friend, whose mountain-man mentality wasn't quite ready for the extremes of Fantasy Fest. But by week's end, he swore he'd return.

In addition to the daily sunset celebration at Mallory Square (a long concrete dock where jugglers, fortune tellers, acrobats and other entertainers play to the crowds), Fantasy Fest includes provocative parades and celebrations such as Dungeons & Dragons and the Headdress Ball. Of all the outrageous activities of Fantasy Fest, our favorite was the ball. About 20 contestants paraded on a makeshift runway, displaying amazing and at times hilarious headgear towering 20 feet or more above their shoulders.

Aside from taking part in the celebration itself, our game plan was to experience the different sides of Key West. We began at the quiet-and-quaint Eden House, out of earshot of busy Duval Street. Simply put, the place charmed us. As in many Key West guest houses, the property was contained in a relatively small enclave, but somehow we never felt elbowed in.

Owner Mike Eden often chats with guests here at the end of the day, and we enjoyed spirited conversations and complimentary cocktails with him. Later, we ate at the inn's small but delectable restaurant, Café Med, which lived up to its name in cuisine and class. At the end of the evening, I soaked in a private Jacuzzi next to our Queen Conch suite.

In the second half of our Fantasy Fest jaunt, we lodged in the elegant Westin Key West Resort & Marina. Since it is located next to the Duval Street action and to several museums, we enjoyed the convenience of not having to drive anywhere for days. Our gorgeous suite overlooked the aquamarine Gulf of Mexico, as well as the marina, cruise port and Mallory Square. I sat on the balcony to take in the parade of passersby, boats of every size, and soaring gulls framed by clear blue skies.

One balmy evening we took a boat shuttle to Sunset Key, the exclusive island owned by the Westin. We enjoyed dinner in the beautiful Latitudes Beach Café, where we feasted on exotic Caribbean dishes under the stars.

For more information on Key West, contact The Florida Keys Tourist Development Council at 800-352-5397 or visit www.fla-keys.com.


Christmas in the Oldest City

 For me, nothing revs up the holiday spirit more than Christmas lights. So, when I learned that St. Augustine - a charming destination in any season - celebrates a holiday festival called Nights of Lights, it went on my Christmas "to-do" list in a nanosecond.

Travelers have many choices regarding where to stay in this lovely old city, but you won't go wrong at the Bayfront Westcott House. Stepping into my suite was like stepping back in time. My accommodations contained American and European antiques, a fireplace and a bathtub with Jacuzzi jets. I felt mighty snug on those crisp December evenings.

At the Bayfront Westcott House, breakfast is selected the evening before from a menu card hung on the door handle. You can eat in the privacy of your room, in the courtyard or on the Victorian porch. I consistently chose the porch because it offered a sun-streaked view of the Matanzas River. In the evening, the inn's ornate dining room hosts a complimentary wine and cheesecake get together - sure to spoil your dinner, but aren't treats what holidays are all about?

The prime location is another plus of the inn. Situated in the downtown historic district, it was an easy stroll to museums, fine restaurants, quaint shops and historic sights. But I had come for Nights of Lights, and I wasn't disappointed. St. Augustine's charming, historic residences were strewn with glowing bulbs - and so were bridges, statues, parks, office buildings, restaurants, shops, oak trees, boats and (I swear this is true) even a baby carriage pushed along by a very festive couple.

The Nights of Lights celebration begins the Saturday before Thanksgiving and runs until January 31. Activities throughout the event include: hundreds of luminaries aglow at the St. Augustine Lighthouse and surrounding neighborhoods; a downtown parade with boats, floats and a waving Santa; an evening lighted boat parade; a candle- and torch-light procession from the Governor's House to the plaza, with soldiers firing muskets (the British occupied the city in the 18th century) and choruses of Christmas carols filling the air.

For more information on the St. Augustine area, contact the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau at 800-653-2489 or visit www.getaway4florida.com.