T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum, Pensacola, FL

A glimpse into the colorful past

by Mike Valinsky | July 20, 2010

You don't have to be a historian to appreciate cool artifacts. One such person T. T. Wentwroth, Jr., a once millionaire and politician, culminated a staggering 150,000 piece collection of historical artifacts and eventually donated them to the State of Florida. These items are now on display at the T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum in downtown Pensacola. Not all of his collection is traditional in the sense of historical value, mind you, …

O’Zone Pizza Pub, Pensacola, FL

"Pizza. Beer. And other good stuff."

by Mike Valinsky | July 16, 2010

Sports bars abound in Pensacola, so much so that I'm sure our city significantly helped to keep some flat screen television companies in business. If you are any bit like me, you go out for friends and conversation over dazzling collections of distracting television screens inundating you with pundits and news tickers. If you are looking to escape that grind, but want the pub atmosphere, O'Zone Pizza Pub is a perfect place to get up …

Evenings in Olde Seville Square, Pensacola, FL

An evening with charm

by Mike Valinsky | July 12, 2010

If you're planning a trip to Pensacola, a night of relaxation with a pinch of entertainment is without a doubt somewhere high on your list of to-do's. Have ye no fear. While there are certainly a plethora of old, new, and upcoming music venues covering the spectrum of musical genres, but one still reins as a local favorite: Evenings in Olde Seville Square.

With good reason, Seville Square …

Pensacola Aviation Museum, Pensacola, FL

Let your spirit fly high without ever leaving the ground

by Mike Valinsky | July 02, 2010

Pensacola's Naval Aviation Museum stands as one of the most prestigious and renowned aerospace museums in the world. Since 1963, over 150 aircraft that have been cultivated, rigorously restored to their original condition and put onto display for everyone to enjoy. One of the world's largest, the aviation museum boasts almost 300,000 square feet of indoor space atop 37 acres of outdoor space showcasing the long list of beautiful aircraft.

One …

De Luna Fest, Pensacola Beach, FL

Rebirth of a 450 Years Old Celebration on Pensacola Beach

by Mike Valinsky | June 28, 2010

In celebration of Spanish conquistador Don Tristan De Luna y Arellano's landing and establishment of America's first settlement in 1559, De Luna Fest is a music festival held on Pensacola Beach during October commemorating the historic event. After De Luna's expedition successfully arrived at present-day Pensacola Beach, a celebration took place then for three days to observe a safe …

Sumo Sushi, Pensacola, FL

Creating the Art of Sushi

by Mike Valinsky | June 25, 2010

Serious sushi fans are much like coffee house aficionados: once one finds his or her favorite restaurant the competition will not even be considered as an alternative. I am one not ashamed to admit my part in this partial practice. I love food, and I absolutely love good sushi. And when the craving for sushi unleashes a storm on my tummy, my unwavering preference to satisfy the appetite is Sumo Sushi in downtown …

Sertoma’s 4th of July Celebration, Pensacola, FL

Festivities ending with a bang in Pensacola

by Mike Valinsky | June 21, 2010

Slip on your flip-flops, grab some cold drinks and head down to old Seville Park in downtown Pensacola for a full day of Independence Day events coordinated by Sertoma. There will be no shortage of activities in the park as the festival is geared to host the entire family. The festivities begin at 11 a.m. and run till 7:30 p.m., just short of the fireworks display. Not only is Pensacola America’s first settlement, …

The Monkey King, Pensacola, Fl

Chinese Art and Culture Come to Pensacola Museum of Art

by Ashley Hardaway | May 23, 2010

Pensacola Museum of Art is unveiling a terrific new exhibit specifically designed for children on May 27^th. Running through August, “The Monkey King: A Story from China,” introduces visitors to Chinese culture, art, history and geography.

Designed by the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, this exhibit combines 16 interactive componentswith lesson plans that complement elementary and secondary school curriculums with programs to engage children’s interests in Chinese geography, trade, religion, history, culture and …

Memorial Day, Pensacola Beach, Fl

Pride Weekend on Pensacola Beach

by Ashley Hardaway | May 17, 2010

Memorial Day Weekend in Pensacola is “unofficially” Alternative-Lifestyles weekend on Pensacola Beach (though all the locals know of this).

While the festival is referred to by many as “pride week,” it’s unique as it’s simply a spontaneous gathering of gay people for the purpose of spending a weekend on the beach, and it’s not officially sanctioned or sponsored by the traditional Gay Pride organizations.

