Pensacola is the westernmost city in the Florida Panhandle, and the county seat of Escambia County, Florida. As of 2019, the population was estimated to be 52,975. Established in 1559 by Don Tristan de Luna and Spanish settlers, Pensacola is America’s First Settlement. Pensacola is proud of its rich heritage and significant place in America’s history. Often referred to as “The City of Five Flags”, Pensacola is known for having changed ownership several times. The Spanish, French, British, Confederate, and American flags have all flown over this beautiful city. The fascinating past is celebrated every year at many historic sites, festivals, and parades.
A unique expression of art that has become an iconic landmark for visitors and locals alike: The Graffiti Bridge. On an old railroad overpass used by the CSX Transportation Company, off 17th Ave in Pensacola, Florida, local kids, artists, and graffiti enthusiasts profess declarations of love, support, and individualism.As far back as 1935, people have been decorating the 17th Ave Railroad Trestle. Like Picasso said, just about anything you can imagine becomes a reality on the bridge. Throughout generations, the bridge has seen its fair share of tributes, holidays, encouragement, drawings, insignias, love notes, congratulations, sports themes, and class of “whatever year” messages.One of the most amazing aspects of the bridge is that the artwork changes almost daily. It’s hardly ever constant, as at least one person is usually spotted tagging the bridge each night.Probably the retro ride of the latest spray bottle holder.Located in the heart of East Hill Pensacola on 12th Avenue, the Pensacola Postcard mural is one of the most popular in the city. This local eatery is a must-stop location as it features the iconic Pensacola Postcard mural that visitors love snapping selfies in front of. But that’s not all. Visitors will also find a real life working train whistle and adjoining mural, a kissing booth and a cool hippie bus too. The restaurant features memorabilia featuring Pensacola’s past from places like the San Carlos Hotel bar, the L & N Train Depot, the Blue Angels and souvenirs from The Graffiti Bridge.“Hot Spot Barbecue is definitely a local favorite. While the award-winning Barbecue is delicious, don’t miss the excellent sides like homemade mac-n-cheese, mouthwatering baked beans, and homemade lemon-cream pie.” – Advertising from their homepage but still a mouthwatering one!Telescope at Palafox Pier. In the reviews somebody wrote “buy a bagel and just sit there..” which was the best idea ever, thank you!Also sitting there, a pelican! There are lots of them around, and they’re not so shy.Absolute massive this guy is.They have a wingspan up to 3 m, the second largest average wingspan of any North American bird, after the California condor.Pelicans are not the only visitors there, doves also come and go, as do ships from the neighbouring harbor, always something to watch.If you’d like to join the flock of fans snapping selfies with a pelican statue, head to downtown Pensacola, where more than 10 pelicans are within walking distance of one another. This is the Mermaid Pelican at Palafox Pier.Mural on the sky blue house.The flagship museum of the UWF Historic Trust is the Pensacola Museum of History, at the University of West Florida, which is housed in the three-story Mediterranean Revival architecture of the former Pensacola City Hall and was built in 1907.Tribute to Our First Nations PelicanHorse and carriage ready to leave.Art cubes in the backyard of the history museum.Autumn is an especially busy time in Pensacola. They have arts festivals and songwriters festivals and Egg Fest grill-offs and Blue Angels homecomings and more community events than any single family could possibly attend. But it’s worth pausing this year to give props to local artists Evan Levin and Ashton Howard for imagining, planning and executing CUBED — one of the coolest public art experiences I could totally imagine happening in Motueka as well.The four accessible sides of each cube served as 64-square-foot canvases for 16 different local artists – Each artist worked for 3 days — and nights — to complete their sides. And from the moment they lifted brushes, sharpies and cans of spray paint, the artists drew crowds. The finished cubes have continued to attract a steady stream of onlookers, admirers and curious pedestrians throughout the week.Some are not only interesting but soulful.Seville Quarter, a vast venue offering 7 themed rooms including a pool hall and dance club.Seville, closer look.Pensacola public beach with the beach ball tower and the statue of Yancy Bailey Spencer III, the father of Gulf Coast surfing. Even though the tower is no longer used to store water for the Santa Rosa Island community, the Santa Rosa Island Authority voted 5-1 on March 9, 2005 to keep the landmark in its place at an estimated annual cost of $13,000-$14,000 for maintenance.The Life Guard Pelican.This sand is really thoroughly beach-combed.White sand crumbed crocs bc the waves are always quicker.Pensacola pier, 450 m straight into the emerald green waters.Snow balls, directly on the white beach.Another pelican!Cool day over there, back at our flat in Navarre for sundown. Good night :)
