Pensacola

Pensacola is a historic beach city in northwest Florida, in the United States. It is in Escambia County, Florida's westernmost county, at the tip of the "panhandle". The city is home to the Pensacola Naval Air Station and the National Museum of Naval Aviation and many historic neighborhoods that skirt the downtown area. Surrounded on three sides by water and the Pensacola area is full of history, shipwrecks, beaches and spectacular vistas.

Pensacola should not be confused with its neighbor, Pensacola Beach, covered in a separate article.

Pensacola Halal Explorer

History

Pensacola has the nickname "The City of Five Flags." Only the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce actually uses that name, but it's a convenient short-handed way of describing the city's history. Over the past 450 years, Pensacola has been owned by five nations: Spain, France and the United Kingdom and the United States, and the Confederate States. It was also inhabited by various Native American tribes, but sloganeers never seem to include them.

When the Panzacola Indians arrived in Pensacola thousands of years ago and they found old growth pine forests, thicketed with massive pine trees so large, it would take two or three men to wrap your arms around the trunk. These trees provided so much shade that there was almost no undergrowth on the forest floor, and traveling through the woods was easy. Since there isn't much food to be found in pine forests and the tribes tended to live near the water, where fishing was plentiful. Not much is known about these early inhabitants of the area: they left few artifacts behind, and all of the tribes that lived in Pensacola prior to European colonization have gone extinct.

European colonization began with the Spanish: Juan Ponce de León (of Fountain of Youth fame) sighted the area first, and later Spanish explorers were excited by the well-protected, deep water bay. They recommended settlement, and in 1559, Tristán de Luna y Arellano arrived at the bay and founded the first European colonial settlement in the United States. He named it... Puerto de Santa Maria. It failed miserably. He sent his men on worthless scouting missions into the desolate pine forests, lost all of his ships in a hurricane (with the supplies still on board!), and was so incapable and uninspiring that his men mutinied. He lived, thanks to the intervention of Catholic missionaries in the town, but once Spanish ships arrived a few months later and the remaining Spaniards quickly abandoned the settlement. Spain didn't return...

Until 1698. They had rediscovered the bay five years earlier during a mapping expedition. Since the bay was still a tempting harbor, and there were many old growth pines at the nearby Blackwater River that would be perfect for shipbuilding, Spain decided to resettle the bay. This time and the settlement was named Bahía Santa María de Filipina. Still not Pensacola! However and the name 'Panzacola' was written on explorer's maps for the area, and the name was starting to gain informal use. The settlement was poor, small, populated mostly by prisoners, and suffered many setbacks. It remained this way for many years, when...

In 1719, France, led by the governor of French Louisiana captured Pensacola from the Spanish at the outset of the War of the Quadruple Alliance. There was almost no resistance from Pensacola: no one had bothered to tell the Pensacolians that they were at war! The befuddled city greeted the French with open arms, expecting the ships from Mobile to trade supplies, not bullets.After taking control and they didn't do much with the city. The French burned Pensacola during their retreat in 1722, and the Spanish resumed control of the (pillaged, charred) city...

Until 1763, when Great Britain won Florida from the Spanish as a concession following the French and Indian War/Seven Years' War. In exchange, Spain was allowed to keep Cuba, and was also given Louisiana as a gift from the French, in exchange for their help during the war. Not a bad trade. Great Britain was proud of its new city, and they put a lot of effort into improvement. It was declared the capital of the new colony of British West Florida, and they built most of the streets in downtown Pensacola that are still used today. This period of British prosperity didn't last too long though, because...

In 1781, Spain recaptured Pensacola, along with the rest of Florida, as an ally of the United States in the American Revolutionary War. Bernardo de Gálvez and the general of Spanish Louisiana, was instrumental in winning the city during the Battle of Pensacola. When the Spanish fleet commander lost a ship and refused to send any more into Pensacola Bay, Gálvez used his powers as governor to commandeer one of the ships from Louisiana and personally sailed it into the harbor, under constant cannon fire from the British. The other ships in the fleet soon followed, somewhat emasculated, one imagines. With Florida in Spanish control, Spain controlled all of the Gulf Coast, and parts of the Mississippi River, which resulted in a lot of discontent among United States settlers in the south. They wanted water access, and their agitation for a seaport eventually inspire a young general named Andrew Jackson, who...

In 1821, finally succeeded in capturing Pensacola, and Florida, for the fourth and final time: it was now owned by the United States. The Adams-Onís Treaty made the acquisition official, giving Pensacola and all of Spanish Florida to the Americans. This was a boon for Mississippi and Alabama, which finally gained access to the sea. It wasn't so great for General Jackson, who was made Governor of Florida, a job he hated, and later quit. By this time, Pensacola had become the largest city in Florida, and was one of the most important ports on the Gulf Coast. In 1845 the territory became the 27th United State. The United States invested a lot in Florida, building forts here, increasing a military presence. They built shipyards, which a hundred years later would become Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola.

In 1861 Florida seceded from the United States to join the Confederate States of America. For four years, Florida fought with the South as part of the American Civil War. Contrary to initial expectations, this war did not end well for the South. Even worse for Pensacola and the Confederacy single-handedly destroyed the city's economy. Confederate Colonel John Beard, afraid that Union troops would capture Pensacola, ordered his men to "destroy every foot of lumber, all saw-mills, boats, etc.," along with anything else that may be of use to "the enemy." The city's economy never fully recovered.

Pensacola rejoined the United States in 1865, beginning a long decline for the city. The lumber industry began to rebuild, but by the 1930s, every old-growth tree in northwest Florida had been cut down, leaving nothing but small, newly planted pines. Pensacola Bay and the entire reason for the city's existence, was unable to accommodate modern ships, which required deeper water. The city council declined to dredge the bay to make the water deeper, and the harbor declined to near nothingness. Most of the shipping moved to Mobile, Alabama.

Today and the military is a driving force in Pensacola's economy. The Pensacola shipyards were re-purposed, and became the first naval air station in the United States in 1913. NAS Pensacola is home to the Blue Angels and the National Museum of Naval Aviation.All naval aviators are, at some point in their career, trained at NAS Pensacola. The base employs more than 23,000 people.

How is the Climate in Pensacola

ECAT provides public bus service to Pensacola and the immediate area, stopping at shopping centers and hospitals. The bus service doesn't serve the entire city, budget cuts have reduced the availability of routes, service is curt, and the routes are long and slow, but the buses are almost always on time. Route maps are available on the bus, and the bus driver can answer simple questions about how to get to most major tourist destinations in Pensacola. For route planning, call the ECAT bus office ahead of time.

To board an ECAT bus, arrive at the bus stop at least ten minutes early; buses can't be flagged down. Have your money or ticket ready, and ask for a transfer before paying; the bus driver doesn't have to give you a transfer if you forget to ask. You receive one transfer for free, which is good for two hours; additional transfers are ten cents. Tickets are $1.75 per adult, $1.25 for older children and students with a valid student ID, 85¢ for Medicare card holders, and free for young children; make sure to have exact change! Unlimited day passes, seven-day passes, and thirty-day passes are available at the transit center. Bicycle racks are available on all ECAT buses, but make sure to remind the driver when you're disembarking that you need to retrieve your bike!

Best way to travel in Pensacola by a Taxi

Taxi service in Pensacola can be expensive due to the long driving times required to get from one end of town to the other. Don't expect to find a cab when you need a ride, nor to hail one; usually you'll need to call the cab company, and expect a wait. A few taxi-stands are located in downtown Pensacola (good luck finding them), and at the airport. Rates for taxi cabs are set by city ordinance, and are as follows:

• $2 for the first one-ninth mile.
• .25¢ for each additional one-ninth mile ($2.25 per mile.)
• .50¢ for each bag of luggage over two bags.
• .50¢ for each passenger over the age of thirteen.
• .50¢ for trips between 9PM and 5AM.
• $18 per hour for waiting

There is also a minimum charge of $11 for any taxi ride from the Pensacola Regional Airport, plus a $1 surcharge if the cab fare is over $11.

• Americab Express | ☎ +1 850 490-0794
• Metro Cab of Pensacola | ☎ +1 850 433-9999
• Pensacola Taxi | ☎ +1 850 456-3000
• Yellow Cab of Pensacola - 3434 Martin Luther King Jr Dr ☎ +1 850 433-3333 The largest taxi service in Pensacola, and in existence since 1909, it typically has the shortest wait times for a cab, and their cars are clean and well-maintained.