The week usually kicks off when Johnny Chisholm hosts …

Five Sisters Blues Cafe, Pensacola, Fl

Pensacola's Best Place for Soul Food

by Ashley Hardaway | May 14, 2010

Even though Five Sisters Blues Café is still in its “soft open” mode (it’s opening for real on May 21^st), that didn’t stop the crowds from swarming its tables during the lunch rush this Monday. Located in the historic area that is Belmont-De Villiers, Five Sisters serves up authentic soul food in a neighborhood that’s in the process of evolving into the premier arts district in Pensacola. The building’s renovation has been underway for …

Atlas Oyster Bar, Pensacola, Fl

Best Place for an Indulgent Brunch

by Ashley Hardaway | May 10, 2010

There are loads of places to indulge in Sunday Brunch around town, but the crowd favorite is The Fish House/Atlas. With the largest deck in town, this restaurant is always a popular choice, hosting over 10,000 guests a week. With a back bar that hosts bands on the weekend, two restaurant choices and three bars to choose from, it’s easy to see why it’s garnered a reputation around town as the best place to …

Pensacola Volunteer Efforts, Pensacola, Fl

Ways you can help with the Gulf oil spill

by Ashley Hardaway | May 03, 2010

It’s amazing how quickly locals are coming together and volunteering by the thousands to donate their time to help in any way with the oil spill. If you are in Pensacola, please check the listings below for volunteer hotline numbers. If you are out of this region, there are other ways to help. Check below for websites taking donations and numbers to call if you possess a special skill set that could be valuable during …

Fusion Spa and Salon, Gulf Breeze, FL

The Only Thing Better Than a Day at the Beach

by Ashley Hardaway | May 03, 2010

Pensacola Beach is renowned for its tranquil beauty, serene nature, and peaceful calm (that is, if you drive far enough out to have the beach all to yourself). But sometimes, during busy weekends, it can be hard to find a quiet spot to wind away your cares.

That’s why a spa day is an absolute necessity when taking a holiday on Pensacola Beach. Not only will it provide you with some much-needed solitude, but …

Reel Eazy Fishing Charters, Pensacola, FL

Because Half of Pensacola's Best Things Are in the Water

by Ashley Hardaway | April 30, 2010

There’s always that blast of envy that comes with driving over the “Three-Mile Bridge” and seeing the bay filled with boats. After all, some of the best things about Pensacola aren’t even located on land. From deep-sea fishing to snorkeling, dolphin watching, and scuba diving, Pensacola is a water-lover's paradise. And experiencing it just from the shoreline doesn’t do it justice.

Though it can be pricey, chartering a fishing boat is a great way …

Blue Dot Barbecue, Pensacola, FL

Pensacola's Best (Secret) Barbecue Spot

by Ashley Hardaway | April 26, 2010

There are many places in Pensacola that claim to have the best barbecue and burgers around. Generally these places are also the best establishments to experience that gracious Southern attitude we’re so famous for. But there is one place in town that’s so good; they don’t have to be nice. But like the soup from the Soup Nazi on Seinfeld, this barbecue keeps people lining up, which is a great time to rehearse your order.

Seville Quarter, Pensacola, FL

Named one of the "Top 100 Bars" in the Nation

by Ashley Hardaway | April 23, 2010

Seville Quarter in Pensacola is housed in a 19th-Century warehouse that in 1967 was converted into Rosie O’ Grady’s Warehouse, a “beer and peanuts saloon” offering Dixieland jazz and cold brew. The industrious entrepreneur behind this venue was Bob Snow, a brilliant trumpeter, designer, and a native of Minnesota. This Dixieland bandleader fell in love with the old, dilapidated warehouse during flight training at Pensacola NAS. He bought the place for …

Flora-Bama Mullet Toss, Pensacola, FL

Pensacola's Most Popular Sport

by Ashley Hardaway | April 19, 2010

Many cities around the south have epic sporting matches and teams that the whole town rallies behind. But Pensacola? Well, while we do have an ice hockey team (which still is unbelievably odd to half of us) there is another sport about which everyone truly gets worked up: mullet tossing.

Oh yes, mullet tossing. It’s not everyday you’ll see someone tossing a mullet here though. No, we save that fine tradition for …

Blue Angels, Pensacola, FL

Avoid the Crowds. The Secret is the Practice Sessions.

by Ashley Hardaway | April 16, 2010

Pensacolians love the Blue Angels. During the Pensacola Beach Air Show (which takes place this year on July 10), we are reminded that we are not only ones as the seashore becomes eclipsed with coolers and umbrellas, and the bridges to the island clog with cars full of tourists eager to see this impressive display of naval aviation at its finest.

