Escape the Winter in Miami, Florida

February can be one of winter's cruelest months, and by now most of us are longing for some sun and fun. If you're ready to get the beach party started, head on down to Miami this weekend.

February 24-27 will see the South Beach Wine & Food Festival descend on South Miami Beach, for a long weekend of some of the best cuisine and wine pairings on offer today. Plenty of Food Network personalities are on hand, from Rachel Ray and Emeril Lagasse to Guy Fieri and Alain Ducasse. From wine and lifestyle seminars and tastings to interactive dinners and family activities, there is something for everyone. Don't miss local top chefs such as Peter Vauthy, Executive Chef of Red Steakhouse in the "Best of the Best" event which offers attendees the opportunity to sample a variety of signature dishes from 50 of the country's top restaurants. Miami Magazine even offers a free Official Guide to the festival.

But you don't have to stop there - while you're in Miami, there are plenty of other things you'll want to check out.

Culture
Miami is known for its Art Deco heritage and architecture. Head downtown for a trip to the Miami Art Museum, with its cool retro vibe and two floors of thought-inspiring exhibits of modern art masterpieces. Until March 6 you can catch Susan Rothenberg's exhibit, Moving in Place; or soak in the brilliance of Robert Rauschenberg in the Focus Gallery through April 10. But this high-energy city doesn't limit its art to museums; plenty of street art is on display, including works by the underground guerrilla artist Banksy, who became known to the masses in the film Exit Through the Gift Shop. Stroll through the Design District and see if you can spot some Banksys on walls or underpasses, while you shop in some of the city's coolest shops or take in a drink at an outdoor cafe.

Dining
Just a few blocks down the street from the art museum is a great Italian spot with a sidewalk setting and open-air design. Tre Italian Bistro incorporates traditional Italian fare with the occasional Asian and South American twist in a modern, industrial feeling atmosphere, decked with metallic floor tiles and high-backed orange banquettes.

At night, head back over to South Beach for an unforgettable steakhouse experience at Red. Located in the trendy "South of Fifth" neighborhood of South Beach, Red is one of a handful of restaurants in the U.S. to serve certified angus prime. But it doesn't stop there - Alaskan King Crab and stone crabs top the menu as seasonal favorites in this iconic celebrity haunt.

Sleeping
One of the newest happening neighborhoods of Miami is the area around Biscayne Bay, situated on the border of the Downtown Business sector and the bustling Miami Arts and Design District, home to the new Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Here, the Marriott Biscayne Bay Hotel has undergone a a $31 million dollar renovation, creating a luxe haven for discerning travelers. Complete with modern minimalist décor, the hotel boasts contemporary rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness center overlooking the bay, expansive pool and dining options such as Catch Grill + Bar and illy Coffee Café. 579 guest rooms, including 21 plush suites, are all equipped with a balcony or floor to ceiling windows with views of the bay and Downtown Miami. Guest quarters also include Marriott Internationalʼs latest features in design and state of the art technology, including flat screen televisions, Marriottʼs indulgent Revive bedding, contemporary dual sink fixtures and rain-style showerheads in addition to a multi-functional desk.