Spring Break Shorts: Florida's "Grapefruit League"

Major League Baseball spring training gets underway in Florida on March 2 for a month-long series of practices and pre-season games that's known as the "Grapefruit League" (the West Coast's equivalent is the Cactus League, which takes places around the Greater Phoenix area over the same dates). The 2010 season sees 15 MLB teams traveling to Florida venues including Orlando, Tampa, Sarasota, and Clearwater. The New York Yankees will be based out of Steinbrenner Field in Tampa; both the St. Louis Cardinals and Florida Marlins will be batting out of Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, a short drive north of Fort Lauderdale and Miami in Palm Beach County. Take advantage of pre-spring break flight and hotel deals, as well as affordable game-day tickets and better-than-usual access to some of he league's top sluggers. More info about the Grapefruit League can be found at www.floridaspringtraining.com.

Photo credit: Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida (courtesy, Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau)

V-Day Countdown: The World's Most Romantic Escapes #10

To celebrate the heart-shaped onset of Valentine's Day, we countdown the world's ten most romantic getaways. From waterfall hikes in Hawaii to carriage rides through New Orleans' French Quarter, there is a destination sure to pique your interest.

Today, coming in at number 10, is Miami, Florida. Think sun-kissed days and steamy nights. Moonlight strolls on a balmy beach. An ocean view from your hotel room. Miami pampers couples with luxury resorts, grand old hotels, intimate boutique hideaways, and Art Deco jewels.

Photo credit: Ocean Drive at night, Miami (Rene Frederick/Digital Vision/Getty)

Miami For Less: Trip Ideas for Under Ten Bucks

Name of activity: Kite-Flying Over Miami Beach with Skyward Kites
Location: Miami Beach, Fla.
Price: Kites are $5 and up
Description: Skyward Kites at Haulover Park in South Florida has been in operation since 1985 providing a huge selection of kites, windsocks and wind spinners. Bring the whole family to enjoy the Florida seascape and beaches while watching your kites fly high.
Dates open/available: Daily, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; closed during severe rainstorms.
More info: www.skywardkites.com

Miami Vices

Get a flavor for Miami's palpable Cuban influence by grabbing a minty mojito in Little Havana and tossing down fresh ceviche before heading off for some salsa in Miami's famed nightlife. In summer, the clubs and lounges open their doors to let in warm, ocean breezes, while Afro-Cuban rhythms, Latino beats, and jazz and funk fusions carry you long into the night.

Photo credit: Miami's OCean Drive at night (Rene Frederick/Digital Vision/Getty)