Pensacola, FL February 2026

THE HANDS BEHIND THE ART

ARTS + CULTURE FROM PENSACOLA, WITH LOVE

The Heart of the Parade

Producing a February magazine just days before Christmas is always a study in contrast. One season still glows around us, while another is already taking shape, full of movement, color, and possibility.

February carries a different kind of energy. It’s reflective, yes, but it’s also quietly powerful. It asks us to take what we’ve learned from the year behind us and the moments that tested us and move forward with intention.

I often think of  It’s a Wonderful Life this time of year. Not as nostalgia, but as perspective. A reminder that a town isn’t defined by its loudest voices or sharpest conflicts, but by the people who hold it together when things feel uncertain. Sometimes, it’s only when you imagine what the town might look like if one steady voice were missing that you truly understand its value.

There are moments when doing the right thing carries weight when truth is challenged, and clarity takes patience. Yet those moments reveal something essential: that character isn’t proven in ease, but in resolve.

Pensacola has always felt like that kind of place to me. A town shaped not by spectacle, but by steady hearts. By neighbors who show up, creatives who tell stories with purpose, and leaders who understand that community is something you build and protect together.

As February unfolds, the city begins to lift itself into celebration. Mardi Gras beads catch the sun, laughter spills onto sidewalks, and music drifts through the air. There’s color again. Movement. Joy.

And woven through it all is connection. Valentine’s Day arrives not just as a holiday, but as a reminder that love is the quiet force behind every strong community. Love for where we live. Love for the people who walk beside us. Love that shows up in small, meaningful ways and sustains us long after the parade has passed.

As you turn these pages, I hope you feel the spirit of a city coming alive, the rhythm of shared moments, and the reassurance that even after seasons of reflection, joy finds its way back to the streets.

Because here in Pensacola, the heart of the town is always beating steady, generous, and ready to celebrate what comes next.

With gratitude,

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Suzanne Pope | Suzanne.Pope@CityLifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Will Estell | Will.Estell@CityLifestyle.com

PUBLICATION MANAGER

Sydney Steffen | Sydney.Steffen@CityLifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Katie Harris | Katie.Harris@CityLifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Suzanne Pope, Will Estell, Grant Goodman, Alex Boykin, Anna Wall, Victoria Behnke

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Grant Goodman, Will Estell, Alex Boykin, Visit Pensacola, Duncan McCall, Sara Mitchell, Travel Media Press, The Biltmore, Explore Asheville CVB, Visit Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge, Discover Hilton Head, EH Media.

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

SUZANNE POPE, PUBLISHER @PENSACOLACITYLIFESTYLE

Pigment and Persona

The Connection Between Tattoo Art and the Chefs Creating

The Gulf Coast’s Grand Parade

How a Small-Town Celebration Became a Big-Time Event with Distinctly Pensacola Flair

Pensacola With Love

Discovering The Romantic Side of The Gulf’s Most Historic City

the interesting

between

chefs’ body art and the art of cuisine, as photographer Grant Goodman explores this unique and expressive intersection through his words and lens.

Pigment

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY

GRANT GOODMAN

The Connection Between Tattoo Art and the Chefs Creating Masterpieces of Cuisine

and Persona

The buzz of a tattoo machine, the hum of a walk-in cooler, the clamor of a filled lobby, and the late-night neon that bathes them both. These are gathering places where like-minded individuals mark time and create memories sheltered from the outside world. They are both studios, where artists of dissimilar practices create unique works.

“I think chefs are rewarded by what we can create on the plate... that’s our canvas,” says Jason Brewer, Executive Chef at Blackwater Bistro. “But we only get to see it for small bits and pieces. So, I think we enjoy relishing in other people’s art on us, using our skin as a canvas.”

My fiancé and I have been on a culinary quest since we met. Within that journey, I’ve noticed a crossroads: the best food we’ve had is often prepared by tattooed chefs. Is there a common denominator? Or is this organic? I decided to find out.

