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Greetings from Pensacola, home of sugar-sand beaches and overall world-class vacation place. I'm here to answer all (well, as many as I can) your questions about the Florida Panhandle and lower Alabama, which is often considered by the locals as the same place.
My autobiography is posted under the correspondence section if you would like to know who I am and where I've been. I have lived and worked in Lansing, Michigan, NYC at LGA, South Bend, Indiana, Tallahassee, Florida and Washington-Dulles in Northern Virginia, so I will also try to help with any questions concerning those cities.
I look forward to hearing from the various and interesting folks on the Nonrev Network.
I have published two articles to the Nonrev Network.
Pensacola - Sugar White Sands and more
<a href="http://www.nonrev.net/articles/pensacola/index.htm" target="_blank">http://www.nonrev.net/articles/pensacola/index.htm</A>
The Great Adventure of Coyne and Rita in Spain
<a href="http://www.nonrev.net/articles/spain/index.htm" target="_blank">http://www.nonrev.net/articles/spain/index.htm</A>
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[This message was edited by Chris on May 26, 2002 at 05:10 AM.]
[This message was edited by CSSup on May 26, 2002 at 06:58 PM.]
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Here are some useful websites, fishing and Pensacola Ground transportation information:
The only ground transportation to the Pensacola beach would be Taxi. Budget and Dollar rental car often runs a $19-$25 a day rate in the state of Florida. From the airport to the beach is about 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic.
I do not fish but there is 1/2 page of charters in the phone book. I do not know anything about the companies but here are some names and phone numbers listed:
Chulamar Charter Boat 850-934-8037
AAA Charters 850-438-1925
Eazy Fishing Charters 850-932-8824
Gotcha II 850-492-1199
There are many more in the book but these have the biggest add. Also you can contact the Pensacola tourism department. They may know more about fishing then I do.
www.visitpensacola.com
www.pensacola.com
www.pcola.com
www.penlocal.com
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Here is my favoite site to check out the beach conditions:
<a href="http://alohasurf.plugit.com/main.asp" target="_blank">http://alohasurf.plugit.com/main.asp</A>
Here is the hotel information I have come up with. I do not endorse any as I have have never stayed on the beach.
Five Flags Inn 1-850-932-3586, older but has given airline discounts in the past.
Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach 1-850-932-6800, large hotel on the beach always advertising specials.
Holiday Inn Pensacola Beach 1-850-932-5361, also often advertises specials.
Clarion Suites Resort and Convention center 1-850-932-4300, seems to be the most upscale place on the beach may have airline rates.
Dunes Hotel 1-850-932-3536, do not know anything about this one has fancy ad in the phone book.
Beachside resort and conference center 1800-239-2771, another one I do not know about but has 800 number.
Sandpiper In Motel and Villas 1850-932-2516, older property.
Holiday Inn Navarre Beach 1-850-939-2321, Navarre is east of Pensacola Beach on the same barrier Island.
Holiday Inn Gulf Breeze Bay Beach 1-850-932-2214, Deltas crews stay here and it is a very short distance to Pensacola Beach.
Ramada Inn Bayview 1-850-477-7155, 20 minutes from the beach but it has airline deals.
The ASU guide lists Pensacola Beach Villas on the Gulf Condo 1-800-657-3497.
Hope this helps.
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I have an email about camping and RVing in Pensacola. Since I have never camped and had to do the research. I thought I would share my findings on the forum.
The following parks have camp sites:
Gulf Islands National Seashore on Santa Rosa Beach - this is considered the best by locals. 850-934-2623
Blackwater River State Park. 850-983-5363
NAS Naval Base Pensacola - If you are current or former Military this pace has a great camp ground. 850-452-0111
All Star RV resort on the beach in perdido key. 800-245-3602
For an inexpensive Hotel on Pensacola Beach I would suggest. Five Flags Inn basic, cheap and a great location. 850-932-3586
There are many more RV camps in the area but these are the top choices.
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Best Beach in the USA once again!
A beach by Panama City here in the panhandle was named as the best beach in the US this year by Dr. Beach. For rankings here is the web site:
<a href="http://www.drbeach.org/drbeach/index.htm" target="_blank">http://www.drbeach.org/drbeach/index.htm</A>
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by CSSup:
Best Beach in the USA once again!