However, as grand as the big day is (and it really …

Weatherford’s Rock Climbing, Pensacola, Fl

When Your Average Gym Routine Gets Boring, Come Here

by Ashley Hardaway | April 12, 2010

I was introduced to rock climbing in college. My friend worked at the venue on my college campus in Orlando, and soon entire afternoons were spent scaling its different routes and developing lean muscle on my arms and legs. It was a great workout, but more than that it was fun and mentally challenging. Debating where to stick your toe next was tantamount to deciding where to move your pawn in chess, except …

Gulf Coast Kid’s House Chocolate Fest, Pensacola, Fl

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth While Supporting a Great Cause

by Ashley Hardaway | April 09, 2010

Chocolate is possibly the world’s favorite treat. Whether being melted into a delectable hot brew, stirred into cupcake batter or used as the secret ingredient in a rich sauce, it seems we can't get enough.

Perhaps that’s why the Gulf Coast Kid's House Chocolate Fest is such an inspired idea. After all, helping an organization as great as the GCKH by eating delicious treats, donated by some of the areas finest restaurants? …

Blackwater River, Milton, FL

The Only Pristine Sand River Left in the United States

by Ashley Hardaway | April 05, 2010

There are lots of places in Pensacola to get in touch with nature (like the Gulf Island National Seashore), but by far the most entertaining place is the Blackwater River. Blackwater is the only pristine sand river left in the United States. (It's so unique that the State of Florida purchased it and designated it as a State Forest.) The sand is quartz sand (the same sand that makes Pensacola beaches …

Old Christ Church, Pensacola, FL

Pensacola's Most Beautiful Church

by Ashley Hardaway | March 29, 2010

Pensacola has many wonderful places to get married in. Beach weddings are always popular for destination couples and yet, for most locals, there’s one place that seems to be the favorite for the big day.

Built in 1832, Old Christ Church is one of the oldest churches in the state and in 1978 it was added US National Register of Historic Places. It was built for $4,500, and in the late 1990s …

26th Annual Crawfish Festival, Pensacola, Fl

Bringing a Little Bit of the Bayou to the City of Five Flags

by Ashley Hardaway | March 26, 2010

Pensacola is a mere three hours away from New Orleans. This means day trips to the Crescent City are common and I’ve known many who have driven up there on a whim for some beignets. Perhaps it’s not such an odd thing than that Pensacola has a Crawfish Festival, which is currently in it’s 26 year, that seeks to “bring a little bit of the bayou to Pensacola.”

This three-day …

Hopjacks, Pensacola, Fl

Best Place for a Cold One

by Ashley Hardaway | March 22, 2010

Ask any person in Pensacola where the best place to grab a beer is and they’ll tell you Hopjacks, hands down. And I’d have to agree. Though the crowds have definitely thickened over the last year (word is out I guess) the service is consistent and the beer and food undeniably tempting. Don’t be on a diet when you come here, you will fail and give in to something.

That something could …

McGuire’s Irish Pub, Pensacola, Fl

Who Needs Green Paint When You've Got Dollar Bills?

by Ashley Hardaway | March 22, 2010

There is nothing quite like McGuire’s Irish Pub. This Irish brewery/restaurant is styled like a New York Irish pub and is a massive labyrinth of rooms, banquet halls, back entrances and passageways that lead to yet more rooms. I’ve heard rumors that this place employs 200 people and I don’t doubt it for a second. Always busy and yet always a good time, they provide consistently good service and food for a decent …

Beulahfest, Pensacola, Fl

Still Eternally Referred to by Locals as "The Sausage Fest"

by Ashley Hardaway | March 19, 2010

When I was growing up, Beulahfest was called the Beulah Sausage Fest. When I moved away and I mentioned to people that I was missing “the sausage festival,” they would all be stunned momentarily and ask “really? Is there really a sausage fest?!"

Why yes there is and locals jokingly embrace their festival, with the somewhat scandalous name, donning shirts that say “sausage fest '09’” and “it’s a sausage fest in here.” …

Suellen’s Secret, Pensacola, Fl

Best Place to Reach a Compromise Between Your Fashion Sense and Your Wallet

by Ashley Hardaway | March 15, 2010

My most treasured clothing item is a 1970s-era brown corduroy jacket. It was made as the jacket for a little boys dress suit (I would have loved to have to seen this brown cord dress suit in all it’s glory) and now it’s paired with jeans and sandals. It’s one of those things that always gets me compliments (words like “vintag-ee” are commonly used) and the best part is it only cost me five dollars.

