Are you tired of disappointing, mediocre dining experiences? Many times, chain restaurants can make meals on the road more exasperating than exciting. Local eateries may offer just the solution to awaken your palate from the boredom of stale computer food. If you are traveling along the Gulf Coast, don’t miss the opportunity to experience one of Pensacola’s own culinary gems.

Tucked conveniently in Cordova Square Plaza, minutes away from the bustle of Airport Boulevard, lies locally owned and operated O’Briens Bistro. Come in and let Chef (and owner) James O’Brien prepare you his signature “Grouper Lyonnaise”.

Experience fresh caught herb-encrusted grouper topped with finely shredded potatoes and finished with a tantalizing lemon caper sauce. Or check out O’Briens for brunch every Sunday from 10am to 2pm and enjoy mixing and matching all your favorites off the al la cart menu. Savor your meal with one of the many varieties of red or white wines. With roughly 30 varieties to choose from, there’s a bottle for every preference, though a local favorite is the Marcus James house Chardonnay.

If the options prove too many, James will be happy to lend a hand; he’s been perfecting his skills since he graduated culinary college in 1983. O’Briens Bistro has been a part of Pensacola culture for 13 years now, offering Florida locals and guests alike Southern hospitality in a gourmet bistro environment. Stop in and experience authentic, upscale dining along the gulf coast at O’Briens Bistro.

ARAGON WINE MARKET This exciting new concept in Pensacola is located downtown in Aragon on 9^th Ave. The Aragon Wine Market features fabulous wines from all over the world, specializing in small, exclusive boutique wineries. Expect informative, fun wine classes and wine tasting with world-class winemakers, distributors and others from the wine trade. Enjoy yourself, taste great wine and learn! Join us for our weekly Wine Tasting on Thursdays from 5-7 p.m. Open Mon. 11-6, Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Located in downtown Pensacola in Aragon at 27 S. Ninth Ave. Call 850-433-WINE (9463) or visit www.aragonwinemarket.com.

ARTESANA For over 30 years, Artesana has been an importer of wonderful things. They are the largest importer of wooden dinnerware in the Southeast, and specialize in wooden plates, cookware, lamps, linens, Vietri, enamelware, Crabtree & Evelyn, baby and wedding gifts, and custom-printed and engraved invitations. The store also features a separate wine store with wines personally tasted and handpicked for the store. Located at 242 W. Garden Street in downtown Pensacola.   Call 850-433-4001 or go to www.artesanaimports.com.

MOLE HOLE This national favorite offers a wonderful array of unusual gifts and art, including pottery, hand-blown glass, greeting cards and toys.   Come experience the world renowned unique jewelry from artist Tabra and Ayala Bar.   Even find the perfect baby gift to take home to a little one. Open Mon.-Sat. 10-5 p.m.   Located just off beautiful Seville Square in historic downtown Pensacola. Call 434-7329.

QUAYSIDE ART GALLERY If you like Art Shows, then Quayside Art Gallery is the place to go. As the largest co-op gallery in the Southeast, it is the best free show in town! Nationally known Quayside Art Gallery faces Plaza Ferdinand at the corner of Zarragossa and Jefferson Streets at 17 E. Zarragossa Street, in the historic district of Pensacola, Florida. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday form 10-5:00 p.m. and Sundays from 1-5:00 p.m. Call 850-438-2363 or go to www.quaysidegallery.com

SCOUT Visit SCOUT for a New York boutique experience in downtown Pensacola! Specializing in high-end clothing, handbags, accessories and cosmetics, Julia Ussery, the owner, brings her fashion expertise to the store having lived and worked in fashion in New York City for over 20 years. She worked as a fashion design director for Calvin Klein, Elie Tahari, and BeBe and uses this knowledge to choose the best designers for SCOUT. Clothing includes the following designers: Alice & Olivia, Catherine Malandrino, Current/Elliot, Elizabeth & James, Helmut Lang, Jennifer Behr, Joie, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, Theory, Marchesa, Mike & Chris, Paul & Joe Sister, Rag & Bone, Vince, Diane VonFurstenberg, Milly, Robert Rodriguez and more. Handbag designers include Tory Burch, DVF and Un Apres-Midi de Chien. Jewelry designers include Alexis Bittar and Francesca Romana. Make-up is by Paul and Joe Beaute. Shoes by Tory Burch and Diane Von Furstenberg. Located at 404 E. Wright St. Open weekdays 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat. from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 850-607-7105. See Scout on the web at www.shopscoutonline.com.

