Page 14 - Dreamscapes Magazine | Winter 2021-2022

5 Reasons Why
PENSACOLA IS
THE WAY TO THE BEACH BY MADELAINE LAFRAMBOISE
restaurant with chef-crafted cuisine, trendy downtown dining, or something in- between, Pensacola is the place to satisfy those seafood cravings. Find everything from Spanish and French flavours to southern Cajun cooking. Depending on your choice, the cuisine can be decidedly
Nestled in Florida’s Panhandle,
quistador Don Tristan de Luna established Pensacola is known for its award-
Pensacola as the first European settlement winning beaches, seaside charm
in North America. Over the centuries, the and delectable coastal cuisine. For culture
flags of Spain, Britain, France, the Confed- and sporting enthusiasts discover more than
eracy and the United States have flown over 460 years of history, festivals galore, the arts
the city. You’ll feel the sense of community and year-round sporting events. Here are five
pride for the diverse cultural influences that reasons to experience Pensacola this winter:
are reflected in Pensacola’s architecture, cuisine and festivals.
upscale, but the atmosphere is always unpretentious and welcoming.
ARTS & CULTURE
Pensacola is revered as a must-see destina- tion for cultural happenings. There’s the Pensacola Opera, Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Pensacola, the historic Saenger Theatre and the accredited Pensacola Museum of Art. Pensacola’s thriving visual arts scene includes the First City Art Center, downtown galleries, and an eclectic local theatre scene highlighted by the Pensacola Little Theatre. Year-round fes- tivals, including the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival and Foo Foo Festival, celebrate everything from the arts and music to seafood and aviation. Quite possibly the best aspect: it’s sophisticated but not intimi- dating, meaning anyone and everyone can easilyattend.DS
TRAVEL PLANNER
For Pensacola trip planning
VisitPensacola.com
SUGAR-WHITE BEACHES AND CLEAR, EMERALD WATERS
You haven’t truly experienced Pensacola until you dig your toes into the sugar-white sand of its world-famous beaches. Feel the daily stresses wash away as you watch the waves roll in along Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key. The beach vibe is super chill. Come as you are and hang out with the locals at beach bars and restaurants. These picture-perfect beaches are accessible with ample parking. You can even leave the car behind and take a boat ride to Pensacola Beach aboard Pensacola Bay Cruises from
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Escape the everyday on plenty of multipur- pose trails. There’s even the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail for diving! Fishing is an outdoor lifestyle, but you don’t have to be a pro to fish in this area. Book a Gulf charter for deep-sea fishing or spend a relaxing afternoon casting from shore. There are also ample opportunities to surf, scuba, sail and swim, or take a dolphin tour for close-up encounters with some of the area’s most popular beach residents.
downtown Pensacola.
460+ YEARS OF HISTORY
Pensacola is unique among beach destina- tions because it is a city with an old soul. Its roots date back to 1559 when Spanish con-
DELICIOUS COASTAL CUISINE
Pensacola’s unique coastal cuisine draws on the city’s colonial roots and proximity to the teeming fisheries of the Gulf. Whether your dining style is toes in the sand, grouper sandwich in hand, an elegant waterfront
PHOTO: Couples enjoy alfresco waterfront dining along Pensacola Beach. Visit Pensacola
14 DREAMSCAPES WINTER 2021/2022