RE/MAX Horizons Realty
Pensacola Area Guide
Pensacola, Florida is located along the western edge of Florida, in Escambia County. Situated on Pensacola Bay, which runs into the Gulf of Mexico, Pensacola has something for everyone! Whether you are a fisherman, birdwatcher, shopper, or someone who just enjoys relaxing on a beautiful, sun-drenched beach, you could easily consider calling Pensacola home.
History
Nicknamed “The City of Five Flags,” Pensacola is rich in compelling history. This moniker has affixed itself to Pensacola because the flags of five different countries, Spain (Castile), France, Great Britain, the Confederate States of America, and the United States, have flown over it since its inception. Pensacola is also known as “America’s First Settlement”, having been founded in the 1600s. A Muskogean-speaking Native American tribe known as the Pensacola first inhabited the area, thus giving the city its name. European descendants first set foot on the soil in 1698, when the Spanish established the town to thwart French efforts to colonize the area as part of Louisiana. The French took the city in 1719, but held it only until 1722, at which time it gave it back to Spain. As a result of the French and Indian war, Pensacola was relinquished to the British in 1763. In 1779 Spain joined the American Revolution, and the city of Pensacola along with the rest of West and East Florida was captured back by the Spanish in 1781 at the Battle of Pensacola. Spain sold the Floridas to the United States in 1821, and Pensacola officially became a part of the United States.
Another name Pensacola is known by is the “Cradle of Naval Aviation,” as it is home to the National Museum of Naval Aviation as well as home to the world-renowned Blue Angels.
Attractions and Activities
National Naval Aviation Museum
One of the world’s largest aviation museums, the NNAM is located aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, boasting over 150 beautifully restored aircraft, hands on exhibits and more than 4,000 artifacts representing the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aviation. Take a ride in am otion based or Top Gun Air Combat simulator, have a blast with the ultimate seven story giant screen movie experience in the IMAX Theatre and have a great meal at Cubi Bar Café, itself an exhibit. To learn more, visit: http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/
Blue Angels
A Blue Angels flight demonstration is a thing of beauty and skill, performed by Naval Aviators. The Blue Angel’s C-130, nicknamed Fat Albert, begins each demonstration by exhibiting its maximum performance capabilities during a ten minute performance. Almost immediately after, watch the graceful maneuvers of the four-jet Diamond Formation, their aerial ballet a wonder to watch. For more information, visit: http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/
Saenger Theatre Pensacola
The Grand Dame of Palafox Street, the Saenger Theatre has seen generations of Pensacola residents and visitors alike walk under her marquee. A night out at the ballet, the symphony or the opera is synonymous with the Saenger Theatre, a place that has seen school children enjoy their first symphony performance and conquer stage fright to join in a community production. To learn more, visit: http://www.pensacolasaenger.com/
Downtown Gallery Night Pensacola
Take a leisurely walk down the brick walkways of Downtown Pensacola and enjoy an eclectic array of music, food and art. Explore galleries and businesses that showcase works of dozens of talented local artists while soaking up the sounds of local musicians and the aroma of local cuisine. The energy will surround you and carry you from one venue to the next. For more information, visit: http://www.downtownpensacola.com/gallerynight/
1832 Old Christ Church
One of the oldest churaches in Florida, Old Christ Church is an icon to historic preservation and the third stop in the guided public tour of Historic Pensacola Village. To learn more, visit: http://www.historicpensacola.org/photo_gallery_images8f39.cfm
McGuire’s Irish Pub
In its current location since 1982, McGuire’s Irish Pub is in a turn of the century 1927 Old Firehouse. Guests enjoy theme-oriented rooms from the Pipers Den, to the Irish Links Room housed in the 20,000 square foot landmark, populated by friendly faces. For more information visit: http://www.mcguiresirishpub.com/
Events Calendar
Evenings in Old Seville Square
An annual concert series, Evenings in Old Seville Square was founded by Jim Tanck, a board member of the Pensacola Heritage Foundation Heritage Foundation, the concerts are open to the public To learn more, visit: http://www.pensapedia.com/wiki/Evenings_in_Olde_Seville_Square
Greater Gulf Coast Arts Festival
The Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival is one of the most popular in America. A three day, juried art show held in Seville Square, it draws more than 200 of the country’s best painters, potters, sculptors, jewelers, graphic artists, craftsmen and mixed media artists as well as others turn Seville Square into a place of inspiration for other artists.
For more information, visit: http://www.ggaf.org/
Pensacola Seafood Festival
Held annually and presented by the Fiesta of Five Flags, the Pensacola Seafood Festival is held in historic Seville Square. To learn more, visit: http://www.fiestaoffiveflags.org/seafoodfestival/
Pensacola Crawfish Festival
The annual Pensacola Seafood Festival honors the Cajun influence in our community, held on the waterfront in Bartram Park in downtown Pensacola. Come enjoy a day of good food and family fun. For more information, visit: http://www.fiestaoffiveflags.org/crawfishfestival/
Parks and Recreation
Florida State Parks located in and around Pensacola: Big Lagoon State Park, DuPont Point, Fort Pickens National Park (Gulf Islands National Seashore), Perdido Keys State Park, Tarkiln Bayou Preserve ~ Get back to basics at any of these Old Florida parks by hiking the nature trails, picnicking, or simply relaxing as you observe Pensacola’s incredible array of wildlife. From native plants, to reptiles of all shapes and sizes, to strikingly colorful birds, you will be amazed at the differing forms of life at home in Pensacola’s state parks. http://floridastateparks.org/
Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department ~ “It Starts in Parks”
Parks and Recreation Calendar of Events
http://www.playpensacola.com/calendar.asp
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