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 »

A World Famous Landmark, & Best Seafood Around!

When folks along the Emerald Coast, even some around the world, want the largest selection of seafood and the best customer service around, they know where to go – Joe Patti’s Seafood. Located on Pensacola Bay. With 80 years of service and some of the best catch around, Joe Patti’s has become a world-renown Pensacola landmark. Since it opened in 1935, Joe Patti’s mission – “to offer the best and freshest seafood in the world”.

When you enter the building, walking beneath the giant letters on the roof, grab a ticket and get in line. You are now fetching dinner from Pensacola’s #2 tourist attraction. Southern Living ranked Joe Patti’s #7 in it’s “10 Things We Love About Florida,” and #3 in the nation in retail seafood markets. Not to mention the market is constantly a “Best of the Bay” Read the rest of this entry »

Historic Belmont-DeVilliers neighborhood. This street festival features the Caribbean sounds of reggae and steel-drum bands sometimes referred to as pan bands, while Junkanoo bands parade and dance through the streets. There will be art, food and music activities for children. For information, call 850-207-0206 or visit www.goombaygulfcoast.com.

FloraBama Lounge at the Florida and Alabama state border on Perdido Key. This annual tournament has participants compete in an actual mullet toss. Live music, food and drinks accompany this weekend. For information, call 850-492-0611 or visit www.florabama.com.

Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds at 6655 Mobile Hwy. Call 850-944-4501.