My journey began at The Well, a long-time Pensacola staple of late cocktails and hushed secrets. It has become a culinary destination, thanks to Executive Chef Rusty Strain, and his blend of elevated southern cuisine. A veteran restaurateur covered in ink, Chef Rusty steers every conversation about tattoos and food back to one subject: family. On his left hand is a rose with the initials E.S. for Evie Strain, his grandmother.

“That’s who taught me how to cook. That’s who basically gives you the opportunity of eating my food.”

We spoke of the nurturing aspect of cooking and how it relates to being tattooed. “When you come in here, we want you to forget how sh**** it is out there and enjoy the now. The correlation is a mindset... It’s the perception of beauty and art. It’s part of the experience, and it starts when you walk in the door.”

Next, I visited Chef Jason Brewer of Blackwater Bistro. His appearance doesn’t immediately scream “tattooed chef.” He has them, but they’re tucked away. A self-expressive individual, he custom orders tie-dyed chef’s coats. Our talk centered on the evolution of the industry. Brewer comes from the Gordon Ramsay era of management—full of yelling and belittling, and he is glad it’s a thing of the past.

“I’VE NOTICED A CROSSROADS: THE BEST FOOD WE’VE EVER HAD IS OFTEN PREPARED BY CHEFS TATTOOED TO THE GILLS. IS THERE A COMMON DENOMINATOR? OR IS THIS SIMPLY ORGANIC, LIKE A TREE BRANCHING OUT IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS? I DECIDED TO FIND OUT.”

“It’s opened up the walls of communication,” Brewer notes. “You’re seeing things from different angles. Not everything is black and white.”

He brings up a good point. Not long ago, tattoos in a kitchen were a faux pas. Chef Lawrence of Agapi Bistro remembers being inspected prior to service: collar pressed, silly hat, no ink showing.

Chef Jordan of Craft Bakery recalls being warned she had ruined her career by getting a neck tattoo during culinary school.

Perhaps the world is finally becoming accepting of people who look different, or tattoo culture has become so mainstream that it’s allowing this generation of chefs to succeed while wearing their personalities as sleeves.

Fortunately, Chef Jordan was not deterred by the antiquated views. I sat down with her at her newest location. Since 2018, Craft Bakery has been a pillar of Pensacola’s culinary community, their breads served in numerous restaurants.

Jordan values the craftsmanship of perfection. Showing off the “money shot” of a croissant cross-section, you could see the pride in her eyes. We discussed the joy we both gain from seeing someone enjoy our work, whether it be a photograph in my case, or food in hers. She believes people who excel in the food industry are exactly the type who likely wear their experiences on their skin.

Chef Lawrence at Agapi Bistro had a lot to say on how art and food evolve along the same lines.

“It’s all a repertoire of who they learned from. Who I staged under correlates to how I cook; who artists apprenticed under is how their tattoos look later in life.”

Lawrence’s early life was spent in the L.A. skate scene before finding a love for the culinary world, eventually staging under Frank Stitt in Birmingham. He compares his mindset in skating to being a chef.

“With skateboarding, there’s no plateau, and I think food is the same. You can do a kickflip off of something someone has never done before, you can make bourguignon in a way nobody has done before.”

So, what is the correlation? Why do so many talented chefs have tattoos? I believe it’s a reflection of where they are and where they’ve been. You can see it in their ink, and you can taste it in their food. You taste a little Frank Stitt in Chef Lawrence’s dishes, and you get a little Evie Strain in Chef Rusty’s. Chefs are a sentimental bunch. They know the power of good food and want to share that experience… hoping that in doing so they leave their mark.

