What's New for Snowbirds in Pensacola for Winter 2011-2012

Pensacola, Fla. – Nov. 15, 2011 – As the winter months begin, snowbirds can enjoy Pensacola’s vibrant holiday spirit, cooler temperatures, amazing festivals and activities and our version of a winter wonderland: the snow-white beach.

Along with the change in season, Pensacola has seen the addition of a variety of new businesses and attractions, plus the addition of exciting new events for our snowbirds and a valuable snowbird savings card. Pensacola’s snowbirds are invited to spread their holiday cheer while experiencing all that’s new in the Pensacola Bay Area this winter. And unlike South Florida’s peak season, Northwest Florida’s winter features fewer crowds and lower rates, making it the perfect winter getaway!

Snowbird Events

Perdido Key Snowbird Roost. Jan. 5, Feb. 9, March 8. Enjoy a delicious lunch for only $2 while meeting new friends at this fun social event at the Perdido Key Community Center.

Snowbird Fly-In. Jan. 24. Special informational tours, along with a free IMAX movie at 10 a.m., will be offered at the National Naval Aviation Museum. Stick around after to enjoy a delicious dessert at the Cubi Bar Café which are buy one, get one free for snowbirds.

Mardi Gras Party. Feb. 15. Join us for this free event at Seville Quarter in beautiful downtown Pensacola. With four different seatings available, start your morning with beignets and coffee at 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m., or have traditional red beans and rice for lunch at 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. followed by downtown tours.

Snowbird Walking Club. Every Wednesday. Head out to the Cordova Mall food court at 8:30 a.m. to meet up with old friends, or to make new ones, while you get great exercise.

Snowbirds staying in the Pensacola Bay Area this winter can stop by any visitors information center from Pensacola Beach to Perdido Key to pick up a snowbird savings card featuring dozens of discounts on restaurants and attractions.

New Dining, Attractions and Accommodations

• With a variety of 500 bottled beers and 40 on tap, World of Beer will not only offer one of the largest selections of beer around, but will also host a variety of live musical acts. 200 N. Palafox Place, www.wobusa.com
• For genuine, old-world Italian food, visit Paisano’s Restaurant and Pizzeria. They pride themselves on fresh ingredients, living by the motto, “made by hand, not by the can!” 3910 W. Navy Blvd., (850) 912-8714, www.thepaisanospizzeria.com
• Perdido Key’s Island Time Deli offers delicious homemade smoothies, tea, coffee, sandwiches and wraps in a quaint coffee shop atmosphere. 13700 Perdido Key Drive, (850) 497-9501
• For a sweet treat, visit 32°, A Yogurt Bar, offering 14 flavors of frozen yogurt and a build-your-own topping bar perfect for kids of all ages. 5046 Bayou Blvd., www.32yogurt.com
• Keep your eyes peeled for Another Broken Egg Café, a popular breakfast restaurant chain opening downtown on East Gregory Street this winter. www.anotherbrokenegg.com
• Escambia County’s Marine Resource department recently added a 500-foot artificial reef off the coast of Park East on Pensacola Beach for snorkelers and fishermen to enjoy the Gulf’s abundant marine life. (850) 595-4902, www.myescambia.com
• The National Naval Aviation Museum recently acquired the renowned “Marine One” Presidential Helicopter to their remarkable collection. 1750 Radford Blvd., (850) 452-3604, www.navalaviationmuseum.org
• Head over to the Visitors Information Center to check out several new brochures, Birding in the Pensacola Bay Area, Pensacola’s Historic Forts, Pets Visit Pensacola, Cycling in Pensacola and Pensacola’s Multi-cultural Heritage, which were recently added to their extensive brochure and guide collection. 1401 E. Gregory St., (850) 434-1234, www.visitpensacola.com