SUSAN CAMPBELL JEWELRY Susan Campbell Jewelry is an intimate jewelry boutique in the downtown Pensacola. The shop boasts a unique collection of handmade gallery quality jewelry. Jewelers are selected from throughout the country for their unique design and quality craftsmanship. If you are looking for a gift of a lifetime, Susan Campbell Jewelry has the piece for you. Located at 32 South Palafox Place. Open Mon.-Sat. 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Please call for appointments after 5 p.m. Call 850-434-8948 or visit www.susancampbelljewelry.com.

THE MARKET/MAINLY SHOES For over 25 years, The Market and Mainly Shoes has been a shopping spot for the women of Pensacola. Located on Garden Street in downtown Pensacola, you will enjoy shopping in this contemporary, sophisticated store featuring the most current apparel, accessories and shoe fashions from top designers. Some designers include Donald J. Pliner, UGG Australia, Eileen Fisher, Michael Stars, Flax, Lilla P., Spanx, Hanky Panky and Susan Farber. The competent, wonderful staff will assist you with your every need whether it’s a special size or color, or shopping for a special occasion. Open Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Located in downtown Pensacola at 248 W. Garden St. Call 850-434-3012 or 850-438-7114 or visit www.ashopforwomen.com.  Also located in Perdido Key at the Villagio at 13700 Perdido Key Dr., Suite 104. Call 850-466-3330.

THE TEA PARTY GIFT EMPORIUM If you love the romance of history and old architecture, you’ll enjoy this “one of a kind gift store with a local flavor!” The Tea Party located inside downtown Pensacola’s historic train station at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, offers something for every explorer. Items for your vacation are available such as bathing suits, beach wraps, towels, hats, sunscreen, maps and other essentials a vacationer needs. The Tea Party has a wide blend of treasures from over sixty-five locally inspired artists, offering a unique and authentic variety for the collector or for the vacationer who would like a souvenir to remember the Gulf Coast. Collections of art include hand-crafted jewelry, ceramics, historical books, Blue Angel prints, original paintings, sculptures and, of course, pottery tea sets. Open Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Located downtown Pensacola inside the Crowne Plaza Hotel at 200 E. Gregory St. Call 850-433-3336 Ext. 5570. Visit www.myspace.com/teapartygiftemporium.

CELEBRATIONS A family owned florist and gift store since 1987, you ’re sure to find the perfect present for any occasion. Celebrations has same day flower delivery including bouquets, plants and balloons. When deciding what to send for birthdays, celebrations, anniversaries and more, check out Celebrations located at 717 12th Ave., Pensacola, FL. Open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:30a.m.-4:00p.m. Open in December on Saturdays from 8:30a.m.-5:00p.m. Call 433-2022 or check out the web site at www.celebrationstheflorist.com

J.W. RENFROE PECAN COMPANY We are a third-generation, family owned pecan business located in beautiful Pensacola, Florida. Shopping our gift shop will be an unforgettable experience. Choose from an assortment of gift tins, gift boxes, and gift jars filled with varieties of pecans including natural and candied pecans, fudge and pralines, mixes and snacks and other nuts. Enjoy complimentary coffee and fudge while you browse our selections. Choose to take your purchases or gifts with you or have them shipped directly from the store! Purchase your pecans and other gifts online, by mail order or at the store located at 2400 W. Fairfield Dr. on the corner of Fairfield and S Street. Open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit www.renfroepecan.com or call 850-432-2083 or 1-800-874-1929.

JUST JUDY’S FLOWERS Just Judy’s turns the ordinary into extraordinary! This local art and gift store is a full service florist that also carries pottery, jewelry, decorative pillows, purses and more. Featuring a well-known group of talented, local artists, you will be sure to find something unique to remember your visit to Pensacola or a perfect gift for that special someone. The fresh flowers are perfect for weddings to birthdays or “just because.” Located at 2509 N. 12th Ave. between E. Scott and E. Hatton Streets. Call 850-436-4003 or toll free 877-65-Bloom or visit www.JustJudysFlowers.com

INNERLIGHT SURF & SPORT This surf shop is a local favorite for a great selection of beachwear, surfboards, skateboards and more. Call 850-432-3566 for the 24-hour surf report. Gulf Breeze: Open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat., Sun. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Call 850-932-5134. Pensacola: Open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat., Sun. 12-7 p.m. Call 850-434-6743. Destin: Call 850-650-5509. Gulf Shores: Call 850-948-4222.Visit www.innerlightsurf.com.

