Pensacola, Days 1-2

Chase enjoys the sand!

On the first full day of our vacation, we visited Pensacola Beach in hopes of watching an air show featuring the Blue Angels. However, heavy rainstorms changed those plans. We found a quiet spot along the main beach and enjoyed the strong waves and the soft, white sand. Rain ended up chasing us to our car and back to the hotel. 

Chase and I check out a helicopter cockpit

The next part of our day was spent driving to the Naval Air Station and getting a short view of the planes and history on display. We immediately knew we would have to return and spend more time exploring.

We ended the day with some of the best wood fired pizza I have ever eaten at a restaurant that does not advertise - except by word of mouth - and was full enough to prove that's enough! The Tuscan Oven is someplace I hope to return to someday.

The Blue Angels F-18 Fighter jets

We returned the next day and finished exploring the museum. Our visit was interrupted by a fire alarm! When we returned back to the building, we enjoyed the rest of the exhibits and lunch in a cafe which is fashioned after the Officers' Club that was located in the Phillipines at Cubi Point. All of the decor, including the doors from that club were relocated to Pensacola NAS and used.

After we finished at the NAS, we headed out to visit the highest point in Florida. Okay, it's not very high...342 ft. above sea level! We found it and enjoyed a scenic drive through farm land - seeing peanuts, corn, cattle, horses, etc. After this little detour, we headed toward our next stop - the Tampa Bay area.