• Roddawg Express Taxi Service | 213 South Navy Blvy ☎ +1 850 554-8015 A unique taxicab experience where the cab is almost like a rolling jukebox; the ride has a thousand watt stereo system and a great entertainment selection.

What to see in Pensacola

The Seven Wonders of Pensacola|The residents of Pensacola often joke about the souvenirsy buildings and attractions around town. A newspaper compiled a tongue-in-cheek list of the most famous pieces of, uh, architectural exuberance, and the result is the Seven Wonders of Pensacola. None of these are worth a long trip or a stop, but you can see them from the road, and might see them around while driving.

• 12th Avenue Tunnel - Otherwise known as the Hugging Trees| 12th Ave, south of Fairfield Dr - Ancient, long-limbed live oaks spread their branches over the road here, like a leafy, sun-dappled tunnel.

• 17th Avenue Graffiti Bridge - 17th Ave, north of Bayfront Pkwy - Officially, this is the 17th Avenue Railroad Trestle, but everyone calls it the graffiti bridge; there's not a single inch of exposed concrete left on this short span. The city has officially designated graffiti at this site to be completely legal, now the bridge has become famous enough to appear on Pensacola merchandise and have its own Christmas Tree ornament!
• The Crystal Ice House | 2024 Davis StJordan Street intersection - This small building looks like a tiny castle made of carved ice, and is made of white concrete and mica so it sparkles. This roadside stand used to sell ice for iceboxes in the 1930s, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

• The Jolly Green Giant | 4301 North Davis Highway north of Fairfield Dr - He watches over Bailey's Farmers Market, hoping to attract curious motorists to the vegetable stands. He shrunk in 2004 from 32 feet to 25 feet when the farmers market moved into Pensacola city limits, and city sign ordinances forced a size reduction.

• Southern Scrap Sculpture | 2911 North Palafox Street south of Fairfield Dr - At 30 feet, this sculpture made entirely of scrap metal is imfeasible to miss while driving by the Southern Scrap company. It's supposed to depict a construction crane dropping scrap metal, but it's been compared to everything from a robot flower to a vomiting dragon.

• Hadji Shriner Temple | 800 West Nine Mile Road west of Pensacola Blvd - This small convention center, owned by the Shriners (the fez people with the tiny cars), looks like a miniature replica of the Taj Mahal, complete with towers and a gold-colored dome.

• Spaceship House | 1304 Panferio Dr View from Via de Luna Dr, 2 miles west of Fort Pickens Road - Located in Pensacola Beach, this novelty home is built like a retro flying saucer, complete with stuffed aliens in the living room windows.

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• Naval Air Station Pensacola S. end of Navy Blvd 30.354167, -87.305556 ☎ +1 850 452-3100 Naval Air Station Pensacola - The Naval Air Station is the single largest employer in Pensacola, and is the driving force of the city's economy. Pensacola holds a high degree of respect for its military base, and NAS Pensacola returns the favor by offering attractions for the public and allowing public access. First built in 1826 as a Navy Yard and the location was chosen due to Pensacola Bay's deep waters and importance as a naval port on the Gulf of Mexico. In 1913, following the invention of the airplane, Pensacola was chosen to become the first naval aviation station in the nation, and today, still remains the primary training base for all Navy and Marine flight officers. Visitors to the base can get a brief glimpse of a military base in person, and can visit the many historic attractions. When you first drive into the base, a guard will ask which attractions you wish to see, and will issue you a vehicle hangtag for those destinations. Most of these attractions are on Radford Boulevard or Taylor Road; if you stray too far off the beaten path, prepare to be interrogated by a very inquisitive military police officer.

• The Blue Angels - The elite jet-fighter pilots of the U.S. Navy are stationed at NAS Pensacola for part of the year, and if you're in the west portion of Pensacola at 8:30AM when they training, you may be able to see them performing flight maneuvers overhead. Typically and the Blue Angels perform two public air shows a year for Pensacola; one at the beach, and one at NAS Pensacola, and these air shows are massively attended. However, local residents in the know skip the air shows, and go to the Naval Aviation museum for their Tuesday and Wednesday 8:30AM trainings instead; a few times a month and the Blue Angels training just above the museum. The museum even has a special viewing area for you to do this, and afterwards on Wednesdays and the Blue Angels will sign autographs and answer questions for spectators. Try that at the air show! Free.

• Fort Barrancas - Taylor Road 30.347839, -87.297561 ☎ +1 850 455-5167 Fort Barrancas Nps Fort Barrancas - Meaning 'bluffs' in (Spanish), Barrancas has been a popular site for military forts; the British and the (Spanish), and the U.S. have built forts here to protect Pensacola Bay. One of three military forts built around Pensacola Bay by the United States, Fort Barrancas is still in extraordinary condition, and easily accessible, unlike its sister forts Mcree and Pickens. Tours of the main fort are offered daily at 2PM, and al-tours/ tours of the advanced redoubt are available Saturdays at 11AM. The remainder of the time and the fort is relatively abandoned, and you can oftentimes get free reign of the ruins to explore. Free.

• National Naval Aviation Museum - 1750 Radford Blvd 30.3496, -87.3036 Must enter and exit base through West Gate off Blue Angel Parkway, unless escorted by a DOD ID holder. ☎ +1 850 452-3604 | Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 5PM National Naval Aviation Museum Pensacola FL Naval Aviation msm01 The Naval Aviation Museum is the most popular tourist destination in Pensacola, and it offers a comprehensive look at the history of flight in the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. The 150 beautifully restored aircraft are the biggest draw here; make sure to check out the Blue Angels jets hanging in the atrium! Kids will enjoy the flight simulator, and the IMAX theater shows a visually stunning documentary and the History of Flight. Free, but donations welcome. $8 for IMAX tickets.

• Pensacola Lighthouse - 190 Radford Blvd 30.346389, -87.308056 - Pensacola Light Pensacola Light - Lighthouse lovers may want to check out the black-and-white Pensacola Lighthouse. Built in 1858 to replace an earlier, inferior lighthouse, it became a target during the Civil War for Union soldiers at Fort Pickens, aiming for the Confederate-held Fort Barrancas. Due to safety concerns, al-tours/ tours are no longer available, but access to the grounds is still available. There is a fee to enter the lighthouse and keepers quarters. You are allowed to climb the 15 story lighthouse for a great view of the beach, woods and NAS airstrip below.

• Historic Downtown Pensacola - 205 E Zaragoza Street ☎ +1 850 595-5985 - Opening from Monday to Saturday 10AM Monday - 4PM, Sunday closed - This group of historic buildings, called the Pensacola Historic Village includes many museums such as the T.T. Wentworth Jr. Museum, a museum of history, The Museum of Commerce and the Museum of Industry. The Old Christ Church built in 1832 is also included in this group of buildings and has been recently refurbished. Guided walking al-tours/ tours are available at 11AM, 1PM, and 2:30PM of the historic homes in the quaint, shady area around Seville Plaza. $6, $3 for children. Free admission to T.T. Wentworth Jr. Museum.

• Pensacola Museum of Art - 407 South Jefferson Street 30.40837, -87.21335 ☎ +1 850 432-6247 | Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10AM Monday - 5PM, Saturday to Sunday Noon-5PM, Monday closed Pensacola Museum of Art Pensacola HD MOA01 - This museum is housed in the Old City Jail, a Spanish revival structure in downtown Pensacola. The collection focuses mainly on art from the 20th and 21st century and has many well known artists represented in their collection including Alexander Calder, Miriam Schapiro and Louis Comfort Tiffany. They present many special exhibitions throughout the years, and have previously hosted exhibitions of art by Picasso, Rodin, and Andy Warhol. $5 admission, $2 for students and military, free on Tuesdays.

• St. Michael's Cemetery - 6 North Alcaniz Street ☎ +1 850 436-4643 | Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 5PM - Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this cemetery is on eight acres across the street from the Pensacola Civic Center, on the edge of the historic neighborhood. It is one of the oldest cemeteries in Florida, officially designated by the Spanish in 1807. Free.

• Veterans Memorial and Wall South - intersection of Romana Street and Bayfront Pkwy A large park along the Pensacola bayfront honoring Veterans of all of America's Wars and the memorial was built as a place to honor America's veterans without needing to make the trip to Washington D.C. Includes a one-half scale version of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. and other monuments dedicated to World War I and II and the Korean War. It is easily found by looking for the AH-1 Huey Cobra helicopter on Bayfront Parkway. Free.