THE PERFECT WINE WITH DINNER

ORDERING LIKE DON JUAN INSTEAD OF DON QUIXOTE

ARTICLE BY ALEX BOYKIN

Does this sound familiar: “What would you like to drink, we have several nice wines on special tonight?” We often get this question while fumbling through the drink menu, quicky eyeing down wines under headings like “Italy,” or my personal favorite, “Big & Bold.” Region or Adjective, which is better? As you look down at the individual wines under these auspicious menu headings the silence starts to surround you as the waiter and the rest of your dinner table begin to stare into your soul while awaiting your profound drink pick - yet you don’t recognize a single wine. Even “Tonight’s Specials”

somehow seem to be written in a language that you can no longer translate. Panic begins to set it, and you do what so many others do, you ask; “Do you have any recommendations?” Well, depending on the location, the evening, and the meal, this might not go well for you. Surely there is a 50/50 chance that the waitstaff will recommend something that I will like, right?

Well, based on multiple restaurant studies and my continual experimentation, the chance that you will like their recommendation is less than 30%! Unless you are at a restaurant with a staff (not simply waitstaff) who have had proper wine training, you might be better off ordering a cocktail. That 30%, however, is a sliding percentage: 30% of patrons will love the restaurant recommendation, 30% will tolerate the selection and tell themselves this is how it should be, not realizing they got the short end of the cork. The last 40% will not be pleased, and only half of them, 20%, will be bold enough to ask for something else. Ordering wine for dinner should be a fun adventure, not one where you should have to calculate your failure.

Let’s talk for a moment about a few simple ways to avoid the pitfalls of ordering wine at dinner. My friends often send me photos of wine menus when they are out for dinner. “What should I get?” they ask, “Any recommendations?” I am flattered to an extent; they obviously trust my wine choosing acumen. Some of them treat it as some sort of magic trick, but I don’t pull rabbits out of hats. Instead, I pull out great wine picks. I do the same for them as I would do for myself. I start by asking if this wine is for before, with, or after food. If with food, I ask what food. When having food with wine you need to apply the basic food-to-wine pairing truths. Chemistry tells us how to do the basics of matching sweet, salty, spice, acid, bitterness, and fat. One of the simplest ways to do this without a lot of thought is Region-to-Region. Wine growing regions have hundreds of years of doing the chemistry homework for you. An example is Chanti Classico paired with a Spaghetti Bolognese, both from Tuscany. This can go a long way, but sometimes doesn’t get you to the finish line.

Many turn to AI, which can also do a good job of this basic pairing function, but then again starts to let us down as we approach the finish line, and here lies the secret. Know yourself! I like to think I know my friends, so I have an idea of what they tend to like on the spectrum of wine. I can then take everything and match the wine choices with the menu choices. It’s also helpful to have a solid knowledge of good producers and good vintages.

The key is really having an idea of what you like and not just blindly listening to the waitstaff or AI. There is a much deeper lesson on learning why you like a particular wine and turning that into a repeatable and pleasurable wine experience, but that is an in-person journey. In the meantime, don’t be afraid to make a mistake, use the basics, and listen to yourself, you’ll have more fun doing it too. Cheers to that!

PENSACOLA,

ARTICLE BY ANNA WALL

MCCALL-SARA MITCHELL

The Gulf Coast’s Grand Parade

How a Small-Town Celebration Became a Big-Time Event with Distinctly Pensacola Flair

Pensacola marks the passing of time with a year-long playlist of festivals and community events. Summer starts on a nostalgic note with Fiesta, turns up the volume with the joyous roar of the Blue Angels, and slides into the easy rhythm of the Seafood Festival. Then, just as the holidays fade out, Mardi Gras is the first big cymbal crash of the new year.

Mardi Gras celebrations have been happening along the Gulf Coast for more than 300 years, as French and Spanish settlers carried Carnival customs across the Atlantic, each community layering its own history, music, and local character onto the same basic idea of celebrating before the Lenten season. For Pensacola, this tradition has been developing for over 150 years, blending its colonial past, coastal identity, and tight-knit community into a distinctly local take on Mardi Gras.

Though some sources suggest that Carnival-style celebrations date back to the early days of Spanish settlement, historians point to 1874 as the start of Pensacola’s organized tradition. In 1902, the Carnival Association formed, and early parades were such a success that by 1903 newspapers were already reporting trainloads of tourists arriving

for the festivities. Following the Great Depression, there was a hiatus of nearly 50 years in official city-led events until celebrations roared back to life in the late 1970s with the establishment of an official Mardi Gras committee and the Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade.