Fall Festivals and Events

• Gallery Night. Nov. 18. Jump start the holiday season with an evening of arts and culture. Art galleries, shops and museums stay open late in a street-party atmosphere with live music, drink specials and visiting artists. (850) 434-5371, www.downtownpensacola.com
• Seville Quarter Turkey Trot. Nov. 19. Join the Seville Quarter Miler’s Club for a 5K run/walk to trim the waistline before Thanksgiving. (850) 434-6211, www.sevillequarter.com
• Season the Holidays with Island Spirit. Nov. 25-Dec. 31. Santa Rosa Island brings holiday cheer by hosting numerous holiday events throughout the season such as the lighted boat parade, the kowabunga breakfast with Santa and ornament decorating. (850) 932-1500, www.pensacolabeachchamber.com
• Winterfest Trolley Tours. Nov. 25, Dec. 3, 9, 16-18. With three different tour options, passengers will be transported to a winter wonderland in historic downtown Pensacola. (850) 435-0914, www.pensacolawinterfest.org
• Holiday Evening in Olde Seville Square. Dec. 8. Curl up on your blanket with a hot cup of coffee, and enjoy an evening of live music and caroling under the oaks at this popular annual event. (850) 438-6505, www.pensacolaheritage.org
• Big Lagoon’s Christmas in the Park. Dec. 16-17. Sip hot chocolate and enjoy the magical display of Christmas lights against the natural, waterfront landscape. 12301 Gulf Beach Highway, (850) 492-1595, www.visitperdido.com
• Lighted Boat Parade. Dec. 9. This exhibit of illuminated boats on Santa Rosa Sound begins at Pensacola Beach Marina and ends at the boardwalk and Quietwater Amphitheatre. The beautiful nautical parade officially delivers Santa Claus to the island. (850) 932-1500, www.pensacolabeachchamber.com
• Downtown Christmas Parade. Dec. 10. Downtown Pensacola comes alive when more than 50,000 people flock downtown to enjoy the annual Christmas parade. This family-friendly parade showcases local bands, the famous Blue Angels flight team and area revelers. Stuff your stockings as floats toss down beads and other goodies. www.coxpensacolachristmasparade.org
• Surfing Santa Parade. Dec. 11. Holiday floats wind their way down Santa Rosa Island’s main street. (850) 932-1500, www.pensacolabeachchamber.com
• 5th Annual Pelican Drop. Dec. 31. Enjoy a street-party atmosphere downtown with live music and fireworks, along with a 10-foot, half-ton illuminated pelican that will be dropped 100 feet at midnight. Palafox Place, (850) 435-1603, www.pensacolapelicandrop.com
• New Year’s Eve Fireworks. Dec. 31. End the year with a bang on Pensacola Beach as a magical display of fireworks illuminates the Gulf of Mexico. (850) 932-1500, www.pensacolabeachchamber.com
• Polar Bear Dip. Jan. 1. The Flora-Bama Lounge hosts this popular, annual splash-around in the Gulf of Mexico. (850) 492-0611, www.florabama.com
• Polar Bear Plunge. Jan. 1. Wade, swim and scurry in Santa Rosa Sound at Paradise Bar & Grill to the finish line where black-eyed peas await. (850) 932-1500, www.pensacolabeachchamber.com
• Pensacola Beach Run. Jan. 14. Compete in your choice of a 5K, 10K or half-marathon race which takes you along the waterfront on beautiful Pensacola Beach. www.pensacolarunners.com
• Pensacola Double Bridge Run. Feb. 4. A 15K course takes runners over two bridges crossing Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound, from downtown to Pensacola Beach. Runners and walkers are also welcome at the 5K course and Kids Fun Run. (850) 434-2800, www.pensacolasports.com
• Mardi Gras. Feb 17-19. One of the country’s original celebration sites, Pensacola and Pensacola Beach numerous parades with lots of beads and moon pies. Perdido Key also hosts its version with a street party. (850) 434-1234, www.visitpensacola.com

For more information about snowbird events in the Pensacola Bay Area, or to request a Visitor Guide, contact Visit Pensacola at (800) 874-1234, (850) 434-1234 or visit www.VisitPensacola.com/landing/snowbirds. You can also stay informed of Pensacola Bay Area happenings through www.Facebook.com/VisitPensacola.