Best things to do in Pensacola

Pensacola-Evenings-Olde-Seville - A band plays underneath the oaks at Evenings in Olde Seville Plaza.

• The beaches of Pensacola, with their famous sugar-white sand, are the city's most popular attractions. However, while the city of Pensacola is surrounded entirely by water and there are no beaches in the city limits. Instead, you'll have to travel to one of the beachside communities, which are a short drive away. Pensacola Beach is nearby, and very popular with both tourists and local residents, with some Halal restaurants, hotels, amenities and shopping, while Perdido Key is just a short drive further, and is more quiet and pristine.
• Diving opportunities here are mostly sunken ships, which are not only historically interesting, but provide homes for entire ecosystems. The most popular dive is the newly "reefed" aircraft carrier Oriskany roughly 24 miles southeast of Pensacola Pass; the wreck is nearly a thousand feet long! Another dive includes the USS Massachusetts that was used as a target for artillery fire after being decommissioned in 1919. She sits in 30 feet of water near Pensacola Pass and is known to be an unpredictable dive. For spearfishers and the Russian Freighter is a popular dive, with grouper, snapper, and lobster available. Travelers interested in diving should check with one of the four dive shops in town for more information and for boat charters.

• Dive Pros - @ivepros.com 7203 West Highway 98 ☎ +1 850 456-8845 +1 850 456-0025 Opening Hours: Summer Monday to Friday 9AM Monday - 7PM, Saturday 7AM Monday - 7PM, Sunday 9AM Monday - 5PM; Winter Monday to Friday 10AM Monday - 6PM, Saturday 8AM Monday - 6PM, Sunday 9AM Monday - 5PM
• MBT Divers - 3920 Barrancas Ave ☎ +1 850 455-7702 +1 850 455-7564 Opening from Monday to Saturday 8AM Monday - 6PM, Sunday 8AM Monday - 3PM
• Scuba Shack - 711 South Palafox Pl ☎ +1 850 433-4319 +1 850 465-0040 Opening from Monday to Saturday 9AM Monday - 4PM, Sunday 9AM Monday - 3PM
• Birdwatchers - Should check out Big Lagoon State Park, just west of the city, where birds of prey are easily spotted in the dead trees overlooking the water. At Big Lagoon, keep an eye out in early spring after particularly heavy showers, when migrating birds are often forced to land and many unusual birds can be spotted. The University of West Florida's Edward Ball nature trail meanders through swampland, allowing a rare glimpse at wetland birds, such as brilliant yellow tanagers and red-winged blackbirds. And of course, shore birds and seabirds are easily spotted near the coast.

• Pensacola Civic Center - 201 E Gregory Street ☎ +1 850 432-0800 Large enough to seat 10,000 and the civic center in Pensacola attracts bands, live concerts, and conventions. Past performers have included Celtic Woman, Brad Paisley, Toby Keith, Sheryl Crow, and Kiss. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, but you can save money by picking them up in person, at the box office.

• Sam's Fun City - 30.4875, -87.2629 - located in Pensacola
• New Year's Eve Pelican Drop - 41 N. Jefferson Street ☎ +1 850 434-5371 | Opening Hours: 5PM Monday - 12:30AM Throughout the evening the giant Pelican (14 feet tall, with a 20-foot wingspan) is perched above the celebration on a 100-foot platform at the intersection of Palafox and Government Streets. Although Palafox and Government Street will be closed to traffic, area restaurants are open and additional vendors will be providing refreshments). Live performances on three outdoor stages provide ongoing entertainment throughout the evening. The popular kids' area features the special kids' countdown at 8PM with confetti and the "bubble stomp." At the stroke of midnight and the whole city celebrates as the Pelican descends amidst fireworks and more confetti.

Events

• Evenings in Olde Seville Plaza - Seville Plaza ☎ +1 850 438-6505 | Opening Hours: Thursday 7-9PM, Summer months only Free A free concert is held every week in downtown Pensacola during summer, and the events are popular, attracting upwards of ten thousand listeners during popular days! The style of music varies; recent musicians include the Pensacola Civic Band, bagpipers, country singers, big bands, swing music, Caribbean music, and cajun-style bands. Bring your own chairs, or a blanket, since no seating is provided; some Snacks are available at concession stands along Alcaniz Street, if you decide not to bring your own. Note that the 2016 season was cancelled due to financial difficulty, and the future of this concert series is uncertain.

• Hopjacks Trivia Night - 10 South Palafox, downtown ☎ +1 850 497-6073 | Opening Hours: West 9PM Free

A popular destination in downtown Pensacola on Wednesday nights. Often between 10 and 20 teams competing for numerous prizes; including free bar tabs, a $50 Hopjacks gift card, and boot schwag. Entry is free and there is a team size limit of 8. The best team name each week also wins a round of shots. Sprinkled throughout the game are several "fast finger" questions, in which the first team to scrawl the correct answer on a piece of paper and bring it up to the judge wins a separate prize (usually a bottle of or hats/key chains). Be sure to check out the surprisingly gourmet bar menu, famous for their Pizzas, and the impressive organic juice list.

• Fiesta of Five Flags - Multiple venues ☎ +1 850 433-6512 +1 850 438-5572 - The Fiesta of Five Flags celebrates the history of Pensacola and its founding by Spanish governor Don Tristan de Luna. Many separate events are included under the Fiesta of Five Flags banner, and include float parades, boat parades, balls, golf tournaments, scavenger hunts and sand castle contests, among other events. The fiesta's most popular event is a stylized re-enactment of the landing of Don Tristan de Luna. Free.

• Gallery Nights - Palafox St, downtown ☎ +1 850 432-9906 Downtown Pensacola is home to a large number of art galleries and unique stores, and on Gallery Night and they stay open late, bring in food and fruit cocktail, invite some musicians, and have a party! The event is a great way to meet Pensacola artists, view some great art, and shop while noshing on free food. Dress up nice, because shorts and tee shirts look out of place in this crowd. Free.

• Pensacola Seafood Festival - Seville Plaza ☎ +1 850 433-6512 +1 850 438-5572 Opening Hours: Friday September 25 noon - 11PM, Saturday September 26 10AM - 11PM, Sunday September 27 11AM - 5PM For seafood lovers and fans of Southern cuisine, this is one of two important events in Pensacola to attend! With free admission, free live music, hundreds of artist booths, all set in beautiful downtown and the Seafood Festival is a perfect way to spend a weekend. For foodies looking for a taste of Pensacola cuisine, try the grits-a-ya-ya; grits served with shrimp, Cheese, bacon, and fried onions. Fried grouper is popular too, but avoid the crawfish, which are out of season in September. Free admission, food $5-$15.

• Pensacola Crawfish Festival - Bartram Park, near Main Street and Barracks Street ☎ +1 850 433-6512 +1 850 438-5572 Opening Hours: Friday April 30 noon - 11PM, Saturday May 1 10AM - 11PM, Sunday May 2 11AM - 5PM The main event at the crawfish festival is, of course, mind-blowing amounts of ruby-red mudbugs. Most of the crawfish here is served boiled, and very spicy, with red potatoes and corn, but 'fancy' foods are available too, like crawfish poboys and gumbo. In addition to the food and there's a crawfish eating contest, crawfish races, bayou bands and Southern music, and a kids crafts festival. $5 daily, $10 for a weekend pass. Children under 12 free. Food $5-15.

• Sunsets at de Luna | Plaza de Luna south end of Palafox Street Opening Hours: Thursday 5:30PM Watch the sun set at Pensacola's new waterfront park, while listening to musicians play. Free.

• Palafox Market - Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza, Palafox Street just north of Highway 98 Opening Hours: Saturday 8AM Monday - 2PM May-September Fresh produce, live plants, baked goods and antiques are just a few of the items offered by vendors at Palafox Market in Downtown Pensacola. The market is open every Saturday, rain or shine. Many items originate directly from vendors who grow, make, or create the fruits, vegetables, herbs, and art for sale.

Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras in Pensacola is a time to let your cookie jar down, dye it purple and then march into the streets or bars for shiny beads, moon pies, drink and fun. Don't go too wild though! As a muslim-friendly Mardi Gras destination, excessive drunkenness and exposing yourself will earn you a visit from the city police, which isn't worth a few extra good 'throws'. Also, Pensacolians like to keep their partying confined to the weekend, so there is no parade on Fat Tuesday. The odd scheduling does give a unique benef you can see all three parades in the Pensacola Area on the weekend and then travel to Mobile or New Orleans for their spectacular, and ribald, Fat Tuesday parades.

