Perdido Key, does, however, have miles of undeveloped beach on which to admire and play. Two passes to the Gulf of Mexico, from its protected Intercoastal Waterway, are close in proximity offering great fishing opportunities in Perdido Bay, Big Lagoon, or the Gulf of Mexico.

Seventy percent of the key is state- park land or part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore.

A two-lane road is the main thoroughfare, and it is the westernmost coastal town of Northwest Florida tucked in between the much larger Pensacola and Orange Beach and Gulf Shores areas of Alabama.

Perdido Key’s translation is “Lost Key,” and its meaning seems appropriate since it seems so far separated from the large developments of the Alabama beaches and the city of Pensacola. Being lost, sometimes, isn’t such a bad thing.

Downtown Pensacola inside the Crowne Plaza Hotel at 200 E. Gregory St. Featured artists on-site for Gallery Night include Lisa Kirkman, Patricia Edmisten and Kathi Gordon. Call 850-433-3336, ext. 5570.

Gallery Night in Downtown Pensacola. Gallery Night is an opportunity for the public to experience the essence of downtown Pensacola. People stroll casually down the street, stop to hear a street performer, walk in and out of galleries to view and purchase beautiful art, sit on benches under trees and chat with friends. Trolleys pick up passengers preferring not to walk. Ph: 850-432-9906. Web site: www.artsnwfl.org.

It’s a holiday shopping extravaganza at the Pensacola Civic Center. The Junior League of Pensacola sponsors this fund-raiser with 45 merchants from throughout the southeast providing holiday shopping for specialty items. Adults $5, Children 7-12 years $3, 6 years and under are admitted free. Call 850-433-4421.

Seville Square in downtown Pensacola. Admission is free. Call 850-455-7311. Web site: www.ggaf.org.

     A nice break from the sun on your summer vacation is shopping for exciting new fall fashions at Ladies’ Quarter. This established boutique is located at Harbourtown in Gulf Breeze, and is a well-known leader in women’s fashion. The fall season’s hottest trends are available, so grab them while you can, and have your wardrobe ready for the upcoming season’s cooler temperatures.

     Linda Merting, a native of Pensacola, opened Ladies’ Quarter 25 years ago, and offers each customer personal service with her extensive fashion experience. Shop for any occasion, including casual, dressy, sporty or elegant, with sizes 2-1X. Designer brands include Brighton, Boho Chic, French Dressing Jeans, Casslisto of California Shoes, Lynn Ritchie, Barbara Lesser, NueVa, Spanx and Jams (produced in Hawaii and exclusive in this area). These designers, along with many more featured at this fine boutique, are the ideal fit for the trendy woman desiring both style and comfort.

     Our fabrics are easy-care, washable, climate conscious, and travel friendly to make packing and versatility a breeze. For men and women, we offer gift wrapping, and our parking is extremely convenient to the store.

     Shoes (sizes 5-10), handbags, and jewelry selections will complement that special outfit and add the perfect finishing touch. Ladies’ Quarter carries a large selection of Brighton accessories known for delivering a special message. Whether it is love notes engraved on a bracelet, or a handbag decorated with a treasured photo, Brighton products help create lasting memories and features products that coordinate from head to toe.

     Shop at Ladies’ Quarter in the Harbourtown Shopping Village at 913 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. #1.  Open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Ask about our special orders, layaway and special appointment opportunities. Call 850-932-3165.

“We have something to fit every budget,” says Corbett Davis, III, Vice President.  Jewelers Trade Shop offers special nautical and beach themed charms in silver and gold.  Chose from starfish, sandollars, marlin, dolphins, and more.   You can also browse their collection of fine jewelry that will remind you of Pensacola and the beautiful Gulf waters.

Or, you can create your own piece that captures a special memory.  “We have a team of artisans on site that can craft any type of jewelry you desire.  We can create rings, necklaces, bracelets and charms. It’s something that sets us apart and that we are very proud to offer,” says Davis.

Make Jewelers Trade Shop a “must do” on your list of places to shop and visit while you stay in Pensacola. In addition to customized pieces, Jewelers Trade Shop offers a variety of jewelry from designers David Yurman, Rolex, Roberto Coin, TagHeuer, Mikimoto, and many more.

Before you arrive, be sure to check them out on the web at www.jewelerstradeshop.com.  Then, stop by their store in historic Downtown Pensacola at 26 Palafox Place, Monday through Saturday, 8:00 am through 5:30 pm.   Park in the Jefferson Street Garage and use the back entrance.  They will be happy to validate your parking. 

    All that renovation took its time, but when you step in the gallery, a feeling of comfort mixed with elegance envelops you. And we haven't even mentioned the quality of the artwork. Paintings and glass reflect from the window light and shelves house jewelry, pottery, art dolls and a multi number of original art and craft mediums.

    Considered to be the largest co-op gallery in the southeast, Quayside artists stay busy with featured artist shows in the east wing and an entire downstairs filled with the work of member artists.The mezzanine of the gallery is the location of shrink-wrapped, unframed piece of art. The top floor includes wall and pedestal spaces for the individual artists to hang their work in one location.

     Located in the Historic District of Pensacola, Quayside, (pronounced quay side) was founded in 1973 and was established and maintained by Pensacola Artist, Inc. It was housed eventually in a building constructed in 1873, one block north of the wooden quays or wharves for square rigged sailing ships. The two-story building was headquarters and social center for the Germania Steam Fire Engine and Hose Company. The building remains much as it was when it housed the "Marie Louise," a 2.5 ton horse-drawn pumping engine.

    The gallery is located at 17 Zaragoza Street, across from Plaza Ferdinand. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Details: 438-2363. http://www.quaysidegallery.com/

    Trinity Collection is also well known for their hand-made line of crosses created in their studio, which includes more than 100 designs, based on religious symbolism and historic significance. In addition to the crosses made by Trinity, the store carries icons, religious art and spiritual items from around the world.

    Owners, Jodi Allen and Ione Calhoon, extend an invitation to come visit Trinity Collection and the famous “Peliqueen Elizabeak I” at 700 W. Garden St in downtown Pensacola. Store hours Mon-Fri 10-5 and Sat 10-3. http://www.trinitycollection.com/