In 2000, Fiesta Pensacola oversaw the Grand Parade before passing it to the newly formed Pensacola Mardi Gras, Inc. in 2002. For over two decades, Pensacola Mardi Gras, Inc. has been the organizing force behind the local celebrations. The group continually grows the season with new traditions such as the Pensacola Mardi Gras Kick Off Celebration on Twelfth Night and the Mardi Gras Mambo. Beyond the parades and parties, Pensacola krewes also channel that energy back into the community by fundraising for local nonprofits.

The magic of Pensacola Mardi Gras is that it still feels like a small local celebration, despite the numbers telling a different story. Recent festivities generated an estimated $50 million in economic impact. In 2025, visitors filled more than 10,000 hotel rooms, and roughly 100,000 people attended the Grand Parade. With over 6,000 participants marching the

2/12: Mardi Gras Mambo

2/13: Krewe of Lafitte Illuminated Parade

2/14: Grand Mardi Gras Parade

2/15: Krewe of Wrecks Parade

2/17: Fat Tuesday Celebration

route, it’s hard to call our celebration a hidden gem anymore. The word is most definitely out.

Mardi Gras will look a little different this year, with Palafox Street’s construction. The two major downtown parades will follow modified routes to support downtown businesses

during construction; and Pensacola Mardi Gras is planning a series of Tuesday night Second Lines. These brass band processionals will loop down Palafox, passing the businesses affected, resulting in more attention for local businesses and, of course, even more revelry.

ARTICLE BY VICTORIA BEHNKE

PENSACOLA With LOVE

Discovering The Romantic Side of The Gulf’s Most Historic City

There’s something about romance that changes how you experience a city. Moments feel more memorable, more vibrant, even more magical. Suddenly a familiar place reveals new richness, just for the two of you. So it is with Pensacola -this historic Gulf Coast city proves to be one of Florida’s most effortlessly charming destinations for couples. This isn’t flashy romance. It’s the kind that unfolds slowly: hand-in-hand walks downtown, long brunches that turn into afternoon adventures, sunsets that feel personal, and dinners that invite conversation long after the plates are cleared.

Start downtown, where romance comes naturally. Palafox Street is the spine of the city’s social life, lined with boutiques, coffee shops, wine bars, and restaurants perfect for date night wandering. Park once and walk everywhere - stopping for espresso, popping into a shop, or ducking into an art gallery just because it caught your eye.

A Saturday morning stroll through Palafox Market is a must. Local farmers, artisans, fresh flowers, baked goods, and live music create a joyful atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you end up sampling honey, buying bread you didn’t plan on, and leaving with something special to remember the morning by.

For couples who love culture with conversation, downtown walking tours provide a shared experience that sparks stories and laughter. From architecture and history tours to ghost walks, you’re left with an insider’s knowledge that spans the centuries and goes far beyond the guidebooks.

Pensacola’s museums are surprisingly date-friendly. The National Naval Aviation Museum is a standout, even for those who don’t consider themselves aviation enthusiasts. The scale is impressive, and the experience naturally lends itself to wandering side by side, pointing out favorite aircraft, or pausing to watch vintage footage together.

Closer to downtown, the Pensacola Museum of Art and Pensacola Museum of History offer quieter, more reflective experiences—perfect for couples who enjoy discussing what they see or simply absorbing the atmosphere together. Museums, after all, are one of the most underrated romantic date ideas: no rush, no pressure, just shared curiosity.

Once a month, Gallery Night transforms downtown Pensacola into a date night street party. Music fills the air, artists showcase their work, and restaurants spill out onto sidewalks. Any night of the week, Pensacola’s creative spirit shines in live music venues and intimate theaters.

