Spring Break Is Closer Than You Think

Pensacola, Fla. – Jan. 28, 2011 - Are you ready to feel the sand between your toes, relax in the shade along our emerald coastline or bask in the sunlight reflecting off our crystal clear beaches?

Whether you’re looking for the perfect place to take your family for vacation, relax during a break from school or just get away with friends or a significant other – Pensacola has just what you need to break into spring. With a happening nightlife, the biggest artificial reef in the world, dolphin tours, miles of untouched beach along Gulf Islands National Seashore and dozens of suite escapes to choose from – the Pensacola Bay Area has something for everyone.

Family Vacations

• Plan the perfect family vacation this spring break at the new Holiday Inn Resort on Pensacola Beach opening Feb. 25. Children can play on our stunning, white beaches while parents enjoy the cool, relaxing shade and beachfront views. Amenities include a cascading waterfall, lazy river pool, game room, kid activities and suites.

College Break

• Book a break from the rigors of studying and exams at Margaritaville Beach Hotel, an island-inspired retreat from the everyday. This beautiful hotel is ideal for tour groups with a perfect balance between coastal style and current technology.

Couple’s Retreat

• Take advantage of the most beautiful time of the season by making reservations for you and a significant other at Lee House Bed & Breakfast Inn, located at the entrance to the Pensacola Historic District. Amenities include artifacts found on the property, fireplace, local artwork, elegant furnishings, intimate seating areas and wide porches that overlook Pensacola Bay.

Spring Break Travel Deals

Downtown

• Lee House Bed & Breakfast Inn – Enjoy the modern elegance, history and comfort served with Southern hospitality. Rates start at $195. (850) 912-8770, www.leehousepensacola.com
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott – Stay two nights, get the third night free. Rates start at $169 per night. (850) 932-6000, www.springhillsuitespensacolabeach.com
• Courtyard by Marriott – Stay at the newly renovated hotel. (850) 439-3330, www.courtyardpensacoladowntown.com
• Crowne Plaza Pensacola Grand Hotel – Experience the rich heritage of the restored train station, dating back to 1912. (850) 433-3336, www.pensacolagrandhotel.com
• Pensacola Victorian – Stay at this lovingly-restored Queen Anne Victorian style bed and breakfast. Rates start at $85 per night. (850) 434-2818, www.pensacolavictorian.com
• Solé Inn & Suites – Enjoy your vacation at this hip, modern inn with all the upscale amenities, Rates start at $149 per night. (850) 470-9298, www.soleinnandsuites.com

Pensacola Beach

• Holiday Inn Resort – Stay merely footprints away from the island’s restaurants, specialty shops and family attractions. Rates start at $145. Group discounts apply. (850) 932-5331, www.ichotelsgroup.com
• Margaritaville Beach Hotel – Escape to a tropical island and experience the ‘barefoot elegance’ of this new beachfront hotel. Group packages are available. (850) 916-9755, www.margaritavillehotel.com
• Paradise Beach Homes – Get 25 percent off reservations booked within 14 days of arrival. Rates start at $110. (850) 916-0777, www.paradisebeachhomes.com
• Southern Resorts – Enjoy added perks, complimentary freebies and area discounts with your stay. (866) 643-0137, www.southernresorts.com

Pensacola Bay Area

• Eden Condominiums – Go on a quest for pure elegance and style at this luxurious paradise. Rates start at $420 for a three-day stay. (850) 492-3336, www.EdenCondominiums.com
• Pointe South Vacation Rentals – Enjoy canoeing, fishing, golf nearby, kayaking, scuba diving and other activities during your stay. Group and military discounts apply. (850) 492-1148, www.pointesouth.com
• ResortQuest – Indulge in a luxurious condominium vacation rental, located directly on the Gulf of Mexico. Rates up to 30 percent off or enjoy two free nights with promo code $BD2. (850) 837-4853, www.ResortQuestNWFL.com

Spring Events

• Mardi Gras. March 4-8. One of the country’s original celebration sites, Pensacola and Pensacola Beach host family-oriented fun at numerous parades with lots of beads and moon pies. (850) 434-1234, www.visitpensacola.com
• Smokin’ in the Square. March 4-5. Enjoy some of the South’s best barbecue in Seville Square. (850) 516-2622
• Gulf Coast Renaissance Fair. March 5-6. Step back to the days of old with jousting exhibitions, falconry, medieval musicians, jesters, jugglers, fire breathers, belly dancers, bagpipers and more. (877) 429-8462, www.gcrf.net
• McGuire’s 5K Prediction Run. March 12. With more than 5,000 participants, it’s the nation’s largest prediction run. (850) 433-6789, www.mcguiresirishpub.com
• Gallery Night. March 11. Enjoy an evening of arts and culture by touring downtown art galleries open 5-9 p.m. www.downtownpensacola.com
• Go Irish on the Island. March 16-20. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a pub crawl, green bikini contest, jig dancing contest, leprechaun hunt and other activities. (850) 932-1500, www.pensacolabeachchamber.com
• Beulahfest. March 18-20. Enjoy some of Nashville’s hottest country music stars, arts-and-crafts, carnival-style rides and of course, great sausage. (850) 944-3167, www.beulahfest.com
• Festival on the Green. April 1-2. University of West Florida’s annual spring event features a fine arts-and-crafts show, dog agility showcase, live music, sporting events, food and a children’s fair. (850) 474-2610, www.uwf.edu/festival
• Pensacola JazzFest. April 2-3. Pensacola’s historic Seville Square hosts an event filled with great jazz performed by local and national talents. (850) 433-8382, www.jazzpensacola.com
• Reggae Festival. April 2-3. Enjoy a weekend of live reggae music at Seville Quarter. (850) 434-6211, www.sevillequarter.com
• White Sands Music Festival. April 14-16. Featuring food, arts-and-crafts vendors and non-stop jam sessions in the Farmers’ Opry House. (850) 994-6000, www.farmersopry.com
• Pensacola Wine Festival. April 14-16. Sample a variety of wines from all over the world. (850)-434-5371, www.pensacolawinefestival.com
• Pensacola Community Soulfest. April 16. Enjoy great soul music at this annual event in the West Pensacola Ballpark. (850) 438-4882
• Mullet Man Triathlon. April 16. Push yourself to the limit on this scenic and exhilarating course. (850) 429-0611, www.florabama.com
• 27th Annual Pensacola Crawfish Festival. April 29-May 1. Held along the waterfront downtown, indulge at one of the largest crawfish boils in Florida. (850) 433-6512, www.fiestaoffiveflags.org
• 27th Annual Interstate Mullet Toss. April 29-May 1. Perdido Key’s Flora-Bama Lounge hosts this wacky annual tournament that has participants compete in tossing an actual mullet across state lines. (850) 492-0611, www.florabama.com
• 5th Annual Goombay Gulf Coast. April 30-May 1. Feel the rhythm of some of the best regional and international reggae, calypso, steel drum bands and Caribbean music. (850) 748-1728, www.goombaygulfcoast.com

For more information on the Pensacola Bay Area, contact the Pensacola Bay Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 874-1234, (850) 434-1234 or visit www.VisitPensacola.com. You can also stay informed of Pensacola Bay Area happenings through www.VisitPensacola.Blogspot.com.