Tourism

Unique Ideas For Valentines Day In Pensacola

Written By James Mouchett

Posted on June 14, 2021

Categories: Family, Featured, Holidays, Tourism

Valentine’s Day can be one of the most romantic times of the year. Everyone in a relationship has aspirations of professing their love to their significant other in a way that will never be matched. Men and women think long and hard to figure out the best place to eat, the best place to take a stroll, or even find the perfect gift.

If you’re still trying to plan out the perfect event, here are a few traditional (and non-traditional) ideas that you can consider.

We’ve Heard Women Like Chocolate and Wine!

If your significant other likes the finer things in life, then they’ll love a night out at Wandering Oaks Winery. And while it might not be hosted on Valentine’s Day itself, it’s a great lead-in to a romantic love-fest that’ll definitely leave a good impression.

We are excited to present our next Wine and Chocolate Pairing.

We will be featuring wines from around the globe made here at Wandering Oaks, paired with artisan crafted chocolates from Cloud Nine Chocolates of Pensacola. Each pairing will come with 4 wines wines as well as 4 chocolates hand selected to bring out the flavors in each!

You can purchase tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine-and-chocolate-pairing-tickets-89925729277, stop by the store @ 3403 Gulf Beach Hwy, or call our store to reserve your spot at (850) 723-2739 option 3.

Seating is limited. Pairing times will be 6:30pm & 8pm. Each seating is approximately for 1 hour.

More Information: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Winery-Vineyard/Wandering-Oaks-Winery-106690650798844/

If Wine And Chocolate Isn’t Your Thing, Maybe Shrimp Is

Maybe wine and chocolate don’t tickle your significant other’s fancy, but maybe a Cajun Shrimp Boil will. If so, you should definitely reserve a spot at the Casa de Playa de Robeen. It’s a private beach house that is nestled away on a private beach across from the Pensacola Naval Air Station.

Enjoy a night of spice before your night of spice! Dinner will be a delicious shrimp boil paired with dessert and champagne.

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and we’re celebrating early!

Avoid the crowds on the 14th and come celebrate with us Saturday, February 8th @ 3pm at our Beach house, locally known as Casa de Playa de Robeen. The beach house sits on its own private beach on Bayou Grande across the water from the Pensacola Naval Air Station. It is our private paradise and we want to share it with you as you enjoy a delicious shrimp boil, a glass of champagne and a dessert tray for you and that special someone! It doesn’t get more romantic than waterfront dining!

We will be outside the entire time and you will enjoy your meal on our two story dock overlooking the bayou. Cost: $99 per couple. Spots are limited so contact me to make your reservations today!!

PS: We also offer group discounts and private events like bachelorette celebrations, private birthday parties, anniversary dinners, corporate gatherings, etc. Let us help you celebrate your special occasion!

More Information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1003385966711159/

Don’t Forget Their Other Love

Family is family, and you can’t be a part of their life if you forget who they loved before you were in the picture. If they have a canine, this is a good time to show your affection for them by treating the canine to their own personal Valentine’s Day.

The West Florida Public Libraries – WFPL is hosting a Canines and Valentines Day treat for their canine and you could really make an IMPRESSION if you took them and their forever friend out for a special treat. Hosted on Feb. 13th at 4:30 p.m. at the Southwest Branch Library, this is a great lead-in to an awesome Feb. 14th (hint, hint).

Enjoy a visit with our Read to Dogs furry friends for photos and fun! Sponsored by Friends of the Southwest Branch Library.

More Information: https://www.facebook.com/events/653626285176627/

Take The Kids Out For A Special Treat

Whether you’ve been married for some time and have children of your own or your significant other has children from a past relationship, this is a great experience that will make them fall in love with you too!

Children are a special part of our lives and we need to let them know that we are thinking of them too – even on Valentine’s Day. So, take them to the Ella Marie Davis Community Center on February 8th at 3:00 p.m. and let them learn how to make a creamy, delicious, sugar-filled cake that everyone will love.

Kids will learn to decorate a Valentine’s themed cake using various techniques. All supplies and light refreshments provided. $25 per child.

More Information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2372700763043831/

Take A Long Walk

Of course, this is Pensacola and we have the finest beaches in all of the world. As such, you should take advantage of what’s available to you.

It’s a time-honored tradition that works great after a wonderful meal. Maybe you can carry a small satchel with a blanket in it and a love note or two, along with a few pictures of you when you first started dating. Don’t just stick to a long walk hand-in-hand; go a step further and make an impression.

Show them you REALLY care and remember!