A beach by Panama City here in the panhandle was named as the best beach in the US this year by Dr. Beach. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Again I must voice my objection to the so-called best beach list. The author, the mysterious Dr. Beach, has again found that many of America's top beaches are in Florida and NONE in California. Is it mere coincidence that Dr Beach lives in Florida? Hasn't this guy ever heard of Malibu Barbie?? I feel any person using a non-de-plume when writing an opinion piece should always be viewed with a bit of suspicion. UH-OH! LOL
Keep'em flying
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Arthur Frommers Budget Travel just released "America on a Budget" travel guide to the news stands. I would suggest anyone looking for deals pick up a copy, great destination and money saving suggestions.
In the chapter listing Cheapest places in America Pensacola was listed as well as Kissimmee, FL, El Paso, TX, Natchez, MS, and Cajun Country, LA. Most of these destinations are within a couple hours of the panhandle of Florida.
It is always nice to be recognized by a major publication as a great place to visit!
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Coyne,
We have decided to drive to FL. I would like to stay around Seaside or Grayton Beach but can't find any hotels with very good rates. I would opt for Destin, Ft. Walton or PNS if I could get a really good rate on a room with two beds on or walking distance to those sugar-white sands. A kitchenette would be good too. It will be me, my wife, daughter(7) and son(4). I would like to arrive on July 12 and leave on July 16. Let me know if you have any ideas or suggestions. TIA
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Chris,
I waited for the Friday paper where often local hotel deals are featured.
Deals seem scarce but the Sandpiper Gulf Aire Inn on Pensacola Beach has a 4 nights for the price of 3. They do have kitchenettes. The website is:
www.gulfairemotel.com
You may wish also to check out:
www.baynavigator.com
This lovely rural area by Apalchicola Florida will soon disappear as the St. Joe paper company has plans to develop upscale resorts along the coast.
I love Cape San Blas, which has cabins starting at 75.00 per night. This is truly unspoiled Florida.
The other little town that I think beats Seaside or Destin is Santa Rosa Beach. Just a pretty small town.
I will keep checking the ads and let you know if any deals comes along.
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Hi Coyne,
Thanks for the info. I had surfed and called all around and could not find anything close to the water for less that $120 a night. I called the Gulf Air Inn and the rate is just $85 for week days and with the free night I can get four nights for and average of about $64 and it has it's own beach and is right across the street from the main beach and some of the other hotels I had contacted. That rate also includes a kitchen so we could eat breakfast and lunch in and just dinner out. The only trouble is that they do not have availabilty for that weekend becaus the Blue Angels are doing a show. They told me that if I find a room for the weekend that I better grab it even if I stay in town. I may just rearange my dates a bit and come on Mon. the 15th and do the 4 nights but I know the kids would totally love the Blue Angels thing. I remember seeing them at Dobbins AFB when I was a kid.
Is the show on Saturday? What will traffic be like? If I get a room in town, will I be able to get out to the beach and find parking somewhere to watch the show?
Here are some intown locations that I found in one of those coupon books in a convenience store stand:
Super 8 (University Mall) $32.99 (walk-in only with coupon)
Ramada Limited (I10 exit 7) 49.95
Microtel (I10 exit 7) $49.95
La Quinta (I10 exit 5)
I found this on the Nonrev.net hotel search:
Econo Lodge (Univ. Mall) $49.95
There were other similar rates on Nonrev.net but availability did not show two beds available most days.
Any insight on which of these areas might be best for getting to the Blue Angels show and back?
I checked out the Appilachicola site. All I found was the B&B kind of accomodations. I saw a beautiful one on St. George Island that I would like to take Becki to some time. I think the kids would like it when there a little older and have a little more endurance for some trecks into the wilderness - maybe as early as next year when Micah will be 5.
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Chris,
I will check on transportation to the Angels show. It does get crowded and in the past a Trolly and water taxi was offered.
You may wish to check out the Delta crew hotel. It used to be the Holiday Inn Gulf Breeze now the Bay Beach Inn 850-932-2214, close to the bridge to the beach. I do not know what the Delta rate is but have heard they have discounts for Delta employees only.
The 2 USAirways hotels are Hampton Inn University Mall 850-477-3333 and Ramada Inn North (which is in the middle of a comercial strip so may have good deals) 850-477-0711.
Another good location is Ramada Inn Bay View. It is constantly in the ASU guide, overlooks the water. Their number is 850-477-7155.
A old standby by the locals is Five Flags Inn 850-932-3586 it is probably filled up but worth the try as it is on the beach.