Distinctive Kitchens, Pensacola, Fl

Best Place to Channel Your Inner Chef Keller

by Ashley Hardaway | March 12, 2010

There are few things I enjoy more than strolling through a good kitchen appliance store. No, perhaps I don’t need mini-Eiffel tower place card holders and yes, perhaps it’s ridiculous to buy a pot specifically designed to boil spaghetti noodles in (after all, is that hard to push the noodles down? Or god forbid, break them?) but there’s no harm in looking. It’s like a toy store for adults…wait…I mean…you know what I mean.

…

Paddy O’Leary’s, Pensacola Beach, FL

Pensacola Beaches' Best Irish Pub

by Ashley Hardaway | March 08, 2010

There are many Irish bars in Pensacola. And though all of them are fabulous, I do feel that one in particular is going to be a great place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year; Paddy O’Leary’s on Pensacola Beach.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary and being a huge part of Pensacola Beach’s “Go Irish on the Island” Week, Paddy’s will have many drink specials running as well as all-day cookoffs, bar crawls, …

J’s Pastry Shop, Pensacola, Fl

Best Place to Ruin Your Diet

by Ashley Hardaway | March 05, 2010

J’s Pastry Shop has been around since 1946. It closed momentarily (and life in Pensacola came to a sad, sugar-free halt) but re-opened under new owners who still utilize J’s original, vastly popular recipes.

Located in a residential neighborhood, J’s has a wonderful old-timey feel. Though they are located inside a barely decorated building, the pastries and icing on the petit fours make the room pop.  I always stop by …

University of West Florida, Pensacola, Fl

Florida's Greenest University

by Ashley Hardaway | March 01, 2010

College towns are synonymous with densely packed streets, overcrowded walkways and poor parking options. After 4 years in the war zone known as the University of Central Florida in Orlando, my car looked like it had mechanical acne; all pockmarks and scratches.

Pensacola has a University, but you would never know it. Not because it’s not active in the community (its organizations participate in almost every function around town) or because the …

24 Hour Theatre, Pensacola Little Theatre, Pensacola, Fl

Pensacola Little Theatre Challenges Actors and Writers to Create Five Short Plays—in 24 Hours

by Ashley Hardaway | February 26, 2010

I can’t sing and this breaks my heart. My two sisters sing amazingly well, with clarity and strength that people notice and comment on. When I was younger, and therefore still imbued with false encouragement by my parents, I would go with them to audition for musicals at Pensacola Little Theatre. Often they would make it and I would not, so I would work props in the back or help build sets.

This is …

Global Grill, Pensacola, FL

Pensacola's Best Place to Share

by Ashley Hardaway | February 22, 2010

By far my biggest fault is that whenever my boyfriend and I go out to eat I always get food envy. Whatever he orders I will later wish I had ordered. Generally this is remedied by sharing; I’m a great sharer, and luckily, so is he.

Pensacola’s Global Grill is an enabler of this sharing attitude and encourages patrons to pass the plates around (and what’s a better conversation maker than a perfectly prepared …

Suite Ultra Lounge, Pensacola, FL

New York Style Comes to Pensacola

by Ashley Hardaway | February 19, 2010

Shuffled off to the side of a busy downtown street lies Pensacola’s hottest nightclub. The subdued sign “Suite” delicately hints at its location, but don’t be fooled by the simplistic signage; inside bustling pop music radiates from the speakers and some of the cities hottest and most talented bartenders mix up a variety of colorful cocktails.

Visitors to Pensacola will be surprised by the outlandishness of this club, after all it was the first …

Travel Guide to Pensacola, FL

Why You Should Visit Pensacola

by Ashley Hardaway | February 15, 2010

Pensacola, to some, may seem to suffer from an identity crisis. Sprinkled about the city are signs proclaiming Pensacola to be one of the following: “City of Five Flags”, “Emerald Coast”, “Cradle of Naval Aviation”, “Western Gate to the Sunshine State”, “America’s First Settlement” and occasionally seen on bumper stickers or mailboxes the proud proclamation “Redneck Riviera.” And while we frown upon visitors employing the latter saying we embrace it and make fun of it during …

Portofino Island Resort, Pensacola, Florida

Indulge your Senses in this Extraordinary Island Oasis

by Ashley Hardaway | February 11, 2010

Pensacolians consider themselves lucky that for the most part, they don’t have to share their beaches. Except for the odd holiday and Blue Angel Weekend, Pensacola Beach retains it’s tranquil nature year-round. Unlike Panama City or even it’s close neighbor Destin, Pensacola Beach has yet to be inundated with swarms of winter tourists. Thus it’s peaceful nature is preserved and it’s shoreline (blissfully) free from all consuming neon-lighted stores.