Romance, after all, loves a late morning; there’s always brunch. and Pensacola excels at it. From cozy cafés to polished dining rooms with water views, brunch becomes the gateway date - one that effortlessly turns into shopping, sightseeing, or an afternoon drive toward the water. Pensacola Beach and other nearby stretches of shoreline offer moments that are peaceful and sometimes even poetic. Long walks along the shoreline, watching seabirds skim the water, or sitting together as the sun dips into the Gulf make for unforgettable moments.

When it comes to dinner, Pensacola offers romance without pretension. Intimate bistros, refined Southern kitchens, waterfront seafood spots, and modern coastal restaurants all set the stage for memorable evenings.

Downtown dining feels especially suited for couples: softly lit dining rooms, thoughtful menus, and post-dinner strolls beneath the glow of streetlights. Or you can choose restaurants on the water, delivering sumptuous cuisine and sunsets that do the talking for you.

Finish the evening with a nightcap at a wine bar or cocktail lounge where conversation flows easily and time seems to slow. Or celebrate in a boisterous pub where everybody suddenly feels like a friend.

“Pensacola With Love” isn’t about one perfect date, instead it’s about a city that gives couples room to connect. It’s about history and creativity, food and conversation, quiet moments and shared discoveries. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a lifetime, Pensacola has a way of reminding you that romance doesn’t need spectacle. Sometimes, it just needs the right place, and the right person, to walk beside. In Pensacola, love always finds somewhere beautiful to go.

HIT THE ROAD WITH THESE SIX GREAT WEEKEND GETAWAYS

ARTICLE BY WILL ESTELL

Even when you live in a place where so many love to vacation, it’s always fun to get away and explore other areas - all seasons of the year. Taking a quick three- or four-day jaunt can be just what the doctor ordered to alleviate some stress and get us through until that big summer vacay or all of the coming days on the beach.

To give you some help I’ve compiled a list of six fast and fun drivable locations that allow for a convenient weekend getaway to start 2026 off with a travel adventure.

HELEN, GEORGIA

This popular Bavarian village is nestled in the heart of Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountainsset against a scenic backdrop of forests, riverbanks, and old-world nostalgia. A quick winter weekend getaway to Helen transports you back in time to the cobblestone streets and period architecture of Germany’s Bamberg or Lindau. Colorful mom and pop retailers and eateries dot the landscape and provide something a little different than any other weekend getaway. Make sure you check out the beer gardens and year-long haunted house… and watch out for the town bears.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

What can I say about Nashville that travelers and country music fans the world over don’t already know? In the time I’ve been traveling to and writing about this bustling city, it's gone from hot spot to epicenter in terms of the influence it plays across almost every sector of the entertainment industry. What was once the home of country music has become a primary hub for all types of music, film, television and worldwide tourism. The town offers visitors almost anything and everything they can think of to see, do, and enjoy, from the best restaurants to a busy downtown atmosphere of clubs, pubs, museums, and music venues.

Whether you are a fan of country music is now practically irrelevant when it comes to finding ways to have fun in one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the country. From great dining to a smorgasbord of tours, shows, sightseeing expeditions and sporting events, Nashville has it all. For the best time, be sure to wander off the tourist trap that is Lower Broadway and venture out to nearby areas, like Franklin, Brentwood, and Leipers Fork, to experience more of what the culture is really about.

CONTINUED >

GATLINBURG AND PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE

Gatlinburg is best known as the western entrance to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Winter is a great time to visit, as the crowds are smaller and allow for more enjoyable perusing of the area’s cool shops, museums, unique attractions, mountain handicrafts, and outdoor activities. There is no shortage of dining opportunities and shopping, though many visitors simply come to take in the serenity of the Great Smokey Mountains and a slower pace life, surrounded by nature.

Pigeon Forge, just north of Gatlinburg, is home to Dollywood, the namesake theme park of the icon herself, Dolly Parton, who hails from nearby Sevierville. Dollywood lies at the heart of a Pigeon Forge vacation, and is filled with rides, a water park, live entertainment, a bald-eagle sanctuary, a replica of Dolly's childhood home, mountain craft demonstrations and other attractions that showcase life in the Smoky Mountains.