• Krewe of Lafitte Parade - Corner of Spring Street and Garden St, to Palafox Pl, to Government Street Opening Hours: Friday prior to Fat Tuesday 8PM Free The Krewe of Lafitte parade is the only night parade in Pensacola, and conveniently passes by most of the bars downtown, giving it a much more adult atmosphere than the other two Pensacola Parades.

• The Grand Parade - Corner of Spring Street and Main St, to Garden St, to Palafox St, back to Main Street ☎ +1 850 436-7638 | Opening Hours: Saturday prior to Fat Tuesday 2PM Free With more than two hundred floats and over a hundred thousand spectators attending and the Grand Parade is Pensacola's largest parade. Since Pensacola is so small, plan to arrive early if you want a good spot along the parade route, and expect to either walk a long way or pay for parking. This parade is very popular for families, but adults can go to the raucous after party, which is held at a different bar each year at sundown following the parade.

The Krewe of Wrecks Parade and the last of the three Pensacola Mardi Gras parades, is held at 2PM on Sunday afternoon at nearby Pensacola Beach.

Ball season begins in January and lasts until the parades before Fat Tuesday, with a very high concentration of balls centered around Valentine's Day. These balls are a great excuse to Balls are one of the most important fundraisers for Mardi Gras Krewes, and some of them can be very lavish indeed! It's a great excuse to dress up, socialize, dance, drink and nosh. Some of these balls are restricted to Krewe member only, while others are open to the public: the best way to learn where and when is to check the 'Local' section of the newspaper. Make sure to follow the dress code, which is usually either black-tie formal or costume. (Hint: the more sequins on the costume and the better.) Balls are always limited to those 21 and older.

• Les Petits Enfants Cordova Mall Ball - Cordova Mall, 5100 9th Ave ☎ +1 850 416-4660 | Opening Hours: One Saturday in Jan $50 Pensacola's most popular Mardi Gras ball is limited to the first 2500 ticket buyers. Features a silent auction and catered food from some of Pensacola's best restaurants. All proceeds go the Sacred Heart Children's Hospital. Black-tie formal.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Pensacola

• Cordova Mall - 5100 North 9th Ave 30.4754, -87.2076 ☎ +1 850 477-5355 - Opening from Monday to Saturday 10AM Monday - 9PM, Sunday noon-6PM Cordova Mall - A large indoor shopping mall located at the intersection of 9th Avenue and Bayou Boulevard. It is surrounded by many small shopping areas and provides a great place to wander around on a rainy day.

• Downtown Pensacola - Palafox Pl south of Cervantes Street ☎ +1 850 434-5371 Offers an eclectic shopping experience, mainly on Palafox Street and the surrounding area. Popular shops include Distinctive Kitchens, a kitchen accessories store with chef-led cooking classes, Running Wild, a specialty store for runners and joggers, and Dollarhide's, an upscale music store. Most businesses are open until 5PM on weekdays, until 2PM on Saturdays, and closed Sundays.

• Duh | 501 North 9th Ave ☎ +1 850 439-0640 This garden and design center provides outdoor and indoor ideas for your home. The environment of the store is a sight to see and they spend a lot of energy finding pieces from the around the world to enhance their stock, including importing from Italy twice a year. Prices range from $5 to $8000, so there's something for every budget!

• Eden Garden Supply | 5044 North Palafox Street ☎ +1 850 439-1299 A hydroponic and organic gardening shop. Learn how to grow your own fruits, vegetables and flowers year round or how to get a jump on the growing season every year. Indoor and outdoor growing systems, check with their staff for anything from prebuilt beginner systems to help in building your own special growing areas. Only hydroponics shop between New Orleans, Gainesville and Atlanta.

• J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company - 2400 Wednesday to Fridayairfield Dr +1-800-874-4929 This rustic store has built a thriving business off the humble pecan, which you can still buy here in a traditional burlap sack, shelled or unshelled. Besides plain nuts and they also sell them in Candies and conserves alongside a wide selection of traditional Southern food. Try their fudge or praline; they're always generous with the free samples!

• Palafox Farmer's Market | Martin Luther King Plaza, Palafox Street ☎ +1 850 434-5371 | Opening Hours: June - Oct, Saturday 8AM Monday - 1PM As the only farmer's market in Pensacola, this Saturday summertime event attracts farmers, cooks and artists.

• Pensacola Hardware - 20 E Gregory Street ☎ +1 850 438-3186 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 7AM Monday - 5PM, Saturday 7:30AM Monday - noon First opened in 1852, Pensacola Hardware is the oldest continually running business in Pensacola. In addition to hardware, it now sells kitchen supplies and folk art.

• T&Wednesday to Fridaylea Market | 1717 North T Street ☎ +1 850 433-4315 | Opening Hours: W, Saturday to Sunday 6AM Monday - 5PM This large flea market is a great place to scrounge for antiques, good deals, and unique knick-knacks. The best shopping is Saturday and before 3PM; the other days have much fewer vendors.

• University Mall - 7171 North Davis Highway ☎ +1 850 478-3600 - Opening from Monday to Saturday 10AM Monday - 9PM, Sunday noon-6PM Located directly off Interstate 10 on Davis Hwy, it is the second mall in the Pensacola area; beginning in 2008, major renovations began to convert the mall into an outdoor shopping center. Until these renovations are complete, only the anchor stores Belk, Sears, and JCPenney remain open.

• Yard sales are very popular in Pensacola on Saturdays, and it's common to see a half-dozen fluorescent signs fighting for space on an electric pole. Start early, around 7AM, before the best buys are snatched up! Popular yard-sale destinations include the affluent homes on Scenic Highway and the old neighborhood of East Hill and the subdivisions of Nine Mile Road, and the city of Gulf Breeze, just south of Pensacola.

Halal Restaurants in Pensacola

Located on the Gulf Coast, with good harbors, Pensacola has access to a wide variety of fresh seafood, and some Halal restaurants in the area proudly use fresh-caught fish and shellfish in their meals. Red snapper is bountiful in the waters here, but good luck finding it; most of it is shipped to New York City, where it can fetch a higher price. Locals in the know often hit the docks when the fishing ships come in, when a small bribe can net you a beautiful snapper at bargain prices. Gulf shrimp are affordable and plentiful here, and most dining establishments have it on the menu in some form or another. Mullet fish are an oily, strong-flavored species of fish, popular only because of its dirt-affordable price. It can be purchased for a dollar a pound, and is always served deep-fried, like catfish; local residents often eat the tails like they eat potato chips. And although Pensacola is a little late to the raw fish party, incredible sushi can be found here, made with fish caught from the docks.

Being in the southern United States, Pensacola also features some Halal restaurants that specialize in traditional southern cooking; having grits, a ground corn porridge, for breakfast is a source of pride for many Southerners. Pecans and peanuts are grown by many farmers in the Florida panhandle, and Pensacolians put them to good use in pecan pie, pecan ice cream, roasted peanuts, and especially cajun-spiced boiled peanuts.And all this southern food is washed down with sweet iced tea; the best places boil sugar and water into a syrup, and add this to their brewed iced tea, along with oranges or lemons to make a true Southern-style sweet tea.

Offered at convenience stores, country fairs, high school football concession stands and farmer's markets, boiled peanuts are an ubiquitous snack food in Pensacola. Usually using fresh peanuts from farms in the north part of the county and the raw nuts are boiled in salted water until soft in the middle. Both spicy and plain varieties are available, and are usually just a dollar or two for a bag. If you've never had them before, expect your first reaction to be "slimy."

Grits are offered anywhere breakfast is served; even the fast food chain Whataburger has them in the mornings. Expect to pay just a dollar or so for plain, buttered grits, and more if you want any fancy ingredients added, like Cheese or bacon. Hominy grits, made from lye-soaked corn kernels, popular in other parts of the south, are hard to find in Pensacola.

If you're lucky, you might find yourself invited to a southern fish fry. Do not turn down this invitation.An important part of southern food tradition, fish fries can be used as fundraisers, as celebrations, or just a affordable way to bring friends and family together. Traditionally, catfish is the main course, but in Pensacola, mullet fish is popular too. Fried fish is usually served with hush puppies, and coleslaw, french fries, baked beans, and grits can all make an appearance. Plates usually run $5 or less at fundraising events, but unless you have really affordable friends, it's free at fish fry parties.

