you don't have to fly into the miami airport. no matter where you go you'll wind up getting a car anyway. last time i went to ft lauderdale i recall flying into, where? lauderdale has an airport?
i ran into a woman 2 days ago who was headed off to sonoma for 4 days, hotel, car, airfare for $649pp. work the internet.
trust me i've been in indianapolis. there are a couple great museums, and nice restaurants. but indy in november?
baltimore? (you can probably get a good pkg in and out of BWI)
buffalo? if you haven't seen niagra falls it's something to do.
but if you live in NE, pick miami in late october.