5/21/08 Things to do in Pensacola, FL...

We have lived in Pensacola for about 3 months and fell in love with it immediately. I think it had a lot to do with the fact that it was snowing when we moved from Virginia in February. By the time we made it to Florida, it was sunny and 70 degrees outside. I only like snow if there is a resort and skiing involved.

But really, the area if fabulous! We will only be here for another 2 weeks. We knew early on that our stay in Pensacola would be short, so Hubby and I made sure to do and see as much as possible before we left.

Pensacola, FL

• The beach!!! Pensacola, Navarre, Perdido Key, Barrancas Beach (on base). They are all beautiful!
• Downtown Pensacola has great shopping, restaurants, nightlife, community events. I can give you recommendations if you want specifics, but overall, it is a cute atmosphere.
• Downtown Milton has a cute river walk with a few shops and restaurants. If you pop into one of the beauty salons, you might think you've stepped onto the retro set of Steel Magnolias...super cute small town environment.
• Running the chip trail at NAS Pensacola
• Tennis at Whiting Field. That base is dead on the weekends, so you basically have a private recreation area.
• Blue Angels practices at Pensacola NAS (my favorite!!!)
• Running/walking on the Blackwater Trail in Milton
• Shopping at the cute nurseries and garden shops in Pace
• The mall (again, if you can stomach it...it's mostly college kids and teeny bopper stores. It makes me feel old.)
• Naval Aviation Museum
• Take your doggie to the dog beach!
• Brunch at the Officer's Club. They also have great sushi on Wednesdays!
• Shopping at the Destin outlet mall
• Seaside, FL...cute beach town where The Truman Show was filmed. Very picturesque!
• The base gyms are nicer than any you will pay for out in town!

Stay positive and have fun!