RUNNING WILD Running Wild is the place to get fit! More than just an athletic store, Running Wild is your complete endurance sport and lifestyle fitness resource. From the expert shoe and apparel fitting process to the group training programs, Running Wild has got the right fit for you. Open Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 12-5 p.m., and Sun. 12-4 p.m. Located at 3012 E. Cervantes St. Call 850-435-9222 or visit www.werunwild.com.

SASSAFRAS STATIONERY & GIFTS In historic East Hill at 3455 N. 12th Ave., Sassafras carries fun and classic invitations, stylish stationery, and gifts for every occasion including weddings, showers, birthdays, new baby, backyard cookouts, etc. There is also an expanded baby and children’s area. See us at 900 E. Moreno St. Open Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 850-435-7797 or visit www.sassafras-onlne.com.

The wines are hand-selected and edited for quality. Wine tastings are Thursday evenings from 5-7 p.m. Events may also center on a theme or specific winery. Join the “Grape Nutz” wine club, a frequent-buyer club where every $25 purchase receives a card punch. After 10 punches, receive a credit towards a purchase. Participate in the Wine of the Month Club to learn more about wine, or to provide a great gift for wine-lovers. The club is totally customized to your budget and preferences.

The “Send a Gift” program makes gift giving easy. With a minimum purchase, a gift of wine or a wine basket is delivered anywhere in Escambia or Santa Rosa counties. The shop has a bridal and gift registry and gift baskets with upscale wine accessories, cheese, crackers and other specialty items. For party planning, you will receive help selecting wines for your special event. Visit Aragon Wine Market and enjoy yourself, taste great wine and learn. Open Mon. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sat. 11a.m.-6 p.m. Located in downtown Pensacola in Aragon at 27 S. Ninth Ave. Call 850-433-9463 or visit www.aragonwinemarket.com.

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.

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 who prefer not to peruse the downtown area on foot. Call 850-432-9906 or visit www.artsnwfl.org.

When you’re near Pensacola Beach, don’t miss the chance to experience one or all of the restaurants at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily at H2O Restaurant. Experience dinner entrees such as Jakarta Tuna, Steak Dano, or the tasty Beach Style Shrimp (shrimp stuffed with smoked gouda, wrapped with bacon and baked with house barbecue sauce). If you’re in the mood for lunch or something lighter, ask your server for the Mahi Mahi sandwich.

Relax on the Terrace and enjoy a glass of wine from the extensive and ever changing Gulf-Front Premier Wine Cellar with your meal. Enjoy your selection while taking in the
most stunning sunset on the coast. Popular wines include Hob Nob and Menage a Trois. Try the Jordan or Frogs chardonnay for a special occasion, and if you want some sparkle, Dom Perignon or Cristal is always an excellent choice. Can’t decide which wine to choose from? H2O also offers several Wine Flights so you can taste wines from all over
the world.

Every Sunday, enjoy a fabulous brunch with over 40 food choices and the biggest Bloody Mary Bar on the beach. Sunday brunch is served 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. and is $26.95 per person. Bottomless Bloody Marys and Mimosas are $6.95. H2O is open Mon.-Sat. from 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Reservations are recommended. In addition to H2O, The Bonsai Sushi Bar is open daily 5-10 p.m. Enjoy drink specials and a convenient bar menu. Favorite sushi rolls include the Pensacola Beach Roll and the Bonsai Eel Roll.

The Butler’s Pantry, open 7 a.m.-10 p.m., features several grab and go items and is the only place on the island you’re able to enjoy Starbucks coffee. Include one or all of these dining experiences in your plans when visiting Pensacola Beach. Valet parking for H2O Restaurant is complimentary. Call 850-343-6782 or visit www.eatath2o.com. Contact Kelly Sprague if you’re interested in booking a party or private room.

Aragon Wine Market. Wine Tasting every Thurs. from 5-7 p.m. at 27 South Ninth Ave. Call 850-433-9463. Web site: www.aragonwinemarket.com.

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.

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.