If you do wish to see the Angels you may want to stay in Navarre. The bridge from there to the Pensacola Beach barrier island is less traveled and still gets you to the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Here are some hotels listed in the phone book:
Best Western Navarre 850-939-9400
Comfort Inn Navarre 850-939-1761
Holiday Inn Navarre Beach 850-939-2321 - www.thetropics.com.
One final hotel, off the interstate but close to a new bridge to Gulf Breeze. The brand new Red Roof Inn in Milton 850-995-6100.
Blue Angel info:
www.inpensacola.com/fe/cityguide/blueangels/
Water Taxi info:
<a href="http://www.inpensacola.com/fe/cityguide/travel/articles/transmain.asp" target="_blank">http://www.inpensacola.com/fe/cityguide/tr...s/transmain.asp</A>
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In the previous forum Debbie from MCO asked about a Pensacola instution Trader Jons. They now have a web site:
www.traderjon.com
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Coyne,
Thanks again for all your help. I checked out the Blue Angels schedule and saw a later date that they are coming to GA. so we decided not to sweat the crowds on vacation and maybe see them later in GA. I reserved at the Sandpiper Gulf Aire for the 15-17 and got the 18th free. On the 19th (Friday) I will drive from PNS to PFN to meet up with some friends there. The current plan is to drive the whole thing but I am contemplating a plan B.
If we fly down and take a cab from the airport to the hotel, are there enough restaurants, stores etc. close by for us to walk to and not have a car the whole time? If so, I may just do that and then rent a car just to drive over to PFN and fly out of there.
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Chris,
From this map:
<a href="http://www.visitpensacolabeach.com/images/bchmap.gif" target="_blank">http://www.visitpensacolabeach.com/images/bchmap.gif</A>
The Sandpiper Gulf Aire is just East of all the Shops. Should not be much of a walk, or the trolley goes by every 30 minutes.
I am not sure how much a cab costs. I should be working on the 15th, so depending when you fly in I may be able to drive you over to the Beach.
The only problem with not having a car is it limits you in seeing our wonderful Navel Air Museum and Forts. Though not having a car will force you to take it easy and relax, not a bad thing.
Only advice on car rental....Dollar out of Pensacola is not a corporate owned location. It is very pricy to drop off elsewhere in Florida. Stick with Avis, Hertz or National.
Write me if you have anymore questions.
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I had heard that most car rentals in FL let you drop off at another location without a drop-off fee. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] Are you saying that this is the case with most companies except Dollar? [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif[/img]
I do want to see the naval museum and forts so I may still drive down but maybe I'll rent a car for just two days. I'll check my options.
Thanks for all of your help!!!!
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Chris,
Almost all Dollar airport rental locations in Florida let you drop off elsewhere in Florida. Two of the exceptions are Pensacola and Daytona Beach. Most of the other rental car companies at Pensacola do allow drop off at other Florida locations.
If you were here on a weekend in the summer you could also go to the top of our lighthouse. The tallest lighthouse on the Gulf Coast. It is a crossed the street from the Naval Air Museum. The view is great up and down the Florida/Alabama coast.
We were at the beach last week. The water is bathtub warm, and a beautiful blue green. No shark attacks only some seaweed and a few jellyfish. Also not a hurricane in sight.
Let me know if you need anything else
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Hi Coyne - loads of great info!
Perhaps an unusual question.... when you have weather reports on TV, they often talk about the Florida Panhandle. (I have also heard of a Texas and Oklahoma Panhandle as well). Where is it and what does it mean?
While I am here, I am starting thinking about my next trip to the US - aiming for New Orleans mid/end Sept - I remember you gave some advice before - do you think this is a reasonable time to go? I was wary about those times where the place gets overloaded with US college vacationers. Also how do you anticipate the national mood around the anniversary of Sept 11?
All the best!
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According to the dictionary, Panhandle: a long, narrow, projecting strip of territory that is not a peninsula, esp. such a part of a specific state. Alaska also has a panhandle. I was born and raised in a penisula that looked like a mitten. Who am I to question calling something a panhandle....I can kind of see it on Florida, Texas is hard....
We just call our part of Florida - LA - for lower Alabama. There is a saying that to go South in Florida you have to go North. Here we have all things Southern. Grits, crawfish, catfish, women with big hair and big teeth, and tons of pick-up trucks with gunracks in the backwindow and fishing poles hanging out the cab.
September is a wonderful month to visit. The weather has started to cool-down. The Children are back in School. Hotel and car deals can be found. I will have to make sure New Orleans has no festivals going on when you narrow down the day.
