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Pensacola
Pensacola in Florida is close to the Alabama border on the Gulf Coast and is a huge resort, which is home to genuine historical and natural attractions to draw the crowds and the ambience is relaxed and laid-back among fountains and parks.
Originally home to Ancient Native Americans, where evidence can be found in the natural harbour, Pensacola was later inhabited by Spanish colonists, who arrived in 1559. It was the start of a long rivalry for control of the port, with France, Great Britain, the United States and the Confederacy battling it out over the years, leaving the city with a blended architectural legacy ranging from Spanish brickwork and French wrought-iron balconies to Victorian mansions. Pensacola also now boasts the Seville Historic District to showcase its heritage, containing treasures such as Florida's oldest church. With plenty of interesting history, the city also has a noteworthy Historical Museum.
National Museum of Naval Aviation
The National Museum of Naval Aviation is situated on the site of the vast US Naval Air Station, which is west of Pensacola and is one of the world's largest and air and space museums, displaying over one hundred and seventy aircraft dating from the 1920's to the space age. In addition the museum boasts a very realistic recreation of a World War II aircraft carrier and a wartime Pacific airbase. Between March and November visitors might catch a practise session of the Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team soaring through the skies. If not the team can be seen in action on one of two Imax films shown at the museum, or keen would-be aviators can have a go at doing it themselves on the flight simulator.
Address: 1750 Radford Boulevard, Suite C; Telephone: (850) 452 3604 or 452 3606; Opening time: Daily 9am to 5pm; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day; Admission: Free
Tallahassee
Florida's lesser-known capital of Tallahassee is situated just under two hundred miles from Pensacola and on the 'Big Bend', which is close the Georgia border. The city is set in rolling hills and sports moss-draped oaks, fragrant magnolia trees and grand old plantation houses more reminiscent of the Deep South than the Florida sunshine scene. Tallahassee hosts the Florida State University at the state's new Capitol Building, which towers 22 storeys above the downtown area. The city's five Canopy Roads, where trees form virtual tunnels, are lined with interesting sites such as plantations, ancient Native American settlements and mounds, gorgeous gardens and scenic picnic spots. There is also a Museum of Natural History and Science combined with a natural habitat zoo of indigenous wildlife.