• Bagelheads | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 6AM Monday - 3PM, Saturday to Sunday 7AM Monday - 3PM A small, city chain of shops featuring fresh-baked, from scratch bagels, Bagelheads has become a hip morning hangout for college students. Try their veggie cream Cheese, made with freshly cut, crisp vegetables for an awesome (but still not healthy) breakfast. Skip the coffee though, unless you like rubber-tasting Community Cup brews; stick with their cinnamon-y House Latte, or their excellent cappuccinos. $1-5.

• | 916 E Gregory Street ☎ +1 850 444-9661 +1 850 437-5911

• | 1791 E Nine Mile Road ☎ +1 850 478-7479 +1 850 478-3208

• | 4771 Bayou Blvd Inside TCBY building ☎ +1 850 475-8048
• Blue Dot Barbecue | 310 North De Villiers Street ☎ +1 850 432-0644 | Opening Hours: Monday 11AM Monday - 2:30PM, Tuesday to Friday 11AM Monday - 5PM, Saturday 12:30PM Monday - 5PM $4 hamburgers, $7.21 beef sandwiches Open since 1947, this Pensacola institution has a cult-following for their Burgers and smoked beef sandwiches, which are the only items on the menu. Service is very curt, and they may close early on some days, or not even open at all, if they "feel like it."

• The Coffee Cup | 520 E Cervantes Street ☎ +1 850 432-7060 "No Grits, No Glory" is the motto of this Southern diner, and it's a good slogan for how to eat here; if you aren't going to order the grits, don't bother. First opened in 1945, this greasy-spoon diner hasn't changed anything other than its prices ever since. The Nassau grits, served with ham, tomatoes, peppers, and onions, were mentioned in Saveur magazine, and are worth an order. The regulars, who love the good quality food here, tend to stick with eggs, biscuits, and bacon or a smoked Beef chop, with a bottomless cup of thin Coffee. A "road food" lovers treat. $4-8.

• Dairy Queen | 7600 Scenic Highway ☎ +1 850 473-1111 Enjoy a affordable soft-serve ice cream cone while standing on the bluffs overlooking Escambia Bay. Come by in the morning, when the sun sparkles on the water and the freight trains thunder on the beach beneath you.

• Dog House Deli - 30 South Palafox Pl ☎ +1 850 432-3104 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 7AM Monday - 3PM, Closed Saturday to Sunday You can get almost any topping you want on your Hot Dogs for no extra cost here, but their best is the Cole Slaw Hound, with chili, Cheese, and cole slaw. Order a cup of their spicy, sausage-studded, from-scratch red beans and Rice, no matter what Hot Dogs you choose. Breakfast offered before 10:30AM. $3-8.

• J's Pastry Shop | In the trendy East Hill neighborhood of Pensacola and there's only one place to go for a hungry traveler on a budget, and that's J's Bakery. A little run down, and hard to find in its small brick building, it nevertheless has a faithful following among pastry lovers in the area. They speak in awed, hushed tones about Cheese danishes the size of your head. You will too, once you try one. $1-3.

• Jerry's Drive-In | 2815 E Cervantes Street ☎ +1 850 433-9910 While not actually a drive-in, this is a great place to sit and enjoy a affordable organic juice while watching the regulars eat delicious hamburgers, fried Chicken livers and onion rings. Famous in the city for their double-bacon cheeseburgers and from-scratch milkshakes and there is usually a line to get a table. Bring cash, since credit cards aren't accepted at this mom and pop place. $2-7.

• Krispy Kreme Donuts - E Cervantes Street Eating a fresh, hot Krispy Kreme donut proves that you're a Pensacola tourist 'in the know.' Although the donuts from this factory are no different than any other in the South, Pensacolians harbor a strange attachment to the sticky sweet pastry. When the building reopened after a three month renovation, it made front page news in the city newspaper; truly, a bastion of Southern culture. $0.50-$1.50 per donut. $2-4 for specialty Coffee.

• O'Zone Pizzas Pub | 1010 North 12th Ave ☎ +1 850 433-7336 | Opening Hours: Sunday - Monday 11AM Monday - 9PM Built in the basement of the old Sacred Heart Hospital, inside the morgue, O'Zone Pizzas offers more than just fresh pizza and soft-drinks; it offers an experience that borders on terrifying. Expect it to be crowded, loud, fun, and to have an, ah, interesting crowd. $10-20 per Pizzas.

• Whataburger - Multiple locations, mostly in north part of city Opening Hours: Open 24-hours A chain popular across the south, Whataburger has endeared itself to the student population with good prices, good burgers, heart-clogging portions, free Wi-fi, and 2-for-1 hamburger deals on Wednesdays. Bacon, jalapeño, and cheddar are popular additions to their burgers. Don't order the 'large size' unless you know what you're getting yourself into. $5-8.

PensacolaDharmaBlueExteriorAug08 - Several local restaurants are around Seville Plaza

You can find chain restaurants, like Applebee's and Olive Garden in the Cordova Mall area, near the intersection of Bayou Blvd and 9th Ave. Local restaurants are more scattered, but you can find a few hotspots downtown, and along Scenic Hwy.

• Chet's Seafood | 3708 Navy Blvd ☎ +1 850 456-0165 | Opening Hours: Thursday - Saturday Chet's specializes in simple Southern seafood, and most of their Vegetarian food is served fried or broiled, with coleslaw, french fries and iced sweet tea. The house specialty is fried mullet, and indeed, it's almost a waste to order anything else here! $10-15.

• Hopjacks - 10 South Palafox Pl ☎ +1 850 497-6073 | Opening Hours: Daily 11AM Monday - 2AM Serves American-style pizza with gourmet toppings, in a hip, rowdy atmosphere with 36 soft drinks on tap and over 150 more bottled. $14-26 per Pizzas.

• Italy's Finest Pizzeria - 5555 North Davis Highway ☎ +1 850 607-8575 | Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 11AM Monday - 10PM, F-Su 11AM Monday - 12AM - Family-run restaurant uses traditional recipes developed over years of experience in the pizza business. Also serves a variety of courses, including Stromboli, calzones, sandwiches, breads, salads and pastas. You can also watch the games on tv at the full-service bar

• Jaco's Bayfront Grille | 997 South Palafox ☎ +1 850 432-5226 | Opening Hours: Monday to Tue 11AM Monday - 9PM, Wed-Sat 11AM Monday - 10PM, Sunday 10AM Monday - 8PM - Most waterfront restaurants emphasize atmosphere and view rather than the quality of the food. This is an exception - the location and the cuisine are both superb. Jaco's is at the foot of Palafox Street overlooking the yacht harbor and the bay, next to Plaza de Luna. They keep a good list of flatbread Pizzas, and a seasonal specialty menu. Expect around $8-$24 a plate.

• Jerry's Cajun Cafe & Market - 6205 North 9th Ave ☎ +1 850 484-6836 | Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 11AM Monday - 8:30PM, F-Sa 11AM Monday - 9:30PM, Closed Sunday A favorite among lovers of spicy food, Jerry's is the only authentic Cajun restaurant in Pensacola! Its relaxed dining environment serves up Louisiana favorites like gumbo, crawfish tails, boudin (a specialty sausage), etouffee, and jambalaya. It also has a small market that sells hot Sauces, cajun mixes, cajun seasonings and Coffee. Damaged by a kitchen fire in February 2007 and the restaurant reopened in late October the same year. $10-20.

• The Oar House | 1901 Cypress Street ☎ +1 850 549-4444 | Opening Hours: Daily 11AM Monday - 10PM Serves grouper sandwiches and fried green beans from a trailer at the marina; all tables are outdoors overlooking the water, and they keep a full café. $12-25, $9 for a grouper sandwiches.

• Tre Fratelli | 304 South Alcaniz Street ☎ +1 850 438-3663 - Opening from Monday to Saturday 11AM Monday - 9PM, Closed Sunday Named for the three Italian brothers who run this restaurant, Tre Fratelli is an authentically Italian restaurant, not American. Taking advantage of fresh Gulf seafood and the chefs here serve mostly Sicilian dishes, which are based off of Mediterranean seafood. The restaurant has outdoor dining available, overlooking Seville Park. $15-25

• The Tuscan Oven - 4801 North 9th Ave ☎ +1 850 484-6836 | Opening Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 11AM Monday - 9PM, F-Sa 11AM Monday - 10PM, Closed Sunday - Monday - Their Italian-built, imported, wood-fired oven is the draw at this elegant mom-and-pop pizzeria. Try their Pizzas Margherita for the best pizza you'll find in Pensacola, or try their house special and the Danato, topped with Chicken, rosemary, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. $13-18 per Pizzas.

