I talked a little yesterday about my experience living in North Carolina, so I figured I’d continue my trip down memory lane talking about my hometown of Pensacola, Florida. This is actually the city I was born in, and though I moved around a lot as a kid, it’s where I spent much of my life up through college. When I was a kid, it wasn’t quite as nice of a city, but over the last decade the city has gone through a lot of great changes. There is now a Double A baseball team there, not far from my house actually, and the beautiful downtown area has undergone many renovations, among other things. There’s a lot of history to the city as well, and an incredible seafood restaurant on just about every corner. I’d recommend three in particular to you, if you were making a visit. First is Joey Patti’s Deli. This place has some of the freshest, most delicious Southern cooked seafood you will find anywhere. It’s small, and while not maybe the most beautiful restaurant in the world, every bite is a taste of pure seafood delight. Second is Aegean Breeze. Technically this is in Gulf Breeze, but much to the dismay of my friends who live there, I prefer to lump it in with Pensacola, and anyway it’s close and amazing. It’s actually a Greek style restaurant, and for that reason their seafood has a taste you can’t find anywhere else in the area. Finally, take a stop by Nick’s Boathouse. The food is good, the atmosphere is nice, and the views of Pensacola Bay are spectacular. And you can take in a baseball game after dinner if you want! Whatever you do, don’t eat at Red Lobster. If you’re visiting Pensacola and eat at Red Lobster, there is no hope for you. I like Red Lobster actually, but seriously, just don’t do that.
Of course, the money maker (so to speak) of Pensacola is the beach. Pensacola beaches are without a doubt some of the most beautiful in the United States. You might say I’m biased, and I might be, but I also think it’s true – few places in the continental United States have sand this white and water so blue. The beach is soft, the sunsets beautiful, and the experience worth the trip. I took this particular photo in November of 2012. You might not find Autumn colors around Pensacola at that time, but there’s still plenty of beauty to enjoy!
Camera: Nikon D7000
Lens: Nikon 50mm f/1.8D
Shot Info: f/13 | 1/100sec | ISO125 | 50mm
