More than just the beach!

Visit local, state and national history just by breezing around the streets, parks and plazas.

Pensacola is a survivor; it has been since its founding. The City of Five Flags is the oldest European settlement in the United States, and it hasn’t earned that distinction without bouncing back from its share of setbacks.

The recent oil spill disaster is only the most recent in the list of challenges faced by the folks here in the Panhandle. In fact, a massive hurricane destroyed the first settlement merely weeks after Spanish explorer Tristan de Luna landed his ships here in 1559.

But it wasn’t too long before the Spanish were drawn back to the area and returned to reestablish the city. People who live here or have visited understand why.

Since then, Pensacola has been inhabited and governed by four other  governments – England, France, The Confederate States of America, and the United states – thus earning the distinction as The City of Five Flags.

This mixture of culture is one of the pillars that have kept this city standing and ready to rebuild time after time. Another source of support comes from the visitors who also love Pensacola for what it has to offer. Read the rest of this entry »

Lower North Hill. Sponsored by the Jared Sparks Historical Society of PJC. Admission is free. Tour will be from 10 a.m.-noon. For information, call 850-484-1099.

Downtown Pensacola. Enjoy this event in a setting offering history and culture while you enjoy wine, music and art. For information and to purchase tickets, call 850-434-5371 or visit www.pensacolawinefestival.com.

North Hill area.  This tour is presented for free by the Jared Sparks Historical Society of Pensacola Junior College from 10 a.m.-noon at DeSoto and Reus Streets. Call 850-484-1099.

Pensacola Fairgrounds. This two-day festival will feature medieval jousting knights, falconry, the King & Queen, swashbuckling swordsmen, storytellers, dancers, wizards, medieval fighters, musicians, food & drink, renaissance wares and crafts and much more. Call: 1-877-429-8462 or visit www.gcrf.net.