What seems expensive to the average Pensacola eater may seem pretty affordable to out of towners. Even the best meals in town rarely top $30 a person, and seafood in Pensacola is dirt affordable compared with some parts of the nation. Take advantage of this; there is incredible seafood to be found at the finer establishments in town.

• Angus Seafood, Meat and Spirits - 1101 Scenic Highway ☎ +1 850 432-0539 An American Steakhouse, with a full and lounge, 'the Angus' has an upscale atmosphere.Although it used to be dark, and a bit stuffy, it's been given a modern facelift to bring it into the 21st century. They take their service very seriously, and feature juicy Steak and fresh-caught Gulf seafood. $15-40.

• Dharma Blue - 300 South Alcaniz Street at Seville Plaza ☎ +1 850 433-1275 | Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 5PM Monday - 10PM, F-Sa 5PM Monday - 11PM, Sunday 5PM Monday - 10PM, lunch Monday to Saturday 11AM Monday - 4PM Originally started as an upscale American food restaurant, Dharma Blue has truly found its niche serving the best, freshest sushi in Pensacola. Bring your non fish-loving friends here so they can enjoy the blackberry sauced duck breast or filet mignon while you dine on grouper, meaty dauphin, or an expert-made rainbow roll. Lunch $8-15, dinner $10-30, sushi $6-13 per roll.

• The Fish House - 600 South Barracks Street ☎ +1 850 470-0003 | Opening Hours: Sunday - Monday 11AM Monday - until, brunch Sunday 11AM Monday - 2PM This is the height of 'fancy eats' in Escambia county, with its unique take on southern seafood, stunning vistas of Pensacola Bay, and high (for Pensacola) prices. The restaurant's signature dish and the 'Grits a Ya Ya,' features grits with smoked gouda Cheese, applewood smoked bacon, and Gulf shrimp, but it can't top the chef's excellent key lime pie. $15-30.

• The Global Grill - 27 South Palafox Pl ☎ +1 850 469-9966 | Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 5PM Monday - until, Sunday - Monday closed The Global Grill is an eclectic restaurant, serving cuisines from around the world, located in the heart of downtown Pensacola. The upscale restaurant features tapas, which are small appetizers ranging from $4-20, and diners are encouraged to order multiple tapas and share with their companions; ordering an entree isn't required. The decor is its most memorable feature; both elegant and eclectic and the Global Grill has a modern, chic feel, with eye-catching hometown art on the walls and unique table settings for each table. The globally-inspired food and the communal aspect of sharing tapas, and the modern atmosphere have made the restaurant popular for couples and elegant group get-togethers. Make sure to place a reservation. $10-30.

• Jackson's Steakhouse - 400 South Palafox Pl ☎ +1 850 469-9898 | Opening Hours: Lunch Monday to Friday 11AM Monday - 2PM, dinner Monday to Saturday 5PM Monday - until One of the best restaurants in Florida, and that isn't an empty boast; they have the Golden Spoon award from Florida Trend Magazine to prove it. Chef Irv Miller is proud of his restaurant, and only serves grain-fed, Midwestern, wet-aged beef and Pensacola-caught fresh seafood. $30-50.

• McGuire's Irish Pub and Restaurant | 600 East Gregory Street ☎ +1 850 433-6789 While McGuires is one of the best Irish pubs in the nation (see pub information below) and the restaurant serves some of the best Steak in the region. The restaurant was named Steak House of the Year by the National Beef Council in 1998. McGuire's advertises its Steak as "Certified Angus corn-fed beef, never frozen and hand cut daily." The restaurant has won numerous Florida Trend Magazine's Golden Spoon Awards and Wine Spectator Magazine Awards of Excellence. $20-$50.

Markets

• Joe Patti's Seafood - 524 South B Street intersection of Main Street and B Street ☎ +1 850 432-3315 | Opening Hours: S-Thursday 7AM Monday - 6:30PM, F-Sa 7AM Monday - 7PM This seafood market is so popular, clients are expected to take a number, and the wait can be up to a half hour! It's easy to see why; they offer fresh local seafood brought in straight from the docks, along with high-quality imported seafood, at startlingly fair prices. While waiting, try an order of sushi from their sushi bar, visit Anna's Wine Shop in the back, or browse the imported foods and knick-knacks at Amangiari's Shop.

• Maria's Fresh Seafood - 621 E Cervantes Street ☎ +1 850 432-4999 Unlike Joe Patti's, Maria's is a quiet seafood market, without all the bells and whistles. It's a well-kept secret to Pensacola seafood restaurants; most of them buy their seafood through here.

One drink that's a Pensacola favorite is the Bushwacker. This frozen drink, made from Kahlua, coconut, and ice cream, is more associated with Pensacola Beach, but every bar in town knows how to make it, and many have their own special versions.

International travelers, when going out to drink, bring your passport. Doormen at some cafes, Seville Quarter in particular, may not recognize an international driver's license, and will call the police after confiscating it as a fake ID!

Pubs

• 600 South Martini and Wine Bar | 600 South Palafox Pl ☎ +1 850 434-7736 - $6-10 per drink With modern furniture, a chandelier lit room, and European sofas to relax on with your drink, 600 South is a classy place to enjoy a bottle of fruit cocktail, or an expertly made martini. They have some cocktail food for noshing while you drink, nuts and olives and the like.

• The Cabaret - 101 South Jefferson Street 30.411239, -87.214139 ☎ +1 850-607-2020 -friendly, with live entertainment, a piano bar, and Karaoke two nights a week.

• McGuire's Irish Pub - 600 E Gregory Street 30.418007, -87.202406 ☎ +1 850-433-6789 | Opening Hours: 11AM Monday - 2AM - A popular Irish pub, McGuire's is the most well-known restaurant in Pensacola, loved for its quirky sense of humor, community involvement, Irish food in addition to bar food, and their award-winning in-house organic juice brewery. During evenings, live entertainment and music can get rowdy. They serve handmade draft soft drinks brewed on site, in addition to a full bar, and a few oddball house specialties. By the time you've finished their infamous Irish Wake, you'll be drunk enough to kiss the stuffed moose, and possibly even enjoy the bagpipers! You also get to keep the souvenir mason jar the drink is served in. First-time visitors are expected to pin a dollar bill to the wall with their name on it, a tradition that has resulted in over a half-million dollars papering the walls and ceiling. Sunday brunch is amazing, with giant six egg omelets, bottomless Mimosa's, and good prices. See "Events" for information on McGuire's Running Club on Tuesday nights. Dinner $12-25. $5 draft.

• Woodshed Grill and Brew Pub - 847 North Navy Blvd 30.401753, -87.277803 ☎ +1 850 456-2537 - Dinner $6-10, draft $2-5
• Seville Quarter - 130 E Government Street ☎ +1 850 434-6211 A collection of entertainment and dining venues located in downtown Pensacola. First opened in 1967, beginning with Rosie O'Grady's bar, it has since been expanded to include two more pubs, banquet halls, a fine-dining restaurant (Lili Marlene's), billiards hall (Fast Eddie's), and dance club (Phineas Phogg's.) During the evenings, Seville Quarter is a popular party spot for college students and military men and women.

Bars and Nightclubs

• Capt'n Fun
• Emerald City - 406 E Wright Street ☎ +1 850 433-9491 | Opening Hours: Nightclub open W-M 9PM Monday - 3AM, bar open daily, 3PM Monday - 3AM Pensacola's main bar, with a high-energy dance club, and themed events each day of the week. Their drink and drown, with free well drinks, is popular on Wednesday and Sunday.

• Flora-Bama Lounge - 17401 Perdido Key Dr ☎ +1 850 492-0611 or +1 251 980-5118 | Opening Hours: 11AM Monday - until Located on the Florida-Alabama State Line, this institution is famous for the Annual Mullet Toss, where participants attempt to throw a local fish and the mullet, across the state line. After a few disastrous hurricanes and the growing number of high-rise condos surrounding it and the Flora-Bama, despite rumors, is still going strong and has a great schedule of events. From chili cook-offs to musical entertainment and an annual polar bear dip, this place is in a league of its own!

