10 Fun Free Things to do in Pensacola
Needing inspiration for a fun and inexpensive way to spend your time in the Pensacola Bay Area?
Antiques are certainly unique, especially in Pensacola. With rich history pouring out of our town, it's not surprising that our antique stores will have an abundance of hidden treasures. Here's five spots to shop.
People who aren’t into antique shopping don’t understand the urge to pick and browse while you’re on vacation.
In Pensacola, in addition to our lifelong beach influence, we’ve had decades of military families moving in and out bringing international treasures and style to our area. We’ve also been an established city for over 400 years, so if anything from, say, the year 1600 forward interests you, chances are somebody just pulled it out of their memaw’s attic.
Besides, a true hunter knows that no one store has the same treasures twice, much less an unexplored antique mall a state or two away.
So what are the prime antique hunting grounds in the Pensacola area? As an avid antique shopper whose home is decorated with everything from red velvet Eastlake chairs to Viking Glass swung vases, I can show you the way. (Just keep it between us. I don’t need the competition.)
If you wrap things up at T&W Flea Market, the next logical step is to head south on Ninth Avenue and hit the many local antique favorites along this busy street like Poor Richard's Antiques, which swings the other way with traditional, centuries-old furnishings and architectural fixings. As you continue south toward Downtown, you’ll hit several more traditional standalone shops, including the massive furniture warehouse that is called On the Avenue – every last one of them with their own style.
Blue Moon is one of Pensacola’s oldest antique malls and has more than 85 vendors. Carefully curated booths make it a fantastic place to browse and take a trip through home-goods history, but the prices are so reasonable it’s hard to leave without an armload of vintage magic. Blue Moon is also the gateway store to an “antique alley,” with several antique shops west along Navy Blvd. like Oooodles Antique Mall, and Rusty Relic. So wear your walking shoes and plan a full afternoon.
This is the one that will take you the furthest off the beaten path, but that's where you always find that one great thing, isn’t it? Franklins humble exterior belies the treasure trove inside. Classics to kitsch, their vendors pack it in, floor to ceiling. Everything from your favorite childhood memories to Rat Pack accouterments is just waiting to be discovered by your keen eagle eye.
So, just remember that a souvenir doesn’t have to bear the name of your destination. If it carries a little history and conjures a day of great memories, that’s what it’s all about.
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