The tail end of winter is always …

Mardi Gras Weekend, Pensacola, FL

Mardi Gras on the Beach? This is what the Laissez-Faire Life is all About.

by Ashley Hardaway | February 08, 2010

There aren’t many places where you can drink a Bushwacker on the beach as you watch a Mardi Gras parade pass you by, or cities where you can take the kids to a lighted night parade without fear of them witnessing an inventive way of scoring beads. But Pensacola seems to do a good job of catering to all. Whether you like your Mardi Gras laid back with an island vibe, spent bar hopping with friends, …

Double Bridge Run, Pensacola, FL

Don't Let the Scenic Views Slow You Down

by Ashley Hardaway | February 04, 2010

New Year’s resolutions always seem to wane by the first week of February. Usually by this point self-restraint is hard to manage and if your resolution is to get healthier the prevalence of King’s Cakes only makes it that much harder. Luckily though, Pensacola makes it pretty easy to keep your fitness regime in check, even if does encourage you to let loose in your “diet” rules.

It seems every day of the week there is a running …

New York Nick’s, Pensacola, FL

Pensacola's Best Sports Bar

by Ashley Hardaway | February 01, 2010

New York Nick’s in Downtown Pensacola was recently named “The Best Sports Bar in Pensacola.” It’s no surprise, since the walls are literally inundated with 40 high-definition flat-screen TVs playing anything from water polo to hockey. They also have every sports package known to man, so if you’re not into football you can find something. Rhythmic gymnastics anyone?

But, ribbon dancing aside; during the Super Bowl I can imagine no better place in town …

Port City Farmers’ Market, Pensacola, FL

Buying Local Never Tasted So Good.

by Ashley Hardaway | January 28, 2010

When I lived in Ukraine my host-mother’s favorite thing to taunt me about was how all the food in our village was “natural”. She bragged about how she could tell you exactly which dacha the potatoes she purchased came from and how she kills her own chickens. Granted, all food wasn’t better (the Peace Corps warned us to stay away from mushrooms as they absorbed a lot of radiation from Chernobyl) but overall it was …

The Lee House, Pensacola, FL

Southern hospitality and old world charm collide at this fantastic bed and breakfast.

by Ashley Hardaway | January 25, 2010

There are plenty of romantic spots in Pensacola to stay. Whether your taste leans towards giant waterfront resorts, secluded inns tucked into neighborhoods or beach shacks that you can rent out by the week, there is something in Pensacola for you. Yet there is one inn I always find myself recommending.

Overlooking the Pensacola Bay and in the midst of the Downtown Historic District lies The Lee House. An adorable bed and breakfast it …

Full Contact Jousting Tournament, Pensacola, FL

Pensacola's First Full Contact Jousting Tournament Makes "Ultimate Cage Fighting" Look Like Child's Play

by Ashley Hardaway | January 21, 2010

Everything I know about jousting I know from the movie A Knight’s Tale. I think of lances breaking, princesses fainting and paupers wearing outfits constructed out of leftover tent fabric. In the days of yore it was epic, comparable to Aussie Rules Football in brutality, but in modern day?  Isn’t it just an excuse for audiences to eat turkey legs and men to don armor?

Steve Melei, organizer of the annual Gulf Coast Renaissance …

City Grocery, Pensacola, FL

Pensacola's Best Place for Outdoor Eating

by Ashley Hardaway | January 18, 2010

Pensacola is full of fabulous food finds in random places (and by random I mean in unmarked buildings, residential neighborhoods and barely converted shacks). This particular one is located in the trendy section of town called East Hill. East Hill is known for its expensive Victorian-era homes (complete with servant’s quarters in back) that now house seven bohemian students or one wealthy investment bankers with two dogs. It’s this eclectic mix that gives this residential area …

Duh, Pensacola, FL

Pensacola's Best Place for Antiques and Unique Home Furnishings

by Ashley Hardaway | January 14, 2010

It was one of our first dates together when Rob took me to “Duh.” I must have driven by the building a million times but never stopped to explore it. I didn’t really know what it was (a garden center?) and the name threw me off. It sounded condescending and honestly almost rude: “Duh.” But I soon realized what it really meant to convey was “You fool. Why haven’t you been in here sooner?”

Duh is …