I know that there are events up and down the Mississippi sometime in the Fall. You may wish to check on the river trail if you come.
Only item you need to keep track of at that time is Hurricanes. Last year spared us from any big storms. With Hurricanes you usually know a couple days out if they are stirring in the Gulf.
As to the mood. The country passed the test with July 4th. We should have memorials and services. Security will be hightened but that happens every other week. I would not worry about it too much. Despite what the movies portray we are pretty much civilized.
Let me know if you are able to visit! [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img]
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[This message was edited by CSSup on July 07, 2002 at 08:49 PM.]
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I did some research for one of our Employees visiting the Northern Gulf Coast area. Wouldn't want it to go to waste.
We are approaching the Fall, which I beleive is the best time to visit the Gulf Coast. Hotel prices are lower. Barring a Hurricane the weather is great. Off peak rates at golf courses start. Beaches are less crowded and the water is still bathtub warm.
Local websites for area travel information:
Web sites:
Destin: <a href="http://www.destinfl.com/" target="_blank">http://www.destinfl.com/</A>
Destin Shopping: <a href="http://www.silversandsfactorystores.com/" target="_blank">http://www.silversandsfactorystores.com/</A>
Seaside: <a href="http://www.seasidefl.com/" target="_blank">http://www.seasidefl.com/</A>
Grayton Beach (voted in the 90's as the best beach in the USA):
<a href="http://www.graytonbeach.com/pinkston.html" target="_blank">http://www.graytonbeach.com/pinkston.html</A>
Pensacola: <a href="http://www.nonrev.net/articles/pensacola/index.htm" target="_blank">http://www.nonrev.net/articles/pensacola/index.htm</A>
<a href="http://www.visitpensacola.com/" target="_blank">http://www.visitpensacola.com/</A>
Area restaurant info:
In Pensacola the best upscale seafood restaurant is Skopelos Seafood & Steak 850-432-6565 it is not on the beach but overlooks the Pensacola bay. On the beach is Flounders Chowder House 850-932-2003 which is owned by the Family who runs our most famous restaurant McGuires Irish Pub 850-433-6789 <a href="http://www.mcguiresirishgifts.com/" target="_blank">http://www.mcguiresirishgifts.com/</A> McGuires has locations both in Pensacola and Destin and I believe it is the best food value in the area. I have also heard Boy on a Dolphin 850-932-7954 at Pensacola Beach is also a good choice.
The best web site for the Destin Restaurants is: <a href="http://www.destin-florida-destinationguide.com/destin-florida-restaurants.html" target="_blank">http://www.destin-florida-destinationguide...estaurants.html</A> on the list I have heard The Backporch Restaurant and Capt. Dave's on the Gulf are good food.
One place you should consider going to before returning up north is Joe Patti Seafood <a href="http://www.joepattis.com/" target="_blank">http://www.joepattis.com/</A>. This seafood market has a great selection and even better prices. The store packages your seafood for the trip back at a small charge. Take some giant gulf coast shrimp back with you to impress your Family and Friends.
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Hey everyone, though most of the rest of the Florida airports have lost a large amount of service, Pensacola retained most of our flights. We feel this is due to the 6 military bases in the area. Both DL and US commuters also still service central Florida. We may at be the best non-rev shot to get to Mickeys house. And if you get stuck here, the weather is pleasent, the beaches are great and the cost is low.
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Just an assurance to all, though we were hit every week in the month of September with a Tropical Storm or a Hurricane we are still here.
We had some beach erosion but the sand is still soft and sugar white. Our hotels are all advertising off season rates. Local golf courses are also posting off season or 2 for 1 deals.
The Gulf is a balmy 85F and we have not had a shark attack all season.
All in all now is a great time to visit Pensacola!
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Guess you have never been to the panhandle of Florida. Not only are we the home of the famous Blue Angels Stunt team, but we have 6 military bases in the area. Including Eglin Airforce base the largest Airforce base in the country. The bases gulf beaches will be used for the war games San Juan used to have. No, we do not have the excitment of tanks but we have boats, ship, planes, helicopters and submarines hanging around our coast giving us a thrill.
No, we don't have the Beach Boys singing about our beaches. But I know our Beach Bikini Mardi Gras would be just up their alley.
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Now is the time to start thinking about Mardi Gras. As the weather warms up so does the parades and parties.
