Although badly mauled by Hurricane Ivan a few years ago, Pensacola, Florida has never lost the spirit of adventure it has gained through several centuries of occupation by visitors from others parts of the world. The once sleepy southern village that lies at the edge of a large Gulf of Mexico estuary, reflects the growth of the Gulf Coast but has retained that small town flavor where neighbors know each other well and strangers are welcomed with a smile and friendly wave.

The annual Fiesta of Five Flags is held each June and the week long affair is a great time to plan your visit. The best way to explain it - Mardi Gras in spring. It's full of parades, cultural events, and the Panzacola indian tribe! The areas around the old city hall and square come alive with vendors selling everything from elephant ears to fine paintings.

If you miss the Fiesta in June, don't worry. Pensacola has lots of activities all year round. Locals have their favorite sports, and often they are also the best for tourists too. The night club scene is evident year round, especially for the past 37 years at Rosie O'Grady's Good Time Emporium. It was established by a former Naval Aviator and has that special flair of peanut shells on the floor and pitchers of on beer on the table.

Daytime visitors will find lots of antique shops and curiosities near the old Municipal Pier area. The T.T. Wentworth Museum houses the most ecclectic display of oddities that can be found in a public museum. It was started in the 1950's by old T.T. Wentworth in his garage on the north side of town, (Ensley to all of the natives). T.T. never threw anything away and rarely turned down a donation of something that could be considered 'historic'. The result is a huge display of common items from daily life in a southern town that just are not seen any more. It's a worthwhile stop.

The younger crowd, and those more physically fit, may want to visit Bayou Texar near the bluffs of Escambia Bay. It offers a public park overlooking the bayou with swimming and water skiing. The Bonifay family resides here and has been thrilling locals for three generations. Their influence in the sport is the reason for national extreme water ski and water boarding events held here every year.

Motorcycles are welcome around Pensacola, although the local police are very intolerant of loud noise and smoking tires. The large Navy community and growing list of colleges and university campus areas ensures a youthful outlook, which is deceptive as there is also a very large number of retied Naval Aviators here. All it all, Pensacola offers a lot as a destination.

Enjoy your stay!
- LW