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

The well-known old south town of Savannah is widely renowned for its historical features which stand as a gateway to its hidden charms. From the rich history to its delicious cuisine and walkable riverfront, Savannah has something for everyone to experience. The vast array of well-preserved historic mansions and centuries-old cemeteries add to Savannah's rich and colorful appeal; they’re a must-see for visitors experiencing the city for the first time or the tenth. A number of great accommodations exist, from old world guest houses to traditional B&Bs to recognized hotel chains in various price ranges.

“THERE’S NOTHING QUITE LIKE A WEEKEND ROAD TRIP, TO A DESTINATION A LITTLE DIFFERENT THAN OUR OWN, TO GIVE US THAT BOOST WE NEED.”

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

This famous North Carolina town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains is the perfect weekend destination for anyone who enjoys the beauty, tranquility, and thrill of nature.  No matter what your interest may be, Asheville is waiting and ready for you.  Asheville has a vibrant downtown district with art deco eateries, cool shops, and great cultural offerings. You will find lots of spectator sport opportunities, unique shopping and a host of other attractions to fill your days and nights. Last, but not least, you must set aside at least a half day to tour the world-famous Biltmore Estate. Completed in 1895, the estate is the largest private residence in the United States and is still family owned, giving a glimpse into the history of the famous Vanderbilt family, as well as how Asheville came to be. Upon visiting the estate, I was immediately in awe of how such impeccable craftsmanship and ornate detail could take place in a time well before modern machine tools and transportation. This, along with great dining, a vibrant downtown arts scene, lots of live music and picturesque views make this an ideal weekend getaway.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA

Beautiful and exclusive Hilton Head Island is the ultimate South Carolina oceanfront resort for those venturing from the Pensacola area but still wanting an upscale coastal vibe. Hilton Head offers miles of wide, unspoiled beaches, numerous golf courses, fishing, boating, shopping, dining, tennis, and practically every other form of fun that you could manage to pack into a long weekend. Just beware of the numerous European style roundabouts on the town square and other roadways, and don’t be surprised at the lack of bright lights and flashy colors on the signs of restaurants, stores, and other establishments. The city actually has an ordinance prohibiting neon and backlit signs, so everything you see and read will be in shades of khaki and brown, lending even more to the town’s coastal charm. Winter is a great time to visit Hilton Head, as it’s definitely less crowded, but the climate is still mild enough to get out, sightsee, and take in a different kind of beach town, where the sand isn’t white, the waters aren’t the same emerald green, but the beauty still abounds.

Connell & Company Realty, Inc. is comprised of a team of local Realtors committed to selling some of the most desired homes in Pensacola.

Our team of local experts is ready to guide you throughout the home buying or selling process. We are committed to fast, professional, and courteous service to help you understand and feel at ease throughout the home buying process.

A February State of Mind

Three intentional February picks centered on reflection, confidence, learning, beauty, and moving forward thoughtfully.

February is a month that rewards intention. It doesn’t rush or announce itself loudly, yet it carries a quiet authority, asking us to move forward thoughtfully, carrying what we’ve learned with a bit more clarity and care.

This season, one of the books that has stayed with me most is  The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. It’s a novel built on observation rather than spectacle, unfolding through language, restraint, and emotional intelligence. At its heart, the story explores the connection between what is shared, what is withheld, and how meaning is often shaped in the spaces between words.

What I love most about this book is its confidence in subtlety. It trusts the reader to slow down, to read between the lines, and to sit comfortably with reflection. It feels deeply human, layered, thoughtful, and quietly brave. February feels like the perfect month for a novel like this: one that doesn’t ask to be consumed quickly, but rather invites you to linger.

That same sense of intention carries into another February favorite: Adult Sailing through  Satori Sailing. Designed specifically for adults, these classes focus on confidence, presence, and learning something new at your own pace. There’s something grounding about being on the water this time of year reading the wind, making small adjustments, and realizing how much direction can change with subtle shifts.