New Orleans is great, but to have Mardi Gras and a beach party at the same time you must come to Pensacola. Or step next door to Mobile who claims one of the oldest Mardi Gras celebrations in the country.
For info please check the site below:
<a href="http://www.pensacolamardigras.com/" target="_blank">http://www.pensacolamardigras.com/</A>
www.mobile.org/html/links/mardi_gras.php
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As spring break winds down now is the time to pack up your clubs and warm up you rusty golf game for the spring.
Several companies offer golf tours in the area. Almost all the courses are open to the public and prices are cheaper then south Florida. We also have access to many courses just over the border in Alabama. For retired or active military, we have several inexpensive courses on our 6 local bases.
A list of some local courses:
<a href="http://www.sunnyfl.com/links/golf.htm" target="_blank">http://www.sunnyfl.com/links/golf.htm</A>
Alabama courses:
<a href="http://www.beacheffects.com/golf.html" target="_blank">http://www.beacheffects.com/golf.html</A>
The Robert Trent Jones trail:
<a href="http://www.rtjgolf.com/trail/" target="_blank">http://www.rtjgolf.com/trail/</A>
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The local kids have returned to school. The Gulf of Mexico is bathtub warm and prices of hotels are starting to drop. Now is the time to start planning a trip to the northern Gulf Coast.
Added to very weak September bookings a nonrev should be able to find a seat from IAH, ATL, MEM or CLT.
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For those who have inquired in the past about Trader Jon's, the local Pensacola Blue Angel bar listed in the National historic registry for aviation memorabilia on its walls. Trader Jon's will be closing this weekend 11/9/03. The new owner had it 3 years but unable to make a go of the business now that Trader Jon is dead. The historic collection that is contained in the bar will be moved to The National Naval Aviation Museum on the Pensacola Naval base. If you have not been to the Museum, it is well worth a trip to Northwest Florida.
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Spring Break is in full bloom down on the Northern Gulf Coast. Though flights are all overbooked on the weekends Tues-Thurs have some availabilty. If you are planning to travel down to this neck of the woods also you may consider flying into Mobile AL (MOB). It is 45 minutes to the Alabama Gulf Coast and 1 hour 10 minutes to Pensacola.
There are plenty of festivals in the area, but the real draw right now is the beautiful weather we are having. Highs in the low 70's and lows in the 40's with bright blue skies. You can't beat the weather here in the Spring and Fall.
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Current Florida humor.
You might be a Floridian if:
You exhibit a slight twitch when introduced to anyone with the first names of Charley, Frances , Ivan or Jeanne.
An airboat is parked in your driveway instead of a car.
Your freezer never has more than $20 worth of food in it any given time.
You're looking at paint swatches for the plywood on your windows, to accent the house color.
You think of your hall closet/saferoom as "cozy".
Your pool is more accurately described as "framed in" than "screened in".
Your freezer in the garage now only has homemade ice in it.
You no longer worry about relatives visiting during the summer months.
You too haven't heard back from the insurance adjuster or FEMA.
You now understand what that little "2% hurricane deductible" phrase really means.
You're putting a collage together on your driveway of roof shingles from your neighborhood.
You were once proud of your 16" electric chain saw.
Your Street has more than 3 " NO WAKE" signs posted.
You now own 5 large ice chests.
Your parrot can now say" hammered, pounded and hunker down".
You recognize people in line at the ice, sand bag, gas, and plywood locations.
You stop what you're doing and clap and wave when you see a convoy of power company trucks come down your street.
Your depressed when they don't stop.
You have the personal cell phone numbers of the managers for: plywood, roofing supplies and generators at Home Depot on your speed dialer.
You've spent more than $20 on "Tall white kitchen bags" to make your own sand bags.
You're considering upgrading from a 16" to a 20" chainsaw.
You know what "Bar chain oil" is.
You're thinking of getting your wife a hardhat with the ear protector, face shield for Christmas.
You now think the $6000 whole house generator seems reasonable.
You look forward to discussions about the merits of "cubed, block and dry ice".
Your therapist refers to your condition as "generator envy".
You fight the urge to put on your winter coat and wool cap and parade around in front of your picture window, when you finally get power back and your neighbor across the street, with the noisy generator doesn't get electric.
You're thinking of shaving your head and getting a black Gor-Tex rain suit, like Jim Cantore on the Weather Channel has and so is your husband.
And finally you might be a Floridian if you ask your sister up north to start saving the Sunday Real Estate Classifieds.
