Spectacular Sunsets

One aspect of Pensacola that I didn't  really appreciate until I moved here are the absolutely mesmerizing sunsets.  Having spent time in Colorado, I've seen some very picturesque sunsets over the Rockies, but the beach sunsets here are the best (to the point I have to make an effort to not let beautiful sunsets distract my driving).

The best establishment in the vicinity to experience these wonders of nature from is The Bridge Bar.  Located in Gulf Breeze proper, it is the first building on the right after you cross the 3 mile bridge on the way to the beach.  A favorite of locals and visitors, having a glass of vino on their deck as you watch the sun slip below the horizon is definitely tough to beat.

 

 

 

Here are a few of the most enchanting dusk scenes I've captured in the past month..

 

 

This type of setting can't help but bring a smile to one's face,

including yours truly. 

 

 

Be sure to experience this yourself, I promise you'll never forget!

 

Bands on the Beach

For low budget, premium entertainment, its tough to beat Bands on the Beach.  Every Tuesday during "Our extended summer, April - October"  you can enjoy a variety of music with 2,000 to 4,000 of your closest friends.  Regionally renowned bands such as my parents' favorite "Not Quite Fab (one of the better Beatles cover bands)" provide one of the few family friendly music venues on the beach.  The bands play in the Gulfside Pavillion, located on Casino Beach, under the beach ball and between Crabs and The Fishing Pier.  Enjoyed by vacationers and locals alike, many bring lawn chairs and coolers.  Food is available with Papa's Pizza walk up window on the beach (41 Ft Pickens Rd) being the most convenient.  Many other "within sight" options are available, Crabs, The Dock, Casino Beach Bar, and Flounders to name a few.  Local Tip:  As long as you're NOT from New York City or Chicago, Publix deli makes some pretty stellar sandwiches and provide a local alternative to Subway and Firehouse.  So bring your choice of food and beverages or buy them at the beach. 

Next week on October 27, the band "Something Huge" will play the last show of the season, so don't miss them!  Last night The Holley Shelton Band played many favorites.  After hearing a great rendition of "Heard it Through the Grapevine," from about half way out The Fishing Pier I realized that the pier was a great spot to watch and listen to the bands.  Upon checking out the pier, I noticed I was 1 of 5 people out there, the other 4 consisted of 2 couples.  Local Tip #2:  At the beginning and end of the summer when fishing on the pier is minimal/non-existent; watching Bands on the Beach from the pier could be conducive to romance..  (if you still don't get the picture, maybe Stevie Wonder can explain it better with My Sheree Amour)

If you turn up the volume, you can hear the waves crashing below the pier

Sidelines, where sports meet the beach

Last night I had the opportunity to take in a Cardinals vs Cubs playoff game followed by Monday Night Football at the premier sports bar at the beach, Sidelines.  Featuring wall to wall TVs inside and out,

 you do not have to turn you head far to see your team.   In addition to the bar, there's also a family friendly indoor dining area as well as a covered outdoor patio.  Watching your home team playing also provides the opportunity to meet and converse with people that you have something in common with whom you may not have otherwise met at the beach.  And if you ask any local, the best part of Sidelines is the food.  From the best burgers at the beach, to chicken wings reknowned by pregnant women of the golf coast, this is definitely the place for great, reasonably priced American food!

A Great Reason to Look Forward to Flying, Again..

I recently flew out of PNS Pensacola International Airport and was once again reminded how pleasant it is compared to the chaos of airports the size of a small city.  Forget about having to arrive 2 hours before your flight.  Since you don't have to deal with trains taking you to neverending terminals, nor the sheer volume of people, arriving 1 hour before your flight is more than enough time.  VPS (Ft. Walton, Destin) is a similarily small and efficient airport within an hour of Pensacola Beach.

PNS Pensacola offers short, direct flights from the following cities:

Atlanta, GA   1 hour, 15 minutes   Delta
Charlotte, NC   1 hour, 40 minutes  US Airways
Chicago, IL    2 hours, 15 minutes  Southwest
Dallas, TX     1 hour, 15 minutes   American
Houston, TX  1 hour, 30 minutes  United, Southwest
Miami, FL     1 hour, 45 minutes  American
Nashville, TN  1 hour, 15 minutes  Southwest
Washington, DC 2 hours, 30 minutes US Airways

We also offer transportation to and from the airport for less than a cab.

Come visit the beach without the headache that flying into major airports has become!