This past weekend my family and I took a mini-getaway to Pensacola. We have lived in SE Alabama for almost 2 years, and have YET to go to the beach.....
My youngest daughter, Stephanie goes back to Ohio to visit her father for the summer -- so we decided to fly her out of Pensacola and make a weekend of it.
We left Friday morning and drove the 2 1/2 hours to the Naval Air Museum
If you ever visit Pensacola put this on your list.
Wyatt, who is now 5 decided he did not want to be in the picture... and the other 2 at home decided to well..... be themselves.
This is my reality..... In pretty much every picture.
One of the exciting things about this place --- it is FREE!!!!
Repeat, FREE!!!
There is so much to do and see, we spent about 4 hours there and still did not get to see anything
Daddy and his boys. The boys loved sitting and watching all the movies through out the museum.
Lots of hands on, interactive exhibts.
Website: National Naval Aviation Museum
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s. For more information, call 1-800-327-5002.
Once we got checked into our hotel (Red Roof Inn Milton, FL) We asked where we could get local food. We were directed to Grover T's BBQ.
MMMMMM.
I got a pulled pork sandwich and smashed potatoes.
Website: HERE
Hotel Review:
Image provied courtesy of their website.
I am a budget friendly kind of girl. This one was in my budget --- and had GREAT ratings on trip advisor. We didn't want to stay right in downtown Pensacola and this was close enough to what we wanted to do. Upon checking in, the hotel staff was so friendly and helpful. We were supplied with extra towels right away. The room we stayed in was clean. We were provided with a continential breakfast in the morning (bagels, muffins, cereal and fruit). When we came back in the next night our room was completely spotless. Overall thoughts: Great Staff, Clean rooms, good for the wallet.
Website: HERE
On Saturday we had some time to kill before taking our daughter to the airport. My husband found a flea market that was close to the airport. If you are in Pensacola on the weekend, you will want to stop by the T&W Flea Market. It seemed to go on forever! There were so many different stalls, and such a variety. My husband found some great deals for Christmas. Wyatt found a bunch of ninja turtles.... Favorite stall? The Toy Lady. She has a way with kids and was super helpful locating what Wyatt wanted.
Website: HERE
Open 7 am to 5 pm
Sat and Sun
Pensacola Airport Review
Like I said above, I like to plan. So, when my daughter's flight was early afternoon, I wanted to make sure that we got there around 3 hours ahead of time. I had expected a lot of people since it was Memorial Day weekend, but we walked right in.
This airport is super easy to navigate, has friendly staff, clean restrooms, and places to eat before and after security.
The next plan was to attend a Pensacola Wahoo game. I am a die hard Cleveland Indians fan, and one thing I have missed since moving to the South is baseball. Last month we visited Montgomery and went to a Montgomery Biscuits game. One of the things that I have enjoyed about visiting minor league games is how fan friendly they are.
When we entered the stadium there was a lot of energy from the employees. Everyone was excited to be there. The Pensacola Wahoos are the AA team of the Cincinnati Reds. (My husband's favorite baseball team) Despite the slight rain delay, and the Wahoo loss we had a great time. The fireworks after the game were breathtaking - and it was easy to navigate back to the hotel.
Pensacola Wahoo website: HERE
There is a lot to do in Pensacola. We were planning on staying through Sunday evening, but we left earlier rather then later but thanks to Tropical Storm Alberto.
We hope to go back soon and visit since there is so much more to do.
Side Note: We did NOT make it to the beach courtesy of Alberto...hopefully soon.
Title:
Dr. Joel R. Beeke is president and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, a pastor of the Heritage Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan, editor of Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth, editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books, president of Inheritance Publishers, and vice-president of the Dutch Reformed Translation Society. He has written, co-authored, or edited seventy books (most recently, A Puritan Theology: Doctrine for Life, Living Zealously, Friends and Lovers: Cultivating Companionship and Intimacy in Marriage, Getting Back Into the Race: The Cure for Backsliding, Parenting by God’s Promises: How to Raise Children in the Covenant of Grace, Living for the Glory of God: An Introduction to Calvinism, Meet the Puritans, Contagious Christian Living, Calvin for Today, Developing a Healthy Prayer Life, and Taking Hold of God), and contributed 2,000 articles to Reformed books, journals, periodicals, and encyclopedias. His Ph.D. is in Reformation and Post-Reformation theology from Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia). He is frequently called upon to lecture at seminaries and to speak at Reformed conferences around the world. He and his wife Mary have been blessed with three children: Calvin, Esther, and Lydia.
