Mark Ellwood: I would definitely rent a car from Trump Sonesta - it's a lovely resort in Sunny Isles, but you'll feel you can zip around to the sights more easily with a car of your own.

For a wonderful old time Miami diner experience, you don't have to go far though: the Rascal House at 171st and Collins is the diner that time forgot, staffed by the same people for the last 50 years. Fantastic for breakfast.
As for dinner, treat yourselves at Tambo on 18th & Purdy Ave - it's Asian/Peruvian fusion, but the food's fantastic and the wine list impressive. And Cafe Prima Pasta's not far away either -- again, great place for a lovely supper.

_______________________

St. Simons Island, GA: I saw and taped the Today Show recently with travel tips. It was great and informative, but I am a single mother with a 6-year-old. I know about the all famous trips for kids; in fact, I plan to go for a Disney cruise next year, but have a hard time thinking of a kid-friendly trip or getaway. My husband and I went on some great trips (he is now deceased) and eventually I will take her to some of them: Montana, Hawaii, Maine, etc. Can you guide me now on where to look for kid-friendly trips other than Walt Disney, cruises, etc.? Anything else out there that is also good for kids? Thanks.

Mark Ellwood: Check out singleparenttours.com-- it's a company that runs trips expressly for parents who'll be traveling solo with kids. Not sure when they're planning a Miami trip, but they certainly offer sun & beach vacations.

_______________________

New York, NY: Where, in your opinion, is the best sushi in South Beach?

Mark Ellwood: I love Bond Street's sushi - it's in the basement of the Townhouse hotel on 20th St, and the rolls are really, really good - especially some of the vegetarian options. What's even nicer is that it's a scene, but not a crazy one. Otherwise, Tambo's also an option on Purdy Ave.

_______________________

New York, NY: What makes Miami more appealing than the Caribbean and is it safe?

Mark Ellwood: Firstly, Miami is now as safe (if not more so) than any other big city in America. The tourist violence which really plagued it during the early 1990s is gone - certainly, you have to pay attention in some areas, but that's no different from NY, Chicago or LA. If you stay on the beach, you should be fine wherever you go.

I think Miami's distinct appeal is its schizophrenic personality. Downtown, where you'll hear more Spanish spoken on the streets than English, could be in any Central American country; while there's a vibrant Haitian community on Biscayne Boulevard north of 50th street (the signs there will be in English & Creole). There are growing groups of Nicaraguans and Dominicans, as well as the long time Jewish community. In that way, it's thrillingly mixed and mixed up place. In many Caribbean resorts, you'll go simply for the sand & sun - in Miami, there's so much more.