My Saturday in downtown Pensacola

“Phooey,” I say, to all those who contend there’s nothing to do in downtown Pensacola. This past Saturday was action-packed.

I started off the day at the Palafox Market, which takes place each Saturday morning from May through September. The market, which started last year, seems to get better each week. This week I saw strawberries, blueberries, squash, snap peas, potatoes, crowder peas, onions, jalapeños, herbs, and more, all locally grown. I took home a nice haul and can attest to the fact that it’s all been delicious. Local farmers markets are win-win. They provide you great food, that’s fresher than grocery store produce because it hasn’t been shipped cross-country before it gets to you. Your patronage supports local farmers and, in turn, the local economy.

This Saturday also featured the Panhandle Cruisers 2009 Car Show, which shared Palafox Street with the market. Folks that came for the market went over to check out the cars, and vice-versa. It was a great pairing.

After leaving the market, I headed down to the Outside Art Fair at Bartram Park, which featured live music and a great array of artwork, including that of Sonja Griffin Evans, who was displaying a collection of beautiful, beautiful pieces depicting some of Pensacola’s historic African-American neighbourhoods, such as Belmont-Devilliers, The Tanyard, and Hawkshaw.

After the art show, I had lunch with a friend nearby at the relatively new Moreno Cottage Café. It’s located at 221 East Zaragoza Street in the Historic Pensacola Village, replacing the former Wisteria Cafe. I can’t say enough about this place. Pensacola has so many great restaurants, and I’m delighted to find a new great lunch spot. The food is great, rather inexpensive, and the outside tables afford great views of Old Christ Church and Seville Square.

And there was so much more I didn’t do! I missed the EscaRosa Independence Rally for wounded veterans because my alarm didn’t go off. Cox Communications and the Fiesta of Five Flags sponsored a children’s treasure hunt at Bayview Park. Saturday evening featured the Krewe of Lafitte Fiesta Parade.