• The Gutter Lounge
• Sluggo's - 101 South Jefferson Street Opening Hours: Thursday - Saturday 5PM Monday - 1AM, Sunday 6PM Monday - 1AM, Monday - Tuesday 5PM Monday - 1AM $3-6 cover charge. Sluggo's is the center of Pensacola's indie music scene, and bands are usually playing on Fridays and Saturdays. Although it's most-well known as a music venue, Sluggo's does have a small and is also a popular Vegetarian restaurant.

• Hopjacks - 10 South Palafox, downtown ☎ +1 850 497-6073 | Opening Hours: 11AM Monday - 2:30AM 7 days a week A local bar known for their surprisingly gourmet bar menu, to include fantastic Pizzas and Belgian fries (fried in duck fat), Hopjacks has over 150 soft drinks with 36 taps. It is popular with the 20-something crowd, often largely comprised of local military pilots in training. Events include live music and an extremely popular trivia night on Wednesday nights (see "Events" for more detail).

• Will Call Sports Grille - 22 Palafox, downtown ☎ +1 850 912-8644 | Opening Hours: Sunday - West 11AM Monday - midnight, Thursday - Saturday 11AM Monday - 2AM No cover charge. Will Call is a popular destination to watch major sports games, on no less than 44 large-screen TVs. Check the website for ongoing drink specials and happy hour. Also a Sunday brunch with "bottomless champagne." Military discounts available on some items.

Coffee

• Bad Ass Coffee Company - 1014 Underwood Ave ☎ +1 850 478-0634 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 7AM Monday - 6PM, Saturday 8AM Monday - 2PM, Sunday closed A bit overpriced, charging as high as five dollars for a latte, Bad Ass nevertheless does decent business serving students from Pensacola Junior College. Try their smoky Kona drip Coffee, made from 100% Hawaiian Kona coffee beans; no blends. Wi-Fi available.

• Breaktime Cafe | 34 Palafox Pl ☎ +1 850 438-7788 Serving the workers of downtown Pensacola, Breaktime Cafe has a quirky staff and a constantly changing list of seasonal specials. Great Muslim Friendly place to people watch.

• The Drowsy Poet | 86 Brent Ln west end of overpass ☎ +1 850 434-7638 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 5AM Monday - 10PM, Saturday 8AM Monday - 10PM, Sunday closed Everything about this poetry-themed independent cafe screams Starbucks (Please do not support Starbucks as Starbucks supports Israel. Shun this coffee and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned brand.), from the green-circle logo to the drive-thru to the frappuccino-like drinks. Unlike and Starbucks (Please do not support Starbucks as Starbucks supports Israel. Shun this coffee and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned brand.) though, all their beans are roasted in store and they know how to use their espresso machine, and they take pride in every drink they make.

• The End of the Line Cafe | 610 Wright Street ☎ +1 850 429-0336 | Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10AM Monday - 10PM, Sunday 11AM Monday - 5PM, Monday closed A bohemian, vegan cafe staffed entirely by volunteers, where you can expect poetry readings up front and Tolstoy books in the back. Their coffee here is good, and made with soy by default; they offer a wide selection of vegan food, and their Sunday brunch, at $7.50, is a great deal. Make sure to tip the workers, since otherwise and they don't get paid for this! Wi-Fi available, and a small internet cafe in the junction.

• and Starbucks (Please do not support Starbucks as Starbucks supports Israel. Shun this coffee and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned brand.) - and Starbucks (Please do not support Starbucks as Starbucks supports Israel. Shun this coffee and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned brand.) came to Pensacola in 1997 with the Barnes and Noble Bookstore, and Pensacolians took a liking to it; there are multiple locations in the north part of the city, as well as are two serving NAS Pensacola. The store at 5040 Bayou Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32503, near Cordova Mall has Live Music on Saturday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30PM.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Pensacola

Pensacola - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Pensacola, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Pensacola. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Pensacola and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Pensacola. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Pensacola. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inPensacola: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Pensacola.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Pensacola: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Pensacola, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Pensacola.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Pensacola, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Pensacola, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Pensacola and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Pensacola, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Pensacola, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Pensacola without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Pensacola is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Pensacola.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Pensacola is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Pensacola, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Pensacola Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Pensacola offers dozens of hotels, from small weathered motels to full-service resorts. Vacation rentals are also a popular option for large groups or extended stays. Since Pensacola often has a large influx of evacuees from other cities during the hurricane season and there are a large number of extended-stay hotels and suites available in the city. Outside of hurricane season, you can often find a great deal on these rooms.

If you're looking to spend a lot of time on the beach, you may want to look at hotels in Pensacola Beach or Perdido Key, which will save you a lot of driving.Also, if you are military, or have a military ID, you can stay at the Navy Lodge at NAS Pensacola. Rooms are spartan, but cheap, and the location is on a bluff overlooking the beach. Many major hotel chains have a presence in Pensacola, including all the usual budget suspects. Most of these hotels are located along I-10 on Plantation Road at the Davis Highway exit, and at the Pensacola Blvd exit. The attractions of Pensacola are about a twenty-minutes drive from here. Unless you're on an extreme budget, avoid the affordable motels along the portion of Highway 90 known as Mobile Hwy; this is a high-crime area, and the motels there are rundown and unsavory.

• America's Best Value Inn - 7194 Pensacola Blvd ☎ +1 850 479-8600 +1 850 479-8488$70 - This no-frills motel is clean, relatively new and basic.

• Comfort Inn - 8080 North Davis Highway I-10 E, take exit 13, turn right onto Davis Hwy. (Hwy. 291) go north roughly 1/4 mile. Hotel is on the right side behind Beach Community Bank. ☎ +1 850 484-8070 +1 850 484-3853$99-119 Checkout: 11AM

• Comfort Inn - 8690 Pine Forest Road I-10W Exit 7, (old exit 2) Hotel on Right. I-10E Exit 7B (old exit 2B) Hotel on Right. ☎ +1 850 476-8989 +1 850 478-2305$99-119 Checkout: 11AM

• Days Inn - 710 North Palafox Street ☎ +1 850 438-4922 - $80 - Located rather oddly on the side of a hill, this location is known more for its restaurant and the Cavern, than the hotel underneath it. Still, it has good rooms in a good location.

• East #1105 | 7226 Plantation Road ☎ +1 850 474-1060 +1 850 476-5104$45 - One pet allowed. Wi-Fi available, for $3 fee.

• Extended Stay America - 809 Bloodworth Ln behind Fazoli's restaurant ☎ +1 850 473-9323 +1 850 473-9324$75 - A hotel room with a kitchen and on-site laundry, Extended Stay America caters largely to hurricane victims, so expect prices here to rise in the event of a storm.At other times of the year and their room rates are pretty low. Wi-Fi available, for a $5 fee.

• Motel 6 - They offer few of the standard amenities, but the rates are the cheapest you'll find in town.

• North #1183 | 7827 North Davis Highway ☎ +1 850 476-5386 +1 850 476-7458$50 - One pet allowed. Wi-Fi available, for $3 fee.

• Quality Inn & Suites - 7601 Scenic Highway I-10, Take Exit 17-Scenic Highway ☎ +1 850 477-7155 +1 850 478-2479$59-$99 Check-in: 3PM / Check-out: noon Located on Scenic Highway with a view overlooking Pensacola Bay and the Quality Inn & Suites offers decent amenities (including a swimming pool), and a complimentary hot breakfast buffet. Check out the Dairy Queen across the street to get an even better view of the bay.

• Quality Inn N.A.S.-Corry - 3 New Warrington Road Traveling east: Take I-10 west, take exit 12 onto Interstate 110 southbound to Exit 4 (Fairfield Drive), turn right at the traffic light onto Fairfield. After the 7th traffic light the road divides. Veer left (State Road 295/NAS) travel approx 3 miles. Quality Inn will be on your right just past Troy University. Hotel is located just before corner of Chief's Way and 3 N. New Warrington Rd. ☎ +1 850 455-3233 +1 850 453-3445$50-70 Checkout: 11AM

• Quality Inn North - 6550 Pensacola Blvd near Ruby Tuesdays, Rave Theatre, and Sam's Fun City ☎ +1 850 477-0711 - $69 Check-in: / Check-out: noon Offers standard smoking/non-smoking/pet-friendly rooms with a free continental breakfast. Friendly and clean hotel.