Surprise Them With A Long Weekend Away

Even if you’ve lived in Pensacola (or nearby), you haven’t experienced everything Pensacola has to offer!

Take them on a short retreat away from life at some of the finest hotels we have to offer. For starters, we have the Pensacola Grand Hotel which has a “Romance Package” specifically tailored to liven up your love life (wink). Next, take them to the Margaritaville Beach Hotel where you can rest and relax while enjoying a few margaritas or see views similar to a cruise line without the cost. And if you want something more intimate, take them on a trip to Lee House & Cottages where they can relax in a low-key environment that is reminiscent of the southern lifestyle.

Murder Mystery Anyone?

Yes, this does seem a little odd, but not everyone is the traditional lover. If you’re significant other is not into chocolates, wines, bonfires, and long walks, then this next option is sure to catch them up – especially if they are into mysteries!

Hosted on Valentine’s Day at 7:00 p.m. at the Improbable Cause Mystery Theatre, immerse yourself in a murder mystery to die for. Titled “Kiss of Death”, it’s the only kiss of death you’ll be seeing as your love uniquely connects with you.

Improbable Cause Mystery Theatre proudly presents it’s NEW Valentines Special show… “Kiss of Death”. A tale of “Two Gentlemen from Pensacola”.

Treat your sweetheart to dinner and a show all rolled into one! Your Valentine will love our specially themed show and meal, and you’ll reap the benefits of planning such an amazing Valentines date!

Kiss Of Death

Before he heads off to a new job marketing “Mulan” cookies, Valentino says heartfelt goodbyes. But after the sudden death of one of the party goers – controversy starts in this story of love and betrayal and it becomes YOUR job to help Detective Gunn solve the case in this interactive murder mystery, where you interrogate suspects, analyze evidence and use your powers of observation to solve the case! Come join the fun in modern parody of the characters from Shakespeare’s Two Gentlemen of Verona – “Kiss of Death”

Doors open for show at 6:30pm show starts at 7:00pm. (Will run approximately 2 hours)

LIMITED seating available (Dinner will be served during the show performed by: Improbable Cause Mystery Theatre). Tickets are $40.00.

Call: Nicole Dickson (owner) at (850) 207-7115 for any questions regarding this show.

More Information: https://www.facebook.com/events/816335912127587/

The Old Standby

Of course, you could go the traditional route of a night out to dinner and a movie. If so, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from.

BUT HURRY!

Reservations are being made as we speak so you may not be able to go to your preferred restaurant if you wait too long (don’t be that guy).

As you can see, there are plenty of Valentine’s Day options to work with in Pensacola. From traditional venues to more unique offerings, we have plenty to offer. Whether you live here or far away, it’s time to explore Pensacola a little more!

Did we miss something? If so, let us know so that we can add it!

2019 Festival of Lights in Pensacola

Written By James Mouchett

Posted on June 14, 2021

Categories: Family, Friends, Tourism

The Festival of Lights in Pensacola is an experience like no other. Enjoy the celebration of Christmas with your family and friends while enjoying more than 400,000 lights from November 25th, 2019 until January 31, 2020. Visit all the historic buildings, shops, and outdoor vendors while walking Palafox Street – name one of America’s “Ten Great Streets”.

The Festival of Lights in Pensacola kicks off on November 25th during the Inaugural First City Lights Festival. Created by the Pensacola Downtown Improvement Board, the festival is built to create an unforgettable experience. The lighting experience has grown over the years, drawing in many vendors and specialized shops that have only helped to improve the atmosphere.

During the Festival of Lights, you’ll enjoy live performances from street carolers and actors, pictures with Santa, trolley tours, horse and carriage rides, and so much more! Now in its twelfth year, the festival has become a part of the Pensacola Christmas festivities. Visitors from all over the country make special trips just to be a part of the experience…

And now you can too!

Don’t miss out on this once-a-year experience like no other. Remember, you only have until January 31, 2020 before it’s gone for another year.

For more events like this, check out our Upcoming Events Calendar for Pensacola and the surrounding areas.

The Saltbox on Zaragoza

Written By John Melvin

Posted on June 14, 2021

Categories: My Historic Home, Pensacola Treasures, Tourism

Many a mile I have walked, traversing the streets of historic Downtown Pensacola. Like an aficionado of fine art sauntering down exhibit aisles, curiosity piqued, eagerly anticipating the next great work to marvel, I gazed upon historic building after historic building in wonder of the fascinating stories they could tell.