ARTICLE BY SUZANNE POPE

Together, these experiences share a common thread. They remind us that growth doesn’t always arrive loudly. Sometimes, it comes through attention, patience, and the decision to show up fully where you are.

As February unfolds, reflection begins to give way to confidence. There’s movement again on the water, in the streets, and in the way we carry ourselves into the season ahead.

For me, scent has always been part of that transition.  Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel is a fragrance I return to again and again, especially this time of year. It’s elegant without being overpowering—fresh, warm, and quietly assured. Like February itself, it balances softness and strength, leaving an impression without asking for attention.

Perfume is deeply personal, but the right one can feel like punctuation to your presence. Coco Mademoiselle does that effortlessly. It’s timeless, feminine, and confident—something that feels just as appropriate for everyday moments as it does for evenings out. A subtle reminder that beauty often lives in restraint.

What connects these three picks, reading, sailing, and scent, is intention. They aren’t about performance or excess, but about how something makes you feel. Grounded. Present. Capable.

February may be shorter than most months, but it offers space to recalibrate. To choose experiences that nourish rather than distract. To move forward with confidence that’s earned, not announced.

These are the kinds of picks that don’t follow trends—they reflect a state of mind. And in February, that feels exactly right.

FEBRUARY 2026

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

FEBRUARY 7TH

Double Bridge Run

Begins in Downtown Pensacola | 7:00 AM

7:00-11:00 A.M. One of the most popular 15K races in the country. This course includes two bridges, and crosses Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound. Beginning in downtown Pensacola with a tour that includes the historic district, and picturesque Bayfront Parkway, a run through Gulf Breeze, and onto Pensacola Beach. (850) 434-2800 to register.

FEBRUARY 12TH

Mardi Gras Mambo

Pensacola Bay Center | 6:30 PM

Pensacola’s newest Mardi Gras event features multiple bands, dancing, and lots of celebration, at the Pensacola Bay Center. Produced by Pensacola Mardi Gras Foundation, this event is open to all ages. Everyone is encouraged to wear your Krewe and Mardi Gras attire. Doors open at 6:30. VIP, reserved table, and general admission tickets at PensacolaMardiGras.com

FEBRUARY 14TH

Pensacola Mardi Gras, Grand Mardi Gras Parade

Downtown Pensacola | 2:00 PM

The Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade is the largest and most extravagant annual parade in Pensacola, bringing over 30,000 spectators with its vibrant array of floats, fun and celebration. Beginning downtown at 2:00 P.M. the parade follows a new route this year due to the Reimagine Palafox construction. Downtown parades typically last several hours, so wear comfortable attire and get there in plenty of time to snag your best view.

FEBRUARY 15TH

Krewe of Wrecks Parade

Pensacola Beach | 2:00 PM

Pensacola Beaches Mardi Gras parade starts at 2:00 P.M. and brings lots of floats, fun, and beads for everyone. The after parties abound, with the largest being on the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk where revelers await the trophy ceremony, complete with music and dancing. The parade begins at Avenida 10 and Via DeLuna and runs west, ending at Gulfside Pavilion in Casino Beach.

FEBRUARY 17TH

Fat Tuesday Celebration

Seville Quarter | 11:00 AM

Pensacola Mardi Gras and Seville Quarter are bringing the party with a French Quarter Fat Tuesday Celebration in Downtown Pensacola. The festivities begin at 11:00 am with a jazz brunch, drink specials, and low country boil. Krewes fill every room of Seville Quarter, transforming Seville into the French Quarter for the day. The coronation of new royalty will take place at 7:00 pm, with the end of the Mardi Gras 2026 commemorated at midnight.

FEBRUARY 20TH-22ND Pensacon

Pensacola Bay Center | 12:30 PM

Join the fun at Northwest Florida’s legendary pop culture convention. All the science fiction, fantasy, comic books, cosplay, animation, and video games you could ever want. This three-day event draws tens of thousands across multiple Pensacola venues. From celebrities, authors, and artists to live music, workshops, cultural performances and film screenings, come see it all. Visit pensacon.com