From polar bear dips and rockin parties to big bang fireworks and the finest classical music. Join the celebration at this festive time of the year. Here's what you'll find in this month's issue: Pensacola's New Year's Eve Bashes, Still haven't made plans for New Year's Eve? Here are some of our favorites:

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Official News of the Pensacola Bay Area Convention & Visitor's Bureau - December 2007
Let the Good Times Roll in Pensacola

Everything you need to make your new year a resounding success can be found in the beautiful Pensacola Bay Area. Mark your 2008 calendar for several well-deserved visits, starting out with these great events:

New Year's Resolutions Solutions

With bountiful fresh seafood, miles of exercise-friendly white-sand beaches and a thriving arts community, the Pensacola Bay Area is perfect for keeping these New Year's resolutions. Read more on these helpful new habits...

  • Eat healthy with a variety of grilled fish, vegetarian dishes and an organic juice bar
  • Get more exercise kayaking, rock climbing, cycling or hiking
  • Learn something new such as Southern cooking, golfing, sailing or art
  • Reduce stress by practicing beach yoga or visiting one of our spas
  • Spend time with friends and family at luxury accommodations with discounted rates

Pensacola Celebrates Family-Friendly Mardi Gras

Pensacolians have been perfecting the art of Mardi Gras celebrations since the Knights of Priscus named their first king in 1874. From parades to balls to even a kritter krawl, families and animals alike indulge in the delights of Pensacola's carnival season with events for every age beginning Jan. 8 through Fat Tuesday, Feb. 5. Come to our corner of Florida and "Laissez les Bon Temps Roulez." Read more about Pensacola's "can't-miss" Mardi Gras festivities...

Race to the Beach this Winter

This winter, runners of all ages and skill levels will flock to the Gulf Coast to enjoy mild temperatures and challenging courses along the waterfront. Read more about our events...

The Double Bridge Run 15K/5K begins in Downtown Pensacola and continues over Pensacola Bay and the Santa Rosa Sound to the Gulf of Mexico for a post-race beach party. It's been named a top 20 event for February 2008 by the Southeastern Tourism Society.
Details: Feb. 2, 7 a.m. start time, (registration by Feb. 1).

The Pensacola Marathon and Half Marathon is a 26.2-mile scenic USATF-certified course and one of the last Boston Marathon Qualifiers in the Southeast. The course begins and ends in Historic Downtown Pensacola and winds along Pensacola Bay.
Details: Feb. 16, 6:30 a.m. start time, (registration by Feb. 15).

Romance Your Valentine in Pensacola

Chair sunset photo copyright PBACVBThis Valentine's Day, take long walks on the beach, savor the sunset and stargaze at Gulf Islands National Seashore. Portofino Island Resort and Spa and the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front offer luxury accommodations with discounted rates through February that will make your heart skip a beat.

Take your sweetheart out on the town for a memorable meal at any of the area's first-rate restaurants, sure to set the mood for romance. Snuggle up at Skopelo's on the Bay for a picturesque setting and fantastic cuisine.

Ready to take your relationship to the next level? Plan your wedding in the Pensacola Bay Area on our beautiful beaches or in Historic Downtown at one of the oldest churches in Florida. Adventurous couples can tie the knot scuba style with a ceremony conducted underwater at the USS Oriskany.

Watch an underwater wedding video.

A Night at the Museum... Theatre... Symphony... Opera...
  • Pensacola Museum of ArtPensacola Museum of Art
    Sosaku Hanga: Modern Japanese Prints: Feb. 1 - April 26
    Lewis Bear Family Galleries
    Pictured at right: Kiyoshi Saito, Red Poppies

  • Pensacola Little Theatre
    "Arsenic and Old Lace" by playwright Joseph Kesselring: Jan. 25 - 26 & Feb. 1 - 2, 8 p.m. and Jan. 27 & Feb. 3, 2:30 p.m. (Special half-price performance - Jan. 31, 7 p.m.)

    "T Bone N Weasel" by playwright Jon Klein: Jan. 10 - 12 & 18 - 19, 8 p.m. and Jan. 20, 2:30 p.m.

  • Pensacola Symphony Orchestra
    Local Broadway star Ashley Brown Concert: Feb. 9, 8 p.m.
    Olive Baptist Church

    Koh Plays Tchaikovsky: Jan. 12, 8 p.m.
    First Baptist Church
    Peter Rubardt - conductor, Jennifer Koh - violin
    Featuring: Adams - The Chairman Dances, Tchaikovsky - Violin Concerto and Shostakovich - Symphony 9

  • Pensacola Opera
    Mozart's "The Magic Flute:" Jan. 18, 19, 25 & 26, 7 p.m. and 20 & 27, 2 p.m.
    Mainstage Theatre, University of West Florida Center of Fine and Performing Arts
    Featuring: Pensacola Symphony and Pensacola Children’s Chorus

What's New in the Pensacola Bay Area

"Sea life in a whole new way!"
"Deep Sea" premieres locally at the National Naval Aviation Museum IMAX® Theatre Jan. 14, narrated by Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet. Swim alongside some of the most exotic creatures of the planet on one of the largest IMAX® theatres in the world - and the largest screen in Florida - at the National Naval Aviation Museum.

Visit us on MySpace
The Pensacola Bay Area has a new customized MySpace page. We invite you to be on our friends list, post your photographs, add your comments and receive vacation updates. Visit www.myspace.com/visitpensacola

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1401 E. Gregory St. Pensacola, FL 32502, (800) 874-1234