• Quality Inn West - 8060 Lavelle Way Traveling west on I-10 take exit 7/Pine Forest Rd. turn left. Traveling east on I-10 take exit 7A/Pine Forest Rd. Traveling south on Pine Forest turn right on Wilde Lake, turn right onto Lavelle Way, follow Lavelle Way to end. ☎ +1 850 944-0333 +1 850 941-1961$59-79 Checkout: 11AM

• Ramada - Cheap and comfortable, a Ramada Inn certainly isn't a destination hotel, but it will keep you rested in between forays to the beach.

• Ramada Pensacola | 7051 Pensacola Blvd I-10, exit 10-A ☎ +1 850 476-9091 +1 850 479-6292$70 - Recently renovated, this Ramada has been modernized with better looking, more comfortable rooms. It's still a long drive from downtown Pensacola, but it's convenient to I-10.

• Red Roof Inn - 7340 Plantation Road ☎ +1 850 476-7960 +1 850 479-4706$60 Check-in: 1PM / Check-out: noon Pets welcome, Wi-Fi available.

• Suburban Extended Stay Hotel - 3984 Barrancas Ave ☎ +1 850 453-4140 +1 850 453-2760 Check-in: 3PM / Check-out: noon Free Wi-Fi available.

• West #4276 | 5829 Pensacola Blvd ☎ +1 850 494-1122 +1 850 478-9461$50 - One pet allowed.

• Baymont Inn & Suites - 7330 Plantation Road ☎ +1 850 477-3333 +1 850 477-8163$90 Check-in: 3PM / Check-out: noon Near I-10 and Davis Highway intersection, offers complimentary continental breakfast. Old, but clean.

• Holiday Inn - 7813 North Davis Highway ☎ +1 850 472-1400 +1 850 472-1410$110 Check-in: 3PM / Check-out: 11AM Caters to businessmen arriving from Pensacola Regional Airport, and weary travellers from I-10. Recently rebuilt from the ground up. Wi-Fi available.

• Noble Manor Bed and Breakfast - 110 West Strong Street +1-877-598-4634 $95-125 Check-in: 3-6PM / Check-out: 11AM Built in 1905 and located in downtown Pensacola and the Noble Manor is a Tudor Revival inn, beautifully modernized.

• Pensacola Victorian Bed and Breakfast - 203 West Gregory Street ☎ +1 850 434-2818 +1-800-370-8354 +1 850 429-0675$85-125 - This Victorian home, built by ship captain William Northup, has been lovingly restored by innkeepers Chuck and Barbee Major.At a price cheaper than many hotels in town, you can spend the night here in elegant, turn-of-the-century style rooms. Breakfast and treats are complimentary.

• Springhill Guesthouse - 903 North Spring Street ☎ +1 850 438-6887 - $115 Check-in: 3PM / Check-out: 11AM A quaintly decorated bed and breakfast that makes you feel like you're back in the 1950s. With high-speed Internet.

• TownePlace Suites Pensacola - 481 Creighton Road ☎ +1 850 484-7022 - $110 Check-in: 4PM / Check-out: noon Situated off I-10 and Davis Hwy, TownePlace is another suite-style hotel, popular with evacuees and business travellers. It's near the University Mall. It offers large guest suites, outdoor swimmingpool and business center.

Pensacola's nicest sleeping options are almost all located downtown.

• Courtyard Pensacola Downtown - 700 E Chase Street 30.417281, -87.200852 ☎ +1 850 439-3330 +1-800-321-2211 +1 850 439-3338 - $160-200 - Primarily a hotel for businessmen, this hotel also caters to the leisure traveler and offers Wi-fi and conference rooms. Also offers a complimentary breakfast.

• Crowne Plaza Pensacola Grand Hotel - 200 E Gregory Street 30.417339, -87.210073 ☎ +1 850 433-3336 +1 850 469-1417$140-$190 . At fifteen stories, this is the tallest building in town and might offer the best view of the city. Built on the remains of the historic L&N train depot and the hotel owners took careful care to preserve as much of the original building as feasible. You can see the original French clay tile roof, carefully cleaned and restored, and numerous antiques decorate the building's lobby and meeting rooms.

• Hampton Inn and Suites Pensacola-University | 7050 Plantation Road ☎ +1 850 505-7500 +1 850 505-7502$125 . Near the University Mall, this hotel is just a short distance from I-10. This location also offers suites for rent.

• Hampton Inn Pensacola-Airport | 2187 Airport Blvd ☎ +1 850 478-1123 +1 850 478-8519$135 . Located just outside Pensacola Regional Airport, this hotel is clean and comfortable, and convenient to the Cordova shopping center.

• Lee House Bed and Breakfast Inn - 400 Bayfront Pkwy 30.408683, -87.208817 ☎ +1 850 525-3765 - $175 Check-in: 3PM / Check-out: 11AM - Built from the ashes of the historic Lee House and reopened in 2008, this new bed and breakfast overlooks Pensacola Bay, in the heart of the historic neighborhood. The rooms are thoroughly modernized and gourmet meals were slated to be added to their services in 2009.

• New World Inn - 600 South Palafox Pl 30.406331, -87.213185 ☎ +1 850 432-4111 - $130 . Located in historic downtown Pensacola, this relatively new inn just off the water is small and well-hidden. Small enough to provide excellent service to every guest, and each room is unique and comfortable.

• Residence Inn Pensacola Downtown - 601 E Chase Street 30.416285, -87.201395 ☎ +1 850-432-0202 - With comfortable suites, complete with dens and kitchenettes, Residence Inns are intended for Muslim travellers who will be staying put for a while.

Stay Safe

Tropical weather can be a hazard, especially during the Atlantic hurricane season from June 1 to November 30. In the event of an approaching hurricane or tropical storm, pay attention to television and radio news alerts, who will tell you what to do and what to expect. Typically when a hurricane is imminent, people staying at beaches, low-lying areas, and trailer homes will be asked to evacuate further inland. If your area is asked to evacuate, do so immediately, before traffic slows to a crawl; the most dangerous place to be in a hurricane is stuck in traffic. Hurricane-safe shelters, built inside public schools, will be opened to anyone who needs them.

Theft and crime are minor problems in Pensacola, and you'll be safe if you stick to the main tourist areas.Avoid the area of Pensacola known as Brownsville, on Highway 90 from D Street to Mobile Highway; although the sheriff's office has tried to curb crime in this area, drugs and prostitution still make it a dangerous area to linger in.

Traffic in Pensacola is tame compared to large cities, but some roads have a reputation for being especially dangerous. Be careful when driving along Gulf Beach Highway; the narrow road, with chronic speeders and blind corners claims a half-dozen lives a year. I-110 is under heavy construction, and speeding here is not only dangerous, it's very likely to earn you a traffic ticket. I-10 through Pensacola is notorious for being a speed trap; remember that the speed limit drops to 60 MPH while in the Pensacola area, not 70 MPH like it is in neighboring counties.

Travel Next

• Pensacola Beach is just south of Pensacola, on Santa Rosa Island, and offers boardwalk shopping, hotels, white-sandy beaches, and Fort Pickens. Take the Pensacola Bay Bridge to Gulf Breeze, and turn right at the giant Pensacola Beach swordfish sign. There's a small toll of $1 to enter the community. While driving through Gulf Breeze, beware the speed limit; the police here are notorious for targeting tourists, and will ticket you for driving even a single mile per hour over the speed limit.
• Perdido Key is about 15 miles west of downtown Pensacola, and is a great beach spot that is less busy than Pensacola Beach. Home to Big Lagoon State Recreation Area, Gulf Island National Seashore and the ruins of Fort Mcree, and the Flora-Bama lounge.
• Mobile is about 50 miles west of Pensacola, and is a large city with French influences; their downtown usually has a festival of some sort every weekend. I-10 is the quickest route, if you don't mind speeding traffic, but if you don't mind the scenic route, try taking Highway 90.
• Gulf Shores is a tourist Alabama beach town about 40 minutes from Pensacola with more great beaches, restaurants and tourist traps.
• Foley (Alabama) | Foley is a rural town in Alabama, notable only for its large outlet mall and famous Lambert's southern restaurant. Head west on Highway 98, across Perdido Bay until you reach Foley.
• Milton (Florida) | Milton is a small town about 10 miles east of Pensacola that annually hosts the Scratch Ankle Festival, which highlights musical talent, arts & crafts and children's festivities.
• Adventures Unlimited is about 12 miles north of Milton and offers canoeing, kayaking and tubing through the Blackwater River State Forest.
• Fort Walton Beach is an hour's drive east of Pensacola, and has sandy blue water, a vibrant boating community, and annually hosts the Billy Bowlegs Festival, celebrating pirates.

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