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Pensacola is the westernmost
city in the Florida Panhandle and the county seat of Escambia County.
Pensacola is a sea port on Pensacola Bay, which connects to the Gulf of
Mexico. A large United States Naval Air Station, the first in the United
States, is located southwest of Pensacola (near the community of
Warrington) and is home to the Blue Angels flight demonstration team and
the National Museum of Naval Aviation. The main campus of the University
of West Florida is situated north of the city center.
Pensacola
is nicknamed "The City of Five Flags" due to the five governments
that have flown flags over it during its history: the flags of Spain
(Castile), France, Great Britain, the Confederate States of America, and
the United States. Other nicknames include "World's Whitest
Beaches" (due to the white sand prevalent along beaches in the
Florida panhandle), "Cradle of Naval Aviation" (the National
Museum of Naval Aviation is located at the Pensacola Naval Air Station,
home of the legendary Blue Angels), "Western Gate to the Sunshine
State," "America's First Settlement," "Emerald
Coast," "Redneck Riviera," and "Red Snapper Capital
of the World."
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Pensacola, Florida - A History Buff's
Mecca by David Dutton
 With the many
historic buildings of Spanish and French architecture, this area is a
historian's dream. With the Historic Pensacola Village, North Hill
Preservation District, Palafox Historic District and Seville Historic
District, quite a few days can be filled if you take your time to explore
them all. You can do this at your leisure if you want and walk yourself
through the districts. A map for walking tours is available at the
visitor center.
In
addition to the history of the area, there are many other types of
entertainment. A Florida Springfest is one. This is a three day festival
of music that will get your feet to tapping with the wide variety of
music available. From country to Broadway performances, the Saenger
Theatre with opera and symphonic performance and series of restaurants
and pubs you will be sure and have a great time.
The
National Museum of Naval Aviation is located here and has exhibits from
pilots who have trained at this location. The historical aspects are one
part of the museum, but you can also see a presentation of some of the
fastest fighters in the world - the Navy's fighters. Also on the naval
station is Fort Barrancas, which was built in 1797. The National Park
Service conducts tours of the fort.
The
Pensacola Lighthouse is a sight you do not want to miss as it dates from
1825. The Quietwater Boardwalk features many shopping areas as well as
dining. There are even bars for those who like to spend the night
listening to music. Pensacola will be an enjoyable destination.
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