My fervor for historic architecture began when I was an undergraduate student at the University of West Florida. I was a history, philosophy, and art history triple major; I loved it all. While completing an historic architecture-related project for an art history course, I took to the streets of Downtown Pensacola having never explored the area before, despite the fact that I was born and raised in North Santa Rosa County. Long story short, those streets became my stomping ground.

Then, one day, I happened upon a real beauty, positioned starkly close to the sidewalk on which I strolled. I don’t know what it is about the Julee Cottage, but something just draws me to it–history aside, I just love the building. Quaint. Humble. Pleasant. Picturesque. These are all descriptors my mind conjures while gazing upon this magnificent structure. Offset only slightly from the charming brick sidewalk, this delightful saltbox-style cottage is only made more appealing by its gorgeous landscaping. I could drone on and on about its aesthetic appeal; nevertheless, as the old adage goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.”

Then, there’s the history, and in this realm, the Julee Cottage reigns supreme. Constructed between 1790 and 1808, most historical records indicate it was most likely raised between 1804 and 1808. It was around this time that Julee Panton, a “free woman of color,” purchased this cottage and myriad other properties in the area. Anecdotal accounts bedded in Pensacola traditional folklore suggest Julee, despite being a “free woman of color,” actually purchased slaves herself. But, why? Thankfully, Julee’s intentions for making such transactions were virtuous. It’s believed that Julee purchased slaves, allowed them to work for others to earn money to repay their debt, and then set them free!

I just love stories like these, and learning more and more about the rich history of the Julee Cottage only made me grow fonder of the darling structure. Today, the Julee Cottage is quite active, serving as one of many unique and interesting components of historic Downtown Pensacola’s self-guided tours. I encourage you to visit the Julee Cottage for a glimpse into the life of a working-class, African-American family during a fascinating time period in American history–Reconstruction. Tickets and additional information are available at the Tivoli High House, located directly across the street from the Julee Cottage, at 205 E. Zaragoza Street.

Happy history, my friends!

The House On Lot 23

Written By Kathlene Rushing

Posted on June 14, 2021November 4, 2021

Categories: Blog Posts, Pensacola Treasures, Tourism

House on Lot 23

The history of Pensacola is rich and enduring, indeed. Known as the “City of Five Flags,” Pensacola has been under the control of five nations since its inception in 1559–Spain, France, England, the Confederacy, and the United States. Consequently, various architectural influences are evident in much of Pensacola’s historic architecture. During the Third Spanish Period (1781-1821), the Isaac Wright House–a modest cottage that has long piqued my interest–was constructed at what is now 431 E. Zaragoza St. in historic downtown Pensacola.

This quaint cottage, as one might expect from a structure initially built approximately 200 years ago, is somewhat shrouded in mystery. A plaque posted next to the front door indicates the house was built in the 1790s. However, there has been contention about the interpretation of historical documents, land deeds, and court records. Leora “Lee” Sutton (1917-2018), prolific Pensacola historian, conducted research on the Isaac Wright House and exposed key discrepancies. Sutton’s research revealed that—contrary to information provided in the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) regarding Pensacola’s purported oldest remaining building, which indicates the house located at 431 E. Zaragoza Street is situated on Lot 21 and is associated with Carlos Baron—the Isaac Wright House is in fact located on Lot 23, and no discernable historical records indicate an association with the aforementioned Baron.

During the early 19^th century, land deeds were not required to be recorded at the Escambia County Court House, making historic architectural research in Pensacola a bit difficult. Miss Sutton, however, worked closely with Herschel Richards, who purchased the Isaac Wright House in 1944, to fill in the gaps created by inadequate land deed record keeping. Mr. Richards possessed deeds dating back to 1846, when Don Francisco Moreno (1792-1882)–prominent Pensacola banker, politician, and businessman–owned the cottage. Through her efforts, Sutton was able to recognize an apparent error in HABS records—records that associated this iconic property with Lot 21 and a man named Carlos Baron.

Without rehashing the long list of property ownership, I will say this: even a cursory glance of historical documentation related to the Isaac Wright House will reveal that being an historian is much like being a detective. History is not always as it seems. What is clear may not be true. Historians must piece together artifacts much like a puzzle, and, in the same vein, the final product cannot be contrived—the pieces cannot be forced. The mysteries of history are what fascinate me and going to the archives and getting my hands dirty, so to speak, is exciting. Give it a try; you may very well fall in love with history as well.

Sources:

Leora Sutton to Mr. Newton, Dr. Schaeffer, and Linda Ellsworth, May 22, 1970, Pensacola Historical Society.